Hadith: Hadith 6 of An-nawawi’s collection for JSS 2

Class: JSS 2
Term: Second Term
Week: 7
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Curriculum Theme: Hadith
Previous Lesson: Belief in Angels
Topic: Hadith
Subject Matter: Hadith 6 of An-nawawi’s collection

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Recite Hadith 6 of An-Nawawi’s collection in Arabic.
• State the meaning of Hadith 6 in English.
• Identify at least three lessons derived from Hadith 6.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of avoiding doubtful matters in Islam.
• Recognise the central role of the heart in one’s actions.

Psychomotor Domain

• Practise reciting Hadith 6 correctly.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith (translation)
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Whiteboard and markers
• A copy of An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith
• Charts displaying the Arabic text and English translation of Hadith 6

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important as it introduces students to a fundamental Hadith that clarifies the boundaries of lawful and unlawful actions in Islam. Understanding Hadith 6 helps students navigate complex situations by avoiding doubtful matters, thereby safeguarding their faith and honour. It also highlights the critical role of the heart in influencing all human actions.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of what Hadith is and its importance as a source of Islamic law after the Quran.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Hadith 6 of An-nawawi’s collection

Arabic Text of Hadith 6

عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ النُّعْمَانِ بْنِ بَشِيرٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ: “إنَّ الْحَلَالَ بَيِّنٌ وَإِنَّ الْحَرَامَ بَيِّنٌ، وَبَيْنَهُمَا أُمُورٌ مُشْتَبِهَاتٌ لَا يَعْلَمُهُنَّ كَثِيرٌ مِنْ النَّاسِ، فَمَنْ اتَّقَى الشُّبُهَاتِ فَقْدِ اسْتَبْرَأَ لِدِينِهِ وَعِرْضِهِ، وَمَنْ وَقَعَ فِي الشُّبُهَاتِ وَقَعَ فِي الْحَرَامِ، كَالرَّاعِي يَرْعَى حَوْلَ الْحِمَى يُوشِكُ أَنْ يَرْتَعَ فِيهِ، أَلَا وَإِنَّ لِكُلِّ مَلِكٍ حِمًى، أَلَا وَإِنَّ حِمَى اللَّهِ مَحَارِمُهُ، أَلَا وَإِنَّ فِي الْجَسَدِ مُضْغَةً إذَا صَلَحَتْ صَلَحَ الْجَسَدُ كُلُّهُ، وَإِذَا فَسَدَتْ فَسَدَ الْجَسَدُ كُلُّهُ، أَلَا وَهِيَ الْقَلْبُ”.

Meaning of Hadith 6

On the authority of Abu Abdullah al-Nu’man ibn Bashir (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: “That which is lawful is plain and that which is unlawful is plain, and between the two are doubtful matters which many people do not know. He who guards against doubtful matters, clears himself in regard to his religion and his honour. But he who falls into doubtful matters falls into that which is unlawful, like the shepherd who pastures around a sanctuary, all but grazing therein. Truly, every king has a sanctuary, and truly Allah’s sanctuary is His prohibitions. Truly in the body there is a morsel of flesh which, if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart.” (Related by Bukhari and Muslim)

Lessons from Hadith 6

This Hadith teaches us several important lessons:

1. Islam clearly defines what is lawful (halal) and what is unlawful (haram).
2. There are matters that are unclear or doubtful (shubuhat), and it is best to avoid them.
3. Avoiding doubtful matters protects one’s religion and reputation.
4. Engaging in doubtful matters can easily lead one into unlawful actions.
5. Allah has set boundaries (prohibitions), and we must not approach them, just like a shepherd should not let his flock graze near a forbidden pasture.
6. The heart is the most important organ in the body; if it is pure and righteous, the whole body will follow in righteousness.
7. If the heart is corrupt, the entire body’s actions will also be corrupt.
8. Muslims should strive to purify and strengthen their hearts through good deeds and remembrance of Allah.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Recitation, Question and Answer, Guided Practice

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Recalling/Motivation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall what Hadith means and its importance in Islam. The teacher then introduces the topic of Hadith 6 of An-Nawawi’s collection, explaining that it is a very important Hadith for daily life.

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to questions about Hadith and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Hadith importance recalled

Step 2: Reading the Arabic Text

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Recitation/Pronunciation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays the Arabic text of Hadith 6 on the board or chart. The teacher recites the Hadith clearly, then guides the students to repeat it phrase by phrase, correcting any pronunciation errors.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen carefully and repeat the Hadith after the teacher, practising correct pronunciation.

Learning Point: Hadith 6 recitation

Step 3: Explaining the Meaning (Part 1)

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Interpretation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the first part of the Hadith, focusing on “That which is lawful is plain and that which is unlawful is plain, and between the two are doubtful matters which many people do not know.” The teacher provides simple examples of halal and haram and discusses what ‘doubtful matters’ (shubuhat) mean.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen, ask questions for clarification, and contribute simple examples.

Learning Point: Halal, Haram, Shubuhat meaning

Step 4: Explaining the Meaning (Part 2)

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Analogy

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher continues by explaining the consequence of guarding against or falling into doubtful matters, using the analogy of the shepherd and the sanctuary. The teacher clarifies that Allah’s sanctuary is His prohibitions.

Pupils’ Activity: Students pay attention to the analogy and understand the implications of staying away from doubtful things.

Learning Point: Avoiding doubtful matters

Step 5: Explaining the Meaning (Part 3)

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Connection/Emphasis

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the final and crucial part of the Hadith concerning the heart: “Truly in the body there is a morsel of flesh which, if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart.” The teacher emphasises the importance of a pure heart.

Pupils’ Activity: Students reflect on the importance of the heart and its connection to their actions.

Learning Point: Heart’s role in actions

Step 6: Discussing Lessons from the Hadith

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Discussion/Application

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the practical lessons students can derive from Hadith 6 for their daily lives. The teacher encourages students to share how they can apply these lessons.

Pupils’ Activity: Students actively participate in the discussion, identifying and sharing practical lessons.

Learning Point: Practical lessons identified

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Recite Hadith 6 in Arabic.
2. What is the meaning of “Halal” and “Haram”?
3. What are “Shubuhat”?
4. Why is it important to avoid “Shubuhat”?
5. What is the significance of the heart according to the Hadith?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Hadith 6 understanding assessed

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, including the Arabic text, meaning, and lessons of Hadith 6, into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Hadith 6 notes recorded

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the main points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of Hadith 6 in guiding Muslims to live a life pleasing to Allah by distinguishing between lawful, unlawful, and doubtful matters, and by purifying their hearts.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and reflect on the summary.

Learning Point: Hadith 6 principles reinforced

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. Write out Hadith 6 of An-Nawawi’s collection in English.
2. Give two examples of ‘doubtful matters’ (shubuhat) that young people might encounter today.
3. How can you ensure your heart remains sound and pure, according to the teachings of Islam?

Lesson Keywords

• Hadith – Sayings, actions, or approvals of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
• An-Nawawi – A renowned Islamic scholar who compiled forty important Hadith.
• Halal – Lawful or permissible in Islam.
• Haram – Unlawful or forbidden in Islam.
• Shubuhat – Doubtful or ambiguous matters.
• Qalb (Heart) – The spiritual and emotional core of a human being, central to faith and actions.

Differentiation

For weaker learners, the teacher can provide a simplified translation of the Hadith and focus on identifying just two key lessons. Faster learners can be challenged to research other Hadith that emphasize the importance of the heart or avoiding doubtful matters.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding of Hadith 6 of An-Nawawi’s collection, search on YouTube for: Hadith 6 An-Nawawi JSS Islamic Studies

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have the Arabic text and English translation of Hadith 6 clearly displayed. Prepare simple examples for halal, haram, and shubuhat relevant to the students’ context. During the lesson, guide students through the recitation of the Hadith, ensuring correct pronunciation. When explaining the meaning, break it down into manageable parts and use the shepherd analogy effectively. Emphasise the profound significance of the heart as the spiritual centre. Encourage active participation during the discussion of lessons. For note-taking, ensure students copy the key points accurately. Provide individual support to students struggling with the Arabic pronunciation or understanding the concepts, and challenge advanced learners with deeper questions or related research tasks. Always check for understanding at each stage of the lesson.