ATTENTION MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES FOR TEACHING: AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

ATTENTION MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES FOR TEACHING: AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE MUHAMMAD TAHIR PhD Research Scholar, Faculty of Islamic Studies, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan Visiting Scholar, Griffith University Brisbane, Australia E-mail: tahir.phdhis142@iiu.edu.pk Abstract: This paper examines the attention management techniques for teaching from Islamic perspective. Attention is found as an important tool of teaching that plays a pivotal role for active teaching as well as constructive learning. Nowadays, educationists and teachers have introduced various techniques for managing attention of students during teaching worldwide. However, the main focus of this paper is to address the practical and innovative techniques for attention management during teaching from the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In this regard, authentic traditions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) are explored and analyzed. Teachers may find this paper useful in managing students attention during conveying knowledge that lead to improve teaching and learning and support their relationship with students in classroom. Keywords: Attention, Management, Techniques, Teaching, Islam, Traditions. I. INTRODUCTION Attention plays a key role for effective teaching and learning. Attention during lectures or any other teaching activities increase the variety of learning by decreasing the consumption of time. Attention management techniques vary from one discipline to another discipline such as social and applied sciences. That s why; teachers use different techniques for effective teaching and learning. However, this paper deals with the attention management techniques used by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Islamic perspective. Attention management is defined as, the practice of monitoring and controlling attention at individual or group levels. 1 However, Attention management for teaching refers to the process of making students attentive and focused for learning tasks while avoiding distractions to maximize learning over time. Islamic perspective mainly emphasis on the Sunnah of the the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). That is referred to all that has been related [about] the Prophet (peace be on him) from his speech, actions, approvals, physical or moral attributes, or biography, regardless of whether any of above is from the period before the first revelation or after it. 2 The Sunnah is contained in the Hadith literature and a Hadith (Prophetic tradition), is defined as, a report about the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saying or doing something, or reacting to something. The authenticity of the report depends on the reliability of the narrator(s). 3 The basic component of attention is intention and The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized on the intention by saying: The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. 4 Therefore, Prophetic guidance starts from intention for attention management during teaching. II. ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE ON ATTENTION MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used the following attention management techniques to make people attentive and focused during his speeches, lectures and sermons: 1. Attention through asking questions The Apostle of Allah used to ask questions to his companions to make them attentive, and to create joy in their minds for understanding and deep thinking. 5 Following hadith shows the importance of questions for attention: Narrated Abdullah: Allah Apostle said in Hajjat-al- Wada, Which month (of the year) do you think is most sacred? The people said, This current month of ours (the month of Dhull-Hijja). He said, Which town (country) do you think is the most sacred? They said, This city of ours (Makkah). He said, Which day do you think is the most sacred? The people said, This day of ours. He then said, Allah, the Blessed, the Supreme, has made your blood, your property and your honor as sacred as this day of yours in this town of yours, in this month of yours (and such protection cannot be slighted) except rightfully. He then said thrice, Have I conveyed Allah's Message (to you)? The people answered him each time saying, Yes. The Prophet added, May Allah be merciful to you (or, woe on you)! Do not revert to disbelief after me by cutting the necks of each other. 6 This hadith shows the Prophet (peace be upon him) asked different questions to the people during his sermon (Hajjat-al-Wada) to make them attentive. 2. Attention through presenting examples Examples are very important sources for seeking the attention of students. The Prophet (peace be upon 166

him) used various examples to make his companions attentive during his talks and Sermons. Following hadith prove it: Narrated An-Nu'man bin Bashir: The Prophet said, The example of the person abiding by Allah's order and restrictions in comparison to those who violate them is like the example of those persons who drew lots for their seats in a boat. Some of them got seats in the upper part, and the others in the lower. When the latter needed water, they had to go up to bring water (and that troubled the others), so they said, 'Let us make a hole in our share of the ship (and get water) saving those who are above us from troubling them. So, if the people in the upper part left the others do what they had suggested, all the people of the ship would be destroyed, but if they prevented them, both parties would be safe. 7 This hadith shows the impact of bad deed on the person and whole society. Similarly, the prevention of bad deeds saves the society. The Prophet motivated the people to do good deeds by giving the example of boat. 3. Attention through making quiet environment The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered his companions not to show any movement during Friday sermon and other occasions as well. Following traditions elaborate the importance of attentiveness during lectures: It was narrated from Abu-Hurairah that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Whoever performs Ghusl, then comes to Jumu ah, and prays what is decreed for him, then listens attentively until the Khutbah is over, then prays with him (the Imam), will be forgiven (his sins) between that and the next Jumuah, and three days more. 8 This hadith shows the reward of being attentive during Friday sermon (Khutbah Jamu ah). Narrated Jarir: The Prophet said to me during Hajjatal-Wida : Let the people keep quiet and listen. Then he said (addressing the people), "Do not (become infidels) revert to disbelief after me by striking the necks (cutting the throats) of one another (killing each other). 9 This hadith shows the importance of keeping himself quiet during sermon (Hajjat-al-Wida) for attentive listening. 4. Attention through sitting close to the teacher The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) taught ethics of Friday sermon and preferred to sit close to the speaker for attentive listening and mentioned its reward. Following tradition elaborate it: Aws ibn Aws ath-thaqafi narrated: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: Whoever Ghassala (washes) on Friday, and performs Ghusl (bath), and strived to come early and reached (the Masjid) early, and walks, and does not ride (an animal), and sits close to the Imam, and listens intently, and does not distract (others from listening), then for every step (he takes), he will be rewarded an entire year s reward its fasting and its praying. 10 5. Attention through avoiding movement during lecture The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized on attentive listening by avoiding the movement during lecture. Following tradition explain it: It was narrated from Abu-Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Whoever performs Wudu, and performs Wudu well, then comes to Jumu'ah, then listens attentively, will be forgiven (his sins) between that and (the next) Jumuah, and three days in addition to that, but whoever touches the pebbles, then he has engaged in an idle action. 11 This hadith shows the importance of attentiveness by listening carefully during Jamuah. It also explains the reward of this action. 6. Attention through Voice Tune Voice tune of a teacher is an important tool to make students attentive towards teacher. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite the Holy Quran in a pleasant and attractive voice to make people attentive to listen it well. Following tradition explain it: Narrated Abdullah bin Mughaffal: On the Day of the Conquest of Mecca, the Prophet recited Surat Al- Fath in a vibrating and pleasant voice. 12 In another tradition, the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) changed voice tune for delivering sermon and warned about the last hour. Jabir bin Abdullah said: In the Khutbah of the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) on Friday, he would praise Allah, then he would say other things, raising his voice 13 7. Attention through Bodily Movement Sometime, the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) used suitable bodily movement during his speech to give better understanding to his listeners and to make them attentive and motivated. Following tradition elaborate it: Narrated Sahl bin Sa'd: the Prophet said, I and the person who looks after an orphan and provides for him, will be in Paradise like this, putting his index and middle fingers together. 14 Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar writes: It is concluded from the above hadith that a person who wants to make his talking eloquent, he explains with bodily gestures, so that it impresses on mind more effectively. 15 In another tradition the Prophet (peace be upon him) used finger to get attention and explain the importance of matter. It was narrated that Abu Hurirah said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Do not envy one another, do not artificially inflate prices, do not hate one another, do not undercut one another. Be, O slaves of Allah, brothers. The Muslim is the brother of his fellow-muslim. He does not wrong 167

him, forsake or despise him. Piety (Taqwa) is here and he pointed to his chest three times. It is sufficient sin for a man to despise his Muslim brother. A Muslim is unlawful to another Muslim, his blood, his wealth and his honor. 16 This hadith shows that the Prophet (peace be upon him) pointed towards his chest thrice to focus on Piety (Taqwa). 8. Attention through Facial Expression The Prophet (peace be upon him) used facial expression in order to warn his companions about hour (Day of Judgment). Following tradition explain it: It was narrated that Jabir bin Abdullah said: When the Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) delivered a Khutbah, his eyes would turn red, his voice would become loud, and his anger would increase, until it was as if he was warning of an attacking army, saying: The enemy will attack in the morning or in the evening. He said: The Hour and I have been sent like these two, and he held his index finger and middle finger 17 This hadith shows that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) delivered a Khutbah (religious sermon) with loud voice, increased anger and changed his facial expression to warn about the Hour. 9. Attention through the Use of Simile A simile is a more direct comparison of two things. 18 A simile makes the language more descriptive and enjoyable. Simile assists to understand the talk in depth and helps to emphasis on specific thing. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used simile to answer the questions of his Companions. This has provided them entire mental satisfaction. Following traditions elaborate it clearly: Narrated Abu Huraira: A bedouin came to Allah's Apostle and said, My wife has delivered a black boy, and I suspect that he is not my child. Allah's Apostle said to him, Have you got camels? The bedouin said, Yes. The Prophet said, What color are they? The bedouin said, They are red. The Prophet said, Are any of them Grey? He said, There are Grey ones among them. The Prophet said, Whence do you think this color came to them? The bedouin said, O Allah's Apostle! It resulted from hereditary disposition. The Prophet said, And this (i.e., your child) has inherited his color from his ancestors. The Prophet did not allow him to deny his paternity of the child. 19 Imam Ibn Hajar writes: The Prophet (peace be upon him) explained his judgment, so that asker understand.it is a simile of the original by original. For asker, a simile is more secret than the original thing. The advantage of simile is to bring the quick understanding. 20 Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: A man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said to him, My sister vowed to perform the hajj, but she died (before fulfilling it). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Would you not have paid her debts if she had any? The man said, Yes. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, So pay Allah's Rights, as He is more entitled to receive His rights. 21 Abdullah Bassam writes: The Prophet (peace be upon him) has given two examples of what is familiar to them. So that understanding become well, and brings closer to mind. The simile of far-away thing is with nearer. It is easily perceivable and understandable. 22 Narrated Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: There are seven whom Allah will shade with His shade on the Day when there will be no shade but His: A just ruler; a young who grows up worshiping Allah; a man whose heart is attached to the Masjid; two men who love one another for the sake of Allah, they meet and part on that basis; a man who is called (to sin) by a woman of status and beauty, but he says: I fear Allah ; a man who gives charity so secretly that his right hand does not know what is left hand is giving; and a man who remembers Allah when he is alone and his eyes fill with tears. 23 In this tradition, the Prophet (peace be upon him) guided that the shameful things should be mentioned by using simile during conversation as he used the word seduces for illicit relation. 10. Attention through the Use of Parable A parable is a statement or comment that conveys a meaning indirectly by the use of comparison, analogy, or the like. 24 Parables obviously simplify concepts and were extensively used by the Prophet (peace be upon him). 25 Following traditions show the use of parables by the Prophet (peace be upon him): An-Nawas bin Saman Al-Kilabi narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Indeed Allah has made a parable of the straight path: At the sides of the path there are walls with open doors, each door having a curtain. There is a caller at the head of the path calling, and a caller above it is calling. And Allah invites to the abode of peace and guides whomever He wills to the straight path. The doors which are on the sides of the path are Hudud (legal limitations) of Allah; no one breaches the Hudud of Allah except that curtain is lifted, and the one calling from above it is his Lord. 26 This tradition shows that the Prophet (peace be upon him) made attentive by using a parable of straight path. Narrated Abu Musa: Allah's Apostle said, The example of a good companion (who sits with you) in comparison with a bad one, is I like that of the musk seller and the blacksmith's bellows (or furnace); from the first you would either buy musk or enjoy its good smell while the bellows would either burn your clothes or your house, or you get a bad nasty smell thereof. 27 168

This tradition shows that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used parable of good companion with a bad one to make attentive to his companion. 11. Attention through the Use of Metaphors A metaphor is an indirect comparison of two things. 28 The Prophet (peace be upon him) used metaphors to give comparison of two things indirectly. Following tradition proves it: It was narrated that Aishah said: A woman asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) how she should perform Ghusl following her menses. He told her how to perform Ghusl, then said that she should take a piece of cloth scented with musk and purify herself with it. She said: How do I purify myself with it? He (the Holy Prophet) said: Purify yourself with it, Subhan- Allah (Glorious is Allah)! and he covered his face, Sufyan bin Uyaina showed us how he covered his face with his hand. A'ishah said: I pulled her toward me, because I understood what the Prophet (peace be upon him) meant, and I said: Follow the traces of blood with it. 29 Imam Nawawi writes: It is recommended but not obligatory (Mustahab) to use metaphors that related to secret things. 30 12. Attention through Teaching Aids Teaching aids play a pivotal role in education and helpful to facilitate teaching and learning processes. Teaching aids are basically the tools purposefully designed to overcome verbal deficiencies. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used various teaching aids like finger, stick, and earth. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used teaching aids abundantly whenever he felt and needed. 31 Following ahadith explain the use of these techniques by the Prophet (peace be upon him): Narrated Abu Saeed: The Prophet (peace be upon him) fixed the one stick in front of him and second beside to that and the third away from the both [two sticks]. Then said: Do you know? What this is? They replied! Allah and His Prophet (peace be upon him) knows better. He said: This [first stick] is human and this [second stick] is his death, I think that he said: and this [third stick] is his hope and he is trying to get his hope, but death cut off his hope. 32 The Prophet (peace be upon him) used three sticks and earth as teaching aids. He (peace be upon him) represented human, his death and his hope by fixing the three sticks on earth. He tried to give better understanding of the matter by making his students attentive. Today, teachers use different teaching aids like auditory aids, visual aids, audio visual aids, and activity aids in education settings to get attentions of the students. CONCLUSION This paper demonstrates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has used wonderful innovative techniques of attention management during teaching his companions. This endeavor highlighted twelve practical techniques of attention management for teaching purpose from the traditions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) that play an important role to focus the attention of students for active learning. These techniques can be used effectively to improve teaching abilities of teachers and learning abilities of students. Teachers may practice these valuable techniques in order to develop more attentive and focused classroom environment. 1 www.wisegeek.com/what -is-attention-management.htm 2 Mustafa as-siba'ee, Faisal ibn Muhammad Shabbir, The Sunnah and its Role in Islamic Legislation, 1 st ed. (Egypt: International Islamic Publishing House (IIPH), 2008), pp. 73-74. 3 Muhammad Isma il Saleh, A Dictionary of Islamic Words and Expressions, 2 nd ed. (Riyadh: Al-Muntada Al- Islami, 2002), p. 60. 4 Imam Bukhari, Muhammad bin Ismael, Sahih Bukhari, translated by Muhammad Mohsin Khan (Riyadh: Darussalam Publishers and Distributors, 1997),The Book of revelation, Chapter, How the divine revelation started to be revealed to Allah s Messenger, Hadith No. 1. 5 Muhammad Usman Nijati, Hadith-e-Nabvi and Ilmun-Nafs, (Lahore: Al-Faisal Nashran, 2010), p. 204. 6 Imam Bukhari, Sahih Bukhari, The Book of Al-Hudud, Chapter, A believer is safe if he transgresses Allah s legal limits or takes others rights, Hadith No. 6785. 7 Imam Bukhari, Sahih Bukhari, The Book of Partnership, Chapter: Can one draw lots for divisions and shares, Hadith No. 2493. 8 Imam Muslim, Sahih Muslim, translation by Translated by Nasiruddin al-khattab, (Riyadh: Darussalam Publishers and Distributors, 2007) The Book of Jumuah, Chapter: The virtue of one who remains silent and listens attentively during the Khutbah, Hadith No. 1987. 9 Imam Bukhari, Sahih Bukhari, The Book of knowledge, Chapter: To be quiet to religious learned men. Hadith No. 121. 10 Imam Abu Dawud, Sunan Abu Dawud, trans by Yaser Qadhi (Riyadh: Darussalam, 2008), The Book of Purification, Chapter: Performing Ghusl for the Friday prayer, Hadith No. 345. Hafiz Abu Tahir Zubair Ali Zai said: (This hadith is) Sahih. 169

11 Imam Muslim, Sahih Muslim, The Book of Jumuah, Chapter: The virtue of one who remains silent and listens attentively during the Khutbah, Hadith No. 1988. 12 Imam Bukhari, Sahih Bukhari, The Book of commentary, Chapter: The statement of Allah: Verily, We have given you a manifest victory (v. 84:1) Hadith No. 4835. 13 Imam Muslim, Sahih Muslim, The Book of Jumuah, Chapter: Keeping the prayer and Khutbah short, Hadith No. 2006. 14 Imam Muslim, Sahih Muslim, The Book of Al-Birr, Chapter: The prohibition of wronging, forsaking, or despising a Muslim, Hadith No. 2564. 15 Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-asqalani, Fathul Bari, (Beirut: Darul Maarifah 1379H), vol. 1, p. 450. 16 Imam Bukhari, Sahih Bukhari, The Book of Diverse, Chapter: Al-Lian and the Statement of Allah Almighty: And for those who accuse their wives, Hadith No. 5304. 17 Imam Muslim, Sahih Muslim, The Book of Jumuah, Chapter: Keeping the prayer and Khutbah short, Hadith No. 2005. 18 http://examples. yourdictionary.com 19 Imam Bukhari, Sahih Bukhari, Holding fast to the Quran and the Sunna, Chapter: Whoever compares an ambiguous situation to a clear well defined one, Hadith No. 7314. 20 Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-asqalani Fathul Bari, vol. 13, p. 296. 21 Imam Bukhari, Sahih Bukhari, The Book of oaths, Chapter: If somebody dies without fulfilling a vow, Hadith No. 6699. 22 Abdullah Bassam, Tayseerul Allam shrah Umdatul Ahkam (Egypt: Maktabah Sahabah Al-Amarat and Maktaba Tabieen, 2006), vol. 1, p. 309. 23 Imam Muslim, Sahih Musilm, The Book of Zakat, Chapter: The virtue of concealing charity, Hadith No. 2380. 24 http://www.thefreedictionary.com/parable 25 Atefa Jamal, Prophet Muhammad (SA) as a Teacher: Terrific Teaching Techniques. Retrieved March 11, 2013, from, http://hibamagazine.com/tag/prophet-muhammad-sa-as-a-teacher. 26 Imam Tirmidhi, Mohammad Ibn Eisa, Jāmi at- Tirmidhi, translated by Abu Khaliyl, (Riyadh: Darussalam Publishers and Distributers, 2007), The Chapters on Parables, Chapter: 76. What has been related about Allah s parable about worshiping him, Hadith No. 2859. Abu Iisa (Tirmdhi) said: This hadith is Hasan Gharib. 27 Imam Bukhari, Sahih Bukhari, The Book of sales, Chapter: (What is said) about the performance seller and the selling of musk, Hadith No. 2101. 28 http://examples. yourdictionary.com. 29 Imam Muslim, Sahih Muslim, The Book of Menstruation, Chapter: Recommended for the woman who is performing Ghusl following menses, Hadith No. 748. 30 Imam Nawawi, Abu Zakaria Yahya Ibn Sharaf, Al Minhaj Sharh Sahih Muslim bin Al-Hajaj (Riyadh: Maktaba Shamila,1392H), vol. 4, p. 14. 31 Shereen-Zadah (2010), p. 141. 32 Imam Al-Bagvi as cited in Fathul Bari (Beirut: Darul Maarifah, 1379H), vol. 7, p. 228. Sheikh Al-Arnaout said: All the reporters are Siqah. 170