We begin by acknowledging with gratitude and reverence the immense blessings of knowledge, ilm, which Allah (SWT) has made a distinguishing feature of this Ummah. It is through knowledge that the hearts are awakened, the paths to salvation illuminated, and the purpose of existence fulfilled.
Among the most honored of those who carry this sacred trust are the teachers, al-mu’allimun, whose service in the cultivation of intellect and refinement of character forms the very spine of a righteous society.
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) declared, “Indeed, I was only sent as a teacher.” (Sahih ibn Majah, 229)
This statement is no small matter. It reveals that among the numerous roles the Prophet (SAW) was commissioned to perform, he identified teaching as essential to his mission. It is by this virtue that scholars unanimously agree: the teacher occupies a station of dignity, both in the sight of the creation and before the Creator.
Teaching is not merely just an exchange of information (although for students it may seem like that), but teaching is actually a transmission of trust. The Prophet (SAW) said, “The scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets. The Prophets do not leave gold or silver to be inherited, rather they leave knowledge, so whoever takes from that has taken abundant share.” (At-Tirmidhi)
And who are the first touchpoints of that inheritance in the life of a child? The teacher. Whether in the masjid, the Islamic school, or even in the home, the teacher acts as a bridge between divine revelation and the minds of the next generation.
Ms. Nazia Jalali, the Principal of Furqaan Academy Bolingbrook, has beautifully said, “A remarkable educator ignites the flame of inquiry, illuminating the intricate journey of knowledge that empowers students to illuminate their own pathways to success.”
This role is one of amanah, a trust that the heavens, the earth, and the mountains declined to bear, as Allah (SWT) states, “Indeed, We offered the trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, but they all declined to bear it, being fearful of it. But humanity assumed it, for they are truly wrongful to themselves and ignorant of the consequences.” (The Clear Quran®, 33:72)
The teacher, when fulfilling this trust with sincerity, stands not only as a builder of knowledge, but as a molder of souls. Every word uttered, every lesson prepared, and every child nurtured is an offering in the cause of Allah (SWT).
Parents, too, are addressed in this trust. The family is the first school, and the mother is the first teacher. The role of the teacher in the classroom is an extension of what begins in the home. Hence, the scholars of tarbiyyah, Islamic nurturing, remind us that the harmony between parent and teacher is not a convenience but a covenant.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has said, “Every one of you is a shepherd and every one of you is responsible for his flock. A ruler is shepherd over his people and he is accountable for their welfare. A man is shepherd over his family and he is accountable for their welfare. A woman is shepherdess over her husband’s household and children and she is accountable for their welfare. A man’s servant is shepherded over his master’s property and he is accountable for it. Be careful! All of you are shepherds and all of you will be accountable for your flocks.” (Sahih Muslim)
Therefore, to disregard the teacher, or worse, to diminish their role before one’s children, is to breach their sacred trust. Rather, let the children be taught that honoring the teacher is a means of honoring the Prophet (SAW) himself.
Our tradition has long taught that adab, manners, precedes ilm. Imam Malik was once told by his mother, “Go to Rabi’ah and learn from his manners before you learn from his knowledge.”
In this light, teachers are not merely conveyors of information, but examples of character. Their patience, sincerity, and integrity often leave deeper impressions than any syllabus. This is why the great grandson of the Prophet (SAW), Zain ul Abideen ibn Hussain ibn Ali says in his famous supplication, “O Allah, reward abundantly those who nurtured us with knowledge… elevate them to the highest degrees of Your Garden.”
This prayer reminds us that the teacher is not forgotten in the divine registers. Even if their efforts go unseen in this world, their record before Allah (SWT) is written in ink that does not fade.
To our dear students: know that the path of learning is not always easy, and your teachers may at times seem strict or demanding. But understand that as a gardener prunes a tree to help it grow strong and bear fruit, so too do your teachers with firmness to help you become better, wiser, and more noble in character. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Indeed, Allah is gentle and loves gentleness in all matters.” (Sahih Muslim)
Just as you wish for mercy when you make mistakes, extend that same mercy to your teachers when they fall short or speak firmly. Many of them carry burdens you cannot see and those include worrying about your future, praying for your success, and sacrificing for your growth. Be patient with them, make dua for them, and remember that respecting them is a sign of your own maturity and a step toward earning the pleasure of Allah (SWT).
“In the tapestry of education, teachers are the weavers, skillfully stitching together the threads of inspiration, guidance, and hope that shape the leaders of tomorrow,” said Ms. Nazia Jalali.
During Teachers Appreciation Week, and beyond, we make this dua:
Oh Allah, We raise our hands to You in humility, asking on behalf of those who taught us letters before words, meanings before opinions, and sincerity before speech.
Oh Allah, they planted seeds of knowledge in our hearts, so shower them with the rains of Your mercy which brings hearts to life. Oh Allah, they stayed awake so we could rest, they stood so we could rise, they bore our mistakes with patience while we were still unaware, so bear their burdens, forgive their faults, and elevate their ranks.
Oh Allah, make what they taught us a light in their graves and a witness for them on the Day when all shall stand before You, Lord of the Worlds. Oh Allah, reward them on our behalf with the best of what You have ever given to any teacher for their students, and unite us with them in the company of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the Highest Gardens of Firdaus.
Our Lord, accept this supplication from us, and make us a source of joy for our teachers in this world and in the Hereafter, Ameen.