The rights of teachers in Islam reflect that teaching is among the most honoured roles in the religion. The first revelation was a command to read (Qur’an 96:1-5), and the Prophet ﷺ himself said that he was sent as a teacher. This article lists the rights of teachers in Islam from the Qur’an and authentic Hadith, and shows where scholars differ.
1. Allah raises the rank of people of knowledge
“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees” (Qur’an 58:11), and “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” (Qur’an 39:9). Respect for the teacher follows from respect for knowledge.
2. Humility towards the teacher
The Qur’an gives the example of Musa ؑ, a prophet who travelled to learn and said to his teacher: “May I follow you on the condition that you teach me from what you have been taught of sound judgement?” (Qur’an 18:66). A student is expected to be polite, patient and ready to listen.
3. Gratitude
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever does not thank people does not thank Allah” (Sunan Abi Dawud 4811). A teacher gives a student something that lasts for life, so thanking and praying for them is a basic right. He ﷺ also said that when a person dies, his deeds end except for three: continuing charity, beneficial knowledge and a righteous child who prays for him (Sahih Muslim 1631), so a student’s good deeds keep reaching the teacher.
4. Honouring the teacher’s work
He ﷺ said: “Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah makes easy for him a path to Paradise” (Sahih Muslim 2699). He also said that Allah, His angels and everything in the heavens and earth, even the ant in its hole, send blessings on the one who teaches people good (Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 2685). If creation honours the teacher, the student has a stronger duty to do so.
5. The teacher’s duties in return
Rights come with responsibilities. The Prophet ﷺ taught: “Make things easy and do not make them difficult; give glad tidings and do not drive people away” (Sahih al-Bukhari 69). A teacher must be sincere, gentle and truthful, and must practise what is taught (Qur’an 61:2-3).
Where Scholars Differ on Rights of Teachers in Islam
One question is whether a teacher may take payment for teaching the Qur’an. The Prophet ﷺ approved the Companions’ taking a gift for reciting over a sick person and said: “The most deserving thing for which you take payment is the Book of Allah” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5737). The Maliki and Shafi’i schools allow it. The early Hanafi scholars disliked it, but later Hanafi scholars allowed it because of the need to preserve religious teaching. Most Hanbali scholars have also allowed it, with differences in detail, and all agree that a sincere intention is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rights of Teachers in Islam
Is it a duty to respect a teacher?
Yes. Islam honours knowledge and those who teach it (Qur’an 58:11), and it requires gratitude (Sunan Abi Dawud 4811).
Should a student obey a teacher in everything?
A student should obey in what is good. There is no obedience in anything that is disobedience to Allah.
Can a teacher be paid?
Yes, according to most scholars, as explained above.
Conclusion
Studying rights of teachers in Islam from the Qur’an and authentic Hadith helps us to follow the guidance of Allah in our own lives. We hope this article on rights of teachers in Islam has been useful. For related topics, read The Importance of Seeking Beneficial Knowledge and Discipline in the Islamic Education System.
