The Life of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w), Reading and Explanation for JSS 1

Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1 / JS1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 3
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Curriculum Theme:
Previous Lesson: Memorisation of Suratul Tariq, Suratul Buruj and Suratul Inshiqaq.
Topic: THE LIFE OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (S.A.W)
Subject Matter: Before his call to prophet hood and circumstances surrounding his call to prophet hood e.g. Manner of early preaching, Reading and explanation

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

• Describe the life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) before his call to prophethood.
• Explain the circumstances surrounding his call to prophethood.
• Identify the early methods of his preaching.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the character and early life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
• Value patience and perseverance as demonstrated by the Prophet.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Narrate key events from Prophet Muhammad’s early life and the beginning of his mission.
• Recite any relevant short verses associated with the early revelations (if applicable).

Social Domain:

• Emulate the good character traits of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) in their daily lives.
• Promote understanding and respect for different religious figures.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for National Values Education.
• State Unified Scheme of Work.
• Islamic Religious Knowledge for Junior Secondary Schools, Book 1.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Pictures depicting Mecca and the Ka’aba.
• Charts showing key events in Prophet Muhammad’s early life.
• A whiteboard and markers.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the foundations of Islam by learning about the early life and calling of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). It enables them to appreciate his character and the challenges he faced, which are important for moral development and understanding religious history.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of Islam as one of the major religions in Nigeria and may have heard stories about religious leaders.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

THE LIFE OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (S.A.W)

Life Before Prophethood

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was born in Mecca (Makkah) in the year 570 C.E. He was from the noble tribe of Quraysh. His father, Abdullah, died before his birth, and his mother, Aminah, died when he was six years old. He was then cared for by his grandfather, Abdul-Muttalib, and later by his uncle, Abu Talib.

During his youth, he was known for his honesty, trustworthiness, and good character. People called him Al-Amin (the Trustworthy) and As-Sadiq (the Truthful). He worked as a shepherd and later as a merchant, travelling with caravans.

At the age of 25, he married Khadijah (R.A.), a wealthy and respected businesswoman, who was 40 years old. They had several children, including Fatima.

Circumstances Surrounding His Call to Prophethood

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) often used to retreat to a cave called Hira, located on Jabal an-Nour (Mountain of Light) near Mecca, to meditate and ponder about the state of his society.

In the year 610 C.E., when he was 40 years old, while in the Cave of Hira, the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared to him. The angel commanded him to “Read!” (Iqra!). Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) replied that he could not read. The angel embraced him tightly twice more, repeating the command. Finally, the angel recited the first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq:

• “Read! In the Name of your Lord Who created.”
• “He created man from a clinging substance.”
• “Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous.”
• “Who taught by the pen.”
• “Taught man that which he knew not.”

This event marked the beginning of his prophethood and the revelation of the Holy Qur’an.

Manner of Early Preaching (Da’wah)

The early preaching of Islam by Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) can be divided into two main phases:

• Secret Phase (First Three Years): Initially, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) preached Islam secretly to his close family and friends. This was to build a strong foundation of believers and avoid immediate persecution from the powerful Quraysh tribe in Mecca. The first to accept Islam were his wife Khadijah, his cousin Ali, his freed slave Zayd ibn Harithah, and his close friend Abu Bakr.
• Public Phase (After Three Years): After about three years, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) received a divine command to preach openly. He began to invite people publicly to Islam, calling them to worship One God (Allah) and abandon idol worship. This public preaching led to increasing opposition, ridicule, and persecution from the Quraysh, who felt threatened by his message.

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 and asks them if they know any important religious figures in the world.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning various religious figures.
Learning Point: Pupils are mentally prepared for the lesson and connect with prior knowledge.

Step 2: Life Before Prophethood

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Narration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains Prophet Muhammad’s (S.A.W) birth, early life, and notable character traits before his call to prophethood, using charts or pictures.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, observe the visual aids, and take notes.

Step 3: Circumstances of His Call to Prophethood

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Storytelling/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates the story of Prophet Muhammad’s (S.A.W) retreat to Cave Hira and the first revelation from Angel Jibril, explaining its significance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the narration and ask questions for clarity.

Step 4: Manner of Early Preaching

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elucidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the initial secret phase and subsequent public phase of Prophet Muhammad’s (S.A.W) preaching, highlighting the challenges faced.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and understand the methods and difficulties of early Islamic propagation.

Step 5: Reading and Explanation

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Reading
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to read a summary of the events from their textbooks or provided handouts and further explains any difficult terms or concepts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the provided texts and listen to the teacher’s explanations.

Step 6: Discussion and Clarification

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Question and Answer
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher encourages pupils to ask questions about any part of the lesson for clarification.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils ask questions and receive answers from the teacher.

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. Mention two important characteristics of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) before his prophethood.
2. Where did Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) receive his first revelation?
3. Who was the angel that brought the first revelation?
4. Describe the two main phases of Prophet Muhammad’s (S.A.W) early preaching.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson and encourages pupils to always strive for good character like Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). The teacher also gives homework.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.

Home Task: Write three lessons learned about THE LIFE OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (S.A.W) and one suitable way to apply the teaching responsibly.

Lesson Keywords

• Prophet Muhammad – The founder of Islam, revered as God’s final prophet.
• Prophethood – The state or office of being a prophet, a person regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God.
• Mecca – A city in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and the holiest city for Muslims.
• Cave Hira – The cave where Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) received his first revelation.
• Revelation – A divine or supernatural disclosure of information to a human being.
• Jibril – The Arabic name for the Angel Gabriel, who delivered God’s messages to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
• Da’wah – The act of inviting or calling people to Islam.

Differentiation

The teacher will use visual aids and storytelling to cater to visual and auditory learners. Clear and simple language will be used for all explanations. Advanced learners may be asked to research more details about the early companions of the Prophet, while struggling learners will receive additional guidance and simplified explanations.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure sensitivity and respect when discussing religious topics. Encourage an open and respectful classroom environment where pupils can learn about different faiths. Emphasize the moral lessons and universal values derived from the Prophet’s life, such as honesty, patience, and integrity. Ensure that the lesson is delivered in a way that promotes inter-religious understanding and peace among pupils.