Teacher’s Status in Islam

by Willy Prasetya

Illustration Teacher’s Status in Islam

Teaching is more than a profession. It is a calling of the heart and a path of devotion. In Islam, a teacher holds a highly honored position. A teacher is not merely a transmitter of knowledge but a successor to the prophetic mission to spread the light of knowledge to lead people from darkness into enlightenment. Allah says in the Qur’an:

يٰٓاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْٓا اِذَا قِيْلَ لَكُمْ تَفَسَّحُوْا فِى الْمَجٰلِسِ فَافْسَحُوْا يَفْسَحِ اللّٰهُ لَكُمْۚ وَاِذَا قِيْلَ انْشُزُوْا فَانْشُزُوْا يَرْفَعِ اللّٰهُ الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا مِنْكُمْۙ وَالَّذِيْنَ اُوْتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجٰتٍۗ وَاللّٰهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ خَبِيْرٌ

“Allah will raise in rank those of you who believe and those who are given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is all-Aware of what you do.” (Surah Al-Mujadilah: 11)

This verse shows that both faith and knowledge are noble in the sight of Allah. A teacher who teaches sincerely for the sake of Allah will earn a higher rank not only in this world but also in the Hereafter.

Teaching as an Act of Ongoing Charity

One of the greatest virtues of teaching is that its reward continues to flow even after the teacher has passed away. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

إِذَا مَاتَ الْإِنْسَانُ انْقَطَعَ عَنْهُ عَمَلُهُ إِلَّا مِنْ ثَلَاثَةٍ: إِلَّا مِنْ صَدَقَةٍ جَارِيَةٍ، أَوْ عِلْمٍ يُنْتَفَعُ بِهِ، أَوْ وَلَدٍ صَالِحٍ يَدْعُو لَهُ

“When a person dies, all his deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for him.” (Hadith – Muslim, No. 1631)

Teaching falls under beneficial knowledge. Every lesson taught sincerely, every piece of wisdom shared, and every skill passed down becomes a source of continuous reward. Every time a student practices what we taught, shares it with others, or uses it for good, the teacher continues to earn reward in the sight of Allah. Thus, a classroom is not just a space for learning. it is a field of eternal charity, and the chalk, pen, and whiteboard are instruments of worship when used with pure intention.

Teachers as the Heirs of the Prophets

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

الْعُلَمَاءَ وَرَثَةُ الأَنْبِيَاءِ وَإِنَّ الأَنْبِيَاءَ لَمْ يُوَرِّثُوا دِينَارًا وَلاَ دِرْهَمًا وَرَّثُوا الْعِلْمَ فَمَنْ أَخَذَهُ أَخَذَ بِحَظٍّ وَافِرٍ

“Indeed, the scholars are the heirs of the prophets. The prophets did not leave behind dinar or dirham, but they left knowledge.” (Hadith – Abu Dawud, No. 3641)

Essentially, teachers continue the prophetic mission to nurture hearts, enlighten minds, and guide people toward righteousness. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself was the greatest educator. He taught with compassion, wisdom, and exemplary character. A teacher who follows the method of Prophet ﷺ by teaching through love, understanding, and example will inspire students more deeply than one who teaches merely through words or authority. Teaching by example (dakwah bil hal) is the most powerful form of education.

Teaching is not without challenges. Some students are difficult to handle, slow to learn, or disrespectful. Yet, every challenge is a test and an opportunity for the teacher to grow in patience and faith. Allah says:

يٰٓاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوا اسْتَعِيْنُوْا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلٰوةِۗ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ مَعَ الصّٰبِرِيْنَ

“O believers! Seek comfort in patience and prayer. Allah is truly with those who are patient.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 153)

Each time a teacher restrains anger or continues to teach despite hardship, it becomes an act of devotion. Patience is the lamp that illuminates a teacher’s heart and helps them see each student not as a burden but as a trust (amanah) to be nurtured with love.

Teaching as a Path to Paradise

Ultimately, teaching is not merely a worldly duty. It is a path leading to Paradise. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

وَمَنْ سَلَكَ طَرِيقًا يَلْتَمِسُ فِيهِ عِلْمًا سَهَّلَ اللَّهُ لَهُ بِهِ طَرِيقًا إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ

“Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.” (Hadith – Muslim, No. 2699)

Teachers are at the forefront of this sacred journey. By guiding others to knowledge and truth, they pave their own road to Jannah. So let every lesson be an act of worship, every word a remembrance of Allah, and every student a witness to the teacher’s ongoing charity. For the ink of the teacher may dry, but its blessing will continue to flow in this world and the next.