More than a profession

Teaching is not just a profession; it is a sacred duty a legacy of the Prophets. It is a station that demands sincerity in the heart, openness of mind, and truth in character. A teacher is like a lamp that burns itself to light the path for others. Sadly, today, that very lamp often emits smoke rather than light, causing discomfort instead of illumination.

There was a time when the mere mention of a teacher evoked feelings of reverence, respect, and gratitude. A teacher was held in the same esteem as parents and often even higher. But now, when children start viewing teachers as mere government employees, examination facilitators, or jesters, the fault doesn’t lie solely with the times part of the blame lies with our own conduct.

We must ask ourselves: Are we truly teachers, or just employees? Are we building a nation, or simply chasing a paycheck? Have we made teaching our mission, or just a necessity? Do we still feel that burning passion that keeps us awake at night over a student's failure? Do we have the courage to turn a student’s rudeness into an opportunity for transformation? Or have we wrapped ourselves in the cloak of ego, seeking praise and finding satisfaction in pointing out others’ weaknesses?

The justice, sincerity, and sacrifice teaching demands are not easy. This role is only for those who have defeated their egos, who know the art of forgiveness, and who consider giving respect to others their greatest honor.

Unfortunately, educational institutions today are becoming hotbeds of politics, groupings, and personal grudges. It is now common for one teacher to instigate students against another, to criticize another’s teaching methods, and when an exam paper hasn’t been leaked, to say things like:

"That teacher didn’t even teach this you’re just unlucky."

Think for a moment when a teacher humiliates a colleague, what do students learn? How will they respect education? How will they distinguish between disagreement and disrespect?

A teacher must turn others’ mistakes into opportunities for growth not means for self-glorification. If a fellow teacher makes an academic error, correct it in private, not in front of students. Because if you strip one teacher of their dignity in students’ eyes, tomorrow they will question your worth too.

A true teacher leaves a mark on a student’s heart a mark of love, trust, and truth. They teach through their silence, behavior, and patience. They practice justice in every situation even if they must choose between their own daughter and a poor student, they will choose based on merit, not relation.

If we kill merit to benefit our own children, deny other students their rightful opportunities, or strangle justice in the name of helping friends, we are betraying the future of our nation.

The real essence of teaching lies not just in delivering content, but in shaping character. If our own character is flawed, if there’s contradiction between what we say and do, if we preach truth while practicing lies — what kind of training can we give?

Remember, a student may forget your words, but they never forget your behavior.

That’s why some teachers are remembered decades later not only for their teaching methods but for their character, fairness, kindness, and sincerity.

Today’s students are sharp. They can read your intentions. If you criticize someone to belittle them, the students sense that the teacher is insecure. They understand that those who are confident don’t need to bring others down.

So the real question is:

Are we making things easier for each other in our institutions or more difficult?

Are we presenting ourselves as a united team to students or a fractured, divided group?

The real test of a teacher is not inside the classroom it’s in the staffroom, in meetings, in front of the principal, and most importantly, in front of their own conscience.

Every day, we should ask ourselves:

Am I teaching values through my behavior?

Is my speech uplifting or demeaning?

Are my decisions based on justice or personal gain?

We must treat every situation as a training opportunity. Don’t turn a student’s complaint into a personal vendetta use it as a tool for education. A real teacher does not let disagreement become enmity.

We also need to learn that not everything needs to be said. Some lessons are best taught through silence, patience, and gentleness. Sometimes silence carries more impact than a thousand lectures.

Remember:

A teacher is one who admits their mistakes and says, “Yes, I was wrong. I’m still learning.”

A teacher is one who imparts both knowledge and humility.

A teacher is one who doesn’t just fill minds with information but souls with empathy.

Only such a teacher truly earns the title of “Teacher of the Times.”

In the end, hold these truths close to your heart:

Respect is not demanded it is earned through action.

The most powerful way to influence students is to become a living example.

In the construction of a nation, the most crucial brick is the role of the teacher. If that brick is crooked, the entire wall becomes weak.

So let us:

Widen our hearts,
Soften our words,
Illuminate our decisions with justice,
And transform this sacred journey of teaching into one so impactful that generations will proudly say:

“Our teacher wasn’t just an instructor they were a lamp that lit our lives.”