Knowledge in Islamic Thought (Part 5)

Author: Abdul Hai Lay'yan

 Knowledge in Islamic Thought (Part 5)

3. The Status of the Teacher in Islam

The importance and value of any work depends on its role and impact on the progress of human society, and its evaluation is measured accordingly. Scholars in the field of sociology agree on the crucial role of education and teachers as the most prominent factor among the various elements that contribute to the creation of a civilized society.

For this reason, noble Islam has paid special attention to the prominent role of the teacher in the field of education and its positive impact on building a modern society.

3.1. The Status of the Teacher in the Qur’an

It is enough of an honor for the teacher that he is the standard-bearer of the mission of the divine Prophets (peace be upon them), and the beginning of all progress returns to him. Perhaps for this very reason the Noble Qur’an has spoken of the great value of the rank of teaching, because through teaching and spreading knowledge, the teacher directs human beings toward perfection and progress.

The special status of the teacher in the divine speech and the virtue of this role is not hidden from anyone. But by way of good reminder, some of these verses are pointed out.

1. Teaching Is the Duty of the Prophets (peace be upon them)

Allah the Exalted mentions teaching as one of the most prominent duties of the Prophets (peace be upon them). As He says: «هُوَ الَّذِي بَعَثَ فِي الْأُمِّيِّينَ رَسُولًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَإِن كَانُوا مِن قَبْلُ لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ.» [1] Translation: He it is Who raised among the unlettered people a Messenger from among themselves, reciting to them His verses, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and Wisdom, even though before that they were in clear error.

According to a general view derived from the definitions of the word “teacher,” teaching applies to any effort made to guide, perfect, and educate human beings. For this reason, the Prophets of Allah (peace be upon them), who through teaching the laws revealed by the Lord perfectly carried out the mission of shaping humanity in all its dimensions, are called teachers.

This duty, after the Prophets (peace be upon them), has been entrusted to teachers who act upon the divine commands. This fact clarifies the value of their position.

In addition to what has been mentioned, the teacher’s position can be considered the most vital in determining the prosperity or misery of nations. If the teacher acts correctly and carries out education based on sound values, society can be protected from weakness, misery, dependency, and lack of intellect. It is the teacher who, through proper education, provides useful and righteous forces to society.

Therefore, the greater the task, the greater the responsibility — and likewise, the greater the value and status. This is why it is said that teachers and educators are responsible for a large part of the developments that occur in a country, because the first foundation stone for directing society is laid by their blessed hands.

1. Teaching as One of the Distinguished Duties of the Noble Prophet (Peace be upon him)

A group of verses in the Noble Qur’an describes the major duties of the Noble Prophet (Peace be upon him) in this way: «هُوَ الَّذِي بَعَثَ فِي الْأُمِّيِّينَ رَسُولًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَه…»(2) Translation: He it is Who raised among the unlettered people a Messenger from among themselves, reciting to them His verses, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and Wisdom.

Based on this verse, what rank could be higher for a teacher than this — that in choosing and performing his duty, he follows the path of the Noble Prophet (Peace be upon him), and undertakes a mission similar to that of the divine Prophets (peace be upon them)?

1. The Teacher Deserves a Distinguished Rank

Allah the Exalted, when ranking His chosen servants, mentions scholars and people of knowledge, saying: «… يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ…»(3) Translation: Allah will raise those among you who believe and those who have been granted knowledge to high ranks.

Regarding the possessors of these “ranks,” Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Allah the Exalted praises the scholars and people of knowledge, and declares that those who possess faith and knowledge and act according to the divine command are superior to those who have only faith.(4)

Although the apparent meaning of the verse praises believers and people of knowledge, since teaching necessarily requires a special level of knowledge, teachers are therefore included in the praise and ranking mentioned in this verse.

3.2 The Status of the Teacher According to the Traditions

Educating and training human beings has been among the most important missions of the divine Prophets (peace be upon them), who conveyed what Allah the Exalted revealed through reasoning, warning, glad tidings, and counsel to the people. For this reason, throughout human history until today, teaching has been one of the most fundamental, central, and challenging professions. This has led the religion of Islam, particularly in numerous traditions, to highly honor the exalted rank of teachers.

1. The Teacher Is Worthy of Divine Forgiveness

According to the narration of al-Tirmidhi, the Noble Prophet (Peace be upon him), after explaining the virtue of a teacher over a worshipper, clearly and eloquently described the rank of the teacher in the world of creation, saying: «… إن الله وملائكته وأهل السّماوات والأرضین حتّی النّمله فی حُجرِها وحتَی الحوت لیُصلُّون علی معلّم الخیر»(5) Translation: Allah, His angels, the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth, even the ant in its hole and the fish in the sea, send prayers for the teacher who teaches people that which benefits their religion and their worldly life.(6)

This noble Hadith points to several special meanings:

1. The teacher becomes a recipient of Allah’s mercy.

2. All creatures of the heavens and the earth beseech forgiveness for the worthy teacher in the presence of Allah the Exalted.

3. The beneficial influence of a teacher’s good deeds is vast and far-reaching — even desert ants and sea fish are not deprived of it.

4. Given the vastness of Allah’s mercy, the infallibility of the angels, the universality of those who seek forgiveness, and the constancy of their prayers for mercy, it is not far-fetched that at least the minor sins of the teacher are forgiven.

To be continued…

Previous Part

References:

1. Al-Jumu‘ah: 2.
2. Al-Jumu‘ah: 2.
3. Al-Mujadilah: 11.
4. Al-Qurtubi, Abu ‘Abdullah Muhammad ibn Ahmad Al-Ansari Al-Qurtubi, Al-Jami‘ li Ahkam al-Qur’an, Qairo: Dar al-Kutub al-Misriyah, 2^nd Edition, 1384 AH, Vol. 17, p. 92.
5. At-Tirmidhi, Abu ‘Isa Muhammad ibn ‘Isa ibn Musa At-Tirmidhi, Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2685. At-Tirmidhi said: “This hadith is Hasan, Sahih, and Gharib.”
6. It is obvious that when the word “Salat” is attributed to Allah Almighty, it means His mercy being bestowed upon His servants.