Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS1)
Term: Second Term
Week: 2
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Curriculum Theme: Islamic Religious Studies
Previous Lesson: Iman: Belief in Allah, Angels and Revealed Books.
Topic: Hadith
Subject Matter: Meaning of six sound Hadith collections, names of the six sound collections, authors of the six sound collections, importance of the Hadith collections.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define Hadith.
- Identify the six sound Hadith collections.
- State the authors of the six sound Hadith collections.
- Explain the importance of the Hadith collections.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the efforts of the Hadith scholars.
- Show respect for the Hadith literature as a source of Islamic law.
Psychomotor Domain:
- List the six sound Hadith collections and their respective authors.
- Summarize the key reasons for the importance of Hadith collections.
Social Domain:
- Discuss the role of Hadith in providing guidance for Muslim communities.
- Collaborate in identifying and discussing the significance of Hadith.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
- State Unified Scheme of Work
- Islamic Religious Studies for Senior Secondary Schools 1 (e.g., by A.A. Bello)
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Hadith books and references
- A chart showing the names of the six sound Hadith collections and their authors.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils to understand the second primary source of Islamic law after the Quran. It enables them to recognize the authoritative collections of the Prophet Muhammad’s traditions and appreciate their vital role in guiding Muslims in their daily lives and religious practices.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have basic knowledge of Islam, the Quran as the primary source of Islamic law, and the life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Hadith
Meaning of Hadith
Hadith literally means ‘a report’ or ‘communication’. In Islamic terminology, it refers to the sayings, actions, approvals, or characteristics of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). It serves as the second primary source of Islamic law after the Holy Quran.
The Six Sound Hadith Collections (Al-Kutub al-Sittah)
Al-Kutub al-Sittah, meaning “The Six Books,” are six collections of Hadith that are considered the most authentic and reliable by Sunni Muslims. These collections were compiled by various scholars during the early centuries of Islam and contain traditions that passed rigorous criteria of authenticity.
Names of the Six Sound Hadith Collections and their Authors
The following are the six sound Hadith collections and their respective authors:
- Sahih al-Bukhari – Compiled by Imam Muhammad ibn Isma’il al-Bukhari.
- Sahih Muslim – Compiled by Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj.
- Sunan Abi Dawud – Compiled by Imam Abu Dawud Sulayman ibn Ash’ath al-Sijistani.
- Sunan al-Tirmidhi – Compiled by Imam Muhammad ibn Isa al-Tirmidhi.
- Sunan an-Nasa’i – Compiled by Imam Ahmad ibn Shu’ayb an-Nasa’i.
- Sunan Ibn Majah – Compiled by Imam Muhammad ibn Yazid Ibn Majah.
Importance of the Hadith Collections
The Hadith collections are important for several reasons:
- Elucidation of the Quran: Hadith explains and clarifies the verses of the Quran, providing context and practical application.
- Source of Islamic Law: Many Islamic laws and practices are derived directly from the Hadith.
- Guidance for Daily Life: Hadith provides practical examples and guidance for all aspects of a Muslim’s life, from worship to social interactions.
- Preservation of the Sunnah: It preserves the Sunnah (way of life) of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), which is a model for Muslims.
- Understanding Prophet Muhammad’s Character: Hadith gives insights into the character, manners, and teachings of the Prophet, allowing Muslims to emulate him.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils, reviews the previous lesson on the Quran, and asks pupils about other sources of Islamic guidance they know.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings, recall the previous lesson, and mention the Hadith.
Learning Point: Pupils connect previous knowledge to the new topic.
Step 2: Explanation of Hadith and Al-Kutub al-Sittah
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines Hadith and explains the concept of “Al-Kutub al-Sittah” (the six sound Hadith collections), emphasizing their authenticity and importance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of Hadith and the significance of the six sound collections.
Step 3: Identification of the Six Sound Hadith Collections
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Naming/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays a chart or writes on the board the names of the six sound Hadith collections and pronounces them correctly.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and write down the names of the six Hadith collections.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the names of the primary Hadith collections.
Step 4: Identification of the Authors
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Association/Naming
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to match each Hadith collection with its respective author, explaining briefly who each author was.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils associate each collection with its author and make notes.
Learning Point: Pupils know the scholars who compiled the major Hadith collections.
Step 5: Discussion on the Importance of Hadith Collections
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on why these Hadith collections are important for Muslims, linking them to the understanding of the Quran and Islamic practices.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion, stating various reasons for the importance of Hadith.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the practical and religious significance of Hadith.
Step 6: Board Summary/Note Taking
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes the key points of the lesson on the board and supervises pupils as they copy the notes into their exercise books.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the summary from the board into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning through written notes.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Define Hadith.
- List any three of the six sound Hadith collections and their authors.
- State two reasons why the Hadith collections are important in Islam.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Recap/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson by reiterating the importance of Hadith and assigns homework: “Find out more about one of the authors of the six sound Hadith collections.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding and are encouraged to research further.
Lesson Keywords
- Hadith – Sayings, actions, or approvals of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
- Al-Kutub al-Sittah – The six most authentic Hadith collections in Sunni Islam.
- Sahih al-Bukhari – A major Hadith collection compiled by Imam Bukhari.
- Sahih Muslim – A major Hadith collection compiled by Imam Muslim.
- Sunnah – The practices and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
Differentiation
The teacher will provide additional explanations and examples for struggling pupils, while more advanced pupils will be encouraged to research deeper into the compilation methods of Hadith.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Teachers should ensure clear pronunciation of Arabic terms and names. Encourage pupils to appreciate the historical and religious significance of these Hadith collections and their compilers. Emphasize the role of Hadith as a practical guide for Muslims.

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