Honouring Knowledge and Teachers: The Quranic Elevation of Believers and Educators

Introduction

The 12^th of Ordibehesht is celebrated as Teachers’ Day, offering an opportunity to reflect deeply on the esteemed position of teachers throughout human history. In every civilisation and religious tradition, educators have been valued and respected. However, Islam stands out for the extraordinary status it grants to knowledge and those who teach it.

In Islam, teaching is not merely a profession; it is a sacred mission tied to faith, sincerity, and responsibility before God. Yet Islam also clarifies that not all knowledge or all teaching carries honour, it must meet conditions of righteousness, benefit, and alignment with faith.

Both the Holy Quran and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) repeatedly highlight the virtues of teachers and the immense responsibility they bear.

On this noble occasion, we reflect upon a powerful verse from the Quran that speaks about the honour given to believers and those blessed with knowledge.

يَآ أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمْ تَفَسَّحُواْ فِى الْمَجَالِسِ فَافْسَحُواْ يَفْسَحِ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ وَإِذَا قِيلَ انشُزُواْ فَانشُزُواْ يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ (المجادله، ۱۱)

“Allah will raise those of you who believe and those who have been given knowledge by degrees. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do” (Surah Al-Mujadilah, 58:11).

The Relevance of this Verse Today

This noble verse reminds us that true elevation – in both the eyes of God and society – stems from sincere faith and beneficial knowledge. In a world often obsessed with status and material gain, the Quran redirects our attention to what truly matters. For Muslims, especially those living in diverse and secular societies, this message is a guiding light: success is not measured by popularity or wealth but by a combination of faith, sincere learning, and ethical action.

In today’s global context, recognising the role of teachers, scholars, and mentors – those who nurture faith and wisdom – is essential for building stronger, more humane societies.

The meaningful messages of this beautiful verse of Quran for teenagers, youth, parents, and Imams are briefly explained here.

Educational Messages of the Verse for Teenagers and Youth

1. Appreciate and Honour Your Teachers

The verse says: “Allah will raise those who believe and those who have been given knowledge by degrees”. Teachers are among those blessed with knowledge and committed to sharing it. Recognising their role, respecting them, and showing gratitude is a form of Islamic character and an important part of celebrating Teacher’s Day.

Practical Challenge:

On Teacher’s Day, write a heartfelt message or letter to a teacher, thanking them for what they have taught you.

2. Combine Your Learning with Faith

The Quran elevates not just any knowledge, but knowledge built on faith and ethical action. Youth should aim not only to excel academically but to align their learning with faith, ethics, and Islamic values, ensuring their knowledge serves humanity, justice, and truth.

Practical Challenge:

Reflect weekly: how can I use what I am learning to help others and to live according to my faith?

3. Strive to Become Future Teachers and Mentors

Those who share knowledge for the sake of Allah join the ranks of the honoured. Young Muslims should aspire not only to seek knowledge but also to pass it on, becoming future teachers, guides, and role models for the next generation.

Practical Challenge:

Volunteer to help younger students in your school, mosque, or community centre.

Educational Messages of the Verse for Parents

1. Model a Love of Learning and Teaching at Home

Parents are often a child’s first teachers. By showing eagerness to learn and to teach at home, parents demonstrate the spirit of faithful knowledge praised in the Quran. Every teaching moment at home is a chance to mirror the honour Islam gives to educators.

Practical Challenge:

Share a short story, Quranic verse, or valuable lesson with your children every week, even informally.

2. Practise Etiquette at Gatherings and Teach It to Your Children

Parents must demonstrate proper manners, especially in gatherings with elders, scholars, and people of faith. Teaching children the etiquette of sitting, listening, and showing respect reflects the Quranic value given to knowledge and believers.

Practical Challenge:

Before attending any gathering, remind your children about respectful behaviour, and model it yourself throughout the event.

3. Support Islamic Education and Teachers

Those who serve the community by teaching Islamic knowledge are performing a deeply spiritual duty. Muslim parents should actively support Islamic educators and institutions that foster faith and knowledge, especially in Western societies where Islamic values may not dominate the culture.

Practical Challenge:

Consider donating to or volunteering for Islamic schools and learning initiatives in your community.

Educational Messages of the Verse for Imams and Religious Leaders

1. Encourage Youth to Pursue Teaching Roles

To preserve Islamic identity and wisdom in future generations, young Muslims must be encouraged to become not just learners but teachers. This verse applies to those who continue the cycle of knowledge and faith.

Practical Challenge:

Host a career talk or seminar about the importance of education and teaching within Islam.

2. Teach the Ethics of Knowledge

It is not enough to encourage learning; the ethics of knowledge — sincerity, humility, responsibility — must be taught. This verse reminds us that every act of teaching and learning is witnessed and judged by Allah.

Practical Challenge:

Include a short section on the Islamic etiquette of seeking and sharing knowledge in your sermons or classes.

3. Remind that Knowledge Must Be Combined with Faith

This verse teaches that knowledge without faith can lead to corruption, arrogance, and harm. True knowledge is valuable only when grounded in sincere belief and righteous conduct.

Practical Challenge:

In your sermons, highlight examples where knowledge without faith led to harm, and contrast it with the blessings of knowledge grounded in iman (faith).

4. Promote Weekend or Regular Schools for Teaching Islamic Values

To fulfil the command of this verse, it is crucial to create spaces where children and even adults can learn about faith, ethics, and good character. Weekend or daily Islamic classes strengthen the community’s foundation and ensure that the next generation carries the torch of iman and knowledge.

Practical Challenge:

Work with your local community to establish regular classes on Islamic teachings, ethics, and manners for all age groups, even if starting small.