Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a perfect teacher and instructor. Almighty Allah chose Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to be an ideal example for all Muslims to follow. In this context, Allah Almighty says in the Noble Qur'an: Verily in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example for him who looks unto Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much. (33:21) In bringing up his Companions, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) adopted various educational methods. Following are some of them: 1. Using illustrative parables: Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) saying, ‘Behold! Can anything of his dirt remain on the body of any one of you if there were a river at his door in which he washes himself five times daily?' They said, ‘Nothing of his dirt will remain (on his body).' He said, ‘That is like the Five Prayers by which Allah obliterates sins.'” (Reported by Muslim) 2. Drawing the addressee's attention by means of taking oaths: Abu Shurayh (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said, “By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe!” It was said, “Who is that person, o Allah's Messenger?” He said, “That person is he whose neighbor does not feel safe from his evil.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari) 3. Being joyful in advice so that his Companions would not get bored: In this context, we recall the incident when a man came to the Prophet (pbuh) and said, “O Messenger of Allah! Give me a mount.” The Prophet (pbuh) said, “We shall give you a she-camel's child to ride on.” He said, “What shall I do with a she-camel's child?” The Prophet (pbuh) replied, “Do any others than she-camels give birth to camels?” (Reported by Abu Dawud) 4. Considering the state of the addressee: Abu Wa'il reported that Abdulrahman used to give a religious talk to the people on every Thursday. Once a man said, “O Abu Abdulrahman! (By Allah) I wish if you could preach us daily.” He replied, “The only thing which prevents me from doing so, is that I hate to bore you. No doubt, I consider your state in preaching by selecting a suitable time just as the Prophet (pbuh) used to do with us, for fear of making us bored.” (Reported by Al
