The Forgotten Lesson of the Greatest Teacher ﷺ

Alhamdulillah, we are Muslims.

We often hear or read this Hadith — teachers frequently remind students of it too:

“ Indeed I have been sent as a teacher” (Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — Sahih Ibn Majah, 229) إِنَّمَا بُعِثْتُ مُعَلِّمًا “I was sent only as a teacher.”

Yet, sadly, many teachers today have forgotten to reflect on this profound truth. Perhaps they never studied the Seerah of the real Teacher of humanity ﷺ — and if they did, they never applied its lessons. The reality is, most teachers today don’t follow that model.

Understanding the Child’s Psychology:

For teachers, it is extremely important to understand the psychology of children. Every child is different because Allah has created them uniquely. Each child has different abilities from others, so it has now become almost a duty for us to deal with every child while understanding their psychology, so that no child ever falls behind the rest.

If in a class, the students sitting in the front rows study while those at the back do not, teachers should take this matter seriously and try to understand why they are not studying or why they are not paying attention like everyone else. Teachers should keep the whole class engaged and teach them in a way that is easy for them. The traditional rote learning system must end. Now, children need to understand how what they are learning can be applied in their daily lives.

We can only say that the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ should be studied. You are a teacher; only if your life fully reflects what you teach, will you become a true role model. Otherwise, remember, we will be teachers whom our students won’t even like to look at.

If we want to prepare leaders, it is essential to study, understand, and practice the life of a leader. Otherwise, we cannot turn a person into a real human being.

The Reality Around Us:

In Pakistan, there are around 176,184 public schools out of over 313,000 total schools (as of 2021–22). Imagine the thousands of teachers in all those classrooms.

Sadly, teaching is often treated as just a job:

Some teachers take it because they couldn’t get another job.

Some see it as a government post with benefits.

Some treat it merely as a way to pass time.

Teaching for many is about earning a salary, not about shaping human beings. And when that happens, the future of children — and an entire nation — falls into careless hands.

The Condition of Government Schools:

Even though I didn’t personally study in government schools, I’ve closely observed them through friends and family. Children often face mental pressure and, sadly, sometimes physical abuse.

Some still argue:

“ Beating children is a part of teacher wisdom and love “

This is neither wisdom nor love.

I’ve seen children with marks on their faces, disheveled hair, and eyes full of fear — all because their teachers “disciplined” them. That is not education; it is violence.

Private Schools: The Hidden Struggles

Private schools might appear better externally, but their focus is often business rather than character building.

While physical punishment may be less frequent, children still experience:

Emotional neglect

Favoritism

Ignorance

This leads to mental exhaustion, low self-esteem, and a sense of being unwanted sometimes leaving long-lasting effects on their personality.

From my perspective as a psychology student

I write this not because I personally had such teachers but because it’s my duty — I have met teachers I still deeply respect. I respect them because they deserve it.

But as a psychology student, I have heard many cases of children suffering in schools due to teachers’ behavior. Silence on these issues feels like an injustice — to the children, to education, and to humanity.

A doctor once told us:

“You students start research and working on parenting now, because a time will come when the world will need parenting specialists”

And I think that time has already come because now parents themselves have stopped paying attention to their children. Many parents feel that as long as they provide food, clothing, and other necessities, their children’s needs are fully met but this is not enough. Children need emotional support, guidance, and engagement from their parents to thrive.

A Request to Teachers:

To teachers who take their work seriously who teach with sincerity, kindness, and responsibility , you deserve all our respect.

But to others, please remember: Children are not your property. They are an Amanah (trust) from Allah.

Listen to your students when they speak.

Don’t silence them in the name of “adab” (respect).

Don’t instill fear in them.

Strive to understand each child’s unique abilities and challenges, and engage with them in ways that make learning meaningful and accessible.

Keep the entire class involved, not just the front rows.

Teach them in a way that shows them how knowledge applies in their daily lives, not just as abstract information.

A teacher’s role is not just to transfer information — it is to nurture, inspire, and guide students so they can grow into confident, capable human beings. True teaching is reflected not in fear or discipline alone, but in patience, empathy, and encouragement.

A Request to Parents:

Parents, please pay attention to your children. Notice their silence, hesitation, and emotional changes. Don’t assume everything is fine just because they attend school daily.

Many parents have stopped paying attention to their children’s mental and emotional well-being. They think that providing food, clothing, or toys is enough — but it is not. Children need presence, understanding, and support, not just material provision.

We often say:

“Ba Adab ,ba Naseeb — The Respectful are the blessed “.

But perhaps it’s time to rethink what adab truly means. Respect does not grow from fear — it grows from love, understanding, and compassion.

Our Prophet ﷺ, the greatest teacher of all time, raised generations of believers not through punishment, but through mercy.

✨ May Allah guide our teachers and parents to follow his example — to teach with love, correct with wisdom, and nurture with kindness. 🌸