One of the most sacred relationships in any society is the one between a teacher and a student. Teachers shape minds, give wisdom, and steer students towards a successful and moral path. They are the builders of a nation’s destiny. A competent teacher influences future generations by instilling values, ethics, and discipline in their students in addition to imparting information. In the past, teachers in Kashmir were held in high regard as pillars of wisdom and knowledge, and were respected not only within the classroom but throughout the public domain. In order to develop the values of discipline, responsibility, and respect, every method of teaching adopted by the teacher was seen as a crucial part of the process of learning.
Parents and students alike realized that the goal of those methods was to shape young people into morally-responsible, educated adults who could make valuable contributions to society. In many instances, the teacher was revered as a supernatural advisor whose moral judgement was never questioned. Outside of the classroom, students demonstrated the same degree of regard and respect; it was usual for students to change their path to avoid crossing directly in front of a teacher, not out of fear, but out of deep reverence for their role as teachers. This profound cultural regard created an atmosphere of reciprocal trust and understanding, in which students really believed that their success was linked to the direction and mentorship offered by their teachers. The classroom was more than just a venue for academic education; it was a sacred place that fostered both intellectual and personal growth.
Unfortunately, the landscape has changed significantly in recent years. Today, teachers confront difficulties establishing their authority, frequently fearing retaliation or disrespect from students, even when their corrections are intended to benefit the students’ overall growth. This shift in dynamic has not only undermined the traditional role of the teacher, but it has also damaged the balanced atmosphere required for effective learning. The increase of individualism and self-centered attitudes among students has destroyed the humility that traditionally underpinned their relationships with teachers.
Teachers, who used to play an important role in forming students’ moral, ethical, and academic foundations, are now frequently viewed with skepticism or disrespect. This widening gap between teachers and learners has profound implications, not just in terms of academic achievement, but also in the erosion of moral and ethical values among the younger generation. It is critical that students sit back and rethink their behaviour towards teachers, understanding that success is profoundly founded in respect for those who advise us. Only those who acquire a genuine regard for their instructors and mentors, valuing the wisdom and experience they provide, can achieve long-term success in both worldly and spiritual pursuits.
From an Islamic perspective, the position of the teacher is even more important, as it is strongly rooted in the faith’s spiritual traditions. Islam places a high importance on the pursuit of knowledge, and those who share it are accorded great prominence. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known for emphasizing the significance of knowledge, and the Quran frequently emphasizes the value of education and guidance. For example, the Quran states, “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” (39:9), emphasizing the status and Honour accorded to people who possess wisdom.
In addition to imparting academic knowledge, teachers also serve as moral and ethical role models for their students, pointing them in the direction of virtue. Therefore, it is against Islamic values to treat teachers disrespectfully, as Islam promotes humility, respect, and thankfulness towards those who transmit knowledge. The Quran also states, “And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge’ (20:114), emphasizing the need of continuing our quest for acquiring knowledge and showing respect for those who assist us in doing so. In Islamic principles, acquiring knowledge is considered a kind of piety, and people who help people learn, like teachers, are highly respected.
For students to truly excel not only in their academic careers but also in their spiritual and moral development, they must rekindle the respect and honor once shown to their teachers.By restoring this respect, students can ensure that their success is rooted not only in worldly achievements but also in spiritual fulfillment, as Islam emphasizes the integration of both knowledge and character in the pursuit of a meaningful and successful life. The teacher is a holy guide which potentially can guide the students to ultimate reality and can see through the eyes of students and enlighten his soul. It is only the teacher that is capable of showing him the truth, reality, light, and other metaphysical entities. It is only a teacher who can inspire the youth on a platform which can tomorrow overhaul the world. I am infinitely sad, where is the respect for the teachers that has cultivated the most fertile minds of the world before. A teacher deserves the respect in reality; it is only the teacher that can transform a soul.
In the societies today, there is no respect for the teachers, where is the flaw, is it with students, parents or teachers? We should be able to comprehend this. I will conclude by saying that teachers are the assets of nation, they can transform the youth and they can mobilize the revolutionary thoughts among youth. They have the guts to prepare the students for breaking the shackles of intellectual limits imposed upon by secret agencies. Let us today be unanimous in highlighting the respect for teachers and give utmost respect to teachers.
(Author is PhD Scholar and is teaching at Govt. MPML HSS B.D Khan Srinagar. feedback: [email protected])
