What Should a Teacher Look Like?

For all of us who yearn to know the qualities of a great teacher, we just have to read about the many illuminaries that Allah has brought mankind throughout the history of Islam. Here's one good example...

"Shaykh `Ali al-Shabramallisi may Allah be pleased with him) became one of the greatest scholars of his age in all the religious discplines, but especially in the Shafi`i school of Sacred Law. He was someone that the scholars of his age returned to in order to solve difficult issues, and he had a powerful memory and a sharp understanding.

The noble traits that his biographers mention about him include the following:

(1) He was extremely gentle and forbearing, to the extent that no one recalls him ever having spoken any harsh word to any of his students, despite the time and energy that he would put into teaching them. If one of his students said something to displease him, the worst thing that he would say was, "May Allah rectify your state, O so-and-so." He was pleasant to speak to and interact with, and he would not talk about anything that did not concern him.

(2) He commanded respect and reverence from everyone to the extent that anyone who saw his illuminated face, his white beard, and his beautiful appearance would feel humbled and and would not want to part company with him. When he walked in the marketplace, people--Muslim and non-Muslim--would crowd and compete with one another to kiss his hand out of respect for him.

(3) He was unattached to the world. His gatherings were completely free of backbiting or speaking ill of people. He was so unconcerned with the affairs of the world that he wasn't aware of the latest happenings and he wouldn't spend time with people of worldly influence except in order to use his own standing to put in a good word for those in need. He used to spend all of his time reviewing sacred knowledge, reciting the Quran, praying, and worship.

(4) He would not get annoyed with investigating answers to difficult questions during his lessons. Rather, he would get upset if the students would not investigate these issues with him. If he investigated an objection to one of the early scholars, he would do it with the utmost respect.

Shaykh `Ali Shabramallisi used to say, "A single carat of proper behavior (adab) is better than 24 carats of knowledge." - Shaykh Amjad Rasheed

May Allah bless you and be pleased with you Shaykh 'Ali....

When reason reaches its peak...

When reason reaches its peak and the souls of His lovers feel helpless and disabled, they grow restless and stretch their hands in supplication, seeking comfort for their burning souls. When every manner of search within their power has been consumed, the doorway to Him is opened.

-Al-Hujwiri, "The Kashf al-Mahjub"