Teaching Tips

Moulana Sulaiman Mullah
Be Accessible
Among those who came into contact with the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam were those who accepted what he said without demur. Then there were those who were abrupt. All were accepted by the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam without reservation.
A villager came to the gathering of Sahaaba around the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam and asked abruptly who Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam didn’t take offence at his crude ways and answered his questions.
n Seize the Opportunity
There are times when a parent needs to divert from conventionality and seize a moment that is ideal for teaching a lesson.
On one occasion, after a battle, a lady was frantically searching for her lost child. On finding the child, she expressed extreme love for it. Sahaaba were moved and the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam took the opportunity to tell them that Allah’s love for His slaves was more than the love this mother had for her child.
n Establish Self-Esteem
A person came into the Musjid and Salaah had started. In his eagerness to get the Rakaat, he started his Salaah at the door and shuffled forwards to join the congregation. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam encouraged his good intention by saying ‘May Allah increase your zeal’ and he taught the person that the action was wrong by adding ‘But do not repeat the action’. Correct wrongs without lowering self-esteem.