The last door

The Day the Teacher Learned to Repent

At Government High School, a new teacher named Abdul Hameed had joined. He was a little different from the other teachers. He wanted his students not only to follow the curriculum but also to think critically and creatively, so their learning abilities could grow.

One day, he announced an unusual offer: “Today, any student who fails the test but can provide a valid reason for their mistakes will be forgiven.”

Abdul Hameed wanted to develop the students’ reasoning skills. The offer was valid for one day only—so that students would not make a habit of excusing themselves. He warned, “Those who fail and cannot explain their mistakes will be punished.”

The test that day was very difficult, and many students failed. They now had the opportunity to present excuses to save themselves. Abdul Qadir, for example, wrote “Muhammad Ali Jinnah” instead of “Maulana Muhammad Ali Johar” in some answers. He argued that it was an honest mistake because of the similarity in names. The teacher forgave him. Similarly, Thaqib mistakenly wrote “1945” instead of “1946” when mentioning elections. He explained that everyone knew the historic elections were in 1946, which eventually led to the creation of Pakistan. His excuse was accepted.

Another student repeatedly wrote “Gandhi” instead of “Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.” When asked, he said innocently, “Both were Hindu leaders. Using one name instead of the other is not surprising.” The teacher smiled and forgave him too.

Some students took creative excuses further. One claimed he had a weak memory, and astonishingly, all four of his mistakes were forgiven. Another said his parents kept him busy with household chores all day, leaving no time to study. His six mistakes were excused. Students were delighted, especially those who were forgiven, as the human mind instinctively takes advantage of unexpected kindness.

Finally, it was the turn of a boy named Inayat. If he too gave a reason for his mistakes, the class would end normally. But Inayat was trembling with fear, tears in his eyes, and his paper slipped from his hands. When the teacher asked, “How many mistakes are there?” he whispered, “Sir, everything is wrong… please forgive me.”

At that moment, Abdul Hameed felt as if a lightning bolt had struck his heart. He sat down, repeating Inayat’s words to himself: “Everything is wrong… forgive me.” Seeing Inayat shake with fear, the teacher understood the boy’s sincerity. After a pause, he said gently, “Give me one reason, some excuse.”

Inayat replied, “Sir, not a single word on my paper is correct. How could I defend myself? You could forgive me even without an excuse.”

Hearing this, the teacher was struck again. Inayat had completely surrendered to his mercy, much like a soul standing before God on Judgment Day. Abdul Hameed realized that the boy’s honesty had opened a moment of reflection within him. Each of his own faults and sins flashed through his mind, and he felt as if he, too, was standing unarmed before the Most Merciful.

When a person has nothing to justify themselves, they submit entirely to divine mercy. That day, through Inayat’s sincerity, the teacher experienced a personal moment of repentance. The lesson was deeper than forgiving mistakes—it was about realizing one’s own flaws and seeking mercy.

Abdul Hameed then embraced Inayat and said, “If you promise to study with effort and attention in the future, I forgive you.” Inayat promised and returned to his seat, happy and relieved.

Hearing this, the teacher was struck again. Inayat had completely surrendered to his mercy, much like a soul standing before God on Judgment Day. Abdul Hameed realized that the boy’s honesty had opened a moment of reflection within him. Each of his own faults and sins flashed through his mind, and he felt as if he, too, was standing unarmed before the Most Merciful.

When a person has nothing to justify themselves, they submit entirely to divine mercy. That day, through Inayat’s sincerity, the teacher experienced a personal moment of repentance. The lesson was deeper than forgiving mistakes—it was about realizing one’s own flaws and seeking mercy.

Abdul Hameed then embraced Inayat and said, “If you promise to study with effort and attention in the future, I forgive you.” Inayat promised and returned to his seat, happy and relieved.