Matkurbonova Yulduz
“It is better to study for one day with a great teacher than to study for a thousand days with persistence.” (Japanese proverb)
By: Matkurbonova Yulduz
The word “teacher” alone encompasses a world of meaning and respect. Teachers are tireless individuals who dedicate all their knowledge, intellect, and heart to their students.
The role of a teacher in acquiring knowledge is incomparable. Every person—whether a student, pupil, or apprentice—must view their teacher as the one who provides the greatest benefit. A person’s spirituality and education are nurtured by the teacher, their mentor. If this understanding does not awaken in the student’s consciousness, they will undoubtedly fail to receive the full blessings and enlightenment from their teacher.
A teacher must be highly knowledgeable, experienced, broad-minded, a master in their field, and possess integrity, sincerity, and good character. Not only do we learn skills and knowledge from teachers, but we also learn from their behavior, words, and actions.
There is a famous story: Abu Hanifa (may Allah bless him) carefully chose a teacher and became a disciple of Hammam ibn Abu Sulayman. Hammam was extremely knowledgeable, wise, dignified, and patient. A student headed to Bukhara for studies sought advice from a scholar. The scholar advised him not to rush into learning under just anyone upon arrival, saying: “Do not hastily become a disciple of someone. If you later find them unsuitable, you will have to leave them, which will result in you falling behind in knowledge and wasting time. Be patient, think carefully, consult scholars, and then choose a teacher.”
An experienced teacher knows well which knowledge is essential for their student. When Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari approached the jurist Muhammad ibn Hasan (may Allah bless him) to study, the latter said, “Your knowledge is suited for the science of hadith” and sent him to hadith scholars. As a result, Imam Bukhari became the “Imam of Hadith Science.”
There is a saying among our people: “A teacher is as revered as your father.” This isn’t said without reason. In life, no matter what position or role a person holds or where they receive their education, someone plays the role of their teacher. Eventually, you too may become a teacher to someone. But sometimes, as time passes, the teachers who taught and educated us are forgotten. Yet, teachers never forget their students. Like your parents, as you rise in life, they silently rejoice for you and celebrate your successes.
A teacher may not be a renowned scholar or the top expert in their field, but they are caring, compassionate, and dedicated to their students. Sometimes, a teacher will work so hard for the literacy, discipline, potential, and success of their students that even some parents may not be able to match such dedication. When Imam Abu Hanifa (may Allah have mercy on him) learned that his student Abu Yusuf had fallen gravely ill and was not expected to recover, he became deeply saddened and wept. Every teacher dreams that the seed they planted and nurtured will grow, flourish, and benefit others. Imam Abu Hanifa not only imparted knowledge and wisdom to his students but also showed love and compassion. It was this care and dedication that led Abu Yusuf to become a great scholar and eventually the chief judge of his time.
From a teacher, a student gains not only knowledge but also spiritual qualities, which later become evident in the student’s work. This is why students should always think well of their teachers, show respect and appreciation, and honor them. Only then will the doors to enlightenment and wisdom open for them.
Nowadays, in educational institutions such as schools, lyceums, and universities, it is common to see a lack of sufficient respect and reverence shown by students to their teachers. This is truly regrettable. How can one show disrespect or neglect to a teacher who is sharing all their knowledge and passion? After all, as the saying goes, “A teacher is as revered as your father.”
Parents also share some responsibility for this situation. Children are not being taught enough about respecting and valuing their teachers. If this continues, it will be difficult for our land, which has produced great scholars and thinkers, to produce such remarkable individuals again.
My devoted, hardworking, meticulous, and beloved homeroom teacher, Nilufar Yakubova, has helped me grow and taught me to view life from a different perspective.
Where would faith be without a teacher?
Where would wisdom be without a teacher?
Where would Amir Temur, where would Navoi,
Where would Cho’lpon be without a teacher?
In conclusion, we can say that we must always regard teachers as the beacon that illuminates our life’s path, and we must instill this respect in the hearts of the youth.
Matkurbonova Yulduz
Khorezm region, Urganch district
3rd-year student of the Faculty of Philology and History, Uzbek Language and Literature department, Urganch State Pedagogical Institute.
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Mt Kenya Times ePAPER August 5, 2026
- Bikeke school shines at national music festival
- CJ launches Kisii county alternative justice systems action plan to expand access to justice
- Beyond Plato and Hobbes: When those who govern become the greatest threat to governance
- The silent pressure of being young: Choosing purpose over popularity
About the Author
