Explain the methods the Prophet [s.a.w.] used in teaching Hadith.

a. Explain the methods the Prophet [s.a.w.] used in teaching Hadith. [10 Marks].

The Prophet [s.a.w.] did not open a class or school where he could teach Hadith.

1. He established informal schools where Hadith was taught.
2. At times, the Prophet [s.a.w] would just instruct his companions to pass on the knowledge to others.
3. He created incentives for the teachers; e.g. he gave promises from Allah of rewards in the Hereafter.
4. He also created incentives/ motivation to the learners of promises from Allah of rewards in the Hereafter.
5. He used threats/warnings of punishment from Allah if they remained ignorant.
6. He taught Hadith through his own practical demonstrations; e.g. he demonstrated of how one can perform ablution, etc.
7. The Prophet [s.a.w] sent out teachers to distant lands to teach Hadith.
8. After Salah, the Prophet [s.a.w] would sit in the mosque and he would answer through the ‘question and answer’ method, questions from the As’habah. Most of the questions touched on different aspects of Islam.
9. He also asked his As’habah to write letters to various people and leaders explaining the fundamentals of Islam.
10. He encouraged people to write down the Ahadith during his last days so that they would not forget them.
11. The Prophet [s.a.w] encouraged people to memorize the Ahadith.
12. Through his own life experiences, the Prophet [s.a.w] practiced what he taught.
13. Through guidance and counseling, the Prophet [s.a.w] gave instructions to those who sought help from him.
14. He told the As’habah stories. He taught through life experience, life approach, i.e. by drawing his teaching examples from people’s experiences.
15. He taught through sermons (Khutbah)’ in this he could expound on different experiences/acts.

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