By Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, LC., MEI
Teaching Islamic religious knowledge is not just about imparting knowledge, but also an effort to educate the heart and soul. In this process, sincerity becomes the spirit that enlivens every step. Without sincerity, teaching can lose its spiritual meaning and turn into a hollow routine that only focuses on worldly aspects. On the other hand, with sincerity, the knowledge taught becomes a blessing, touching the hearts of students, and flowing with lasting benefits. How does this urgency of sincerity shape the essence of religious teaching? Let us delve deeper into this.
The Urgency of Sincerity in Teaching Islamic Religious Knowledge
Sincerity is the key to teaching Islamic religious knowledge because it is directly related to the intentions and goals of an educator. Below are some urgencies of sincerity in this context:
- Purifying Intentions for Allah
Sincerity ensures that the teaching process is solely aimed at gaining the pleasure of Allah SWT, not for popularity, praise, or other worldly benefits. This aligns with the words of Prophet Muhammad SAW: “Indeed, actions are judged by intentions, and every person will get what they intended.” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim).
- Attaining the Blessing of Knowledge
Islamic knowledge taught with sincerity will more easily touch the hearts and minds of students. The blessing of knowledge lies in the benefit felt by both the teacher and the student in drawing closer to Allah.
- Building Role Models
A teacher who teaches with sincerity will become a role model for students. The attitude of sincerity is reflected in dedication, patience, and sincerity in delivering knowledge. This will inspire students to follow the same path.
- Protecting from the Traits of Showing Off and Arrogance
Sincerity protects the teacher from the traits of showing off (riya) and arrogance (ujub). This is important because riya can nullify good deeds, as mentioned in the Qur’an: “Woe to those who pray, but are heedless of their prayer, those who show off.” (QS. Al-Ma’un: 4-6).
- Granting Everlasting Rewards
Teaching Islamic knowledge with sincere intentions will become an ongoing charity (amal jariyah). Knowledge that benefits others will continue to bring rewards to the teacher, even after they have passed away. Prophet Muhammad SAW said: “When a person dies, their deeds come to an end, except for three things: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them.” (HR. Muslim).
- Instilling Sincerity Values in Students
A sincere teacher will find it easier to instill the value of sincerity in students. This is important so that students not only understand Islamic knowledge cognitively but also practice it with the correct intention.
Thus, sincerity not only improves the quality of teaching but also brings profound spiritual effects for both the teacher and the student. Sincerity becomes the foundation for achieving the ultimate goal of Islamic education, which is to draw closer to Allah and to shape a generation with noble character.
Conclusion
Sincerity is the key to success in teaching Islamic religious knowledge. With a pure intention to seek Allah’s pleasure, teaching becomes not only an act of worship but also a means of forming a generation with noble character. Let us make sincerity the foundation of our teaching, so that the knowledge imparted becomes a blessing and provides everlasting benefits, both in this world and the Hereafter.
References
- The Holy Qur’an.
- Al-Bukhari, Muhammad ibn Ismail. Sahih al-Bukhari.
- Muslim, Imam. Sahih Muslim.
- Al-Ghazali. Ihya’ Ulumuddin. Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah.
- An-Nawawi, Imam. Riyadhus Shalihin.
- Shihab, Quraish. Tafsir Al-Mishbah. Jakarta: Lentera Hati.
- Arifin, Zaenal. Essence of Islamic Education. Jakarta: Kencana, 2019.
- Assegaf, Abdul Aziz. Sincerity in the Perspective of Sufism. Bandung: Pustaka Hidayah, 2021.
- Yusuf al-Qaradawi. Islamic Education and the Challenges of Modernization. Jakarta: Gema Insani Press, 2000.