By Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, LC., MEI
A teacher is the light that illuminates the path to knowledge. Loving and respecting teachers is not just a tradition; it is the key to acquiring knowledge that is beneficial and full of blessings. Like a clear spring, the knowledge from a teacher will flow easily into the hearts of students who show proper manners. Without love and respect for teachers, knowledge becomes a burden without meaning. Therefore, maintaining good manners toward teachers is the first step in seeking knowledge that can transform lives and earn Allah’s pleasure.
In Islamic education and social life, teachers hold a very noble position. Loving and respecting teachers is not just part of etiquette but also an essential condition to gain beneficial and blessed knowledge. Beneficial knowledge is knowledge that leads one to goodness in this world and the Hereafter, while the blessings of knowledge are evident in a life that is more meaningful and benefits others.
- Loving and Respecting Teachers as Part of Learning Etiquette
In Islam, seeking knowledge is not merely the transfer of information; it also involves the process of tazkiyah (purification of the soul). This process can only occur if the student has good manners toward the teacher. Imam Malik once told Imam Shafi’i, “Study etiquette before studying knowledge.” This emphasizes that respect for the teacher is the foundation of acquiring knowledge.
Respecting teachers means:
Listening attentively when the teacher imparts knowledge.
Not contradicting or rebuking the teacher harshly.
Expressing gratitude and praying for the teacher for the knowledge shared.
- Loving Teachers Invites the Blessings of Knowledge
The blessings of knowledge do not come merely from the amount of knowledge gained but from the approval of the teacher who imparts it. In the pesantren tradition, the relationship between student and teacher is considered sacred. The blessings of knowledge will manifest in:
The ease of understanding the lesson.
Knowledge that is practiced leads to goodness.
Knowledge that benefits society.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
“He is not from our group who does not respect the elderly, have compassion for the young, and does not know the rights of scholars.” (HR. Ahmad)
- Respecting Teachers as a Form of Gratitude to Allah
Teachers are the intermediaries of knowledge from Allah. Honoring them is a form of gratitude for the knowledge Allah has bestowed. Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, I will increase My favor upon you if you are grateful.” (QS. Ibrahim: 7)
By respecting teachers, students show their gratitude to Allah, which in turn opens the doors to broader knowledge.
- The Consequences of Disregarding Etiquette Toward Teachers
On the contrary, neglecting etiquette toward teachers can result in the loss of the blessings of knowledge. The knowledge acquired may be abundant but will not be beneficial and will not bring happiness into life. Throughout history, there are many stories of students losing knowledge due to their lack of manners toward teachers, such as the story of a student of Imam Malik who wrote down lessons without his teacher’s permission and ended up losing all his notes.
Conclusion
Loving and respecting teachers is the key to acquiring knowledge that is both beneficial and blessed. By loving teachers, students gain the approval of the teacher, which leads to the blessings of knowledge. In Islam, proper etiquette toward teachers is a vital foundation in the process of seeking knowledge, which every seeker of knowledge must always uphold.
Loving and respecting teachers is essential to gaining knowledge that is beneficial and blessed. A respected teacher will impart knowledge sincerely, so that knowledge brings benefit in life. Without etiquette toward teachers, knowledge loses its spirit and is unlikely to bring blessings. Therefore, honoring teachers is not only etiquette but also a condition for achieving success in this world and the Hereafter.
References
- Al-Ghazali. Ihya Ulumuddin. Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2004.
- Azra, Azyumardi. Pendidikan Islam: Tradisi dan Modernisasi Menuju Milenium Baru. Jakarta: Logos Wacana Ilmu, 2002.
- Malik, Imam. Muwatha Imam Malik. Beirut: Dar al-Fikr, 1985.
- Qardhawi, Yusuf. Adab Menuntut Ilmu dalam Islam. Jakarta: Gema Insani Press, 1998.
- Syafi’i, Imam. Diwan Imam Syafi’i: Kumpulan Nasihat dan Hikmah. Jakarta: Pustaka Azzam, 2010.
- Zuhdi, M. Imron. Adab dan Etika dalam Menuntut Ilmu. Yogyakarta: Pustaka Pelajar, 2015.