A BEND THE BAMBOO SERIES
You Are
Your Manners
~ Manners as a student ~
Aydarus Ahmad Alhabshi
Back Cover story
Ali waited for his dad to pick him up from school. His eyes wandered, watching what was happening around him. He noticed a confident boy walking as if there were springs on his feet. Boosted by his popular and expensive super-red shoes, he walked with striking confidence. A girl nearby was also walking confidently to her father’s car. It was a sleek black car. Another boy confidently cycled through the crowd on his new mountain bike, with pedals that cost $200 alone. A proud boy, known as the school's best footballer, also walked with super confidence.
Suddenly, someone patted Ali's shoulder.
It was his favourite teacher, Mr. Umar.
Mr. Umar is Ali’s Moral Education teacher.
He asked him, 'What are you thinking about?'
'I was watching the other students and wondering if you need to be somebody or have something in order to be a confident person,'
said Ali.
Mr. Umar smiled, lowered himself until he was eye-to-eye with Ali,
and said, 'You are not defined by the things you have or the titles you hold.
You are your manners.‘
And that reminder stayed in Ali's heart, shaping his every action and guiding him through life's twists and turns. He embraced it fully, making good manners a part of everything he does.
1st Edition - Jamadul-Akhir 1445 | Dec 2023
A Bend The Bamboo Series
Author: Aydarus Ahmad Alhabshi
Copyright © 2023 by Revamp Enrichment Centre
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without written permission from the publisher.
ISBN: XXX XXX XXX XXXX XXXX
Title: You are your manners – Manners as a student
Ordering Information:
Quantity sales. Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the following address:
Revamp Enrichment Centre
110 Victory Centre #05-05
Lor 23 Geylang
Singapore 388410
Email: contact@revamp.sg
Contents
The Du’a (supplication) and intention before studying. 6
7. The Importance of Punctuality. 17
8. The Best Manners of a Student. 19
10. The Reward For Making Intentions. 24
11. Good Action Bad Intention. 27
12. Good Intention Bad Action. 29
13. Praying Without Intention. 31
14. Respectful Gestures To Your Teacher. 33
16. The Listening Champion. 37
18. The Five Rules Of Learning. 40
19. The Tree That Bears Fruits. 42
22. The Approach To Asking Questions. 47
24. Overcome Shyness, Welcome Confidence. 52
25. The Rank Of Seeking Knowledge. 54
26. Respecting Your Teacher. 57
28. Appreciating Our Teacher. 60
Guide for Educators
Dear Esteemed Educators,
Welcome to the guide that will empower you in navigating the enlightening journey through this book. Your role as educators is pivotal, and we wish to ensure you make the most out of this valuable resource. Here are some insights to elevate your teaching experience:
1. Preparation is Key:
Before the class begins, take the time to read the chapter thoroughly. Consider it not just as a duty but as a personal exploration. Let the teachings resonate within you so that you can share them authentically.
2. Foster Interaction:
Transform the subject into an interactive experience. Engage with your students on a personal level, encouraging them to share their thoughts and experiences related to the chapters. The more personal connections they make, the deeper the impact.
3. Utilize Discussion Questions:
Leverage the provided discussion questions at the end of each chapter. These are not mere prompts but catalysts for meaningful conversations. Don’t limit yourselves; use them as a springboard for diverse and thought-provoking discussions.
4. Sequencing is Crucial:
The book unfolds in a deliberate sequence. Begin each chapter by revisiting the previous one. Relate concepts to what has been learned before to reinforce connections and enhance understanding.
5. Bring Lessons to Life:
Go beyond the pages. Incorporate real-life examples and experiences into your teachings. Make the lessons vivid and tangible, showing your students the practical implications of the book’s teachings.
6. Encourage Critical Thought:
Foster a culture of critical thinking. Pose questions that require more than a simple answer, encouraging students to analyze, debate, and develop their own perspectives.
7. Embrace Creativity:
Do not shy away from creativity. Integrate art, role-playing, or other creative activities to make the teachings more memorable and enjoyable.
8. Connect with Other Subjects:
Seek opportunities to integrate lessons from the book with other subjects. This interdisciplinary approach can enrich the overall learning experience. For example, incorporating the book's teachings into science, consider a chapter emphasizing kindness. Explore "Kindness in Nature" by examining instances of cooperation in the animal kingdom, connecting these observations to human values from the book. Discuss how kindness extends beyond humans, encouraging students to reflect on life's interconnectedness. This approach not only reinforces book values but also demonstrates their universality, fostering a holistic understanding and appreciation in students.
9. Involve Parents:
Extend the learning beyond the classroom. Provide parents with ways to engage in discussions and activities at home, creating a collaborative learning environment.
10. Personal Reflections:
Allocate time for individual reflections. Encourage students to express their thoughts through journals or creative outlets, fostering a deeper connection with the material.
Teachers are the torchbearers of knowledge and wisdom. Their dedication transforms minds and shapes futures. Thank you for your commitment to cultivating enlightened minds. Wishing you a transformative and fulfilling teaching experience! May Allāh guide, bless and reward you!
The Du’a (supplication) and intention before studying
Written by al-Imām Abdullāh b. Alawi b. Muhammad al-Haddad
نَوَيۡتُ التَّعَلُّمَ وَالتَّعۡلِيۡمَ, وَالتَّذَكُّرَ وَالتَّذۡكِيۡرَ, وَالنَّفۡعَ وَالۡاِنۡتِفَاعَ,
وَالۡإِفَادَةَ وَالۡاِسۡتِفَادَةَ, وَالۡحَثَّ عَلَى التَّمَسُّكِ بِكِتَابِ اللّٰـهِ وَسُنَّةِ رَسُوۡلِهِ, وَالدُّعَآءَ إِلَى الۡهُدَى وَالدَّلَالَةَ عَلَى الۡخَيۡرِ اِبۡتِغَاءَ وَجۡهِ اللّٰـهِ وَمَرۡضَاتِهِ وَقُرۡبِهِ وَثَوَابِهِ سُبۡحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى
Nawai-tut-ta-'alluma wa-ta'-līm, wat-tažakkura wat-tažkīr, wan-naf-'a wal-intifā', wal-ifādata wal-istifāda, wal-hašša 'alat-tamassuki bikitābillāhi wa-sunnati rasūlih, wad-du-'ā-a ilal-hudā wad-dalālata 'alal-khayr, ibti-ghā-a wajhillāhi wa-marḍātihi wa-qurbihi wa-šawābihi subhānahu wa-ta'āla
I hereby intend to learn and to teach. To be reminded and to remind. To be beneficial and to derive benefit. To seek knowledge and be of benefit. And to encourage holding fast to the Book of God and the Sunnah of His messenger. And to call unto guidance and to guide unto good, for the sake of God, His pleasure, proximity and reward, transcendent and exalted is He!
1. The Greeting Of Peace
Mr. Umar entered the class with the friendliest smile, looking at each and every student right in the eyes. And he did this every single time! Then he greeted the class with the Islamic greeting of peace, “Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.” Everyone in the class replied, “Wa’alaikumussalam warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.”
Mr. Umar started the lesson with a question, “What is the meaning of Assalamu’alaikum? “ The class answered in one voice, “Peace be upon you!”
And he posed another question: “Do you all know who was the first to introduce to us the salam?” Most of the students replied that it was Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
“Yes, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the one who taught us, but the first to teach us this was Allāh Himself!” said Mr. Umar.
"When Allāh created Adam, He taught him many things. He told him to go to a group of Angels who were nearby and greet them with Assalamu’alaikum - and to listen to what they were going to reply. The Angels replied to his salam. Allāh told Adam that this would be his greeting and the greeting of his children among each other.[1]
The Salam came from Allāh, and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ guided us how to apply the salam. He taught us that when enter our houses, we should give the Salam to our family, for it will be a blessing both to us and to our family."[2]
All the students were so captivated by the lesson, absorbing every word Mr. Umar shared.
Discussion:
1. How does it make you feel when your teacher, like Mr. Umar, starts the class with a big smile and a friendly greeting? Do you think it makes learning more fun and exciting? Why or why not? Now how do think the teachers would feel if you were to smile at them?
2. What is the meaning of "Assalamu’alaikum"?
3. Who was the first to introduce the greeting "salam"?
4. How did Allāh teach Adam the way to reply the greeting "Assalamu’alaikum"?
5. What should be the first thing we do when we enter our house?
2. The Best Reply
When it was time for question and answer, Aishah raised her hand, and Mr. Umar signaled to her to speak.
“Mr. Umar, how do we reply to a greeting? Is it 'Wa’alaikumussalam' or 'Wa’alaikumussalam warahmatullahi wabarakatuh'?” she inquired.
“A very good question, Aishah,” Mr. Umar responded, and answered with a story.
“A man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said: ‘Assalamu’alaikum!’ (Peace be upon you!) The Prophet ﷺ replied his greeting and said: ‘Ten.’
Another man came and said: ‘Assalamu’alaikum waramatullah!’ (Peace and Allāh's mercy be upon you!) The Prophet ﷺ responded to his greeting and said: ‘Twenty.’
And then another man came and said: ‘Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh!’ (Peace and Allāh's mercy and blessings be upon you!) The Prophet ﷺ responded to him and said ‘Thirty.’[3]
What the Prophet ﷺ meant by saying ten, twenty and thirty was, the first man who gave the short greeting received the reward of ten good deeds. The second man received the reward of twenty good deeds. And the third man received the reward of thirty good deeds!
“MāshāAllāh!” echoed the students.
Discussion:
1. How did Aishah contribute to the class knowledge about greetings?
2. Can you remember the rewards for the different forms of the greeting?
3. The Magic in Salam
Mr. Umar reminded the students about the importance of greeting with the salam among Muslims and shared a hadis.
“Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, ‘You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you about something which, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread the greeting of peace among yourselves.’[4]
From this hadis, we learn that saying salam is not just a sign of respect! It will also help us to love one another, for the sake of Allāh!
Ali raised his hand, and upon receiving permission, asked, “Do we give salam only to those whom we know?”
“Very good question, Ali,” acknowledged Mr. Umar before providing an answer. “A man once asked Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, 'Which act in Islam is the best?' He ﷺ replied, 'To give food, and to greet everyone, whether you know them or not.'”[5]
And the Prophet ﷺ also said: ‘Those who are nearest to Allāh is the one who is first to give the salam.’[6]
He ﷺ even taught us who should rightfully give the salam first. He ﷺ said, 'A rider should greet a pedestrian, a pedestrian should greet the one who is sitting, and the smaller group of people should greet the large group of people.'”[7]
All the students were smiling, they were so grateful to learn what was taught!
Discussion:
1. What is the magic of giving salam?
2. What question did Ali ask Mr. Umar regarding giving salam?
3. What can you learn from Ali’s habit of asking questions in class?
4. Why did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ say it's good to be the first one to say salam?
5. According to the Prophet ﷺ, who should say salam first - someone on a vehicle or someone walking?
6. In saying salam, who should start the greeting - someone walking or someone sitting?
7. How did the Prophet ﷺ advise us to say salam when there's a small group and a big group?
8. Why is it a good idea for us to follow what Prophet ﷺ taught about saying salam in different situations?
4. Who are the Teachers?
“Today I wish to explain to all of you about who the teachers are,” said Mr. Umar as he started the lesson.
“Prophet Muhammad ﷺ [8] mentioned that the comparison between the learned or teachers to the pious worshipper is like the brightness of the moon compared to the stars. The teachers are like the helpers of the Prophets.[9]
When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that teachers are like the helpers of the Prophets, it means they act as keepers of important lessons from the Prophets. They have a big role sharing these valuable lessons with their students, guiding them to understand and put them into practice in their lives.
Therefore, students should appreciate the big responsibility teachers carry in guiding their students according to the wishes of Allāh and His Messenger ﷺ."
Discussion:
1. How did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ compare the teachers with the pious worshippers?
2. Do you know what are the important lessons from the prophets?
3. What important job do teachers have when it comes to guiding students?
5. Guiders of Tomorrow
"For many years, I was a student too, and I have had many teachers who guided and cared about me," shared Mr. Umar. “The lessons they shared with me during those years is still valuable and helps me every day.”
“Teachers are kind individuals. They're not just here to teach us about subjects, they also want us to be the best versions of ourselves. They care about what's inside our hearts and how we behave, following the good ways taught by Allāh and His Beloved Messenger ﷺ.
Teachers guide us in understanding Islam and doing what is right. They show us how to think carefully, speak kindly, never give up and have good manners.
They teach about patience, respect, and being helpful to others. So, it’s important for us to be kind and respectful to our teachers, just like how we are with our parents.
Teachers make school a fun and safe place for us. They put in lots of effort to create a happy place where we feel comfortable asking questions and learning new things. They plan exciting lessons to make learning the best experience.
Teachers are like our second set of parents – always there when we need them. When we face tough stuff, they're right by our side, helping us through. And when we do awesome things in our studies, they cheer us on, just like our biggest fans.
What makes teachers extra special is that they truly believe in us. They believe we can do amazing things and support us in reaching our goals. It's like having our own personal coach!
Teachers have a really important job in helping us grow into leaders in our own special ways. With their support, we can become responsible and smart individuals, making the world an even better place. That's why it's really, really important for us to treat our teachers with love and respect, just like we do with our parents.
Therefore, it's really important for us to always be kind and polite, listen carefully to what our teachers say, and give our very best effort in class. When we show love and respect to our teachers, our learning journey becomes filled with ‘Barakah’. And I will explain the meaning of Barakah in the next lesson, inshāAllāh.”
Discussion:
1. The chapter says teachers are like a second set of parents. In what ways are they similar?
2. Teachers make school a fun and safe place. What are some things your teacher does to create a happy classroom? How does a happy classroom help you learn better?
3. Do you have a favorite lesson or piece of advice from a teacher? What was it, and how has it helped you?
6. The meaning of Barakah
Notice that when we give the salam, which is worth ‘thirty’, the last word contains the word ‘Barakah.’ This special word means an increase in the goodness of something, and this increase is only made possible by Allāh. Barakah is like a special touch from Allāh that makes things we do become extra special. In English, it is called Divine Goodness or blessings.
Here are some ways to describe “Barakah”:
1) Achieving more with very few things
2) Completing much work in very little time
3) Generating a lot of great benefits with very little effort
4) Continuing to do good things for a long time
Now, let's look at a few examples to better understand how Barakah can be seen in different aspects of life:
Example 1: Imagine a father who doesn't earn much and lives in an average house. Still, he manages to feed his whole family, they always eat together, have guests over, and he regularly donates to the poor. His salary has Barakah.
On the flip side, there's another wealthy father with a big salary and a large house, but he rarely eats with his family, never has guests, and never has enough to donate. His salary lacks Barakah
Example 2: Picture a man who lived for 40 years but wrote dozens of books that benefited mankind. His time had Barakah.
On the other hand, another man lived for 80 years but did nothing to benefit others. His time lacked Barakah
Example 3: Think of an average family that lacks money for overseas holidays. Instead, they have simple picnics at the beach, and yet, they are incredibly happy. This family has Barakah.
In a different situation, a wealthy family spends thousands of dollars on a holiday overseas, but the whole family is always complaining and arguing. This family lacks Barakah.
Example 4: Imagine a child who starts learning the Quran and continues learning for 10 years. His learning has Barakah.
On the other hand, another child begins learning the Quran but gives up after only 3 weeks. His learning lacks Barakah.
Here are ways for us to receive Barakah in our life:
1. Obey Allāh and stay away from what is forbidden.
2. Make du’a to Allāh, especially in the morning (Subuh) and early evening (Maghrib).
3. Recite the Quran reguarly.
4. Always make a good intention before doing anything.
5. Begin with Bismillah before doing anything.
6. Put into practice the Sunnah.
Discussion:
1. What are the ways mentioned for receiving Barakah in our life?
2. Have you ever experienced Barakah in your life?
3. What other examples of Barakah situations can you give?
7. The Importance of Punctuality
Ahmad arrived very late to class, missing a big part of the teacher’s lesson. As a result, he found it hard to understand many things. Feeling confused, Ahmad had to ask the teacher several questions to understand better. Even though the teacher was kind and patient, the interruptions made the teacher repeat almost everything! And that took away valuable time from the rest of the class
Ali saw what happened and realised how coming late did not just affect the late student, but it also disrupted the learning environment for everyone else.
Some students were showing unkind reactions to Ahmad because he made the teacher repeat and delayed the lesson. But Ali showed sympathy. He remembered what Allāh says in the Quran about advising each other with patience.[10]
Feeling concerned about his fellow classmate, Ali approached Ahmad after class and kindly explained the importance of being on time. He shared how being punctual has helped him stay engaged in the lessons taught by the teacher. He also explained how arriving on time means showing respect for the teacher and classmates. When we arrive on time, the teacher would not have to wait or repeat, and the class could start and finish on time.
Encouraged by Ali’s kind words, Ahmad made a promise to be more punctual from that day forward. He understood that being on time not only helped him personally but also contributed to a smooth and orderly learning experience for the entire class.
Discussion:
1. Why do you think being punctual is important for students?
2. If you were the teacher, how would you feel if some students were always late for class?
3. Put yourself in Ali’s shoes. How would you approach Ahmad to explain the importance of being on time? What would you say to encourage him?
4. Think about your own experiences. Have you ever been late for school or a class? What happened, why were you late, and how did it make you feel?
5. What can you do to make sure you are on time in the future?
8. The Best Manners of a Student
Mr. Umar posed a question to the class: “Who is the best student?”
“The one who memorises the Quran!” answered Ali. “The one who scores the highest mark in exams!” said Maryam. “The one who prays five times a day!” said Amna.
Mr. Umar smiled and said, “No, the answer is, the best student is the one with the best manners!”
Mr. Umar continued, “I have another question: What is the best manners of a student?”
“The one who always does their homework!” said Zaid. “The one who helps their teacher!” said Osman. “The one who always smiles!” said Amna.
Mr. Umar smiled again and said, “No, the answer is, the best manners of a student is the one who is always punctual!”
Mr. Umar looked around the class and asked, “Who in this class is always punctual?” Almost instantly, all the students pointed to Ali! Ali blushed and looked down.
“Ali, why are you always punctual?” asked Mr. Umar.
Ali answered softly, “You taught us last year that when we come on time, it means we respect our teacher and friends. When we arrive at school on time, the teacher would not have to wait, and the class could start and finish on time. I also remember your advice: Being on time is the best way a student should behave.”
“MāshāAllāh, may Allāh bless you, Ali,” Mr. Umar was very proud of Ali, and he reminded all the students: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "Nothing is heavier on the Scale of Judgment than one's good manners."
Discussion:
1. Why do you think Mr. Umar said that the best student is the one with the best manners? Do you agree? Why or why not?
2. When Mr. Umar asked about the best manners of a student, what were some of the answers from the students? Why do you think Mr. Umar said that being punctual is the best manners of a student?
3. Why do you think all the students pointed to Ali when Mr. Umar asked who is always punctual? How do you feel about Ali being praised for his punctuality?
4. What did Ali say about being punctual, and why does he think it's important? Can you think of other reasons why being on time is a good habit for students?
5. Mr. Umar shared a saying of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ . What do you think the "Scale of Judgment" means?
9. Making Good Intentions
Maryam noticed that every time before the lesson starts, Ali would close his eyes, take a deep breath and cover his face with his hands for a few seconds. After a few days, she could not hold her curiosity, and she asked Ali why he did that.
Ali shared, “I was making my intentions; O Allāh, I intend to learn and to be reminded. I want to seek knowledge and use it to benefit myself and help others. I intend to follow the teachings of the Book of Allāh and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ. I seek Your pleasure, closeness, and reward. Amin.”
“Mr. Umar always reminded us to make good intentions, so I did”, said Ali with much humility.
That day, after Mr. Umar had finished teaching the class, he allowed time for the students to ask any questions. So Maryam took the chance and asked, “Mr. Umar, why did you teach us to make intentions before doing anything?”
"Good question, Maryam. In life, when we do things like praying, helping others, studying, or even playing, the most important part is why we are doing them. Only we ourselves know why we do the things we do. So, we want to make sure we do them for the right reasons.
In Islam, making intentions means thinking about why we are doing something, and then we say in our hearts that we are doing it for the sake of Allāh. Having good intention is the key that unlocks amazing rewards from Allāh.
When we make good intentions, it helps us do things for the right reasons, with sincerity and a pure heart – not for showing off or expecting something in return.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, "The reward of actions depends upon the intentions, and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended.”[11]
So, when we do something good, like praying, we should do it please Allāh, not to seek praise from people! And when we help others, we should do it with the intention of being kind to people, and not seeking reward!
So class, do you all understand?” asked Mr. Umar.
“Making intentions is like a quiet talk with Allāh!” said Ahmad
“Making intentions is like a secret promise between us and Allāh!” said Maryam.
“Yes! Yes!” smiled Mr. Umar, and continued, “For example, when we help others, we can make the intention, "I am doing this to be kind and make Allāh be pleased with me." Or when we share our toys, we can say in our hearts, "I'm sharing my toys to make others happy and make Allāh proud."
Allāh hears our intentions[12], so we can speak to Allāh even in our hearts. Making good intentions shows how much we remember Allāh and how sincere we are to Him. It's like a special way of telling Him, "O Allāh, I want to do this to make You happy and be proud of me!"
When we have good intentions, it brings more meaning and goodness to what we do, and it helps us become kinder and better people. And the greatest benefit is, it will make us have a closer connection with Allāh.
Discussion:
1. What does Ali always do before the teacher starts the lessons?
2. Why is it important to check on our intentions?
3. What does making intentions mean in Islam?
4. Why is it important to have good intentions when helping others or sharing our belongings?
5. Can you give an example of a good intention when eating?
6. Can you give an example of a good intention when showering?
7. What does making good intentions show to Allāh?
10. The Reward For Making Intentions
“Mr. Umar, can I ask something please?” asked Nusaybah. “Sure Nusaybah, said Mr. Umar smiling.
“During the previous lesson, you mentioned that we will be rewarded for making good intentions. Does it mean we will be rewarded, even before we do them?” asked Nusaybah curiously.
Mr. Umar smiled and answered, “Oh yes Nusaybah, very true. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us how much Allāh values our intentions.
He mentioned that whosoever intended to perform a good deed, but did not do it, then Allāh will reward it as a complete good deed.
And whosoever intended to perform the good deed, and then perform it, then Allāh will reward it as ten good deeds, and up to seven hundred times, and even up to many times more.
And whosoever intended to perform a bad deed, but did not do it, then Allāh will reward it as a complete good deed!
And if he intended to perform a bad deed, and then he performed it, then Allāh will write it down as one bad deed.’”[13]
Upon hearing this, the whole class echoed with great amazement.
Maryam asked, “Mr. Umar, did you say if we intend to do something bad, but we did not do it, then Allāh will reward us?”
“Yes Maryam, you heard right!” exclaimed Mr. Umar and went on to explain, “This hadis beautifully shows Allāh 's mercy. This is how much Allāh loves us.
It says that even if we can't do a good deed, just thinking about doing it is so great to Allāh that He records it as a complete good deed!
On the other hand, if we think about doing something wrong but choose not to do it, Allāh also records it as a complete good deed! SubhanAllāh!
Better yet, when we put our good thoughts into action, Allāh makes the rewards for that good deed even bigger. The exact reward depends on how sincere and dedicated we are.
This reminds us of how valuable our intentions are in Islam and how Allāh, out of His kindness, rewards us generously for our good thoughts and deeds. Always remember, it's not just about doing good things, but also about doing them with a good heart, with a good intention.
When we do something kind or helpful, we should care more about whether Allāh is happy with our actions. That's because when we do things with love and sincerity, even the tiniest good deed becomes very special to Allāh. In the hereafter, Allāh will not only reward our good deeds but even our good intentions!
We can make intentions every day, for everything we do, like sharing, saying kind words, or even giving others a smile!”
The whole class was so happy to learn this and they intend to put it into practice right away!
Discussion:
1. In the sight of Allāh, are we rewarded for our good intentions only when we perform them, or does Allāh also reward us for our sincere intentions even if, for some reason, we are unable to perform them?
2. Will Allāh punish us if we have made a bad intention but did not perform it?
3. How many “reward” or “good points” do we get for putting our good intention into action?
4. How many “bad points” do we get for putting our bad intentions into action?
5. What should we care about the most when doing anything?
11. Good Action Bad Intention
“Aishah, do you understand about the topics on intentions that Mr. Umar has been teaching?” asked Nusaybah.
Aishah replied confidently, “Alhamdulillah so far I understand them.”
“I have a question though, what if someone does a good action, but he actually has a bad intention? Will the action be counted as good or bad?” asked Nusaybah.
“Okay, that, I’m not sure! Let’s ask Mr. Umar!” said Aishah.
They both went to see Mr. Umar and asked him. And Mr. Umar said:
“Prophet Muhammad ﷺ shared a lesson about the fate of three persons on Judgment Day.
The first was a soldier who fought bravely in a war and died, but his intention was to be known as a brave warrior and to gain praise from people, rather than for the sake of Allāh.
The second was a man who studied and could recite the Qur’an beautifully, but his main intention was to be famous, to be known for his beautiful voice, and he was seeking praise from people, not for the sake of Allāh.
The third was a rich man who spent and donated money. However, his intention was for people to see him as generous, and he wanted to have good image rather than doing it for Allāh.
Even when they did things that seemed good, Allāh could see what they were really thinking inside, and did not accept their deeds. Good actions, when mixed with bad intentions, lose their sincerity and fail to earn Allāh's approval.
Does this lesson answer your question, girls?” asked Mr. Umar.
Both Aishah and Nusaybah nodded with a smile.
Mr. Umar continued, “The story teaches us about having a sincere intention in everything we do, for the sake of Allah, and not for getting things for ourselves or for the world.
We should always check our intentions before doing anything. Let's make lots of intentions to do good things, even if we might not have the time or means to do them!
Let's always try our best to be good from the inside out, and Allāh will love our efforts, big or small!”
Discussion:
1. Why did Allāh not accept the deeds of the soldier who fought bravely?
2. Why did Allāh not accept the deeds of the learned man who recites the Quran beautifullly?
3. Why did Allāh not accept the deeds of the rich man who donated generously?
4. What do you learn from this story?
12. Good Intention Bad Action
Nusaybah understood that when a person has bad intention but did not put it into action, it will be counted as a good deed.
And she also understood now that good action if done with a bad intention, will be counted as bad deed.
But now she was thinking about what if a person does a bad action but with good intentions! So again, to Mr. Umar she went!
Upon hearing her question, Mr. Umar said,
“This story will help you understand, inshāAllāh.
Sayyidina Umar was the Khalifah of the Muslims. Every night, he would silently patrol the streets to check on the well-being of his people. One night, he stopped to rest near a house, which belonged to a very poor family — an elderly mother and her daughter.
Sayyidina Umar accidentally overheard their conversation.
The mother was telling her daughter, “Tomorrow, when you sell the milk, add water to it so that we can sell more with less milk and earn more money.” Her intention was to help them earn more money, as they were very poor.
The daughter was surprised and replied, “Mother, what are you saying? We cannot do that. Don’t you know that the Khalifah has forbidden the mixing of milk and water? And that’s not fair to our customers.”
The mother argued, “But the Khalifah is not here! He doesn’t see us!”
The daughter responded, “If the Khalifah does not see us, the God of the Khalifah does.”
Sayyidina Umar was deeply impressed by what he overheard and felt proud of the daughter.
Although the mother's intention was good, which was to help the family earn more money, the action of adding water to the milk is considered haram, because it is cheating."
“MāshāAllāh, thank you so much Mr. Umar! Your stories will remain in my memory for a lifetime!” said Nusaybah.
Discussion:
1. What was the good intention of the elderly mother?
2. What was the wrong action here?
3. Is it right to do bad actions with good intentions?
13. Praying Without Intention
Maryam raised her hand, and Mr. Umar signalled to her to ask.
“Mr. Umar, can you give us an example of someone doing something good but without making a good intention, please?”
“Certainly!”, answered Mr. Umar. “I have a story!”
“Once, there was a boy, he would only pray when there were people around. One day, his mother told him to go and pray at the mosque. He went, but without making any good intention. He just wanted to pray to get it done and over with.
He arrived late so the mosque was already empty. Before he started praying, he checked if anyone was around. When he was sure there was no one, he prayed, but hurriedly! As he was praying, he heard someone opening the door behind him, and then he heard footsteps. In an instant, he slowed down his prayer and recited the al-Fatihah and Surah beautifully!
After giving the salam, he turned around to see who had entered. To his surprise, it was a stray dog!” exclaimed Mr. Umar.
“Aaaahhhhhhh!!!” echoed the students in disbelieve.
“He just prayed for the dog!!!” said Ahmad, laughing!
“Yeah he was reciting beautifully for the sake of people, but then it was a dog!” said Nusaybah!
“You all understand the story, yes?” asked Mr. Umar.
“Yeeessssss Mr. Umar….”, replied the class, still giggling in disbelieve!
“He was praying just for the sake of praying, but he did not make the intention to pray for the sake of Allāh,” concluded Mr. Umar.
Discussion:
1. What is the most important intention we should have when we pray?
2. Let's reflect and compare how we pray when there are people around and when we are alone.
3. How do you think we can make our prayers better?
4. What other acts of goodness do you know, and what should our intentions be?
14. Respectful Gestures To Your Teacher
Gestures are how we use words and actions to share our feelings and thoughts. When we speak, we use words like "thank you" to show appreciation or "I'm sorry" to apologise. But even without words, we can use our body and face to express ourselves. For instance, waving to say hello, nodding to agree, smiling to share happiness, giving a thumbs up to show we like something, or clapping hands to applaud – these are all gestures. Gestures help us connect with others and make our communication meaningful and pleasant!
Ali understood the importance of using respectful gestures with his teachers. Calling the teacher by their name is a big no-no! Instead, Ali would use kind and polite titles such as "Mr", "Teacher", "Sir”, or “Madam." These words showed respect and made the teacher feel honoured.
Ali 's face lit up with a cheerful smile whenever the teacher entered the classroom. With utmost respect, he would stand up and warmly greet them with the salam.
Whenever it was appropriate and allowed, Ali would also show respect to his teachers by kissing their hand. However, Ali knew that children aged nine and above should avoid any physical contact with teachers of the opposite gender.
Ali would then wait for the teacher to sit before taking his seat, just like a loyal servant who humbly waits for their king to be seated before he himself sits. These gentle and respectful gestures showed the teacher that they were respected and valued.
Showing respect for the teacher's belongings was also important. Ali remembered a golden rule: never sit in the teacher's chair or touch their things without asking for permission. The teacher's chair was like a special throne reserved just for them, a place of honour – only for the King! So, Ali always made sure not to disturb the teacher's belongings, showing his understanding and respect for their personal space.
By following these polite and respectful gestures, Ali was loved by his teachers, and his classmates admired his good manners.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, "He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young ones and respect to our elders."[14]
Discussion:
1. How did Ali show respect when speaking to his teacher?
2. Do you know what kind of title should we use when addressing our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?
3. What did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ teach us about how to love one another?
4. What did Ali do before sitting down in the classroom?
5. What is the meaning of “Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh”?
15. Always Come Prepared!
Mr. Umar asked the class to hand in their homework, some students looked worried and upset because they had forgotten about it. One student said he had done the homework but forgot to bring it, another said he has done the homework but left it at his grandma’s house, while another claimed it suddenly got lost! Among the worried faces, Ali proudly handed in his homework first.
Ali had a little secret that made him an excellent student – he always remembered Mr. Umar’s advice: 'Always come prepared!'
From the moment he woke up each morning, he was full of energy and excitement for the day ahead.
Every day, before the sun set and the moon appeared in the sky, with a big smile on his face, Ali would start preparing for the next day. He knew that being prepared wasn't just about having the right stuff in his bag but also about being responsible and completing all the tasks given by the teacher. So he made sure to finish all the homework and tasks, and once done, he would check his pencil case, pack his books in his bag neatly, and fill up his water bottle.
Ali's readiness not only made the teacher happy but also motivated his classmates. They admired his responsibility and how he managed to be organised with everything. This has led some of them to follow Ali's example and started to prepare better for the next day's lessons.
Eventually, Ali's little secret to being a fantastic student was no secret at all – being prepared made him a shining star in the classroom!
Discussion:
1. Have you ever forgotten to hand in your homework on time? How did you feel and what was the reason you forgotten?
2. What do you think Ali's little secret to being an excellent student is?
3. What are some things Ali does each day to make sure he's prepared for school? Can you think of other ways to be prepared for your day?
16. The Listening Champion
Ali was genuinely excellent at listening! He knew that listening to the teacher was very important because it helped him learn lots of things and become a better person. In class, he was like a listening champion, always focused on what the teacher said, watching every move and expression, as if he was witnessing a magical story unfold right in front of him!
Not only was Ali attentive to the teacher's words, but he was also a very considerate student in class. He understood how important it was to be still and not fidget, so he could focus better, and not distract others. He would always sit up straight, he would turn the book pages quietly, and did not look around or get too wiggly.
He remembered Mr. Umar’s teachings about the great people of the past. They would sit so still and focused, that birds would land on their heads! Such was their focus when gaining knowledge from their teacher, and Ali wanted to follow in their footsteps.
Discussion:
1. Why do you think Ali is described as a "listening champion"?
2. What are some ways Ali shows he is a considerate student in class?
3. Can you think of other ways students can be considerate to their teacher and classmates during lessons?
4. Why does Ali sit up straight and avoid fidgeting in class?
5. How can being still and focused help us learn better?
17. The Memory Library
"Mr. Umar, is there a way to help us have good memory? There is just so much to memorise! I don’t think I can do it!" said Aishah.
"Don’t worry, Aishah,” replied Mr. Umar, and he continued, “There are many ways to help us improve our memory and also methods to memorise things easily. It is good to be able to understand a lesson, but we must also remember them and not forget them. The knowledge should transfer into our brains and not just into our books and bags! So here is the secret to do it:
Firstly, make it a fun habit to read and revise everything you have learned for the day at home. Write the things you wish to memorise on a paper and read them over and over, every day.
Secondly, imagine that your brain is a magical memory library, and the teacher's lessons are like the books on the shelves. A library without books would not be cool, right? So memorising the teacher’s lessons is like collecting those books and storing them in your memory library! That way, you can easily find and use the answers whenever you need them, without needing to refer to the books!
And thirdly, make do’a. Remember that nothing is difficult if we seek it through Allāh. Always seek the assistance of Allāh and do not consider yourself incapable.
Here is a supplication you can recite daily, to ask Allāh for good memory:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْألُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَعَمَلًا صَالِحًا
وَحِفْظًا قَوِيًّا وَفَهْمًا كَامِلًا
وَعَقْلًا سَالِمًا بِرَحْمَتِكَ يَا اَرْحَمَ ٱلرَّاحِمِينَ
"Allāhumma innī as-aluka 'ilman nāfi'an, wa 'amalan ṣāliḥan,
wa ḥifẓan qawiyyan, wa fahman kāmilan, wa 'aqlan sāliman,
bir-raḥmatika yā arḥama ar-rāḥimīn.
O Allāh I ask You for beneficial knowledge and good deeds
and a strong memory and a perfect understanding and a sound intellect by Your mercy, O the most Merciful of the merciful ones
Discussion:
1. Why do you think Aishah is worried about memorising things? Have you ever had the same feelings and worry?
2. What are the three secrets Mr. Umar shared to help improve memory? Can you think of other ways to make memorising more enjoyable?
3. How would you describe the idea of your brain being a "magical memory library"? Why is it important to collect and store the lessons in your "memory library"?
18. The Five Rules Of Learning
“My dear students, you have learned that to study, firstly, we must have good intentions. Secondly, to always come prepared. Thirdly, to listen – and it means to be quiet, not just your mouth, but your whole body should also be quiet! Fourth, is to remember and memorise whatever you have learned. And today we shall learn about the fifth rule, and that is to put into practice what you have learned.”
Mr. Umar continued, “Knowledge is that which benefits, not that which is only memorised!”
Mr. Umar noticed Ahmad’s face looking puzzled, so he asked, “Ahmad, are you alright?”
“Sorry Mr. Umar, I don’t quite understand. Last week you taught us that we need to always memorise what we have learned. But now you said knowledge is that which benefits, not that which is memorised! Are you saying it is not important to memorise now?” asked Ahmad.
“Oh no Ahmad, what I meant was, we do need to memorise what we have learned. But after we memorised them, we have to put them into practice or action. Only then would the knowledge be truly beneficial and meaningful,” answered Mr. Umar.
“It’s like when you taught us that we should not move a lot, and we remember it and put it into practice by not moving a lot, right Mr. Umar?” said Maryam.
“Yes Maryam, you are very right!”, answered Mr. Umar, and he continued, “The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘Ask Allāh for beneficial knowledge and seek refuge with Allāh from knowledge that is of no benefit.’”[15]
“Always remember these golden words: ‘Knowledge is that which benefits, not just that which is memorised.’”[16]
“Here is a Prophetic supplication for all of you to recite daily:
اَللّٰـهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا طَيِّــبًا وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا
Allāhumma innā nas-a-luka ‘ilman nā-fi-'an,
wa rizqan thoyyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalā
O Allāh we ask You for knowledge that is of benefit, and a good provision, and deeds that will be accepted.”[17]
Discussion:
1. What are the five rules of learning according to Mr. Umar? Can you recall them?
2. Can you share an example from your own life when you learned something and then put it into practice? How did it benefit you or others?
3. Can you think of other ways to put knowledge into practice and apply the things you learn in your daily life?
19. The Tree That Bears Fruits
Ali took what Mr. Umar taught in class to heart. He agreed that learning should not just be memorised for exams. He did not want knowledge that did not bring any benefits, like a tree that bore no fruits! Instead, he would put them into action in his every day life.
In class, at home, and everywhere he went, Ali practised good manners. His remarkable behavior caught the teacher's attention, and he was chosen as the class monitor. Soon, the principal noticed his outstanding performance in his exams and chose him for a special role as the school prefect. Despite all these, Ali remained humble.
Ali was loved by many, not only at school but also in the neighbourhood where he lived. He would greet everyone in the lift, say hello to shop owners even though he was not buying anything from them, and willingly helped his elderly neighbours with their heavy grocery bags.
His actions showed that he did not learn only to pass tests or exams but to let the lessons grow into a tree, and his practise and actions as the fruits.
Discussion:
1. Why did Ali decide that learning should not just be memorised for exams?
2. How did Ali's practise of good manners impact his life at school, in his neighborhood, and everywhere he went?
3. What are some ways you can practise good manners in your every day life, both at school and in your neighbourhood?
20. Humility
Mr. Umar was telling the class: “One important value that a student needs to have is humility[18]. It means to always be humble.” Mr. Umar noticed most of the students were looking quite confused, so he explained, “Imagine you have a friend who is really good at playing soccer. Now, if your friend always talks about how amazing they are at soccer and tries to show off all the time, that's not being humble. But, if your friend is good at soccer and knows it, yet doesn't talk much about it or make others feel less important, now that's being humble.
So, if you're good at drawing, for example, being humble would mean not saying, ‘I'm the best artist ever!’ but instead saying, ‘I enjoy drawing, and there are lots of other great artists too.’ It's a way of sharing what you can do while still respecting and appreciating what others can do. That's humility!”
Now, all the students were smiling widely, which means they understood!
Mr. Umar continued, “In Islam, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had taught us: ‘Verily, Allāh has revealed to me that you must be humble towards one another, so that no one oppresses another or boasts to another.’[19] And in another hadis, ‘No one humbles himself for the sake of Allāh except that Allāh raises his status.’[20]
We must understand that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. And that everything comes from Allāh. When you feel you are talented, it is Allāh who has granted you the means. And the more humble we are, the more Allāh will raise our status in His rank!
There is a Malay proverb which means ‘Be like the paddy (rice plant) - that bows lower as it gets filled up.’ It means that the more we know, the more humble we should be. Even if we know a lot, showing off or acting like a know-it-all is not the way to go. The right thing to do is give thanks to Allāh, use the knowledge or talent in the right way, and stay humble!”
Discussion:
1. Imagine you're really good at something you love, like drawing or playing a game. How can you share your skills with others without making them feel less important?
2. Why do you think it's important to remember that everything we have, including our talents, comes from Allāh? How can this help us stay humble?
3. What does the Malay proverb about the padi (rice plant) teach us about being humble? How can we be like the padi in our every day lives?
21. Curiosity
“Mr. Umar, may I ask you a question, please?” inquired Aishah.
“Certainly, Aishah,” responded Mr. Umar.
“Do you get annoyed when we ask so many questions?”
Her classmates erupted in giggles.
“In fact, I feel delighted and honoured when you all ask lots of questions!” said Mr. Umar honestly, and continued, “You're not a student unless you keep asking questions!”
Now the entire class had eyes wide open!
Mr. Umar then explained, “Asking questions is good because it shows that you are curious about something. If you don't understand something, be curious and never feel shy to ask questions. Teachers are here to help, and asking questions is encouraged. It demonstrates how much you love learning and how eager you are to learn more.
In the Quran, Allāh told us to ask when we don't know something, and to ask from the right people:
فَاسْأَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
Ask the people of knowledge, if you do not know.[21]
Asking questions opens the door to new knowledge. Embrace curiosity, and you'll become a true explorer of knowledge! Ok now, any more questions?” inquired Mr. Umar.
The whole class now has their hands in the air!
Discussion:
1. Why did Aishah ask Mr. Umar if he gets annoyed when students ask many questions? How did Mr. Umar respond?
2. Why do you think Mr. Umar said he feels delighted when students ask lots of questions? How does asking questions show curiosity?
3. How did Mr. Umar explain the importance of asking questions in learning? Why is curiosity a good thing?
4. According to the Quran, what does Allāh encourage us to do when we don't know something? How does this relate to asking questions in class?
5. Can you think of a time when asking a question helped you learn something new?
22. The Approach To Asking Questions
Ali set a great example as a student who knew the right way to ask questions. Whenever he had something to ask, he would raise his hand quietly, and wait patiently for permission. He understood that interrupting or calling out when the teacher was speaking was impolite.
Even if the teacher did not answer his question right away, Ali remained patient and understanding. He knew that the teacher might have a good reason for not responding at that moment and trusted that the question would be answered later on.
Ali was not only patient but also considerate and thoughtful. He recognised the importance of choosing the right time to ask questions. He would only ask when the teacher allowed the class to do so or during appropriate moments, like after the lesson.
Ali noticed that sometimes when some of his classmates interrupted the teacher with questions all of a sudden, it made the teacher lose track of what they were talking about. That's why Ali was always careful to wait for the perfect time to ask his questions. He understood it was important to be patient and to let the teacher finish speaking before even raising his hand.
Ali was also a master of not talking too much! When the teacher let him ask a question or share his thoughts, Ali made sure to keep it short and sweet. This way, all his friends could also have a chance to ask their questions. How cool and considerate is that?
We must always remember that the classroom is like a big team where everyone's thoughts and questions matter. Let's make it a friendly and welcoming place where everyone feels valued and encouraged to join in, ask questions, and share their fantastic ideas.
Discussion:
1. Why do you think Ali waits patiently and raises his hand when he has a question instead of calling out?
2. What might happen if everyone in the class interrupted the teacher with questions at the same time? Why is it important to let the teacher finish speaking before asking a question?
3. How does Ali ensure that everyone gets a chance to ask questions in the classroom? Why is it important to keep questions short and sweet?
23. You Are Your Voice
One of the greatest pieces of advice from Mr. Umar that Ali strongly held onto is, "You are your voice!" It means that our words and how we say them (the tone of our voice) have a big impact on ourselves and those around us. Using our voice to speak kind and positive words creates a good atmosphere and makes people feel happy. But using our voice to say unkind or negative things can create a sad or unfriendly atmosphere.
Whether Ali was answering the teacher, chatting with his buddies, or having a group discussion, he always used a clear, calm, and gentle voice – not too soft and not too loud, but just right! His voice was like a warm hug, making everyone feel comfortable. Ali understood that using kind words was not the only important thing, but using a friendly tone was super important too!
The way we speak can make a big difference in how others feel. When we use a friendly and gentle tone, it makes people feel comfortable, valued, respected, loved, and happy. On the other hand, yelling, shouting, debating, and arguing will create nothing but an unhappy feeling in the air!
Even during the most exciting discussions, Ali stayed cool and considerate. He knew that if he spoke too loudly, it might startle his friends. And if he spoke too softly, they might not hear him. So, Ali found the perfect balance, making sure everyone could hear him.
Using a polite voice isn't just about being heard, it's also about showing respect to others. Ali learned that talking with kindness and a friendly tone showed how much he cared for his teacher and his classmates. It made them feel special and appreciated.
One day, during a group discussion, Ali noticed that one of his classmates, Zaid, seemed a bit shy and hesitant to share his ideas. Instead of ignoring him, Ali politely asked, "Zaid, what do you think about this topic? I would love to hear your thoughts." His loving and thoughtful gesture encouraged Zaid to speak up, and he shared some really brilliant ideas.
Whenever someone made a mistake, instead of criticizing or laughing at them, Ali would offer gentle words of encouragement, saying, "It's okay, we all make mistakes sometimes. Let's try again, and we'll get it right!"
When a new student joined the class, Ali was the first to welcome him warmly. Instead of bombarding him with questions or leaving him feeling overwhelmed, Ali calmly said hi and introduced him to the class. He helped him feel at ease by sharing information about the classroom, like where the toilet and canteen were located.
During a class discussion, Ali and his classmates had different ideas on a topic. Instead of arguing loudly or ignoring each other's thoughts, Ali kindly listened to his friends and understood their points of view. He shared his own ideas in a thoughtful way, saying, "I understand what you mean, and I like your idea. Here's what I think."
Ali's polite and respectful voice made the classroom happy and welcoming. Everyone felt comfortable sharing ideas, and conversations were friendly and open-minded.
Let's be polite not only through our actions but also by using a friendly and kind voice.
Discussion:
1. Why do you think Mr. Umar says, "You are your voice"? What does it mean to you?
2. Why is it important to use a clear, calm, and gentle voice when talking to others? How does the way we talk affect how others feel?
3. Have you ever been in a situation where someone's tone made you feel uncomfortable or upset? How did it make you feel, and what do you think could have been done differently?
24. Overcome Shyness, Welcome Confidence
Whenever the teacher asked the class a question, Ali's hand would be the first to shoot up in the air and he would eagerly answer. Whenever the teacher asked the class if there is any questions anyone would like to ask, again it was Ali who raised his hand first.
Ali's classmates were fascinated by his confidence. They approached him and asked, "Why aren't you shy? You seem so brave and confident!" Ali humbly replied, “I used to be shy, but then I learned to make the right intentions. I answer when the teacher asks questions because I want to know if I have understood the lesson. And I ask questions to understand and learn more about what I wasn't sure about. There is no other reason than this.”
Ali's confidence was truly inspiring to his classmates. For Ali, there was no room for shyness or hesitation, as he knew the teacher valued every student's answer. He was always eager to express what he had learned and to ask about things which he did not understand.
Learning with sincerity and a desire to know more helps us feel less shy because we focus on learning and not worrying about what others might think. It also shows that we are humble – that we are not shy to not know or understand something. It is totally okay to not know something.
Asking questions is a great way to learn and get smarter. To be brave in asking or answering questions is a good sign that we are growing and learning more every day!
Ali’s fearless attitude encouraged his classmates to be brave too. They realized that there was no need to be shy when it comes to learning and expressing themselves. Let's follow Ali's lead, get rid of shyness, and let our confidence shine!
Discussion:
1. How can overcoming shyness positively impact our learning experience?
2. What are some strategies or intentions, like Ali's, that can help us overcome shyness and become more confident in expressing ourselves?
3. Have you ever felt shy to ask a question or answer in class? How did you overcome that shyness, or what could you do differently next time?
4. Why do you think Ali emphasizes the importance of making the right intentions when answering or asking questions? How does this mindset contribute to his confidence?
5. How can being brave in asking or answering questions contribute to a positive and engaging classroom environment?
25. The Rank Of Seeking Knowledge
Mr. Umar was giving a lesson on Good Manners. Ali was listening very carefully to the teacher's words. Meanwhile, Jamal was quietly doing his zikr, counting beads on his Subha.
Maryam, sitting behind them, watched the two boys closely. She thought to herself, "Both Ali and Jamal are doing good things – one is learning, and the other is doing the zikr. But which is better?”
When Mr. Umar welcomed questions from the class, Maryam seized her chance and raised her hand. She asked, "Mr. Umar, is doing zikr better than seeking knowledge?"
Mr. Umar smiled and praised Maryam for her thoughtful question. He replied, " Maryam, that's an excellent question! Let me answer it with a story."
"Once upon a time in the city of Medina, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ went to the mosque. He saw two groups of people doing good things. In the first group, they were sitting together, reading the Holy Quran and praying to Allāh, asking for His blessings.
In the second group, there was a wise teacher surrounded by students. The teacher was teaching them important things about Islam, and the students were listening carefully, trying to learn. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was happy to see both groups doing good things.
He said, 'Both of these groups are good. The first group, reading the Quran and praying, may get what they ask for, as Allāh decides.'
Then he looked at the second group and said, 'These people are learning and teaching knowledge. And I have been sent as a teacher.' So, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ joined the second group and sat with them."
So Maryam, what do you understand from this story?” asked Mr. Umar as he ends his story. Maryam's eyes lit up as she understood the lesson in the story. She eagerly responded, "I understand, Mr. Umar! The Prophet's action of sitting with the second group shows that learning and teaching knowledge are even more significant than reciting the Quran!"
"Yes, Maryam, you are absolutely right!" said Mr. Umar with a warm smile, and continued, "While reciting the Quran is indeed a noble deed, seeking knowledge and sharing it hold a higher rank in the sight of the Prophet ﷺ!
Learning makes our minds bright and helps us understand better. When we learn, we become better students and, later on, good teacher. And, in the future, as teachers - guiding others with what we've learned. Just like the Prophet ﷺ, who was sent as a teacher, we too can play an important role in sharing and spreading the beautiful teachings of Islam to the world."
Maryam felt satisfied with the answer and could not help but smile as she noticed Jamal carefully hiding his Subha, understanding the value of seeking knowledge over acts of worship!
Mr. Umar continued, 'What we need to understand is that both learning and engaging in acts of worship are important. But we must remember that everything has its time and place. Eating is not wrong, but when you eat in class during lesson time, then it becomes wrong. Studying is not wrong, but if it means you will have to skip your prayers, then that’s wrong.'
The students took this lesson to heart, realizing the importance of setting priorities and understanding that everything has its time and place.
Discussion:
1. In your opinion, why is seeking knowledge given a higher rank in the story?
2. How can we strike a balance between acts of worship, like zikr, and seeking knowledge?
3. What lessons can we draw from the teacher's statement that "everything has its time and place"? How can we apply this wisdom in our daily lives?
26. Respecting Your Teacher
"How was class today?" Ali's mum asked him, as he was preparing to revise his lessons.
Ali answered with a beaming face, "It was great, Mum! I love it so much!"
"You really seem to love Mr. Umar, don't you?" asked Mum. "What did he teach you today?"
Ali's heart overflowed with love and gratitude whenever he talked about Mr. Umar. Opening his school bag, Ali took out the notes which Mr. Umar had handed to the students.
He shared, "Oh, Mum, Mr. Umar is amazing! Today, he taught us about respecting our teachers!
There are eight points:
1. He said that when we're speaking with our teachers, we should never point our fingers at them. Instead, we should only use our words to share our thoughts and feelings. The small act of not pointing with our little fingers is a big sign of respect toward the teacher!
2. And whenever we mention our teacher, we should say heartfelt prayers like 'May Allāh bless him/her.' We ask Allāh to keep them in good health so they can continue to share their knowledge with us.
3. Students should always give teachers priority in every situation. When entering a room, a student should reach the door and allow the teacher to go in first. When finding an empty seat, students should ensure that their teachers are seated first.
4. Whenever the teacher gives an instruction, it should be a top priority to follow it right away.
5. When the teacher offers feedback or corrects mistakes, accept it with a smile, as teachers aim to help students improve rather than make them feel embarrassed.
6. When walking with the teacher, show respect by walking beside or slightly behind them. Never walk in front with your back facing them.
7. By practising these respectful ways, students will receive love and blessings from their teachers. Respecting the teacher is a way of thanking them for sharing their knowledge.
8. And the last point is, everything stated here is what a student should be doing to their parents as well!”
“I love the last point the most!” said Ali’s mum as she gave him a loving smile.
Discussion:
1. Why do you think Mr. Umar included the point about not pointing fingers at teachers when speaking to them? How does body language contribute to showing respect?
2. How can accepting feedback from teachers with a smile positively impact a student's learning experience? Why is it important to view the feedback as a tool for improvement rather than criticism?
3. In your opinion, why is it important for students to prioritize teachers in various situations, such as entering a room or finding a seat?
27. Serving Our Teacher
Ali loves his teachers. And he would express his feelings for them through thoughtful service. Whenever a teacher needed help carrying something heavy, Ali eagerly stepped forward and politely offered assistance, saying, 'Please allow me to assist you.' His kind and caring gesture not only lightened the teacher’s burden but also made them feel valued and appreciated.
Ali always pays attention to what the teacher might need. If he notices the teacher with a sore throat or coughing, he quickly offers the lozenges he has prepared in his bag for such moments! If he spots the teacher sweating, he promptly hands over the tissue pack he has already prepared in his bag for these situations! If he sees the teacher getting ready to leave and looking for their shoes, he quickly retrieves the shoes and places them in front of the teacher, ready to wear. How cool is this Ali? Mā-shā-Allāh!
Whenever he noticed the teacher not feeling well, he would do something extra special, like creating a homemade get-well card and writing a supplication to make the teacher feel better.
All these acts of service show just how much Ali cares for his teachers. Ali's kind and thoughtful actions make the teacher feel special and loved.
Discussion:
1. If you were a teacher, how happy would you be if your students in class did nice things to help you, like what Ali does for his teacher?
2. Why do you think it's important for teachers to feel special and loved?
3. Can you come up with ways to show your teacher that you appreciate them for all the good things they have done for you and your classmates?
4. Can you think of a time when someone in your class helped you or did something nice for you? How did it make you feel, and did it make you like that person and your class even more?
28. Appreciating Our Teacher
After the end of every lesson, Ali would walk to the teacher and with a smile say, 'Thank you, teacher, for teaching us today, may Allāh bless you.' When it's time to go home, he offers a heartfelt prayer and says to his teacher, 'May Allāh keep you safe.' What a beautiful way to end their time together, sending good wishes and blessings to the person who shared so much wisdom and care with him.
Even after he graduated and left the school, Ali never forgot the special help his teachers provided and all the wonderful things they taught him. He always stayed respectful and cherished the impact they had on his life. With a grateful heart, Ali kept in touch with his teachers in awesome ways! He would call them on the phone, visit them, and even send them special cards sometimes. It was their love and wisdom that had made him a better person, and he wanted them to know just how much they meant to him.
Ali always takes a moment to make a special supplication for his teachers every day after his daily prayers. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us about the power of supplication. “When someone sincerely prays for another person in their absence, the Angel assigned to carry supplications to the Lord responds, 'Amen, and may the same be granted to you as well.'”[22] This teaches us how important it is to care for our teachers through heartfelt prayers.
Ali's story shows us how powerful respect, attentiveness, humility, and gratitude can be in building special and positive relationships between students and teachers. It's not just about learning new things, it's also about being kind and thoughtful, which makes our lives and the lives of others so much better!
29. Visiting Our Teacher
Whenever time permits and during the right occasions, Ali would make time to visit his teachers. He knew how important it was to ask for the teacher's prayers. He understood that their prayers carried blessings and could help him on his learning journey.
During one of his visits about a year after graduation, Ali took the opportunity to ask his teacher, Mr. Umar, some questions. After being granted permission, Ali asked:
“Mr. Umar, may I ask, I've been wondering, why You choose to seat me in the first row in class? Was it a random decision, or was there a specific reason behind it? Also, there were many times when I raised my hand first, but you didn't pick me to answer. May I know why? I'm not upset, just curious.'
Mr. Umar smiled and responded, 'I placed you in the front row because you consistently put into practice what I teach in class. You always sat still, never disrupted the class, and always paid good attention. Placing you in the front is a way of setting an example for the other students.”
As for not always choosing you to answer questions, that was intentional. I wanted the class to observe your reaction. Your calm and collected manner was an impressive example for all the other students. You would lower your hand, smile, and even show a thumbs up to the students who got the answer right! You've been the best student, and I pray to Allāh to continue making you shine, guiding you to be the best investment for your parents and teachers, and making you be a benefit to mankind.”
“Mā-shā-Allāh, amin Allāhumma amin,” that was all Ali could afford to say. He was so touched by the prayer do’a, and impressed by his teacher’s thoughtful wisdom that even in placing students where they should sit, was not done randomly!
The teacher's do’a was special to Ali. He cherished them and felt their positive impact in his life. It was their blessings that made him who he is today. With a happy heart, Ali knew that the teacher's do’a were signs of their pure love and sincere encouragement.
May Ali's dedication as a student inspire others to begin their own journey of learning and growth with the best of manners, kindness, understanding, and respect for their teachers and mentors. Amin.
Discussion:
1. Imagine you are Ali. How would you feel when the teacher makes special prayers for you and says you've been the best student?
2. Why do you think Ali keeps in touch with his teachers even after finishing school? What do you think he values about these relationships?
3. In what ways do you think teachers help students grow and learn, not just in subjects like math or science, but also in becoming better people? Can you share an example from your own experience?
[1] At-Tirmizi
[2] At-Tirmizi
[3] Sunan Abi Dawud
[4] Muslim
[5] Al-Bukhari and Muslim
[6] Abu Dawud
[7] Al-Bukhari and Muslim
[8] Ṣallallāhu ‘Alaihi Wasallām, which means “Peace and blessings be upon him.”
[9] The hadis: “The superiority of the learned man over the devout is like that of the moon, on the night when it is full, over the rest of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets leave neither dinar nor dirham, leaving only knowledge, and he who takes it takes an abundant portion. (Sunan Abi Dawud)
[10] Surah Al-‘Asr, verses 1-3
[11] Sahih Bukhari
[12] "He knows what is in every heart" - Quran 67:13
[13] Bukhari and Muslim
[14] Sunan At-Tirmizi
[15] Sunan ibn Majah
[16] Words of Imam Shafi’e
[17] Sunan Ibn Majah
[18] A humble person (adjective) is someone who displays humility (noun).
[19] Sahih Muslim
[20] Sahih Muslim
[21] Al-Quran, Surah An-Nahl (Chapter 16), verse 43
[22] Sahih Muslim