Following the Best Example: Qur’anic Guidance on Role Modelling in Education

Introduction

As we mark 30 Jumada al-Awwal – the passing of ʿAllāmah Ali-Asghar Karbās̱chiyān, a pioneer in founding schools that combined academic excellence with deep moral and religious formation – we are reminded of a fundamental Qur’anic principle: education thrives when learning is paired with role modelling.

The Qur’an presents diverse methods of nurturing human beings, and one of the most powerful among them – highly recognised in modern educational theory – is the method of role modelling. Allah presents the Prophet Muhammad (s) as the finest example to follow:

لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا

“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever hopes for Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often.” (Qur’an 33:21)

Educational messages from the verse for teens and youth

Choose Your Role Models Wisely

Islam teaches that the Prophet (s) is the best example; in today’s world of influencers, choose those who bring you closer to goodness, not distraction.

Practical Challenge: Review your top three online role models. Do their actions inspire you to be closer to Allah?

Let Actions Inspire, Not Just Words

The Prophet’s (s) character was shown in behaviour, not slogans; true role models show their values through consistent actions.

Practical Challenge: Pick one prophetic trait such as honesty, kindness, patience; and practise it today.

Be the Kind of Person Who Can Hold a Good Role Model

To benefit from a great example like the Prophet (s), you must also work on purifying your own character – just as a clean container can hold clean water, only a sincere heart can truly absorb noble guidance.

Practical Challenge: Identify one negative habit (impatience, gossip, untidiness, dishonesty, etc.) and actively work on reducing it this week so your “inner container” becomes cleaner.

Remember Allah in Daily Life

The verse links role modelling with frequent remembrance; staying mindful of Allah strengthens your choices.

Practical Challenge: Take one small pause during your day to say a short dhikr such as subḥānallāh.

Hope in Allah Shapes Behaviour

The verse teaches that those who hope in Allah and the Hereafter naturally follow good examples.

Practical Challenge: Set one weekly goal connected to who you want to be in the Hereafter.

Be a Role Model Yourself

Even as youth, your behaviour influences friends and younger students – try to embody what you admire in the Prophet (s).

Practical Challenge: Do one act of kindness this week without expecting thanks.

Educational messages from the verse for parents

Align Expectations with Your Own Behaviour

Ask of your children only what you also live; hypocrisy weakens moral teaching.

Practical Challenge: Reflect tonight: “Did I practise what I asked my child to do today?”

Create a Home of Frequent Remembrance

The verse highlights remembering Allah often; a spiritually alive home strengthens children’s moral resilience.

Practical Challenge: Introduce a short daily family dhikr or duʿāʾ.

Introduce Your Children to Real Heroes

Let them learn about the Prophet (s) and righteous figures like ahlulbayt instead of empty celebrity culture.

Practical Challenge: Share one inspiring story about the Prophet’s character this week.

Guide Them in Choosing Friends and Influences

The people children admire shape their identity; help them filter and understand these influences.

Practical Challenge: Have a 10-minute conversation about who they look up to and why.

Educational messages from the verse for Imams and religious leaders

Model the Prophetic Character in Leadership

Your community sees you as a reference point; embodying prophetic humility, justice, and patience strengthens their faith.

Practical Challenge: Identify one prophetic trait to visibly practise in your public interactions this week.

Teach the Qur’anic Method of Role Modelling

Help communities understand that transformation happens through examples more than lectures.

Practical Challenge: Dedicate part of an upcoming sermon to explaining the power of role models in the Qur’an.

Highlight Real Contemporary Exemplars

Figures like ʿAllāmah Karbās̱chiyān show that prophetic role modelling continues in every age.

Practical Challenge: Share a short anecdote about a modern Muslim whose character reflects prophetic values.