Tawhid & Fiqh: Good Manners Basic 6 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

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

• Describe the meanings of consideration for others and cooperating with one another
• Identify reasons why a Muslim should assist fellow Muslims and others
• Analyze the lessons in Quran 68 verses 11-12

Lesson Content:

Good Manners in Islam:

Islam emphasizes excellent character (Akhlaq) as a fundamental part of faith. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “I was sent to complete good character.”

1. CONSIDERATION FOR OTHERS:

Definition: Consideration means being thoughtful, caring, and mindful of other people’s feelings, needs, and circumstances.

Islamic Concept:

• Thinking about others before yourself
• Being sensitive to people’s situations
• Showing empathy and understanding
• Avoiding actions that harm or disturb others

Examples of Consideration:

At Home:

• Not making loud noise when others are sleeping
• Helping with household chores without being asked
• Sharing food and toys with siblings
• Being patient with elderly family members

At School:

• Not pushing in queues
• Helping classmates who are struggling
• Keeping the classroom clean for others
• Being quiet during study time

In the Community:

• Not throwing rubbish on the street
• Helping elderly people cross the road
• Visiting sick neighbors
• Sharing resources with those in need

2. SPIRIT OF LOVING:

Definition: The spirit of loving means having genuine care, affection, and goodwill toward all people, especially fellow Muslims.

Islamic Foundation: The Prophet (SAW) said: “None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”

Characteristics of Loving Spirit:

• Wanting good for others
• Feeling happy when others succeed
• Offering help willingly
• Forgiving others’ mistakes
• Praying for others’ well-being

Ways to Show Love:

To Family:

• Obeying parents respectfully
• Being kind to siblings
• Helping with family problems
• Expressing gratitude and affection

To Friends:

• Being loyal and trustworthy
• Sharing good and difficult times
• Giving good advice
• Avoiding gossip and backbiting

To Community:

• Participating in community service
• Helping in mosque activities
• Supporting charity work
• Welcoming newcomers

3. COOPERATION:

Definition: Cooperation means working together with others to achieve common goals and help each other in good deeds.

Quranic Foundation: Allah says: “Cooperate with one another in righteousness and piety, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression.” (Quran 5:2)

Types of Cooperation:

Religious Cooperation:

• Studying Quran together
• Helping others learn prayers
• Building and maintaining mosques
• Organizing Islamic events

Social Cooperation:

• Working together on school projects
• Helping in community development
• Supporting social welfare programs
• Participating in neighborhood watch

Economic Cooperation:

• Business partnerships based on Islamic principles
• Helping others find employment
• Contributing to charity and Zakat
• Supporting small businesses

Reasons Why Muslims Should Assist Others:

1. Divine Command

• Allah commands Muslims to help one another
• It’s part of worship and obedience to Allah
• Brings divine blessings and rewards

2. Following Prophetic Example

• Prophet Muhammad (SAW) always helped others
• He assisted rich and poor equally
• His character is our model

3. Building Strong Community

• Creates unity and brotherhood
• Solves community problems together
• Develops trust and cooperation

4. Personal Benefits

• Develops good character
• Brings inner satisfaction and peace
• Creates good relationships
• Earns respect from others

5. Spiritual Rewards

• Earns Allah’s pleasure
• Increases reward in afterlife
• Protects from difficulties
• Brings barakah (blessings)

Analysis of Quran 68 Verses 11-12:

Arabic Text: هَمَّازٍ مَّشَّاءٍ بِنَمِيمٍ ○ مَنَّاعٍ لِّلْخَيْرِ مُعْتَدٍ أَثِيمٍ

Transliteration: “Hammāzin mashā’in bi-namīm. Mannā’in li’l-khayri mu’tadin athīm”

Translation: “A slanderer, going about with malicious gossip, a preventer of good, transgressing and sinful.”

Lessons from These Verses:

What Allah Forbids:

1. Hammaz (Slanderer)

• Someone who insults and mocks others
• Makes fun of people’s weaknesses
• Hurts others with words or gestures
• Lesson: Avoid making fun of others

2. Mashā’ bi-Namīm (Gossip-monger)

• Carries tales between people
• Creates problems between friends
• Spreads rumors and false information
• Lesson: Don’t spread gossip or rumors

3. Mannā’ li’l-Khayr (Preventer of Good)

• Stops others from doing good deeds
• Refuses to help those in need
• Discourages charitable activities
• Lesson: Always encourage and support good deeds

4. Mu’tad (Transgressor)

• Goes beyond proper limits
• Violates others’ rights
• Acts with injustice and oppression
• Lesson: Respect others’ rights and boundaries

5. Athīm (Sinful)

• Commits sins regularly
• Doesn’t seek forgiveness
• Leads others into wrongdoing
• Lesson: Avoid sin and seek Allah’s forgiveness

Positive Alternatives:

Instead of the negative qualities mentioned, Muslims should:

• Praise others instead of slandering
• Spread good news instead of gossip
• Encourage good deeds instead of preventing them
• Be just and fair instead of transgressing
• Seek righteousness instead of being sinful

Practical Applications for Students:

In Speech:

• Speak kindly about classmates
• Don’t carry tales between friends
• Encourage others to study and pray
• Apologize when you make mistakes

In Actions:

• Help classmates with their work
• Share your lunch with hungry students
• Keep school property clean
• Participate in school service activities

In Attitude:

• Be happy for others’ success
• Forgive friends who make mistakes
• Include everyone in group activities
• Show respect to teachers and elders

HOMEWORK:

1. Define consideration, loving spirit, and cooperation with examples
2. List 5 reasons why Muslims should help others
3. Explain 3 negative qualities mentioned in Quran 68:11-12 and their positive alternatives