Orientation for Muslim Educators Course prepared & presented by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail ADAB FOR STUDENTS & TEACHERS

Session 5 “ LEARNING HOW TO LEARN ” ADAB IN LEARNING FROM THE ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

ADAB FOR STUDENTS Imam al-Ghazalie’s guideline as enumerated in his magnum opus “Ihya’ ‘ulum-al-deen” – Kitab al-’ilm. Purify his soul (nafs) from impure traits and blameworthy characteristics. Remove impediments (affairs of the world) to devote with undivided attention to the study. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

Purify his soul (nafs) from impure traits and blameworthy characteristics.

Remove impediments (affairs of the world) to devote with undivided attention to the study.

ADAB FOR STUDENTS Imam al-Ghazalie’s guideline as enumerated in his magnum opus “Ihya’ ‘ulum-al-deen” – Kitab al-’ilm. Never scorn knowledge nor exalt himself/herself over the teacher. Observe priority in learning and submit to the advise of the teacher in the matters of his learning. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

Never scorn knowledge nor exalt himself/herself over the teacher.

Observe priority in learning and submit to the advise of the teacher in the matters of his learning.

ADAB FOR STUDENTS Imam al-Ghazalie’s guideline as enumerated in his magnum opus “Ihya’ ‘ulum-al-deen” – Kitab al-’ilm. Must be patient and not be hasty in learning as one may need to master praiseworthy knowledge. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

Must be patient and not be hasty in learning as one may need to master praiseworthy knowledge.

ADAB FOR STUDENTS Imam al-Ghazalie’s guideline as enumerated in his magnum opus “Ihya’ ‘ulum-al-deen” – Kitab al-’ilm. Do not attempt to address every branch of knowledge but must observe order and begin with the most important. Learn to ascertain the noble nature of this or other science. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

Do not attempt to address every branch of knowledge but must observe order and begin with the most important.

Learn to ascertain the noble nature of this or other science.

ADAB FOR STUDENTS Imam al-Ghazalie’s guideline as enumerated in his magnum opus “Ihya’ ‘ulum-al-deen” – Kitab al-’ilm. Purpose of learning is for the adornment of inner self with virtues – seeking nearness to Allah (“Taqarrub-illAllah”) and attainment of piety (“Taqwa”). - Refer also to Imam Burhanuddin Zarnuji’s book for students : “ Risalah: Ta-’lim muta-’allim tariqa-tut-ta’lim” ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

Purpose of learning is for the adornment of inner self with virtues – seeking nearness to Allah (“Taqarrub-illAllah”) and attainment of piety (“Taqwa”).

- Refer also to Imam Burhanuddin Zarnuji’s book for students :

“ Risalah: Ta-’lim muta-’allim tariqa-tut-ta’lim”

ADAB FOR TEACHERS Elucidation of the appropriate Adab for Islamic teachers and educators 1. Before one can be a good teacher, one has to prove oneself as a good student. قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُوْلُوا الْأَلْبَابِ Qul: Hal yas-tawil-lazii-na ya’-lamuu-na wal-ladzii-na laa-ya’lamuun, in-na-maa ya-ta-dzak-karuu ulul-al-bab. “ Say: Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know? It is those who are endowed with understanding that receive admonition” ( Qur’an: az-Zumar: 9 ) ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

1. Before one can be a good teacher, one has to prove oneself as a good student.

قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُوْلُوا الْأَلْبَابِ

Qul: Hal yas-tawil-lazii-na ya’-lamuu-na wal-ladzii-na laa-ya’lamuun, in-na-maa ya-ta-dzak-karuu ulul-al-bab.

“ Say: Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know? It is those who are endowed with understanding that receive admonition”

( Qur’an: az-Zumar: 9 )

ADAB FOR TEACHERS Elucidation of the appropriate Adab for Islamic teachers and educators 2. To have compassion and love towards students, like our own children [1] . إِنَّمَا أَنَا لَكُمْ مِثْلُ اْلوَالِدِ لِوَلَدِهِ . In-namaa ana lakum mith-lu al-waa-lidi li-waa-ladihi “ Verily I am to you all, like a father is to his child.” (Hadith of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. reported by Abu Dawud, An-Nasa’i Ibn Majah, Ibnu Hibban from Abu Hurayrah r.a.) [1] Was well elaborated by Syed ‘Abdillah Ahmad al-Jufrie (PERGAS) ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

2. To have compassion and love towards students, like our own children [1] .

إِنَّمَا أَنَا لَكُمْ مِثْلُ اْلوَالِدِ لِوَلَدِهِ .

In-namaa ana lakum mith-lu al-waa-lidi li-waa-ladihi

“ Verily I am to you all, like a father is to his child.”

(Hadith of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. reported by Abu Dawud,

An-Nasa’i Ibn Majah, Ibnu Hibban from Abu Hurayrah r.a.)

[1] Was well elaborated by Syed ‘Abdillah Ahmad al-Jufrie (PERGAS)

ADAB FOR TEACHERS Elucidation of the appropriate Adab for Islamic teachers and educators 3. Follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w in that the task of educating is with true sincerity for the sake of Allah. (Whatever worldly reward or remuneration itself is not the primary concern, only incidental, which we have been allowed to receive). وَيَا قَوْمِ لا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ مَالاً إِنْ أَجْرِيَ إِلاَّ عَلَى اللّهِ Wa yaa qowmi laa as-alukum ‘alay-hi maa-lan, in- ajriya il-laa- ‘alAllaah” “ And O my people! No benefit do I ask of you for this: my reward rests with none but Allah.” ( Qur’an Surah Hud: 29 ) ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

3. Follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w in that the task of educating is with true sincerity for the sake of Allah. (Whatever worldly reward or remuneration itself is not the primary concern, only incidental, which we have been allowed to receive).

وَيَا قَوْمِ لا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ مَالاً إِنْ أَجْرِيَ إِلاَّ عَلَى اللّهِ

Wa yaa qowmi laa as-alukum ‘alay-hi maa-lan, in- ajriya il-laa- ‘alAllaah”

“ And O my people! No benefit do I ask of you for this: my reward rests with none but Allah.”

( Qur’an Surah Hud: 29 )

ADAB FOR TEACHERS Elucidation of the appropriate Adab for Islamic teachers and educators 4. Never to neglect giving advice especially in guiding them against going into areas which is not in accordance with priority in their learning; reminding them always to ensure that their utmost motive and aims in learning is for gaining Allah’s nearness and pleasure. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

4. Never to neglect giving advice especially in guiding them against going into areas which is not in accordance with priority in their learning; reminding them always to ensure that their utmost motive and aims in learning is for gaining Allah’s nearness and pleasure.

ADAB FOR TEACHERS Elucidation of the appropriate Adab for Islamic teachers and educators 5. To use subtle means (as far as possible) in correcting delinquent students, exuding love and compassion, and avoiding open rebuke or humiliation but rather to use wise and indirect reference. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

5. To use subtle means (as far as possible) in correcting delinquent students, exuding love and compassion, and avoiding open rebuke or humiliation but rather to use wise and indirect reference.

ADAB FOR TEACHERS Elucidation of the appropriate Adab for Islamic teachers and educators فَبِمَا رَحۡمَةٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمۡ‌ۖ وَلَوۡ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ ٱلۡقَلۡبِ لَٱنفَضُّواْ مِنۡ حَوۡلِكَ‌ۖ فَٱعۡفُ عَنۡہُمۡ وَٱسۡتَغۡفِرۡ لَهُمۡ وَشَاوِرۡهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَمۡرِ‌ۖ “ Fa-bimaa rah-matim-minallaahi lin-talahum wa-lau kunta faz-zon gholi-zal-qalb lanfadw-dwu min haw-lik . Fa’ fu anhum wastagh-fir-lahum, wa-shaa-wirhum fil-‘amr” “ It is by the Allah’s grace that you (O Muhammad) didst deal gently with them, if you were hash of heart they would indeed have broken away from you. Pardon them their faults and pray for their forgiveness, and consult them in the affairs of the moment...” ( Qur’an Surah Aali-Imran: 159 ) ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

فَبِمَا رَحۡمَةٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمۡ‌ۖ وَلَوۡ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ ٱلۡقَلۡبِ لَٱنفَضُّواْ مِنۡ حَوۡلِكَ‌ۖ فَٱعۡفُ عَنۡہُمۡ وَٱسۡتَغۡفِرۡ لَهُمۡ وَشَاوِرۡهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَمۡرِ‌ۖ

“ Fa-bimaa rah-matim-minallaahi lin-talahum wa-lau kunta faz-zon gholi-zal-qalb lanfadw-dwu min haw-lik . Fa’ fu anhum wastagh-fir-lahum, wa-shaa-wirhum fil-‘amr”

“ It is by the Allah’s grace that you (O Muhammad) didst deal gently with them, if you were hash of heart they would indeed have broken away from you. Pardon them their faults and pray for their forgiveness, and consult them in the affairs of the moment...”

( Qur’an Surah Aali-Imran: 159 )

ADAB FOR TEACHERS Elucidation of the appropriate Adab for Islamic teachers and educators 6. When teaching one particular subject, to refrain from ridiculing or undermining the importance of other subjects, these after all may also be for the student to later perhaps learn. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

6. When teaching one particular subject, to refrain from ridiculing or undermining the importance of other subjects, these after all may also be for the student to later perhaps learn.

ADAB FOR TEACHERS Elucidation of the appropriate Adab for Islamic teachers and educators 7. To teach in accordance with the ability and intellectual level of the students. نَحْنُ مَعَاشِرَ اْلأَنْبِيَاءِ أُمِرْنَا أَنْ نُنْزِلَ اْلنَاسَ مَنَازِلَهُمْ وَنُكَلِّمَهُمْ عَلَى قَدْرِ عُقُوْلِهِمْ Nahnu ma-’aasyiral anbiyaa-‘umir naa- an-nun- zilan- naa-sa ma-naa-zilahum wa nukal-limahum 'alaa qadri '’uquu-lihim We the prophets are commanded to place people according to their station and to speak unto them in accordance with their intellectual capacity. ( Hadith reported by Abu Dawud from A’isyah r.a .) ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

7. To teach in accordance with the ability and intellectual level of the students.

نَحْنُ مَعَاشِرَ اْلأَنْبِيَاءِ أُمِرْنَا أَنْ نُنْزِلَ اْلنَاسَ مَنَازِلَهُمْ وَنُكَلِّمَهُمْ عَلَى قَدْرِ عُقُوْلِهِمْ

Nahnu ma-’aasyiral anbiyaa-‘umir naa- an-nun- zilan- naa-sa ma-naa-zilahum wa nukal-limahum 'alaa qadri '’uquu-lihim

We the prophets are commanded to place people according to their station and to speak unto them in accordance with their intellectual capacity.

( Hadith reported by Abu Dawud from A’isyah r.a .)

ADAB FOR TEACHERS Elucidation of the appropriate Adab for Islamic teachers and educators 8. To be clear in teaching a particular subject without distracting students…. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

8. To be clear in teaching a particular subject without distracting students….

ADAB FOR TEACHERS Elucidation of the appropriate Adab for Islamic teachers and educators Teachers are to teach only what the student need, not what they ‘want’ (for they may not know what is good for them and may be asking irrelevant things), nor to teach them things which they are not ready for. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

Teachers are to teach only what the student need, not what they ‘want’ (for they may not know what is good for them and may be asking irrelevant things), nor to teach them things which they are not ready for.

ADAB FOR TEACHERS Elucidation of the appropriate Adab for Islamic teachers and educators And a teacher must give off their best in making the students understand and focussed on the particular subject that he is teaching. ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

And a teacher must give off their best in making the students understand and focussed on the particular subject that he is teaching.

ADAB FOR TEACHERS Elucidation of the appropriate Adab for Islamic teachers and educators To practice what you teach. أ تَأۡمُرُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ بِٱلۡبِرِّ وَتَنسَوۡنَ أَنفُسَكُمۡ Ata’ -muruu-nan-naa-sa bil-birri wa tan-sau-naa amfusakum “ Do you bid other people to be pious, the while you forget your own selves… -? ( Qur’an: al-Baqarah : 44 ) ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

To practice what you teach.

أ تَأۡمُرُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ بِٱلۡبِرِّ وَتَنسَوۡنَ أَنفُسَكُمۡ

Ata’ -muruu-nan-naa-sa bil-birri wa tan-sau-naa amfusakum

“ Do you bid other people to be pious, the while you forget your own selves… -?

( Qur’an: al-Baqarah : 44 )

ADAB FOR TEACHERS Elucidation of the appropriate Adab for Islamic teachers and educators To strive in attaining moderation or balance (‘adalah) neither too strict not too lax, which requires wisdom (al-Hikmah ). ٱدۡعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلۡحِكۡمَةِ “ Ud-‘uu ilaa sa-bii-li rob-bika bil - Hikmah..” “ Call (invite all) to the way of your Lord with Wisdom (al-Hikmah )...” ( Qur’an: an-Nahl : 125 ) ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

To strive in attaining moderation or balance (‘adalah) neither too strict not too lax, which requires wisdom (al-Hikmah ).

ٱدۡعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلۡحِكۡمَةِ

“ Ud-‘uu ilaa sa-bii-li rob-bika bil - Hikmah..”

“ Call (invite all) to the way of your Lord with Wisdom (al-Hikmah )...”

( Qur’an: an-Nahl : 125 )

ADAB FOR TEACHERS Elucidation of the appropriate Adab for Islamic teachers and educators Wise saying of Sayyidna Ali r.a: أَلاَ إِنَّ اْلفَقِيْهَ كُلَّ اْلفَقِيْهَ اْلَذِي لاَ يَقْنُطُ اْلنَاسَ مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللهِ وَيُؤَامِنُهُمْ مِنْ عَذَابِ اللهِ وَلاَ يُرَخِّصُ لَهُمْ فِي مَعَاصِي اللهِ Alaa in-nal- faqiiha kul-lal-faqiih al-ladzii laa yaq-na-twun-naasa min rah-matillaahi wa yu-a-min-hum min ‘adzaa -billaah, wa-laa yurakh-khiswu-lahum fii-ma-’aa-swillaah. “ A learned faqih (scholar & teacher) is truly faqih, one who does not cause others to feel despair from receiving the mercy of Allah (i.e. overly strict and too ‘harsh’); and neither does he (give the impression by his behaviour as if he is) anyone can avert or withhold the wrath (punishment) of Allah, nor allows opportunity (by giving dispensation) for anyone to disobey Allah (i.e. inappropriately lax and too ‘nice’). ( Hilyatul-Ailiya: 1-73 – as quoted by M.Natsir in Fiqhud-Da’wah ) ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

Wise saying of Sayyidna Ali r.a:

أَلاَ إِنَّ اْلفَقِيْهَ كُلَّ اْلفَقِيْهَ اْلَذِي لاَ يَقْنُطُ اْلنَاسَ مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللهِ وَيُؤَامِنُهُمْ مِنْ عَذَابِ اللهِ وَلاَ يُرَخِّصُ لَهُمْ فِي مَعَاصِي اللهِ

Alaa in-nal- faqiiha kul-lal-faqiih al-ladzii laa yaq-na-twun-naasa min rah-matillaahi wa yu-a-min-hum min ‘adzaa -billaah,

wa-laa yurakh-khiswu-lahum fii-ma-’aa-swillaah.

“ A learned faqih (scholar & teacher) is truly faqih, one who does not cause others to feel despair from receiving the mercy of Allah (i.e. overly strict and too ‘harsh’); and neither does he (give the impression by his behaviour as if he is) anyone can avert or withhold the wrath (punishment) of Allah, nor allows opportunity (by giving dispensation) for anyone to disobey Allah (i.e. inappropriately lax and too ‘nice’).

( Hilyatul-Ailiya: 1-73 – as quoted by M.Natsir in Fiqhud-Da’wah )

ADAB FOR TEACHERS Elucidation of the appropriate Adab for Islamic teachers and educators 11. Reliance upon Allah s.w.t. for assistance through patience and prayer – putting complete trust in Allah. وَاسْتَعِينُواْ بِالصَّبْر وَالصَّلاَةِ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلا َّعَلَى الْخَاشِعِينَ ِ Was-ta –‘ii-nuu bis-sobri was- solaah. Wa in-nahaa la-kabii-ratun il-laa ‘alaal kho-shi’iin “ And seek aid in steadfast patience and prayer: and this, indeed, is a hard thing for all except the humble in spirit.” ( Qur’an: al-Baqarah: 45 ) ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

11. Reliance upon Allah s.w.t. for assistance through patience and prayer – putting complete trust in Allah.

وَاسْتَعِينُواْ بِالصَّبْر وَالصَّلاَةِ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلا َّعَلَى الْخَاشِعِينَ ِ

Was-ta –‘ii-nuu bis-sobri was- solaah.

Wa in-nahaa la-kabii-ratun il-laa ‘alaal kho-shi’iin

“ And seek aid in steadfast patience and prayer: and this, indeed, is a hard thing for all except the humble in spirit.”

( Qur’an: al-Baqarah: 45 )

ADAB FOR TEACHERS Elucidation of the appropriate Adab for Islamic teachers and educators 11. Reliance upon Allah s.w.t. for assistance through patience and prayer – putting complete trust in Allah. فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللّهِ إِنَّ اللّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ Fa-idzaa- ‘azam-ta fatawak-kal ‘alAllaah, in-nAllaaha yuhib-bul mutawak-kiliin “ When you have made a firm resolve, put your trust in Allah, verily Allah loves those who puts their trust in Him” ( Qur’an Surah Aali-Imran: 159 ) ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

11. Reliance upon Allah s.w.t. for assistance through patience and prayer – putting complete trust in Allah.

فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللّهِ إِنَّ اللّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ

Fa-idzaa- ‘azam-ta fatawak-kal ‘alAllaah, in-nAllaaha yuhib-bul mutawak-kiliin

“ When you have made a firm resolve, put your trust in Allah, verily Allah loves those who puts their trust in Him”

( Qur’an Surah Aali-Imran: 159 )

ADDITIONAL QUOTES “ What I learn from the ways of my Islamic teachers: “ Sometimes a way to motivate action in students is to tolerate their childish fantasy in regard to their high sense of self-esteem; but do not overlook to remind them of Adab* ” ( Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail ) * “ Adab ” – sense of proportion and knowledge of their rightful place in the order of things, the absence of which indicates injustice (zulm). ” ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail

“ What I learn from the ways of my Islamic teachers: “ Sometimes a way to motivate action in students is to tolerate their childish fantasy in regard to their high sense of self-esteem; but do not overlook to remind them of Adab* ”

( Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail )

* “ Adab ” – sense of proportion and knowledge of their rightful place in the order of things, the absence of which indicates injustice (zulm). ”

ADDITIONAL QUOTES IMPORTANT LESSONS* : Knowledge – “parable of the circle” . Black line indicates our encounter with knowledge which we now realize we do not know; Which motivates us to acquire them. The green area represents whatever Knowledge that we have. White space represents Infinite Knowledge “ We don’t even know that we don’t know them” The beginning of Wisdom is when you realize you do not know! ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail *Extracted and elaborated from “Beginners’ Manual on Islam” by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj ismail (PERGAS)

IMPORTANT LESSONS* :

Knowledge – “parable of the circle” .

ADDITIONAL QUOTES IMPORTANT LESSONS* : Knowledge – “parable of the circle” . . When new knowledge gain, the circle expands. But with this expansion the circumference, black line, also increases. Remember : Black line indicates our encounter with knowledge which we now realize we do not know The green and blue area represents whatever Knowledge that we now have. White space represents Infinite Knowledge “ We don’t even know that we don’t know them” “ The more we know, the more will we encounter aspects of knowledge which we do not know. And only realization of this which motivates us to grow in learning” ©2005ZhulkefleeHjIsmail *Extracted and elaborated from “Beginners’ Manual on Islam” by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj ismail (PERGAS)

IMPORTANT LESSONS* :

Knowledge – “parable of the circle” .