Bismillah
Assalaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh yaa #Muslimaat alhamdulillah
Here’s a reorganized version of Lesson 2: Spreading the Salaams incorporating the new suggestions and ensuring the correct sequence for your students bi’ithnillah
Character Building for the Muslim Youth: Lesson 2 – Spreading the Salaams
Objective:
The student will reflect on the meaning of “Spreading the Salaams,” in shaa’Allah. By showing real examples of this phrase, students will understand its effect on both the individual and the recipient. May Allah make them successful, Allahumma Ameen.
1. Warm-up Activity:
Scenario Matching Game:
Present different scenarios where greetings would occur. Ask students to match each scenario with the appropriate salaam.
Examples:
Meeting an elder → As-Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakaatuh
Entering a room with a large group → As-Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh
Greeting a single person → As-Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuhu.
This helps activate prior knowledge and sets the tone for the lesson.
2. Quranic Reference:
Surah An-Nisa (4:86):
“When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally. Certainly, Allah is Ever a Careful Account Taker of all things.”
Explanation:
Discuss how this verse teaches the importance of returning salaams with a better or equal greeting, fostering stronger social bonds and goodwill. Read the tafsir for the Ayah from ibn kathir or Shaykh as-Sa’di in shaa’Allaah
3. Hadith Reference:
Hadith Narrated by Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu):
“Allah created Adam (alaihi salaam) in His image, sixty cubits in height… Adam (alaihi salaam) went and said, ‘As-Salaamu Alaikum.’ The Angels replied, ‘Wa Alaikumus Salaam wa Rahmatullah.’”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Key Point:
Highlight the historical significance of salaams as part of the greeting taught by Allah from the time of Adam (alaihi salaam). Explain how adding to the greeting increases blessings.
4. Class Discussion: The Character of the Prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wa salaam)
Discuss how the Prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wa salaam) always returned salaams, no matter the social status or situation of the person greeting him. Reflect on how salaams spread unity and goodwill in society.
Conclusion: Write down the key points from the discussion.
5. Point of Reflection: Rewards for Spreading Salaams
Hadith:
The Prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wa salaam) explained that saying “As-Salaamu Alaikum” earns ten good deeds, “As-Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” earns twenty, and “As-Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuhu” earns thirty.
(Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi)
Visual Aid: A flowchart showing the rewards for increasing salaams could help visual learners better grasp the hadith.
6. Mix & Match Exercise:
In Islam we act based upon what has been prescribed from the authentic Sunnah, when giving salaams you
are to give the greeting according to situations not because of rank or status take a look at the following
examples and mix and match with the correct word or groups.
a. Young should greet the larger group.
b. Rider. should greet the pedestrian.
c. Pedestrian (one walking) should greet the elderly.
d. Smaller group
should greet the one sitting
7. Personal Reflection:
How do you feel when you give salaams, but they are not returned?
If this has never happened to you, alhamdulillah, ask someone else to assist you with this question.
8. Homework Assignment:
Over the next week, practice spreading salaams to everyone you meet. Write a short journal entry about your experience. How did people respond? How did you feel after giving and receiving salaams?
This reinforces the habit of spreading salaams and encourages students to reflect on their experiences.
9. Additional Class Discussion: Rewards for Increasing Salaams
Discuss the rewards for increasing upon giving the salaams and the benefits mentioned in the hadith.
2nd Conclusion: Write down several benefits and a summary of the class discussion.
10. Additional Resources:
Ask students to share any other ayaat, hadith, or benefits of knowledge from scholars or Imams regarding salaams.
Point of Reflection: Hadith of ‘Aisha (radi Allahu anha)
Hadith:
‘Aisha (radi Allahu anha) said that the Prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wa salaam) said to her:
“O ‘Aisha! This is Jibril (alaihisalaam), and he sends his greetings (salutations) to you.”
She replied, “Greetings and Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be upon him,” and addressed the Prophet (sallaAllahu alaihi wa salaam), saying: “You see what I don’t see.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Reflection: How does this hadith make you reflect on the significance of returning greetings, even from the unseen?
11. Final Reflection:
What does giving the salaams really mean to you? Do you seek to bring closeness between you and your brothers or sisters in Islam, or are you simply saying it out of habit? Write down your honest reflections.
12. Final Conclusion and Dua:
End the lesson with a reminder of the importance of salaams in fostering peace and unity, followed by a short du’a, asking Allah to allow us to spread peace through salaams and implement what we have learned in our daily lives.
Dua:
“O Allah, make us among those who spread peace and kindness, and allow us to follow the way of the Prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wa salaam) in all our speech and actions. Allahumma Ameen.”
This format follows a logical sequence, integrates interactive activities, and makes it easy for students to follow along. Let me know if you’d like any further adjustments or any thoughts and suggestions regarding the lesson in shaa’Allaah ta’ala
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