The Angel Jibreel teaches Wudu' and Salah; A Pedagogical Lesson in the Demonstration Method

Demonstration means 'to clearly show'. This strategy improves the understanding of complex skills and principles. Students can pay attention and follow along with the learning process

This story was mentioned by Ibn Hishaam in As-Seerah, quoting Ibn Is-haaq. Ibn Is-haaq said:

“Some scholars related to me that when the prayer was enjoined on the Messenger of Allah  Jibreel (Gabriel) came to him in the upper part of Makkah. Jibreel hit the ground in the valley with his heel, so a spring of water gushed out, and Jibreel performed ablution while the Messenger of Allah  was looking at him to learn the manner of ablution for the prayer. Then the Messenger of Allah  performed ablution in the same manner as he saw Jibreel perform it. Then Jibreel stood and led him in prayer and then left. Afterwards, the Messenger of Allah  came to Khadeejah, and he performed ablution in order to show her how to perform ablution for the prayer as Jibreel had shown him. So she performed ablution in the like manner as he  had done, and then he led her in the prayer in the same manner as Jibreel led him in it.”

After Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam learned wudu' and salah he taught Khadija, which further demonstrates that we should teach what we know. Teach your children wudu' and salah through demonstration and receive reward every time they perform them. If they teach someone because you taught them you will also reward. Allah is truly Ar-Raheem. 

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Angel Jibril came to teach you Islam; A Pedagogical lesson in The Socratic Method

 

The Socratic Method involves a shared dialogue between teacher and students. The teacher leads by posing thought-provoking questions. It encourages critical thinking skills. In this example the teacher Angel Jibril questions Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam, while some of the companions of Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam observed. 

Umar ibn al-Khattab reported: We were sitting with the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, one day when a man appeared with very white clothes and very black hair. Teacher must take care of their appearance

There were no signs of travel on him and we did not recognize him. He sat down in front of the Prophet and rested his knees by his knees and placed his hands on his thighs. Teachers should meet students at their level, be close and friendly. 

 The man said, “O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.” The Prophet said, “Islam is to testify there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish prayer, to give charity, to fast the month of Ramadan, and to perform pilgrimage to the House if a way is possible.” The man said, “You have spoken truthfully.” We were surprised that he asked him and said he was truthful. He said, “Tell me about faith.” The Prophet said, “Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, his Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in providence, its good and its evil.” The man said, “You have spoken truthfully.  Question and answer is a very effective teaching strategy. Questions encourage thought and keep students alert. When answers are correct the positive reinforcement is immediate.

 Tell me about excellence.” The Prophet said, “Excellence is to worship Allah as if you see Him, for if you do not see Him, He surely sees you.” The man said, “Tell me about the final hour.” The Prophet said, “The one asked does not know more than the one asking.” When the answer is unknown the reinforcement is left, no negative statement is required. Simply move on to the next point.

The man said, “Tell me about its signs.” The Prophet said, “The slave girl will give birth to her mistress and you will see barefoot, naked, and dependent shepherds compete in the construction of tall buildings.” Future knowledge is given, proving the truth for all time.

Then, the man returned and I remained. The Prophet said to me, “O Umar, do you know who he was?” I said, “Allah and his messenger know best.”  Students show respect by referring knowledge to their teacher.

The Prophet said, “Verily, he was Gabriel who came to teach you your religion.” A lesson in pedagogy. 

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 8

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to MuslimAn