Holy Prophet ﷺ Disseminating Knowledge and Advent Blessing

The Holy Prophet ﷺ as a Teacher (The Grand Purpose of his Blessed Advent: Disseminating Knowledge)

In this world that is enveloped in the darkness of ignorance, the Merciful Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم  arrived as the Teacher of the Universe to ignite the lamps of knowledge and awareness, to quench the thirst of truth-seekers with spiritual insight and reality, and to guide bewildered humanity to their Creator. A grand purpose of his blessed arrival was to spread the light of knowledge. This purpose of his advent is explicitly stated in the Holy Quran and Sunnah.

Thus, Allah Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

لَقَدْ  مَنَّ  اللّٰهُ  عَلَى  الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ  اِذْ  بَعَثَ  فِیْهِمْ  رَسُوْلًا  مِّنْ  اَنْفُسِهِمْ  یَتْلُوْا  عَلَیْهِمْ  اٰیٰتِهٖ  وَ  یُزَكِّیْهِمْ  وَ  یُعَلِّمُهُمُ  الْكِتٰبَ  وَ  الْحِكْمَةَۚ-وَ  اِنْ  كَانُوْا  مِنْ  قَبْلُ  لَفِیْ  ضَلٰلٍ  مُّبِیْنٍ(۱۶۴)

Translation from Kanz al-ꜤIrfān: Indeed, Allah bestowed a great favour upon the believers when He sent to them a Messenger from among them. He recites the verses of Allah before them, purifies them, and teaches them the Book and Wisdom even though, prior to this, they certainly had been in clear misguidance.[1]

The commencement of the first revelation also clearly highlights the importance of learning:

اِقْرَاْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِیْ خَلَقَۚ(۱) خَلَقَ الْاِنْسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍۚ(۲) اِقْرَاْ وَ رَبُّكَ الْاَكْرَمُۙ(۳) الَّذِیْ عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِۙ(۴) عَلَّمَ الْاِنْسَانَ مَا لَمْ یَعْلَمْؕ(۵)

Translation from Kanz al- ꜤIrfān: Read in the name of your Lord Who created. He created man from congealed blood. Read and your Lord is the Most Generous Who taught to write with the pen, He taught man what he did not know.[2]

Similarly, numerous hadith traditions mention the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم being a teacher and instructor. Sayyidunā ꜤAbdullāh b. ꜤAmr رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ narrates that:

One day, the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم emerged from one of his blessed chambers, then entered the blessed mosque. There, he observed two circles: those in one circle were reciting the Holy Quran and supplicating to Allah Almighty, while those in the other circle were learning and teaching knowledge. Upon seeing this, the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said:

كُلٌّ عَلَى خَيْرٍ، هَؤُلَاءِ يَقْرَءُونَ الْقُرْآنَ، وَيَدْعُونَ اللَّهَ، فَاِنْ شَاءَ اَعْطَاهُمْ، وَاِنْ شَاءَ مَنَعَهُمْ، وَهَؤُلَاءِ يَتَعَلَّمُونَ وَيُعَلِّمُونَ، وَاِنَّمَا بُعِثْتُ مُعَلِّمًا

meaning, both groups are engaged in goodness. These are reciting the Holy Quran and supplicating to Allah Almighty; so, if Allah Almighty wills, He may grant them, and if He wills, He may withhold from them. And these others are engaged in learning and teaching, and I have been sent as a teacher. Having said this, he sat with those engaged in learning and teaching.[3]

What is Exceptional Knowledge?

It is clear that the importance of knowledge is undeniable. However, what constitutes exceptional and common knowledge? Each person determines this according to their own inclination, need, and understanding. But the Teacher of the Universe, the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم , deemed 'beneficial' knowledge to be exceptional. The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم prayed: We seek refuge with Allah Almighty from knowledge that does not benefit.[4] Therefore, any knowledge that is tested against the criterion of being beneficial will necessarily be protected from harm and destructiveness.

In the current pursuit of enhancing skills, if every person adopts this exceptional knowledge with sincerity of intention, then self-interest will cease, and society will be filled with virtuous and compassionate individuals. The educational principles, training methods, and styles of imparting lessons of the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم  in teaching, instructing, and explaining beneficial knowledge, are excellent, unparalleled, commendable, and worthy of emulation. Below, we describe some of them.

Dedication to Teaching Knowledge

Passion and desire play a significant role in achieving success in a goal. Steadfastness is in itself a miracle; perseverance and courage are the foundational steps to success. We observe that the Merciful Prophet              صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم , in accordance with divine command, remained constantly engaged in achieving his purpose, familiarising individuals with divine teachings with consistent endeavour. The passion of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم in the grand purpose of teaching both worldly and religious knowledge was exemplary; no difficulty, however great, could impede his path. Be it the incident of Ṭāˈif, the confinement in ShiꜤb Abī Ṭālib, the onset of endless oppression and tyranny, or the offers of wealth and riches from the polytheists, nothing could deter the Teacher of Humanity صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم .

Profound Empathy and Compassion

For the leader of a caravan, high aspirations and captivating speech, along with profound empathy and compassion, are of utmost importance. The Merciful Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم spent his days and nights in a state of heartfelt sorrow, striving to extricate his people from misguidance, guide them to the path of truth, and educate them. To understand this, the following hadith guides us.

The Merciful Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said:

My example is like that of a person who lit a fire, and when that fire illuminated the surrounding area, moths and insects started falling into it. That person prevents them from falling into the fire, but they overcome him and fall into the fire in droves. This, then, is my example and your example: I am holding you by your waists, preventing you from entering Hell, and saying, “Stay away from Hell! Stay away from Hell!” And you, by not heeding my words, are falling into Hell (like moths falling into a fire).[5]

Perfect Skill in Explaining Matters

For teaching others, it is extremely essential for the teacher to possess proficiency in explaining matters and to be aware of all requirements for comprehension. In this regard, the Greatest Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم possessed perfect mastery. From beginning to end, the discourse of the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم  was exceedingly clear and concise, meaning few words but profound in effect. He صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم was granted the quality of JawāmiꜤ al-Kalim (conciseness of speech), meaning he could convey multiple meanings and concepts in few words.

Sayyidatunā Umm MaꜤbad رَضِیَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا , who so remarkably described the beauty and elegance of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم , states: “The Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم was sweet-spoken and clear in expression, neither too concise nor verbose in his speech, and his discourse was like strung pearls.”

The Mother of the Believers, Sayyidatunā ꜤĀishah al-Ṣiddīqah رَضِیَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا narrates: “The eloquence and clarity in the words of the Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم were evident. He صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم would speak slowly, and if anyone wished to count his words, they could.”[6]

Gentle Approach in Teaching and Understanding

A gentle approach in education and training works like an unerring arrow, because gentleness guarantees success. Objectives that are achieved through gentle explanation are not attained through strictness. The Merciful Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم was extremely gentle-hearted; he would not be strict except regarding divine prohibitions and legal limits. He صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم would explain with love, never scolding or reprimanding, being the embodiment of tenderness and mercy.

Allah Almighty states in the Holy Qur'an:

فَبِمَا  رَحْمَةٍ  مِّنَ  اللّٰهِ  لِنْتَ  لَهُمْۚ-وَ  لَوْ  كُنْتَ  فَظًّا  غَلِیْظَ  الْقَلْبِ  لَا  نْفَضُّوْا  مِنْ  حَوْلِكَ۪-  فَاعْفُ  عَنْهُمْ  وَ  اسْتَغْفِرْ  لَهُمْ  وَ  شَاوِرْهُمْ  فِی  الْاَمْرِۚ-فَاِذَا  عَزَمْتَ  فَتَوَكَّلْ  عَلَى  اللّٰهِؕ-اِنَّ  اللّٰهَ  یُحِبُّ  الْمُتَوَكِّلِیْنَ(۱۵۹)

Translation of Kanz al- ꜤIrfān: So Dear Beloved Prophet, through Allah’s mercy, you are soft-hearted for them, and had you been harsh, hard-hearted, they would have dispersed from your presence; so forgive them, and pray for their salvation, and consult with them in matters; then when you have firmly intended an action, place your trust in Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who trust Him.[7]

The Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم provided a practical method of teaching that involves no scolding, rebukes, or striking. Numerous narrations are presented as evidence for this; for now, consider one narration.

Sayyidunā MuꜤāwiyah b. Ḥakam Sulamī رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ  was offering salah. During the salah, someone sneezed, so Sayyidunā MuꜤāwiyah b. Ḥakam Sulamī رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ  said, "یَرْحَمُکَ اللہ". The congregants around him became troubled and made him realise this in their own way. After finishing salah, the Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم  called him. On this occasion, he رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ  states: “I have not seen a better teacher than him, neither before him nor after him. By Allah, he neither rebuked me nor hit me nor scolded me; rather, he صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said: ‘Indeed, this salah is not fit for people's speech; salah is tasbīḥ, takbīr, and recitation of the Quran.’”[8]

Consideration of the Audience's Mental Capacity and Circumstances

In the process of teaching, considering the audience's mental capacity and personal circumstances also yields better results. People possess different mentalities and dispositions, and it is indispensable for a teacher to keep this in mind. Books of Hadith and Sīrah indicate that in teaching, instructing, explaining, encouraging, and answering questions, the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم fully considered the intellectual capacity and temperament of the attendees, speaking according to the listener's breadth of understanding and practical status.

He صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم  dealt with children, youth, and elders according to their comprehension. This is why the Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم , observing the practical state of the questioners and audience, declared different things to be superior on different occasions. If he صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم perceived a deficiency in someone, he صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم wisely encouraged that very thing. To some, he said the best deed is dhikr (of Allah); sometimes he said the best thing is night prayer; for some, good conduct towards parents was declared superior; and to others, the superiority of salah was mentioned.

Individual Focus towards Subordinates

In education and training, providing individual attention to one's subordinates, students, and disciples is also of great importance. The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم  would call the Noble Companions رَضِیَ اللهُ عَنْهُم by name, sometimes using affectionate names, such as calling Sayyidatunā ꜤĀˈishah رَضِیَ اللهُ عَنْهَا by names like Ḥumayrā and ꜤĀˈish. He صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم bestowed titles and teknonyms such as Abū Turab, Abū Hurayrah, etc., upon others. He صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم acknowledged the individual qualities of some, praised them, and elaborated on their virtues. These are matters that foster familiarity between the teacher and the learner.

Similarly, for strengthening intimacy and connection and for perfecting the process of teaching and learning, the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم would occasionally express humour among the Noble Companions رَضِیَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُم in a refined manner, using pleasant phrases to create joy and cheerfulness.

Sayyidunā Anas b. Mālik رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ  narrated that the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said to him: يَا ذَا الْاُذُنَيْنِ meaning, “O you with two ears.”[9] He رَضِىَ اللهُ عَـنْهُ also narrates: The Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم , would interact with us with great love and familiarity, even saying to my younger brother: يَا أَبَا عُمَيْرٍ، مَا فَعَلَ النُّغَيْرُ “O Abu ꜤUmayr! What happened to your little bird (nightingale)?”[10]

Consistency Between Word and Deed

A contradiction between word and action prevents even great personalities from remaining worthy of emulation; learners do not give such a teacher a place in their hearts and minds, and there is no effectiveness in the words of such a teacher. Therefore, a teacher and instructor should be pious and of good character; their actions should validate their words. In this matter too, the Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم  is untainted; even enemies attested to the consistency of his word and deed by calling him 'The Trustworthy' and 'The Honest.' Not a single example of contradiction between word and deed is found throughout the entire life of the Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم . Therefore, a teacher should always avoid contradiction between their words and actions.

Facilitating Ease, Avoiding Hardship

The Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said: يَسِّرُوا وَلَا تُعَسِّرُوا وَبَشِّرُوا وَلاَ تُنَفِّرُوا meaning, “Make things easy, do not make them difficult. Give good tidings, do not cause aversion.”[11]  In one narration, the words "وَسَکِّنُوْا" are found, meaning, provide tranquillity. Teachers should make things easy for students, not difficult. They should not do anything that causes students to feel aversion towards them. The Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم  would adopt various methods to facilitate ease for learners, giving examples in his discourse, explaining with diagrams, narrating incidents, and sometimes even asking riddle-like questions, and so on.

The blessed life of the Teacher of the Universe, the Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم  is a light of guidance for humanity that will continue to provide direction through the darkness of every era. The Beloved Prophet     صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم  made education not merely an art of language and expression, but a means of purifying the self, rectifying the heart and soul, and building character. Every word, every action, every style of instruction of the Noble Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم  is a sanctum of wisdom from which centuries have benefited and will continue to benefit until the Day of Judgement.

Today, as the world is engaged in the race for modern education and skill-development, we must, in the light of the blessed teachings of the Greatest Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم , establish an educational environment where forbearance accompanies knowledge, compassion accompanies understanding, and benevolence accompanies skill. We should make the example of the Final Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم  the standard at every stage of education and training. If the teachings of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم  become the spirit of our education system, then this society will undoubtedly become a garden of knowledge and enlightenment, and a reflection of humanity. اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه.