WRITTEN BY KHALID HASHMI
Moral training can elevate a person to the heights of excellence. The foundation of moral development begins in the mother’s arms and flourishes within other close relationships. Initially, great attention was devoted to children’s education, ensuring they develop good qualities. Subsequently, the responsibility for moral education falls on school teachers; however, unless teachers exemplify high character, they cannot effectively instill moral values in students. In addition to textbooks, children should be provided with supplementary reading materials to cultivate their moral compass, fostering a desire for both knowledge and virtuous habits. The most effective means of learning ethical lessons is by emulating the life of our beloved Prophet. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) stated, ‘The best among you are those with the best morals.’ The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asserted that every religion has a distinctive trait, and for Islam, it is modesty. The Holy Qur’an glorifies the Prophet’s exemplary character, stating, ‘And indeed, you are of a great moral character.’ Truly, the life of our Prophet serves as the ultimate guide for Muslims. In Islam, one’s moral conduct distinguishes a true believer. It is inconceivable for a Muslim to profess faith without exhibiting moral integrity. Our beloved Prophet, peace be upon him, epitomizes the pinnacle of moral excellence, as affirmed by the final revelation of Allah. ‘And indeed, you are of a great moral character’ (Quran, Surah Al-Qalam 68:4). He declared, ‘I have been sent to perfect good manners.’ Morality and empathy are intimately linked, with refined manners reflecting sound upbringing. Parents must instill essential expressions such as ‘thank you’ and ‘forgive’ in their children, facilitating smoother social interactions. Teachers are reservoirs of knowledge and hold a pivotal role in nation-building. Their position parallels that of a spiritual guide, necessitating a compassionate approach towards students. Teachers should tailor their communication to the students’ comprehension levels, employing language they can grasp to avoid confusion. As Hazrat Ali advised, ‘Speak to people according to their understanding.’ Teachers should imbue students with a reverence for God, employing wisdom in their approach. This is the foundation for societal improvement.”
