Innovation of Questioning Strategies and Techniques by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in Education System, with Particular Reference to the Hadith Reported by Abu Umamah

Abstract

The pedagogical practices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) provide a timeless model of education rooted in wisdom, engagement and adaptability. Among these, his innovative questioning techniques are a cornerstone of effective teaching. This article examines the Prophet’s (PBUH) use of questions, focusing on the hadith reported by Abu Umamah (RA), and explores their relevance to contemporary education trends. The study highlights how he employed questions to convey knowledge, stimulate critical thinking, foster curiosity and nurture moral growth, tailoring his approach to the intellectual and emotional capacities of his audience. The hadith where the Prophet (PBUH) asks, "Shall I not inform you of the most beloved deeds to Allah?" exemplifies his use of open-ended, thought-provoking questions to captivate attention, encourage introspection and create memorable learning experiences. His mastery of this approach transformed passive listeners into active participants, ensuring his messages resonated deeply with diverse audiences. Drawing parallels with modern educational frameworks like inquiry-based learning and the Socratic Method, the article underscores the compatibility of the Prophet’s (PBUH) techniques with contemporary best practices. Incorporating these strategies into classrooms can enhance engagement, promote critical thinking, and foster ethical reasoning. Additionally, the spiritual and moral dimensions of his questions align with the Islamic philosophy of tarbiyah, emphasizing character development alongside intellectual growth. This study advocates for integrating the prophetic model of teaching into modern education to create more engaging and transformative learning environments.