IV. Language Focus

Grammar in Context

• cause and effect words

What do the sentences in Set 1 have in common? What do the sentences in Set 2 have in common? What is the difference between the sentences in Set 1 and Set 2? Discuss your answers in groups.

Set 1

• Since he himself was very interested in fiqh, language studies, arithmetic and zuhd, he encouraged scholars to develop these subjects further.

• This is because they knew they would be treated fairly.

Set 2

• The Prophet (SAAS) wanted to help his uncle, so he invited

• He, therefore, became an authority on the meaning of many revelations.

b) Analysis.

Look at the following sentences. Write 1 next to sentences like those in Set 1. Write 2 next to those like Set 2.

1. …… As a result, Az-Zubair said, "The son of Abu Talib never stops being arrogant.”

2. …… He could see that they were not harmful, so he said, “Those are people who do not want to support us, but they also do not support the wrongdoers.”

3. …… When the Abyssinians asked him to become king, he refused because he preferred to stay with Ali and remain a Muslim.

4. …… Since the slave loved Ali so much, he decided to stay.

Which words are used to show cause? Which are used to show effect?

c) Comparing Structures.

Look at the example.

• Since he himself was very interested in fiqh, language studies, arithmetic, and zuhd, he encouraged scholars to develop these subjects further.

• He himself was very interested in fiqh, language studies, arithmetic, and zuhd, so he encouraged scholars to develop these subjects further.

Rewrite the following cause-effect sentences following the example using other words from Set 1 and Set 2 on the previous page.

1. Since the slave loved Ali so much, he decided to stay.

2. The Prophet (SAAS) wanted to help his uncle, so he invited Ali to live with him.

3. As a result of Ali's work in Yemen, most of the Yemenis became Muslim.

4. Rule Formation.

Help to write the grammatical rules by completing the sentences.

1. Words like………..and………..can be used to show cause. They can indicate the reason for something happening.

2. Words like………..,and………..can be used to show the effect of something

happening.

e) Grammar Cloze Task

Fill the gaps in the passage below.

(1)…………. Ali was a very kind man, many people loved him, but (2) ……….. of this, some people actually hated him. When he bought an Abyssinian slave, he treated him very well (3) ……….. the slave loved Ali, and did not want to leave when he was set free. When the king of Abyssinia died, no one could find his son (4) ……….. he had been kidnapped by slave traders and taken to Makkah. (5) ………. they searched in Makkah and found their king’s son at Ali’s house. However, (6)……….. he preferred to stay with Ali and become a Muslim, he refused to return to Abyssinia, (7) ………..the messengers had to go back empty-handed. This story shows Ali's kindness(8)…………he was also wrongly accused of arrogance (9) ……….. he did not stop and show his respect to the Prophet (SAAS). (10) ………. Az-Zubair claimed that Ali was arrogant. However, the Prophet (SAAS) disagreed with him.

V. Critical Thinking. 1. In groups, make sure you understand the meaning of the personal qualities below.

Intelligent

envious

outspoken

arrogant

pure

faithful

friendly

tolerant

trustworthy

obedient

2. Which of these words could be used to describe Ali bin Abu Talib?

3. Next, decide whether these qualities are good, bad, or both good and bad (depending on the situation). Agree on the lists with your group.

4. Agree on an example for each of the qualities, which clearly show that it is good or bad. For qualities which are both good and bad, given one example to show the good and one to show the bad side. Try to give examples from your own experiences.

5. One member of each group will tell the class how you have ranked the qualities. Be prepared to defend your decisions and question those of other groups.

6. After your class discussions, prepare lists, which all groups find acceptable.

Unit 12 ABU UBAIDAH bin Al-JARRAH (RAA).

1. Pre-Reading Tasks.

Look at the title of this unit and answer the questions.

1. You will read about a man referred to by the Prophet (SAAS) as the "Trustee of the Ummah." What do you know about this person? What people or events do you think of when you hear this person's name?

2. Work in groups. List your pieces of information about Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah in order of importance.

3. Compare your list with other groups. How are they similar or different?