Grade 10 islamic religious education Akhlaq – Virtues: manners of walking Notes

1. Describe the Islamic manners of walking to uphold Islamic teachings.
2. Assess the significance of Islamic manners of walking to promote civility.
3. Observe the Islamic manners of walking in day-to-day life.
4. Recognise the Islamic manners of walking as part of Islamic ethics (akhlaq).

1. What are "manners of walking" (adab al-mashyy)?

Manners of walking are the Islamic rules and habits that shape how a Muslim moves in public and private. They show humility, respect for others, safety and self-discipline. These manners are an outward sign of inner good character (akhlaq).

Religious basis (short)

• Qurʼan: "And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height." (Surah Al-Isra 17:37) — this teaches against pride in walking.
• Prophetic guidance: the Prophet ﷺ exemplified humility in movement and rejected arrogance. Walking modestly is part of good character.

2. Practical Islamic manners of walking

• Walk with humility: avoid swaggering, puffed chest or showing off.
• Lower the gaze: avoid staring at unrelated people; be respectful of privacy.
• Give way to elders and women: allow them to pass or enter first (respect and kindness).
• Walk calmly and sensibly: not too slow to obstruct others, not rushing dangerously.
• Be considerate in crowded places: keep distance, avoid pushing, and apologise if you bump someone.
• Observe safety rules: use sidewalks, zebra crossings, and obey traffic when walking in towns (important for Kenyan context with busy roads and matatu stops).
• Avoid public display of anger: do not stomp or strike the ground out of rage—control one’s temper.
• Maintain cleanliness: dress modestly and ensure shoes are clean (respect for self and community).

3. Examples in Kenyan settings (school, market, mosque)

• To school: walk in a line or two, give space on narrow paths, allow elderly neighbours to pass, cross at pedestrian crossings.
• At the mosque: enter quietly, avoid running inside compound, give precedence to older worshippers when entering/exiting.
• In town (market/matatu stage): avoid pushing when boarding a matatu, step aside to let people through, keep to pavements and use designated crossings where available.

Suggested learning experiences (activities for age 15, Kenyan context)

1. Class discussion (15–20 mins): Read Surah Al-Isra (17:37) and discuss what pride in walking looks like. Students list examples from school, markets, and mosque.
2. Role-play (20–30 mins): In small groups, students act out scenarios: walking into the mosque, boarding a matatu, passing on a narrow footpath. Class identifies good and poor manners and explains why.
3. Observation walk (homework, 1 week): Students keep a short log each day (5 entries) noting one time they practised a good walking manner (e.g., gave way to an elder, used a zebra crossing). Share two examples in class and reflect.
4. Community project (outreach): Plan a short visit with teachers to a busy junction near school. Students observe pedestrian behaviour, note risks, then prepare a one-page poster promoting kind, safe walking manners (display in school).
5. Reflection & journal (10 mins per lesson): End each related lesson with a prompt: "Today I walked with humility when..." — one sentence.
6. Peer checklist (for daily use): Create a 5-point checklist (e.g., I gave way to elders; I kept a modest pace; I avoided pushing; I used crossing; I lowered my gaze). Use for self-check each day for one week.

Assessment activities (suggested)

• Short written answer: Describe three manners of walking and give a short Islamic reason for each (Qurʼan/hadith or principle).
• Practical assessment: Observe student during a school exit or community walk and mark using the 5-point checklist (observational rubric).
• Reflection essay (150–200 words): Assess the significance of walking with humility for civility and community safety in Kenya.
• Group presentation: Present posters and explain how practising these manners reduces conflict and increases respect in public spaces.

• Walk with humility — no show-off gait.
• Lower your gaze and avoid staring.
• Give way to elders and women.
• Use pedestrian crossings and pavements.
• Be calm in crowds; avoid pushing.

Link to akhlaq

Manners of walking are a small but visible part of Islamic ethics. They train the heart in humility, promote social harmony, and protect life — all core aims of akhlaq. Teaching and practising these manners helps learners not only to follow Islamic teaching but also to be good citizens in Kenyan communities.

• Qurʼan: Al-Isra (17:37) — reflect and discuss translation with class.
• Collect short local stories or proverbs about humility and respect from Kenyan cultures to connect Islamic teaching with local values.
• Use local pedestrian maps or school layout for practical safety lessons.