Author: Abdul Hai Lay'yan
The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (Part 49)
Lesson Twenty-Two: A Successful Mentor Must Begin with Himself to Become a Role Model for Others
Despite his advanced age, Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) strove diligently alongside his son Isma‘il (peace be upon him) in building the Ka‘bah. Through this effort, he presented his son with a living example of devotion to Allah Almighty—exerting effort and energy in obedience to Him—so that Isma‘il (peace be upon him) would emulate him. This was not the only righteous deed Ibrahim (peace be upon him) performed before his son for the sake of setting an example; rather, he had a long history of actions that collectively formed a valuable and unique educational method.
Educational Examples from Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him)
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Migration by Divine Command: One such act was leaving his wife and child in a barren valley near the Sacred House, solely by Allah’s command.
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Complete Obedience to Allah’s Command: When Allah commanded him in a dream to sacrifice his son, Ibrahim (peace be upon him) told Isma‘il (peace be upon him) of the vision. After Isma‘il (peace be upon him) agreed to the fulfillment of this divine command, Ibrahim (peace be upon him) set out to carry it through, demonstrating total obedience to his Lord.
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The Son’s Emulation of the Father: At that moment, Isma‘il (peace be upon him) neither objected nor pleaded to be spared. Rather, in obedience to Allah and following the model of his father, he submitted to the divine decree. The father went forth to sacrifice his son, and the son submitted to being sacrificed in obedience to his Lord.
The Importance of Role Models in Education
Faith and character-building work in this way: a mentor must be a model for those he teaches, practicing what he calls them to. This creates a living, righteous example before their eyes, which has a far greater impact than mere theoretical words unaccompanied by action.
The Influence of Actions over Words
Children—no matter how pure their nature or inclined toward goodness—respond to goodness only when they see sincere role models who are fully committed to Allah and His religion. If such role models are absent in the home, school, or society, no matter how much effort guides and teachers exert, deviation awaits those children. Practicing what we preach is thousands of times more effective than words unsupported by action.
This is why the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself was a role model for his companions. As Lady Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) said, his character was the Qur’an itself. Allah testified about him: “وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلى خُلُقٍ عَظِیمٍ.” [1] Translation: And you are truly of a great moral character.
For this reason, the companions (may Allah be pleased with them all), by modeling themselves on the Prophet (PBUH) in every matter, attained noble, virtuous, and refined character. Allah the Exalted says: “لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِی رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ یرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْیوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِیراً.” [2] Translation: Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever hopes in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often.
The Qur’an’s Warning Against Preaching Without Practice
Because of the great importance of role models in human life, the Qur’an strongly rebukes mentors, teachers, and guides who command others with their tongues but fail to act accordingly themselves. Allah says: “یا أَیهَا الَّذِینَ آَمَنُوا لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ كَبُرَ مَقْتاً عِندَ اللَّهِ أَن تَقُولُوا مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ.” [3] Translation: O you who believe! Why do you say what you do not do? Most hateful it is in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do.
Continues…
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References
[1] Al-Qalam: 4.
[2] Al-Aḥzāb: 21.
[3] Aṣ-Ṣaff: 2–3.
