Teaching is universally regarded as one of the most esteemed and invaluable professions in the world. In the Islamic context, the role of a teacher holds exceptional significance, emphasized by the fact that our revered Prophet Muhammad (SAW) identified himself foremost as a teacher. Teachers wield considerable influence in society and play a pivotal role in the contemporary world. Their profession is not only highly respected but also crucial in shaping the minds and values of individuals in our modern society. The significance of education and the role of teachers are recurring themes across various religions. Religious teachings play a crucial role in shaping educational experiences, providing children with valuable insights into the diverse lives of people on Earth. The subject of Religious Education, offered at both primary and secondary levels, is designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of global religions among children. This understanding is not only pivotal for their personal growth but is also deemed essential for fostering world peace. Through the study of Religious Education, students gain knowledge that extends beyond academic boundaries, contributing to a broader awareness of cultural diversity and promoting harmony on a global scale. In Islam, teachers are regarded as special guides who do more than just share information – they actively shape who we are. As per various quotes in Islam, a teacher is someone who not only helps us learn but also influences our personality and character. They play a crucial role in opening our minds, encouraging us to think deeply and see the world from different perspectives. Beyond academics, teachers guide us on the right path, helping us develop good values and morals. Essentially, they contribute to molding us into better individuals, shaping not just what we know but also the kind of people we become. Teachers are highly respected figures in every religion, and in Islam, their role is particularly esteemed. Islam confers a lofty status and significant rights upon teachers, recognizing their pivotal role as the foundation for societal development and perfection. The religion places great emphasis on teachers as the architects of shaping individual and community behaviors and mentalities. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized the exceptional value of a scholar’s sleep, deeming it superior to a thousand devout prayers. This underscores the importance of knowledge and the honor accorded to those who impart it. Hazrat Ali (RA) further highlights the profound impact of teaching, expressing that teaching even a single word creates a lifelong bond of servitude. In simple terms, teachers in Islam are revered for their crucial role in shaping individuals, communities, and the enduring impact of knowledge sharing. Dear brothers and sisters, the universal acknowledgment of teaching’s respect and value is magnified in Islam, where our revered Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) exemplified this noble profession over 1441 years ago. This distinction is not merely a historical fact but is deeply rooted in the divine teachings of the Qur’an. Allah Almighty, in the noble Qur’an (2:151), highlights the exceptional favor bestowed upon humanity by sending a Messenger who not only recited verses but purified hearts, imparted scriptural wisdom, and revealed new knowledge. This divine directive underscores the profound purpose of teaching in Islam — to illuminate minds with the sacred teachings of the Qur’an, instill wisdom, and unravel the mysteries of the unknown. In recognizing the one who imparts this knowledge, a teacher is revered as a person of obedience and respect, echoing the ethos of Islam that places high value on the act of imparting wisdom and guidance. Thus, the role of a teacher transcends mere instruction; it becomes a sacred duty in aligning individuals with the divine revelations and promoting a path of enlightenment and understanding. In Islam, teachers are highly respected, like wise guides and even considered akin to spiritual fathers. All the Prophets before Prophet Muhammad (SAW) were not just messengers but also esteemed teachers, with Prophet Muhammad (SAW) being the ultimate example for all of humanity. His teachings cover not only the basics of worship but also practical ways to live by the teachings of the Quran in our everyday lives. Knowledge is highly valued in Islam, and the Quran encourages Muslims to seek and gain knowledge continually. This love for learning is closely tied to a deep respect for those who share knowledge, giving teachers the highest regard in Islam. This special position is specifically mentioned in the Holy Quran, where Allah says, “Allah raises the status of those among you who have faith and those who have knowledge” (Quran, 58:11). This divine message emphasizes the close connection between faith, knowledge, and the honored role of teachers in Islam. Teachers hold a paramount role in society, being influential figures responsible for shaping the personalities of students and imparting knowledge. This crucial responsibility is universally recognized, and teachers are esteemed as the most honored individuals in various religions. In Islam, the significance of teachers is further emphasized, and they are granted elevated status and rights. This acknowledgment stems from their role as the foundational bricks in the structure of social development and perfection. Building upon the teachings of Islam, which extol the virtues of seeking knowledge, teachers are seen as pivotal in guiding and developing the behavior and mentality of individuals and communities. This aligns with the earlier discussion on the revered position of teachers in Islam, where they are likened to spiritual guides and recognized as key figures in fostering both intellectual and moral growth. The interconnected themes highlight the integral role of teachers in shaping societies, drawing upon the rich traditions of both religious teachings and Islamic principles. In Islamic perspective, acquiring knowledge involves not just literacy but a deeper understanding and practical application of wisdom. In the light of Surah Al-Mujadilah (58:11) from the Quran, the Islamic perspective on knowledge transcends mere literacy. The verse underscores that Allah elevates in rank those with faith and knowledge. This emphasizes the interconnected nature of acquiring, understanding, and applying knowledge, with the ultimate goal of spiritual and moral elevation. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) exemplified this holistic approach, ensuring not just the dissemination of knowledge but its comprehension and practical implementation. The verse echoes the broader pursuit of knowledge in Islam, encompassing intellectual, ethical, and spiritual dimensions, aligning with the principles and values of the faith. To enhance literacy rates among Muslims, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) employed even non-believers, such as prisoners of Badr, emphasizing the importance of education. However, there is a distinction between mere literacy and true knowledge, defined as Haqq (Truth) in the Qur’an. Presently, the Muslim world tends to prioritize increasing literacy rates over acquiring meaningful knowledge, leading to a significant dilemma. A teacher, in this context, plays a vital role, requiring qualities like motivation, dedication, encouragement, and a caring nature. Fairness and respect for students are crucial to establish a strong teacher-student interaction. Enthusiasm and the ability to boost students’ confidence for independent work are equally important. Teachers should focus on enhancing students’ conceptualization abilities and practical skills, fostering their professional and daily life competencies. Personal guidance holds immense value for students, particularly when they have confidence in their teacher’s methods and materials.In summary, fostering respect and building a closer connection with teachers who impart education and knowledge is essential for meaningful learning and growth. Islam advocates for Muslims to facilitate ease for others and avoid inflexibility. The primary responsibility of the Muslim community is to disseminate the final divine message to all of humanity. This involves not only sharing the teachings of Islam but also embodying a spirit of compassion and openness, making it accessible for everyone. The emphasis lies not just on the transmission of religious knowledge but also on creating an environment of understanding, tolerance, and simplicity, reflecting the inclusive nature of Islam. In essence, Islam encourages believers to be ambassadors of goodwill, fostering a harmonious connection with others as they share the profound messages of the faith with the broader world. T his positions the Muslim community as educators for the rest of humanity. Since one cannot take on the role of a teacher without acquiring the essential qualifications, the Muslim community must be adequately prepared for this responsibility.
“Emphasis on the respect for teachers in Islam stems from the recognition of their pivotal role. It becomes a duty for Muslims to honor, value, and obey their teachers, with the promise of earning Heaven (Jannah).”
Assuming the profound responsibility of a teacher to humanity, the Muslim community is called to be adequately qualified for this role, grounded in a thorough understanding of Islam. Just as no one can be an effective teacher without proper qualifications, the Muslim community must delve deeply into the principles and tenets of its faith. This qualification goes beyond textual knowledge, encompassing a holistic understanding of Islamic values, morality, and justice. Only through such comprehensive knowledge can the Muslim community authentically convey the rich message of Islam to the broader world, embodying its teachings and serving as a beacon of enlightenment for humanity. Teachers have important rights that help them do a good job. First, it’s their job to make students smart and well-behaved. Teachers should also be praised and rewarded because they’re like spiritual parents who help us grow and behave better. They should be free to express themselves without any problems. People should respect teachers because they share knowledge. Treating teachers well makes their job easier. Teachers should also be allowed to decide things and have access to things they need for teaching. Lastly, they should have their basic needs, both physical and spiritual, met. Recognizing and respecting these rights helps make sure teachers can do their important work well. Expressing the self-evident, an individual lacking a certain understanding cannot convey it to others. The Muslim community, without a deep comprehension of Islam’s message, lacks the qualifications to fulfill its designated role. In reality, historical phases exist where Muslims, due to ignorance of Islam’s message and its significance in human life, struggled to fulfill tasks assigned by Allah. Notably, this predicament occurred during periods preceding and during colonial rule in Islamic lands. Only recently has there been a resurgence of interest within various Muslim regions to understand Islam and its relevance to contemporary life. As this trend gains momentum, the Muslim community can gradually regain its competence to effectively fulfill its role. The most recent occurrence of this nature took place during and just before the colonial rule over much of the Islamic lands. Only in recent times have various Muslim communities across the world shown signs of rekindling their interest in Islam and attempting to comprehend its message in the context of contemporary life. Once this trend solidifies, it will contribute to the Muslim community reclaiming its role as a guide for humanity. This role is not arbitrary; rather, it is a responsibility bestowed upon the Muslim community, entrusted with divine guidance that should be applied in human life. The community simply needs to translate its beliefs into practical actions to serve as a model for others to follow. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) consistently highlighted the teaching role of the Muslim community, underlining crucial qualities essential for every good teacher. One such teaching is encapsulated in a Hadith, expressed in no more than seven words of Arabic. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) emphasizes in this Hadith to share knowledge, simplify rather than complicate, and maintain silence when angry (as reported by Al-Bukhari in Al Adab Al Mufrad and Ahmad). It goes against the Prophet’s teachings to make things seem difficult when, in fact, Allah intends for them to be easy. Unfortunately, some individuals tend to complicate matters. The responsibility highlighted here is to facilitate understanding. The initial directive is for Muslims to teach others, with their primary lesson being Islam. Islam, as Allah’s final message, guides individuals on leading a life that brings them peace and happiness in this world and eternal bliss in the afterlife. Therefore, the duty is to convey this divine guidance for the benefit of others. Allah does not gain anything from people following His guidance; rather, it is individuals themselves who benefit. By adhering to this guidance, they learn a method that saves them from the pitfalls of trial and error in managing their affairs. The teaching involves guiding them on submitting themselves solely to Allah, without associating any partners with Him. This submission is what aligns their lives with the harmony observed in the entire universe, where all creatures submit to Allah’s will. While other creatures naturally follow this order, humans possess the ability to rebel. Divine guidance is given to counteract this rebellious aspect in human nature. When the Muslim community imparts the knowledge of following divine guidance, it has a singular purpose in mind. The primary goal of the Muslim community in teaching is to make happiness accessible to humanity. It is crucial in this educational process that the Muslim community approaches it with the perspective of presenting things as easily achievable for people. This approach doesn’t involve deceit; rather, Islam is inherently designed to be straightforward to practice. All that is required is for individuals to comprehend the wisdom behind its principles, enabling them to implement it with a genuine eagerness to excel. Previous generations have witnessed the benefits of implementing Islam, and future generations can experience even greater advantages if they strive to practice Islam with a profound understanding of its message. This understanding confirms that Allah has intentionally made this religion uncomplicated for people to follow. Certain individuals tend to present matters related to faith in a rigid manner, creating an impression that practicing Islam is challenging. However, a careful study of the Prophet’s life and the initial Muslim community, which serves as a model, reveals that their approach to implementing Islam was straightforward. There is no reason to depict it differently. Going against the Prophet’s teachings, some make Islam seem difficult when, in fact, Allah intends it to be easy. The Prophet explicitly advises against such an approach. The concluding part of the Hadith emphasizes the importance of exercising self-control, especially in moments of anger. Teachers, in particular, are urged not to let anger dictate their actions, as succumbing to anger often leads to regrettable consequences. One of the crucial traits of a person is the ability to choose between options when faced with important decisions. Allowing anger to cloud judgment, however, forfeits this privilege of free choice. Particularly for a teacher, whose focus is divine guidance, succumbing to anger is highly inappropriate. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) advised his followers to maintain silence when overwhelmed by anger, showcasing a method of self-control. By staying silent, we can effectively manage our emotions and prevent our judgment from being impaired. This guidance serves as a valuable lesson to avoid uttering regrettable words during moments of anger, as such expressions often lead to remorse. Choosing silence in these instances ensures that we refrain from saying things we later regret, a precautionary measure to avoid the pitfalls of unchecked anger. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) emphasized the significance of self-control, especially in moments of anger, on multiple occasions. He conveyed this message by redefining strength, not in terms of physical dominance, but as the ability to exercise restraint when angered. When asked by his companions to define a strong man, they suggested someone who could defeat others while remaining undefeated. However, the Prophet, challenging this superficial perspective, offered a deeper insight: “A strong man is not the one who beats others; he is the one who exercises self-control when he is possessed by anger.” Reflecting on this Hadith, it becomes evident that true strength lies in mastering self-control, a feat requiring greater strength than mere physical prowess in overcoming opponents. Islam emphasizes the utmost respect for teachers, advocating for attentive listening and dutiful behavior towards them. This is rooted in several reasons: teachers facilitate learning, demonstrate care and love akin to parents, treat students as their own, and may employ a degree of sternness to guide them away from wrongdoing, contributing to their personal development. In Islam, teachers hold the second-highest rank after parents, as they play a pivotal role in shaping individuals and guiding them toward their aspirations. According to Ali (RA), history serves as the best teacher, offering valuable lessons from past mistakes to avoid their repetition. Islam underscores the importance of learning from history to safeguard the future, recognizing that neglecting historical errors can lead to their recurrence. Islam elucidates the profound dedication of teachers who invest themselves in paving the way for their students. A commendable teacher exerts effort regardless of the circumstances, serving as a guiding light for their students in every situation. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) underscored the elevated status of a teacher. He not only directed people to honor their teachers, scholars, and educators but also personally esteemed and valued teachers. According to his teachings, even if someone were to engage in a thousand units of prayers, the sleep of a scholar would still hold superiority. This emphasis on the respect for teachers in Islam stems from the recognition of their pivotal role. It becomes a duty for Muslims to honor, value, and obey their teachers, with the promise of earning Heaven (Jannah). All gratitude is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and may the peace, blessings, and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad, his family, companions, and sincere followers.
(The authors write regularly on Islamic topics exclusively for the opinion pages of “Kashmir Horizon”. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the authors and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)
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