Respecting Teachers

Devin Halim Wijaya25 November 2024

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Education in Islam is not merely a process of transferring knowledge, but also a profound spiritual journey aimed at shaping noble character. One way to respect knowledge is by honoring those who impart it—teachers. In this context, teachers are not just transmitters of knowledge, but guides who provide direction and purpose in life. Honoring teachers is a form of appreciation for the knowledge they impart and reflects the appropriate etiquette in accordance with Islamic teachings.

Respecting Teachers in Islam

In Islamic teachings, teachers hold a very high position. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“مَنْ سَلَكَ طَرِيقًا يَطْلُبُ فِيهِ عِلْمًا سَهَّلَ اللَّهُ لَهُ بِهِ طَرِيقًا إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ”
“Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise.”
(HR. Muslim, no. 2699)

This hadith shows how highly knowledge is valued in Islam. Seeking knowledge is one of the ways to get closer to Allah, and teachers are the facilitators of that journey. Honoring teachers, therefore, is not just a polite gesture, but a form of respect for the knowledge they convey and the spiritual journey they facilitate for their students.

In another hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“إِنَّ الْعِلْمَ مِيرَاثُ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ وَإِنَّ الْعُلَمَاءَ وَرَثَتُهُ مَن تَعَلَّمَ عِلْمًا فَإِنَّهُ يَطْلُبُ مِيرَاثَ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ”
“Knowledge is the inheritance of the prophets, and scholars are their heirs. Whoever seeks knowledge is indeed seeking the inheritance of the prophets.”
(HR. Abu Dawud, no. 3641)

This hadith emphasizes that the knowledge imparted by teachers is not just ordinary knowledge, but a noble inheritance from the prophets. Therefore, honoring teachers is a form of respect for this valuable inheritance of knowledge. Teachers, as heirs of the prophets, must be respected and appreciated because they hold the key to opening doors of knowledge that will enlighten the lives of humanity.

Also read:The Power of Knowledge: Achieving Success in This World and the Hereafter

Knowledge and Respect for Knowledge

In Islam, knowledge holds a very high status. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an:

“قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ”
“Say: ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only those with understanding will take heed.”
(QS. Az-Zumar: 9)

This verse reminds us that knowledge plays a vital role in life. Those who possess knowledge are held in higher regard and are more respected than those who do not. Therefore, those who impart knowledge, i.e., teachers, must be respected and honored. Honoring teachers is a form of respect for the knowledge they impart, as knowledge is the light that illuminates the path of one’s life.

Respecting Teachers as a Form of Respect for Knowledge

Respecting teachers is a way to respect knowledge itself. In Islam, honoring teachers is not limited to polite words or gestures, but also includes earnestness in accepting and applying the knowledge in daily life. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“مَن لَمْ يُوَقِّرْ كَبِيرَنَا وَيَرْحَمْ صَغِيرَنَا فَلَيْسَ مِنَّا”
“Whoever does not honor our elders and does not show mercy to our youth, is not from us.”
(HR. At-Tirmidzi, no. 1919)

This hadith teaches us that respecting older individuals, including teachers, is a part of good character. Older teachers not only impart knowledge but also provide exemplary life guidance for their students. Honoring teachers also reflects gratitude and acknowledgment for their efforts in educating and guiding their students.

Also read:Faith, Knowledge, and Deeds: The Three Foundations of Act in Islam

Knowledge as the Light that Illuminates Life

In Islam, knowledge is regarded as a light that guides humanity. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an:

“اللَّهُ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ مَثَلُ نُورِهِ كَمِشْكَوَةٍ فِيهَا مِصْبَاحٌ فِي زُجَاجَةٍ الزُّجَاجَةُ كَأَنَّهَا كَوْكَبٌ دُرِّيٌّ يُوقَدُ مِنْ شَجَرَةٍ مُبَارَكَةٍ”
“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. His Light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is in a glass, the glass as if it were a star, lit from a blessed tree.”
(QS. An-Nur: 35)

This verse illustrates how noble knowledge is, likening it to light that illuminates the hearts of humans. Therefore, we must honor knowledge by adhering to the etiquette taught by Islam, one of which is to respect the teachers who convey that knowledge. Teachers hold the key to unlocking the light of knowledge for their students, which will illuminate their life path.

Conclusion

Honoring teachers is a form of honoring knowledge. In Islamic teachings, knowledge holds a very high status, and teachers are the bearers of that knowledge. Honoring teachers is not just about expressing gratitude but also encompasses attitudes and actions that show respect for the knowledge they impart. Respecting teachers is part of respecting knowledge, which in turn will elevate our lives. Therefore, as believers, we must always honor our teachers as a form of appreciation for the knowledge they have passed down to us.