Read this article to understand the meaning of Imam Ghazali's statement about religious teachers and how to honor both parents and religious teachers in Islam.
Have you ever heard the statement that religious teachers are more noble than parents? This statement is often quoted from the words of Imam Ghazali, one of the eminent scholars in Islamic history.
But do you know the true meaning behind this statement? Do you agree that religious teachers deserve more respect than your parents? This article will delve into the roles of parents and religious teachers in Islam and how to show appreciation for both.
What Did Imam Ghazali Say About Religious Teachers?
Imam Ghazali was a scholar of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Sufism, philosophy, and various other disciplines. He was known as Hujjatul Islam, the Proof of Islam, due to his profound knowledge and influential works. One of his renowned works is "Ihya Ulumuddin," a book that covers various aspects of a Muslim's life.
In this book, Imam Ghazali emphasizes that the right of religious teachers is greater than that of parents. Here is a quote from "Ihya Ulumuddin":
حق المعلم أعظم من حق الوالدين فإن الوالد سبب الوجود الحاضر والحياة الفانية والمعلم سبب الحياة الباقية
ولولا المعلم لانساق ما حصل من جهة الأب إلى الهلاك الدائم وإنما المعلم هو المفيد للحياة الأخروية الدائمة أعني معلم علوم الآخرة أو علوم الدنيا على قصد الآخرة لا على قصد الدنيا
"The right of the teacher is greater than the right of the parents. For the parent is the cause of one's present existence and transient life, while the teacher is the cause of one's eternal life.
Were it not for the teacher, what the parent has given would lead to permanent destruction. The teacher, on the other hand, is the one who benefits in the eternal life. I mean a teacher of the sciences of the hereafter or the sciences of this world with the intention of the hereafter, not for worldly purposes."
Understanding Imam Ghazali's Statement
Imam Ghazali's statement is often misunderstood by some. They mistakenly believe that Imam Ghazali considered parents unimportant and not influential in one's life. However, Imam Ghazali did not intend to convey such a message.
Imam Ghazali aimed to underscore the significant role religious teachers play in shaping a person's character and faith. Religious teachers impart knowledge related to the hereafter, such as monotheism, Islamic law, ethics, and more. These teachings are crucial for safeguarding an individual's well-being in both this world and the hereafter.
Imam Ghazali did not disregard the role of parents in a person's life. He simply stated that parents are the cause of a person's existence in this world, while religious teachers are the cause of one's existence in the hereafter. Both contribute significantly but in different ways.
Imam Ghazali also distinguished between various religious teachers. He separated those who teach knowledge related to the hereafter or knowledge of this world that benefits the hereafter from teachers who only focus on worldly matters. Only the former type of religious teacher deserves more respect than parents, according to Imam Ghazali.
How to Honor Parents and Religious Teachers
After understanding Imam Ghazali's statement, we can conclude that both parents and religious teachers hold high positions in Islam. They guide us toward goodness and salvation. Therefore, we must show appreciation to both through the following means:
- Love and serve your parents, both during their lifetime and after their passing. This is a duty commanded by Allah SWT and the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
- Respect and honor religious teachers, whether they are actively teaching or have retired or passed away. This demonstrates appreciation for the knowledge they have imparted.
- Seek knowledge from pious and competent religious teachers and apply that knowledge in your daily life. This is the best way to repay the favors of your religious teachers.
- Maintain good relationships with your parents and religious teachers, and pray for their well-being and forgiveness. This expresses gratitude and affection towards them.
By following these guidelines, you can show that you value both your parents and religious teachers as essential figures in your life. You can also draw inspiration from the stories of the Prophet's companions, like Uwais Al Qarani, who prioritized his mother's happiness over migrating to Medina for the status of being a companion of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
Remember the story of the man who intended to participate in jihad upon the noble call of his teacher, Prophet Muhammad SAW, while his parents wept, worried for his safety. The Prophet SAW, in response to their concern, instructed him to return to his parents and bring them happiness, highlighting their cherished status.
فارجع إليهما فأضحكهما كما أبكيتهما "
"Return to them and make them laugh as you have made them weep." (Ahmad and Abu Daud)
And never forget, even their words are a continuous prayer to Allah, seeking His love and guidance for their child—a gesture that your religious teacher may not have undertaken.
Your parents are your first and last teachers.
Wallahu A'lam...
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