In an age where education is increasingly measured by grades, certificates, and professional success, Islam reminds us that the true value of learning lies in the character it produces. A teacher’s greatest achievement is not simply producing successful professionals but nurturing righteous, disciplined, and compassionate human beings. If we wish to revive the excellence of Islamic scholarship and restore the blessings of education, we must revive the culture of honouring our teachers – respecting them, obeying their lawful guidance, remaining humble, speaking truthfully, assisting them when needed, and constantly praying for them.
Zubair Raza
In Islam, the relationship between a teacher and a student is among the most sacred of all human relationships. A teacher is not merely a person who transfers information or delivers lessons; rather, he is a guide who enlightens minds, refines character, nurtures faith, and shapes future generations. The Qur’an introduces knowledge as one of the greatest divine blessings upon mankind, declaring, “He taught man what he did not know” (Surah Al-‘Alaq: 5). Likewise, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) declared, “Indeed, I have been sent as a teacher,” establishing that teaching is one of the noblest missions entrusted to humanity. Islamic scholars have therefore regarded the honour of a teacher as inseparable from the honour of knowledge itself. A student who truly values knowledge must first learn to value the one through whom Allah grants that knowledge.
The scholars of Islam repeatedly explain that knowledge is not acquired through intelligence alone. It is accompanied by barakah (divine blessing), and this blessing is deeply connected with the student’s conduct towards the teacher. A person may memorise countless books, achieve academic excellence, and gain recognition in society, yet remain deprived of the true fruits of knowledge if he neglects the rights of his teacher. This is why the righteous predecessors paid extraordinary attention to etiquette before scholarship. They believed that manners precede knowledge and that respect opens doors which intelligence alone cannot unlock. Imam Burhanuddin al-Zarnuji stated that a student cannot truly benefit from knowledge until he honours knowledge itself, the people of knowledge, and especially his teacher.
- Respect And Reverence
The first and greatest right of a teacher is respect and reverence. Respect is not limited to polite speech; rather, it is reflected in every aspect of a student’s behaviour. A student should listen attentively, avoid interrupting, lower his voice in the teacher’s presence, and remain focused whenever the teacher speaks. Every instruction should be received with seriousness and appreciation. Islamic tradition describes the teacher as a spiritual father because while parents nurture the body, teachers nurture the soul and intellect. It is for this reason that many scholars considered the teacher deserving of immense honour. Imam Abu Hanifah (RA) famously said that as long as his teacher, Imam Hammad Ibn Abi Sulayman (RA), was alive, he never stretched his feet towards his teacher’s home out of profound respect. Such examples demonstrate that true scholarship is inseparable from humility and reverence.
Respect for a teacher also requires practical etiquette in daily life. A student should never walk ahead of the teacher in a manner that reflects superiority, should avoid sitting in the teacher’s designated place, and should stand respectfully when appropriate. The articles further emphasise that students should never call their teacher casually by name but should address him with dignity and honour. Even mentioning the teacher in his absence should be done respectfully. Such manners are not merely cultural traditions; they are expressions of gratitude towards the one through whom Allah has opened the doors of knowledge. Communities that preserve these etiquettes preserve the dignity of education itself.
- Obedience
Another essential right of a teacher is obedience in all lawful matters. A sincere student accepts the guidance of the teacher with trust and willingly implements beneficial advice. The great scholars of Islam achieved remarkable heights because they treated every instruction of their teachers as an opportunity to gain blessings rather than as a burden. They hastened to fulfil their teachers’ instructions without unnecessary delay, believing that obedience to one’s teacher, within the limits of Islamic law, is among the means of attaining success in knowledge. However, the scholars also clarify that obedience is only required in matters that do not contradict the teachings of Islam, for obedience to the Creator always takes precedence over obedience to creation.
- Humility
Humility forms the third major right of a teacher. A student should never allow pride, arrogance, or self-admiration to enter his heart. The more knowledgeable a person becomes, the more humble he should grow before those who taught him. The Prophet (SAW) instructed believers to show humility towards those from whom they acquire knowledge. True scholars never considered themselves independent of their teachers. Instead, they remained grateful throughout their lives, acknowledging that every achievement they attained was built upon the sacrifices, patience, and guidance of those who educated them. Humility transforms knowledge into wisdom and protects the student from the arrogance that often destroys intellectual and spiritual growth.
- Good Opinion And Truthfulness
The articles also emphasise the importance of maintaining a good opinion of one’s teacher. Students are reminded that teachers sometimes correct mistakes firmly or discipline students for their own improvement. Such correction should never become a reason for resentment or suspicion. Instead, students should recognise that sincere advice—even when strict—is a sign of concern and compassion. Every experienced teacher understands that true education requires both encouragement and correction. Students who appreciate this reality develop stronger character, greater patience, and a lifelong respect for learning.
Truthfulness is another quality repeatedly highlighted. A student should never lie to a teacher, deceive him, or conceal the truth. The series warns that dishonesty before one’s teacher may deprive a student of the blessings of knowledge. Likewise, students should never mock their teachers, imitate them disrespectfully, backbite them, spread false accusations, or search for their faults. Such behaviour not only violates Islamic ethics but also weakens the sacred relationship through which knowledge is transmitted. Every word and action should reflect sincerity, honesty, and gratitude.
Among the beautiful etiquettes mentioned is the importance of seeking forgiveness whenever a teacher becomes displeased. Rather than allowing misunderstandings to grow, a student should apologise sincerely and strive to restore the teacher’s happiness. The Companions of the Prophet (SAW) were cited as the finest example of respectful learning. They sat before the Messenger of Allah (SAW) with such stillness and attentiveness that it appeared as though birds were resting upon their heads. This remarkable description illustrates the level of concentration, humility, and discipline that students should strive to develop while receiving knowledge.
- Material And Practical Support
Islam also acknowledges the material and practical rights of teachers. If a teacher experiences financial hardship or requires assistance, students should help according to their ability without hesitation or miserliness. Supporting those who dedicate their lives to education is considered an act of gratitude and appreciation. Societies that honour, protect, and support their teachers cultivate generations of knowledgeable, ethical, and responsible individuals. Conversely, neglecting teachers ultimately weakens the very foundations of education and moral development.
Throughout Islamic history, the greatest scholars attributed much of their success not merely to intelligence but to the immense respect they showed their teachers. A famous saying quoted in the series states that whoever failed to honour the physician was deprived of healing, and whoever failed to honour the teacher was deprived of knowledge. This profound wisdom reminds us that education is not merely an exchange of information but a relationship built upon trust, humility, gratitude, and sincere service. When these qualities exist, knowledge becomes a source of guidance, transformation, and lasting benefit.
In an age where education is increasingly measured by grades, certificates, and professional success, Islam reminds us that the true value of learning lies in the character it produces. A teacher’s greatest achievement is not simply producing successful professionals but nurturing righteous, disciplined, and compassionate human beings. Likewise, a student’s greatest honour is not merely academic excellence but lifelong respect for those who illuminated the path of knowledge. If we wish to revive the excellence of Islamic scholarship and restore the blessings of education, we must revive the culture of honouring our teachers. By respecting them, obeying their lawful guidance, remaining humble, speaking truthfully, maintaining good opinions, assisting them when needed, and constantly praying for them, we preserve the dignity of knowledge itself and strengthen the foundations of our future generations.
The writer is a teacher & admin, DTQ, Rohama
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