Lesson Note on The life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.: His Mission for SSS 1

Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: First Term
Week: 7
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Curriculum Theme: Islamic Religious Studies
Previous Lesson: Hadith as a Source of Islamic Teachings, Imam Al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim.
Topic: The life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.
Subject Matter: meaning of the Prophet’s mission, life of the Holy Prophet before revelation, events after prophethood, key aims of the mission, impact of the mission on early Muslims

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Islamic history book
• Timeline chart
• Whiteboard and markers/chalk

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the life and mission of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W., which is central to Islamic faith and practice. It enables them to learn about the historical context and foundational principles of Islam, fostering a deeper appreciation for their religion.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge about the religion of Islam and its founder, Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

The Life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.

Meaning of the Prophet’s Mission

The mission of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. was to convey the message of Allah (God) to all humanity, establish the pure monotheistic worship of Allah (Tawhid), purify beliefs and practices from idolatry and superstition, and guide mankind towards righteousness, justice, and peace. His mission was to complete the message of previous prophets and establish Islam as a universal way of life.

Life of the Holy Prophet before Revelation

Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. was born in Makkah in 570 CE. He belonged to the noble tribe of Quraysh and the clan of Banu Hashim. He was orphaned at an early age and raised by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, and later by his uncle, Abu Talib. He was known for his honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity, earning him the title “Al-Amin” (The Trustworthy). At the age of 25, he married Khadijah (R.A.), a respected businesswoman.

Events after Prophethood

At the age of 40, Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation from Allah through Angel Jibril (Gabriel) in the Cave of Hira. This marked the beginning of his prophethood. Key events after prophethood include:

• Initial Call: Secret preaching for three years, followed by public invitation to Islam.
• Persecution: Severe opposition and persecution from the Makkans, leading to hardship for early Muslims.
• Migration (Hijra): In 622 CE, the Prophet and his followers migrated from Makkah to Madinah (formerly Yathrib) to escape persecution. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
• Establishment of Madinah: The Prophet established the first Islamic state in Madinah, based on justice and brotherhood.
• Battles: Key battles such as Badr, Uhud, and Khandaq were fought to defend the nascent Muslim community.
• Treaty of Hudaybiyyah: A peace treaty with the Makkans.
• Conquest of Makkah: In 630 CE, the Prophet returned victorious to Makkah without bloodshed.
• Farewell Pilgrimage: In 632 CE, the Prophet performed his final pilgrimage, delivering his last sermon.
• Demise: The Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. passed away in Madinah in 632 CE.

Key Aims of the Mission

The primary aims of the Prophet Muhammad’s mission included:

• To establish the oneness of Allah (Tawhid) and eradicate idolatry.
• To purify human souls and elevate moral standards.
• To promote justice, equality, and brotherhood among all people.
• To guide humanity towards a comprehensive way of life based on divine laws.
• To unite different tribes and nations under the banner of Islam.

Impact of the Mission on Early Muslims

The Prophet’s mission had a transformative impact on early Muslims:

• It united previously warring tribes into a single, strong community (Ummah).
• It instilled deep faith and devotion to Allah.
• It brought about a profound moral and spiritual transformation, replacing pagan practices with Islamic ethics.
• It established a system of social justice, equality, and human rights.
• It provided a comprehensive legal and social framework that governed all aspects of life.

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, checks attendance, and asks them to recall any famous personalities they admire and why. The teacher then introduces the topic by stating that today’s lesson is about a personality revered by billions – Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greetings, answer the questions, and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and understand its relevance.

Step 2: Meaning of the Prophet’s Mission

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning and purpose of the Prophet Muhammad’s mission, emphasizing Tawhid, moral reform, and guidance for humanity.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarity.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the fundamental objective of the Prophet’s mission.

Step 3: Life of the Holy Prophet before Revelation

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates the key events of the Prophet’s life before receiving revelation, including his birth, upbringing, character, and marriage. The teacher may point to relevant sections on the timeline chart.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen carefully, observe the timeline, and identify the important stages of his early life.
Learning Point: Pupils gain knowledge about the Prophet’s background and exemplary character before prophethood.

Step 4: Events after Prophethood

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Chronological Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the major events that occurred after the Prophet’s prophethood, such as the first revelation, persecution, Hijra, establishment of Madinah, and the conquest of Makkah.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay attention, follow the historical sequence, and note down significant events.
Learning Point: Pupils comprehend the challenges and triumphs of the Prophet’s mission after revelation.

Step 5: Key Aims of the Mission

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses and lists the key aims of the Prophet’s mission, such as establishing Tawhid, promoting justice, and guiding humanity.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion and list the aims in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and articulate the core objectives of the Prophet’s mission.

Step 6: Impact of the Mission on Early Muslims

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the profound impact the Prophet’s mission had on the early Muslim community, including unity, moral transformation, and the establishment of a just society.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and identify how the mission changed the lives of early Muslims.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the transformative power of the Prophet’s message.

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. What was the primary meaning of Prophet Muhammad’s mission?
2. Mention three significant events from the Prophet’s life before revelation.
3. List two major events that occurred after the Prophet received prophethood.
4. State two key aims of the Holy Prophet’s mission.

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 main points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of Prophet Muhammad’s life and mission as a guide for all Muslims.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and prepare for the next lesson.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of the lesson content.

Lesson Keywords

• Prophet Muhammad – The last prophet of Islam, sent by Allah to guide humanity.
• S.A.W. – Abbreviation for “Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam,” meaning “Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.”
• Revelation – The divine message received by prophets from Allah.
• Hijra – The migration of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE.
• Mission – The divine task or purpose given to the Prophet to convey Allah’s message.
• Tawhid – The oneness and indivisibility of Allah, the central concept of Islam.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage further research into specific aspects of the Prophet’s life or the historical context. For those who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified explanations, visual aids, and focused questions to reinforce understanding of key events and concepts.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure that the historical events are presented accurately and in a manner that respects the sanctity of the Prophet’s life. Encourage pupils to reflect on the moral lessons from the Prophet’s character and mission. Using maps or visual timelines can enhance understanding of the geographical and chronological aspects of the events.