Note for teachers using this lesson plan
This lesson focuses on Hadith 11, 12, 13, and 14 from Imam An-Nawawi’s collection and their practical lessons. Ensure students understand the Arabic text (or transliteration) and the English translation for each Hadith. Encourage students to reflect on how these teachings can be applied in their daily lives to promote good character and community harmony. By the end, students should be able to explain each Hadith and its moral implications.
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 8
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Previous Lesson: Brief history of some nigerian scholars
Topic: HADITH Hadith 11 a
Subject Matter: Hadith 11 and 12 of An Nawawi’s collection and their lessons; Hadith 13 and 14 of An-nawawi, lessons learnt from it
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Describe Hadith 11 and 12 of An-Nawawi’s collection and their lessons.
- Describe Hadith 13 and 14 of An-Nawawi and lessons learnt from them.
- Explain the meaning of each Hadith in their own words.
Affective Domain
- Appreciate the importance of sincerity and avoiding doubt in Islam.
- Show commitment to minding their own business and respecting others’ privacy.
- Develop a sense of brotherhood and love for fellow Muslims.
- Value the sanctity of human life in Islam.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 2014 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
- FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work
- An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith (translation)
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Whiteboard or blackboard
- Markers or chalk
- Chart showing the Arabic text and translation of Hadith 11, 12, 13, and 14
- Pictures depicting scenarios related to the lessons of the Hadith (e.g., doubt, minding one’s business, brotherhood)
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is important for students to understand fundamental Islamic ethical principles as taught by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through Hadith. It helps them develop strong moral character, promote positive social interactions, and build a sense of community based on Islamic values. Understanding these Hadiths guides students in making sound decisions and living a life pleasing to Allah.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Students should have basic knowledge of what Hadith is and the importance of the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) teachings in Islam. They should also be familiar with some basic Islamic etiquettes.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
HADITH 11, 12, 13 AND 14 OF AN-NAWAWI AND THEIR LESSONS
Hadith 11: Avoiding Doubt
Arabic Text: دَعْ مَا يَرِيبُكَ إِلَى مَا لاَ يَرِيبُكَ
Translation: “Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt.” (Reported by At-Tirmidhi and An-Nasa’i)
Lessons Learnt:
- It is best to avoid things that are doubtful or suspicious in matters of religion and daily life.
- When faced with two options, choose the one that is clear, certain, and free from doubt.
- This Hadith encourages piety (Taqwa) and caution in one’s actions and beliefs.
- It promotes peace of mind and contentment by staying away from uncertainty.
Hadith 12: Mind Your Own Business
Arabic Text: مِنْ حُسْنِ إِسْلاَمِ الْمَرْءِ تَرْكُهُ مَا لاَ يَعْنِيهِ
Translation: “From the perfection of a person’s Islam is his leaving alone that which does not concern him.” (Reported by At-Tirmidhi)
Lessons Learnt:
- A sign of a good Muslim is that they do not interfere in matters that do not concern them.
- This Hadith encourages focusing on one’s own responsibilities and avoiding gossip or idle talk.
- It promotes privacy, respect for others, and prevents unnecessary conflicts.
- It helps in maintaining good relationships and a peaceful society.
Hadith 13: Love for Your Brother
Arabic Text: لاَ يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى يُحِبَّ لأَخِيهِ مَا يُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِهِ
Translation: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Lessons Learnt:
- True faith (Iman) requires having genuine love and goodwill for other Muslims.
- A Muslim should wish for others the same good things they wish for themselves, such as success, health, and happiness.
- This Hadith promotes empathy, compassion, and solidarity within the Muslim community.
- It encourages Muslims to treat each other justly and kindly, avoiding envy and hatred.
Hadith 14: Sanctity of Muslim Life
Arabic Text: لاَ يَحِلُّ دَمُ امْرِئٍ مُسْلِمٍ إِلاَّ بِإِحْدَى ثَلاَثٍ: الثَّيِّبُ الزَّانِي، وَالنَّفْسُ بِالنَّفْسِ، وَالتَّارِكُ لِدِينِهِ الْمُفَارِقُ لِلْجَمَاعَةِ
Translation: “It is not lawful to shed the blood of a Muslim except in three cases: the married adulterer, a life for a life, and the one who forsakes his religion and abandons the community.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Lessons Learnt:
- Islam places immense value on human life, especially the life of a Muslim.
- Killing a Muslim is a grave sin, except in very specific circumstances as prescribed by Islamic law.
- The three exceptions mentioned are capital punishments for severe crimes, applicable only by a legitimate Islamic authority.
- This Hadith emphasizes the importance of justice, the rule of law, and the protection of life in an Islamic society.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Reading, Group Work
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining/Engaging
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and reviews the previous lesson briefly. The teacher then introduces the topic by asking students about the importance of Hadith in a Muslim’s life and if they know any short Hadith. The teacher then states that today’s lesson will focus on Hadith 11, 12, 13, and 14 of An-Nawawi and their lessons.
Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to questions and listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.
Learning Point: Introduction to Hadith
Step 2: Hadith 11 and its Lessons
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Reading
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes or displays Hadith 11 in Arabic (or transliteration) and its English translation on the board. The teacher reads it aloud and explains its meaning, emphasizing the importance of avoiding doubt and choosing certainty. The teacher provides examples of situations where this Hadith applies.
Pupils’ Activity: Students read the Hadith, listen to the explanation, and ask questions for clarification. They discuss examples of avoiding doubt.
Learning Point: Hadith 11 meaning
Step 3: Hadith 12 and its Lessons
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents Hadith 12 and its translation. The teacher explains the concept of “leaving alone that which does not concern him” and discusses how it promotes good character and prevents unnecessary conflicts. The teacher asks students for examples of minding one’s own business.
Pupils’ Activity: Students read the Hadith, listen, and contribute to the discussion with relevant examples.
Learning Point: Hadith 12 implications
Step 4: Hadith 13 and its Lessons
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces Hadith 13 and its translation. The teacher explains the profound meaning of loving for others what one loves for oneself, highlighting its role in building a strong Muslim brotherhood. The teacher uses simple scenarios to illustrate the concept.
Pupils’ Activity: Students read the Hadith, listen to the explanation, and reflect on how they can apply this principle in their interactions.
Learning Point: Brotherhood in Islam
Step 5: Hadith 14 and its Lessons
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Clarification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents Hadith 14 and its translation. The teacher explains the sanctity of Muslim life and the severe prohibition of unlawful killing. The teacher clarifies the three exceptional cases mentioned, emphasizing that these are judicial matters handled by Islamic authority, not individuals.
Pupils’ Activity: Students read the Hadith, listen carefully, and ask questions to understand the gravity of the Hadith and its exceptions.
Learning Point: Sanctity of life
Step 6: General Discussion and Application
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Facilitation/Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a brief discussion on how students can apply the lessons from all four Hadiths in their daily lives, at home, school, and in the community. The teacher encourages students to share personal reflections.
Pupils’ Activity: Students share their thoughts and commit to applying the lessons learned.
Learning Point: Practical Hadith application
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What is the main lesson from Hadith 11 about avoiding doubt?
- How does Hadith 12 encourage good character?
- Explain the meaning of Hadith 13: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
- Mention two of the three cases where shedding a Muslim’s blood is lawful according to Hadith 14.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Hadith lessons understood
Step 8: Note-Taking
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Writing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on Hadith 11, 12, 13, and 14 and their lessons into their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Recording Hadith teachings
Step 9: Conclusion
Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarising
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly reminds students of the importance of living by the teachings of the Prophet (SAW) as contained in these Hadiths for a fulfilling life and a harmonious society. The teacher concludes the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and acknowledge the conclusion of the lesson.
Learning Point: Hadith teachings reinforced
Continuous Assessment/Further Study
Type: Homework
Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:
- Write down the Arabic text (or transliteration) and English translation of Hadith 11 and Hadith 12.
- Discuss how the lesson from Hadith 13 can help reduce conflicts in your school environment.
- Research and write a short paragraph on why Islam places such high importance on the sanctity of human life, referencing Hadith 14.
Lesson Keywords
- Hadith – Sayings, actions, or approvals of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
- An-Nawawi – A renowned Islamic scholar who compiled a collection of 40 Hadith
- Doubt – Uncertainty or lack of conviction
- Taqwa – Piety, God-consciousness
- Brotherhood – Strong bond of unity and care among Muslims
- Sanctity of life – The principle that human life is sacred and inviolable
Differentiation
For students who grasp concepts quickly, encourage them to research other Hadiths from An-Nawawi’s collection and share their lessons. For students who need more support, provide simplified explanations and additional examples for each Hadith, and allow them to work in pairs to discuss the meanings before sharing with the class.
Suggested Lesson Videos
Search on YouTube for: An Nawawi Hadith 11 12 13 14 JSS 3 Islamic Studies

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