Lesson video

Hi, I'm Mrs. Afshan and welcome to our lesson.

Today we will be learning about a very special person who is loved by millions of people around the world: Prophet Muhammad.

The lesson is called "Prophet Muhammad "and Care for the World" from the unit "Prophet Muhammad: "How does he inspire Muslims today?" In today's lesson, we will focus on how he cared for the world and how his example still inspires Muslims today.

We will also focus on how his teaching show us how we can be better to the world around us, including the people, animals, and nature.

So let's get started.

The outcome of today's lesson is I can understand how Prophet Muhammad cared for the world and how this influences Muslims to live better.

Before we dive into our adventure, let's look at some of the keywords that will help us understand how Prophet Muhammad cared for the world.

The words are conduct, which is behaviour.

Inspired, enthused and stimulated to create new ideas.

The next word is Sunni, Muslims who observe the Sunnah, referring to the traditions and practises of the Prophet Muhammad.

And the word Shi'a, Muslims who believe in the Imam Ali and the Imams as the only rightful successors of the Prophet Muhammad.

Would you like to repeat them one more time? Have a go.

Well done.

Let's get started.

In today's lesson, we have two cycles.

Let's first look at how did the prophet show he cared for the world? Today's lesson is based on one of the core principles of religious education: theology.

Here we have Laura who explains what theology in religious education is.

Laura says, "Theology is about looking at stories and texts and learning about when, why, and for who they were written.

We can better understand people's worldviews by examining how they've been interpreted both in the past today." In today's lesson, we will explore the story of the Prophet Muhammad's life to understand how his example helps Muslims live better lives.

Let's get started.

So how did Prophet Muhammad show he cared for the world? For Muslims, the Prophet Muhammad showed love and care for both spiritual and everyday matters.

He was deeply concerned about people's wellbeing, especially the poor, the weak, and the mistreated.

His conduct reflected kindness, humility, and compassion towards everyone, regardless of their status or background.

Let's look at one of the Prophet Muhammad's saying.

This is translated as "He who not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully." Many Muslims interpret this Hadith to mean that if you're not kind and caring towards others, you might not receive Allah's mercy when you need it.

Allah rewards those who show mercy to others.

So by being compassionate and forgiving, Muslims invite Allah's mercy in their own lives.

Time for a check for understanding.

What does the Hadith "He who is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully" teach Muslims? Is it if we are kind to others, Allah will be kind to us, or mercy is only for family members, or is it we should never be kind to others? What do you think? That's correct.

If we are kind to others, Allah will be kind to us, according to the Hadith.

Great work.

Let's now look at what did Prophet Muhammad say about the nature? He showed respect and care for the nature, something that was influenced by his experiences growing up in a natural environment.

Prophet Muhammad's conduct, or how he acted, taught people to be kind to animals, plants and the Earth.

Time for another check.

The Prophet Muhammad showed respect and care for nature.

True or false? What do you think? True, that's correct.

It's because Prophet Muhammad showed respect and love for nature.

He believed that all of Allah's creations were valuable and deserve respect and protection.

Well done if you chose true as your answer.

One of the things Prophet Muhammad encouraged was planting trees as it helps both the environment and others.

For example, the prophet said, "If you plant a tree, and a bird, an animal, or even a person eats from it, you will get a reward, like giving charity," according to Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith.

This shows that Prophet Muhammad's conduct was not only about helping people, but also about caring for nature.

When Muslims plant trees, they follow his example and earn rewards from Allah.

Each time someone or something benefits from it.

What a great thought.

Now let's meet Noor.

Noor is a Sunni Muslim from London.

She has a Muslim worldview.

Noor believes that the Prophet Muhammad set an example for all Muslims in how we should interact with nature.

Noor says, "The Prophet Muhammad showed Muslims how to take care of nature.

He was kind to animals, plants, and all living things.

His conduct teaches us to treat nature as a gift from Allah and to protect it for the future." That's a great reflection from Noor.

The Prophet's life and his teachings inspire Muslims to protect nature, just like he did.

Let's look at a story that shows how Prophet Muhammad cared for trees and nature.

Once during one of his travels, the Prophet Muhammad and his companions were passing through a peaceful area surrounded by tall, lush trees.

As they walked, the Prophet's keen eyes noticed a group of people chopping down a tree.

The tree stood strong and majestic, its branches providing shade to weary travellers and animals alike.

The prophet paused and observed their act.

His face, usually calm and serene, now showed a touch of concern.

He called out to the people, saying, "Do not cut down this tree for it provides shade to those who are tired.

It shelters the birds, animals, and even the travellers who rest beneath its branches.

Remember, Allah has created it to be a source of benefit to his creatures." The people stopped, surprised by his words.

The Prophet continued.

"It is not just a tree.

It is a living being that serves its purpose by offering shade and comfort, and in doing so, it is a reminder of Allah's mercy and generosity toward all living beings." His words were simple but filled with wisdom.

The Prophet's love for nature and his sense of responsibility toward the Earth were evident.

He emphasised that every living thing, no matter how small, has a role in the grand design of creation.

By preserving and nurturing the Earth, human beings are fulfilling their duty as caretakers of Allah's creation.

Time for another check.

Why did Prophet Muhammad stop the people from cutting down the tree? Was it because the tree was too old or because the tree was blocking the road, or was it because the tree provided shade for people and animals? What do you think? That's correct.

He stopped people from cutting down the trees because the tree provided shade for people and animals.

You got that right.

Well done.

Now let's hear it from Rasool.

Rasool is a British Shi'a Muslim and has a Muslim worldview.

Rasool reflects on how the Prophet Muhammad's care for nature inspires others to protect and respect Allah's creation.

Rasool says, "I'm inspired by the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the 12 Imams. Just like the prophet, the Imams were chosen to protect and care for the world, teaching me how important it is to take care of nature." Here we have Izzy and Andeep.

Izzy and Andeep are talking about how the story about the Prophet Muhammad and his teachings on nature have inspired both Sunni and Shi'a Muslims with a focus on the Hadith.

Let's hear it from Izzy first.

Izzy says, "Sunni Muslims believe that by following the Prophet's example of caring for trees and nature, they're doing their job of taking care of the Earth, as taught in the Hadith." Here's what Andeep says.

"For Shi'a Muslims, the Prophet's teachings and Imam Ali's actions inspire them to care for nature.

This follows the value of justice, charity and protecting the environment found in the Shi'a Hadith." Time for our task.

I hope you're ready.

Here we have Izzy.

Izzy says, "I think the Prophet Muhammad cared for both people and the world around him, and that his actions have inspired many Muslims today." Is Izzy correct? Can you write two sentences about how the Prophet Muhammad showed that he cared for the world? Think about his teachings, his actions, and the example he set for many Muslims. You can pause the video now and come back when you're ready with your answers.

Let's check our answers.

Is Izzy correct? Izzy is correct because Prophet Muhammad cared for both people, and the nature around him, and his actions have inspired many Muslims today.

Some of the possible sentences you might have written are the Prophet Muhammad cared deeply about people, especially the poor, weak, and mistreated, and always taught kindness to everyone, which is emphasised in the Hadith, the Sahih al-Bukhari.

He also showed that he cared for the world by protecting nature, like when he stopped people from cutting down a tree that helped people and animals.

Well done if you included those sentences.

Great work.

We now know how Prophet Muhammad showed he cared for the world.

Let's now go and find out what can Muslims learn from the Prophet's life? The Prophet Muhammad was very kind to all creatures, including animals.

He believed in helping all living creatures as they're part of Allah's creations.

He taught that charity is not only about giving money, but also about caring for animals and the environment.

Why do many Muslims believe in being kind towards animals? What do you think? Well done.

Great ideas.

The teachings of Islam emphasise that showing kindness to animals is a way to earn rewards from Allah.

There are many Hadiths that highlight how the Prophet Muhammad treated animals with love and compassion.

Time for another check.

Why do many Muslims believe about caring for animals? Is it only important for those who work with animals or it is not important in Islam or it is a way to earn rewards from Allah? What do you think? That's correct.

Many Muslims believe about caring for animals because it is a way to earn rewards from Allah.

Well done if you chose that answer.

Here we have Noor who talks about how she learns from the Prophet's life.

"I love animals, and when I think about how the Prophet Muhammad treated them with kindness, it makes me want to be kind too.

He taught us that animals are part of Allah's creation, and we should treat them with love and care.

When I feed my cat, it makes my heart feel happy and bright." Great work, Noor.

Both Sunni and Shi'a traditions emphasise the care for animals and the environment through Hadiths and Qur'anic verses, which reflect the Prophet's deep compassion for animals and the natural world.

A Hadith from Sunni tradition says, "Whoever is kind to the creatures of Allah, he is kind to himself." This Hadith reminds Muslims that when they show care for animals and the environment, they're also being kind to themselves.

Let's see if you got that.

Find the missing word in this Hadith.

"Whoever is to the creatures of Allah, he is to himself." Is it cruel and kind Or whoever is kind to the creatures is kind to himself or whoever is mean to the creatures is friendly to himself? What do you think? That's correct.

Whoever is kind to the creatures of Allah, he is kind to himself is the correct option.

Well done.

A Hadith from the Shi'a tradition, which also talks about being kind towards animals.

The Hadith says, "The one who is merciful to the creatures of Allah, Allah will show mercy to him on the Day of Judgement ." This Hadith emphasises that kindness to animals has spiritual rewards and that being merciful to animals will bring Allah's mercy on the Day of Judgement.

Let's check for understanding.

The Shi'a tradition, like the Sunni tradition, emphasises kindness to animals.

True or false? True.

That's correct.

It's because kindness to animals is important in Shi'a tradition as being kind to animals leads to spiritual rewards and helps bring Allah's, or God's, mercy on the Day of Judgement.

Well done.

Here's Rasool.

Rasool says, "After hearing the Hadith, I realise how important it is to be kind to animals.

I used to feed the stray dogs around my house, but now I'm inspired to understand that it's more than just being nice, it's about earning Allah's mercy and living a better life." Great act indeed, Rasool.

Here we have Noor and Rasool who are inspired by the life of the Prophet Muhammad and reflect on how his teachings help them live better.

How do the Hadiths help Noor and Rasool in their daily lives? Prophet Muhammad taught them to be kind and merciful to others, to take care of nature and to treat animals with love.

He set an example for Muslims to follow in their everyday lives, which many Muslims, like Rasool and Noor, learn through Hadiths.

Time for our next task.

Jun and Laura are trying to understand if both Sunni and Shi'a Muslims believe in being kind to animals.

Jun says, "I think both Sunni and Shi'a Muslims believe in kindness to animals." Laura says, "I think both Shi'a and Sunni Muslims don't believe in kindness to animals." What do you think? Who is correct? Laura or Jun? Can you give an example from the Prophet Muhammad's life that shows how Muslims should treat animals? You can pause the video now and come back to check your answers with me.

Let's check our answers.

Who is correct? Jun or Laura? Can you give an example from the Prophet Muhammad's life that shows how Muslims should treat animals? Your answer may have included, "Jun is correct because both Shi'a and Sunni Muslims believe in being kind to animals.

For example, in a Sunni Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad said, "Whoever is kind to the creatures of Allah, he is kind to himself." And in a Shi'a Hadith, it says, "The one who is merciful to the creatures of Allah, Allah will show mercy to him on the Day of Judgement ." This means that being kind to animals is very important in both Sunni and Shi'a Islam, and Muslims are taught to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad and the Imam Ali in being kind to all living creatures." Well done.

So let's wrap up and think about what we've learned in today's lesson.

We've learned that Prophet Muhammad showed love and care for both spiritual and everyday matters.

He also cared for both people and the world around him, and his actions have inspired many Muslims today.

Both Sunni and Shi'a traditions emphasise they care for animals and the environment through Hadiths, and Qur'anic verses, which reflect the Prophet's deep compassion for animals and the natural world.

Remember, every small act of kindness, whether it's planting a tree, feeding an animal, or helping a person can make the world a better place, just like Prophet Muhammad taught us.

Thank you for listening so attentively.

Great work.

I will see you in our next lesson.

Goodbye.