Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) Call to Prophethood – JSS1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

The call to prophethood is the event in which Allah chose Muhammad (S.A.W) as His prophet when the angel Gabriel brought the first revelation in the cave of Hira.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. describe the early life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) before prophethood;
2. narrate how the first revelation came to him in the cave of Hira;
3. state the meaning of the first verses revealed from Surah Al-Alaq;
4. state the challenges he faced when he began to share the message;
5. name the first people to accept his message;
6. list lessons we learn from his call to prophethood.

Who was Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)?

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was the last Messenger of Allah, born in Mecca, Arabia, around 570 CE.

• Birthplace: Mecca, a trading city in Arabia where the Kaaba stands.
• Parents: his father Abdullah and his mother Aminah; he lost both while young.
• Guardians: his grandfather Abdul Muttalib and then his uncle Abu Talib raised him.
• Society: many people worshipped idols and lived without clear guidance.
• Character: he was honest, kind and trustworthy from a young age.
• Title: people called him “Al-Amin”, which means “the trusted one”.

What was his life like before prophethood?

Before prophethood, Muhammad was a trader known for honesty who often went to the cave of Hira to think.

• Work: he worked as a trader and people trusted him with their goods.
• Marriage: he married Khadijah, a respected businesswoman who supported and believed in him.
• Reflection: he often went to the cave of Hira, in the mountains near Mecca, to think deeply about life.
• Education: he could not read or write.

What happened at the first revelation?

The first revelation was the coming of the angel Gabriel (Jibreel) to Muhammad with Allah’s message in the cave of Hira during Ramadan.

1. Muhammad was 40 years old and alone in the cave of Hira in the month of Ramadan.
2. The angel Gabriel appeared to him with a message from Allah.
3. The angel commanded him, “Read!”
4. Muhammad replied that he could not read.
5. The command was repeated three times.
6. The angel then revealed the first verses of Surah Al-Alaq.

What were the first words revealed?

The first words revealed were the opening verses of Surah Al-Alaq (chapter 96) of the Quran.

“Read in the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the most Generous, who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not.”

• Read: learning begins in the name of Allah.
• Who created: Allah is the Creator of all things, including man.
• Most Generous: Allah gives knowledge and many other gifts.
• Taught by the pen: reading and writing are important ways of gaining knowledge.

How did Muhammad react?

Muhammad was frightened and confused, so he went home to Khadijah, who comforted him.

• Fear: he rushed home shaking and worried.
• Khadijah’s comfort: she reminded him of his good character, such as helping the poor and the needy.
• Waraqah ibn Naufal: Khadijah took him to her cousin, a Christian scholar.
• Waraqah’s words: he said Muhammad had been chosen by Allah, as Moses and other prophets were before him.

How did the message begin to spread?

The message spread slowly, first in secret among close family and friends, and then to the public.

• More revelations: Gabriel brought further messages from Allah for 23 years.
• Secret stage: Muhammad first shared the message only with close family and friends.
• Public stage: later he called all people to worship the one true God.
• Teaching: he taught people to be good to others.

What challenges did Muhammad face?

Muhammad faced rejection and ill-treatment from many people in Mecca who did not want to give up idol worship.

• Attachment to idols: people were happy with their old ways of worship.
• Rejection: many refused to listen to the message of one God.
• Mockery: some people made fun of him.
• Anger and opposition: some tried to stop him from sharing the message.
• Harm to believers: weak believers, such as the slave Bilal, were badly treated.

Who were the first converts?

The first converts were Khadijah and a few close people who believed Muhammad at once.

What are the key terms in this lesson?

Key terms are the words students must know to explain the call to prophethood.

What does (S.A.W) mean?

(S.A.W) stands for “Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam”, which means “May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him”.

• Use: Muslims say or write it after the name of Prophet Muhammad.
• Purpose: it shows love and respect for the Prophet.

What lessons do we learn from the call to prophethood?

The call to prophethood teaches good character, the value of knowledge and trust in Allah.

• Honesty: always be honest and trustworthy, as Al-Amin was.
• Knowledge: seek knowledge, because the first word revealed was “Read”.
• Patience: be patient when facing difficulties.
• One God: believe in Allah, the one true God.
• Kindness: treat all people with kindness and respect.
• Support: comfort and encourage people in trouble, as Khadijah did.

Evaluation

1. What does “Al-Amin” mean, and why was Muhammad given this name?
2. Where was Muhammad when the angel Gabriel first appeared to him, and how old was he?
3. Which surah contains the first words revealed to Muhammad?
4. Who was Waraqah ibn Naufal, and what did he tell Muhammad?
5. Name three of the first people to accept Muhammad’s message.

Assignment

Write a short paragraph on the challenges Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) faced when he began to share his message. Then list two lessons from his call to prophethood that you can practise in school.