The Almighty Allah has bestowed his prophets from time to time and place to place to act as role models for others to follow. All the prophets arrived so far have been complete in all aspects of their personalities and lives but their thoughts and actions were not preserved for later generations, leaving an empty gap. In order to fulfill this gap and to present an everlasting role model to his creatures, Allah (SWT) bestowed his last Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) among them, whose every saying and action was preserved for his followers and for the all the human beings to looks towards for guidance.

The life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) provide complete guidance in all walks of life; be it family life, be it dealing with his companions or be it ruling a state but his role as an educator is the most glaring of all.

Here we are going to discuss some aspects of his life as an educator.

Preservation of the Holy Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w)

The first and foremost distinction of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) in the constellation of prophets as an educator is the complete protection of the book revealed upon him.  This not only provided guidance to the companions of the Prophet at that time who preserved it by writing it the revelations on stones, leaves etc but also proved to be an array of light for coming generations in the form of a complete scripture, the Holy Quran.
Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Quran,” We have revealed this scripture and surely, we will protect it” (Surah Al Hijr).

Inclusive teaching

The message taught by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) was inclusive in nature. The Prophet never differentiated among people based on their races, colors, social status or culture etc.
This is evident from the fact that when on one hand Hazrat Abu Bakar (r.a), Hazrat Umar (r.a), Hazrat Usman (r.a) and Hazrat Ali (r.a) were considered the faithful companions of the Prophet (s.a.w) then, on the other hand, Hazrat Bilal Habshi (r.a), Hazrat Sohaib Rumi (r.a) and Hazrat Salman Farsi (r.a) were also some of the closest companions of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) to the extent that even Khulafa-e-Rashidun used to call Hazrat Bilal (r.a) as “Syed (master)”.

A perfect speaker

The Allah Almighty has granted the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) with perfect speaking skills to convey his message to the human beings. Along with his perfect skills as an orator he used to repeat his words three times to make his message clear to his listeners. Hazrat Anas (r.a) says,” “When the Messenger of Allah said a sentence he used to repeat it up to three times making sure that it was well understood” (Hakim) [1].
Such was the tone of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) that his beloved wife Hazrat Ayesha (r.a) says,” The Holy Prophet (s.a.w) used to speak in a way that if one had to count his words, he could do it” (Bukhari).

Used to teach by practice and examples

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) used to first present himself as a role model and would then instruct his companions to follow a particular commandment of Allah. Once a man came up to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) asking about the method of ablution, the Holy prophet repeatedly performed it three times (Ibne Majah).

This is just one hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) in which he is teaching his companion by practicing in front of him, there were numerous occasions where he did the same. The Holy Quran makes it clear by saying,” There has been certainly for you in the messenger of Allah an excellent pattern” (Surah Ahzab) [2].

Similarly, our Prophet (s.a.w) used to teach by giving examples. Once the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) asked the companions, what would be your view if I say there is a river in front of a man’s house and he takes bath five times a day in it, would he remain dirty?” The companions replied, “certainly, not”. The Prophet (PBUH) then said, “This is how it works with daily prayers. Allah (SWT) cleans sins through them.” (Bukhari).

Taught with patience

Normally a teacher feels disdain and contempt when students ask too many questions but were never the matter with the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) as an educator. He used to explain each and everything not only to his companions but to other people as well. His patience was exemplary when the Meccan Quraysh tribes showed outright enmity to the message of Islam. Instead of complaining to Allah he continued his mission till his final victory.

His conduct with the people of Ta’if became an important part of Islamic history when Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) took refuge in a nearby garden due to the stone pelting of the inhabitants. Angel Gabriel came to the Prophet requesting him to allow him to destroy the whole city but the Prophet turned down the offer by saying that maybe their next generations will accept Islam.

Used to criticise the conduct not the person

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) used to criticise the behaviors in order to bring people on the right path, the path of Allah but he would never criticise the individuals. He taught his companions not to break the hearts of people even in direst circumstances.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said,” Whoever harms a Muslim (unjustly) it is as he destroyed the house of Allah”(Tabrani). A companion of the Prophet (s.a.w) reports that once the Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said,”Ka’ba, you are so sacred and sanctified but shall I tell you about something whose sanctity has been preferred over yours?'
The companion of the Prophet (s.a.w) says that then he replied,” indeed you are sacred and sanctified but the sanctity of a Muslim’s wealth and honor is much greater than yours” (Ibn Majah).

The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) is an inspiration for the Muslims and for the whole universe to follow in each and every aspect of their lives. No portion of life can escape the shining light of the message brought by the final Prophet (s.a.w). His caring nature and appreciation for good acts inspired his companions to follow his conduct and to act as shining lights for the rest of the generations in their own personal capacity. Such was the personality of our Prophet (s.a.w).

References:

1. http://www.thepenmagazine.net/the-educational-methods-of-our-prophet-pbuh/
2. https://quran.com/33/21