In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

“The Esteemed Role of the Teacher in Islamic Thought”

Seyed Hashem Moosavi

Introduction
As we approach the anniversary of the martyrdom of the esteemed scholar, Ayatollah Morteza Motahhari – a great figure whose dedication to knowledge and education led to the designation of his martyrdom day as “Teacher’s Day” – we find a valuable opportunity in this week’s article to pay tribute to this noble martyr and to honor the esteemed status of teachers. We will also explore the elevated position of teachers within Islamic thought.

Before delving into the role and significance of teachers in Islamic teachings, it is fitting to first reflect on the importance of knowledge as portrayed in the Qur’an and Islamic teachings.

The Significance of Knowledge in Islam

In numerous verses of the Holy Qur’an, God Almighty underscores the pivotal role and immense value of knowledge, highlighting its importance through various expressions and contexts.
In the very first revelations bestowed upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny), God, in a profound and eloquent manner, presents education and instruction as one of the most distinguished manifestations of His Lordship. Knowledge is thus introduced as among the greatest divine blessings granted to humankind.

In Surah Al- ‘Alaq, God commands humanity with the imperative “Read” (Iqra’), inviting them to engage in learning and contemplation. By emphasizing education through the means of the pen, the Qur’an vividly illustrates the central role of acquiring and disseminating knowledge. The verses state: « اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَق،‏ خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ،‏ اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ،‏ الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ،‏ عَلَّمَ الْإِنسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ؛“Read in the name of your Lord who created – created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous– who taught by the pen – taught man that which he knew not.” (Surah Al-‘Alaq, 96:1–5)

It is evident that the prophetic mission itself commences with the divine call to read and to seek knowledge. God, as the Lord and Nurturer of creation, portrays Himself as “the One who teaches by the pen,” thereby indicating that the processes of education and instruction are among the manifestations of divine lordship. Consequently, the teacher embodies a reflection of this divine attribute.

Furthermore, in various parts of the Qur’an, God asserts the superiority of those endowed with knowledge over others. For instance, He declares: «يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ؛ “God will raise in rank those of you who believe and those who have been given knowledge.” (Surah Al-Mujadila, 58:11)

In another verse, He explicitly affirms the distinction between the knowledgeable and the ignorant: « قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ؛ “Say: Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:9)

In addition to the Qur’anic emphasis, Islamic traditions (hadiths) extensively highlight the unparalleled importance of knowledge and confer upon it an exalted status.
Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) stated: «اکثر الناس قیمةً اکثرهم علماً؛ “The most valuable among people are those who possess the most knowledge^[1].”

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), in interpreting verse 11 of Surah Al-Mujadila for Abu Dharr (may God’s mercy be upon him), remarked:

“O Abu Dharr! A seeker of knowledge is beloved by God, the angels, and the prophets. None but the truly fortunate love knowledge. Glad tidings, therefore, to the seeker of knowledge on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever leaves their home in search of a gate of knowledge, for every step they take, God will grant the reward of a martyr from the Battle of Badr. The seeker of knowledge is the beloved of God. Whoever loves knowledge, Paradise becomes obligatory upon them. They will spend their days and nights in the pleasure of God, and they shall not leave this world until they drink from the river of Kawthar and partake of the fruits of Paradise, ultimately residing alongside Prophet Khidr (peace be upon him) in Paradise.”

The Prophet concluded by stating: “All these merits are encompassed within the divine words: «يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجاتٍ‏» ‘God will raise in rank those of you who believe and those who have been given knowledge.’”

The Esteemed Status of Education and Upbringing in the Qur’anic and Islamic Teachings

A thoughtful reflection upon the role and significance of knowledge in the divine discourse and the traditions of the Infallibles (peace be upon them) reveals with utmost clarity that education and nurturing occupy a place in Islamic thought parallel to the guidance and salvation of humankind.
In this elevated perspective, teaching is not merely a profession or an occupation; rather, it is a sacred mission – a continuation of the prophets’ divine endeavor. Teachers, in this vision, are the heirs to the prophetic legacy, entrusted with illuminating minds and cultivating souls.

This profound reality – that the teacher walks the path once trodden by the messengers of God – is beautifully portrayed in the Holy Qur’an. In Surah Al-Jumu ‘ah, the Almighty declares: «هُوَ الَّذِي بَعَثَ فِي الْأُمِّيِّينَ رَسُولًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ؛ “He it is who has sent among the unlettered ones a Messenger from among themselves, who recites unto them His verses, purifies them, and teaches them the Book and the Wisdom.” (Surah Al-Jumu ‘ah, 62:2)

In the light of such verses, it becomes evident that education, purification, and the dissemination of wisdom are all intertwined in the divine plan for the elevation of humanity. It is in this sacred context that the teacher’s mission attains its highest dignity.

Islamic traditions, too, grant a wondrous and exalted rank to the vocation of teaching. The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) declares: «إنَّ العُلماءَ وَرَثَةُ الأَنبِياءِ؛ “Verily, the scholars are the inheritors of the prophets.^[2]“

Since teaching is one of the noble fruits of knowledge, teachers naturally partake in this blessed inheritance, carrying forward the light of wisdom to successive generations.

Moreover, the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) regarded knowledge – and by extension, the act of teaching – as a form of continuous charity (ṣadaqah jāriyah), whose benefits outlive the individual and endure beyond the confines of mortal existence. In a celebrated tradition, he states: « إذا ماتَ الإنسانُ انقطعَ عملُهُ إلا من ثلاثٍ: علم ينتفع به، أو صدقة تجري له، أو ولد صالح يدعو له “When a person passes away, their deeds are cut off except for three: beneficial knowledge that continues to be utilized, an ongoing charity, or a righteous child who prays for them.”^[3]

This noble narration highlights that imparting beneficial knowledge is among the most enduring legacies, ensuring that the rewards of a teacher’s efforts flow without end, enriching their record for eternity.

Imam Ali (peace be upon him), with his characteristic eloquence, beautifully encapsulates the immense virtue of teaching, saying: « مَن عَلَّمَني حَرفاً فَقَد صَيَّرَني عَبداً “Whoever teaches me even a single letter has made me his servant.”^[4]

This timeless statement captures the essence of the teacher’s favor, underscoring the deep bond of gratitude and reverence that arises between the learner and their guide.

Thus, in the Qur’anic and Islamic worldview, the role of the teacher transcends mere instruction; it is an act of spiritual cultivation, a sacred trust, and a luminous path that echoes the mission of the prophets themselves.

The Advancement and Flourishing of Society: The Supreme Fruit of Knowledge and Teaching

Within the vast expanse of Islamic civilization, teachers have always been recognized as the architects of intellectual, spiritual, and civilizational growth. Without the presence of knowledgeable, committed, and faithful educators, societies are doomed to stagnation, intellectual decay, and cultural decline.

The Holy Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him and his progeny) was the greatest teacher of humanity, who, within a remarkably short span of time, led a nation from the darkness of ignorance into the dawn of knowledge and virtue. He not only imparted science and wisdom but also instilled ethical, human, and religious values, transforming a society mired in ignorance into a progressive, refined, and inspiring civilization – a model still revered by Islamic communities worldwide.

After the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny), the infallible Imams (peace be upon them) continued the vital mission of education and nurturing. Through the establishment of scholarly gatherings and centres of learning, they diligently trained students who became paragons of both knowledge and moral excellence. These students later played decisive roles in shaping the intellectual, social, and political transformations throughout Islamic history.

Over time, this sacred torch was passed on to illustrious scholars such as Shaykh al-Mufid, Allama Hilli, Avicenna (Ibn Sina), Mulla Sadra, and other eminent Islamic thinkers. Through the founding of educational institutions and centres of knowledge, they expanded the horizons of learning across Islamic societies, cultivating a dynamic and thriving intellectual culture.
This flourishing reached its zenith during the Golden Age of Islamic civilization, when Muslim scholars, based in centres like Baghdad, Cordoba, and Cairo, laid the foundations of an immense scientific, philosophical, medical, and artistic legacy – the effects of which remain evident in modern civilization to this day.

Throughout Islamic history, teachers have fulfilled multifaceted roles: transmitting knowledge, nurturing virtuous individuals, and leading social, cultural, and even political movements.

A shining example of this illustrious tradition in modern times is the revered martyr, Professor Morteza Motahhari – a distinguished scholar whose unparalleled devotion to knowledge, faith, and sincerity left an indelible mark on Islamic society in Iran and beyond.

Professor Motahhari was not merely a great intellectual but also a spiritual mentor who skillfully intertwined science with ethics, thereby solidifying the foundations of contemporary Islamic thought. His works in philosophy, jurisprudence, Quranic exegesis, social sciences, and theology remain vital references for those seeking to understand and develop Islamic thought today.

During the years preceding the Islamic Revolution, Professor Motahhari played a pivotal role in enlightening the masses and presenting the authentic message of Islam. With his scientific rigor and logical reasoning, he addressed prevailing doubts and challenges, introducing innovative Islamic theories in a manner accessible to the general public.

Moreover, he successfully redefined the Islamic-Iranian identity during a critical historical period, creating a legacy that continues to serve as a cornerstone of religious and intellectual discourse.

Beyond his scholarly contributions, Motahhari’s efforts in training new generations of intellectual and religious leaders extended his influence well beyond Iran’s borders. His profound understanding of social and political issues enabled him to initiate an intellectual movement that impacted not only the Islamic world but also resonated within Western academic and cultural circles.

The effects of his thought remain vividly present in contemporary Islamic and cultural landscapes, and his memory continues to inspire Muslims and seekers of truth across the globe.
His martyrdom was a monumental loss not only for Iran but for the entire Muslim world; yet his scientific, moral, and intellectual legacy remains a guiding light for teachers, researchers, and thinkers committed to the revival of Islamic scholarship.

Conclusion
In the Islamic worldview, the teacher embodies divine attributes, continues the prophetic mission, and serves as the cornerstone of a knowledgeable and flourishing society.
In today’s tumultuous world, where humanity grapples with intellectual and cultural crises, a return to these luminous teachings regarding the noble status of the teacher is an urgent necessity – teachings that regard the educator as the epitome of knowledge, action, compassion, and self-sacrifice.

Honouring the status of the teacher is not merely an act of individual reverence; it is, in fact, the veneration of a sacred path – a path that leads humanity from the darkness of ignorance to the radiance of enlightenment, and from fragmentation to the unity of civilization.

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[1] . Al Hayat, Volumw1, Page 37

[2] . Wasa’il al-Shia, Volume 18, Page 9

[3] . Bihar al-Anwar – Allama al-Majlisi – Volume 2 – Page 23

[4] . Ghurar al Hikam, Hadith 1743