A few years ago, the singer Adele was performing at a major concert in London. In the middle of the show, the host surprised her by bringing out her old English teacher from secondary school, the one who first encouraged her writing and believed in her talent.

The moment Adele saw her, she broke down in tears. In front of a packed theatre and millions watching at home, she hugged her and kept repeating, “You really did change my life.” Later she explained that this teacher had opened something within her, giving her the confidence to use her voice and her words.

We pause here, because this moment carries a lesson far deeper than celebrity or success.

A world famous artist, surrounded by awards, wealth, and applause, still carries the imprint of one teacher who noticed a hidden seed and nurtured it. Years later, at the height of her career, her instinct was to honour that teacher publicly.

If this is the impact of one human teacher on a voice in this dunya, what then of the teachers who awaken the heart, who connect us to the Qur’an, to salah, and to the remembrance of Allah Most High.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ clarified his own mission with striking humility and precision when he said:

“I was only sent as a teacher.”
(Ibn Mājah 229)

In another narration, the Prophet ﷺ entered the masjid and saw two circles. One group was making du‘a, and another was learning and teaching knowledge. He ﷺ said that both were upon good, but he chose to sit with the circle of knowledge, and then said:

“I was sent as a teacher.”
(Ibn Mājah 229), meaning supported by other narrations

This choice was not accidental. Knowledge, when sought for Allah, does not merely inform the mind. It reforms the heart and reorients the soul.

Scholars of language point out that the Arabic word for teacher, mu‘allim, comes from a root meaning to mark, to imprint, or to leave a sign. A real teacher does not only transfer information. They carve a subtle line in the heart, a line that gently changes its direction for years to come.

This aligns deeply with what modern psychology describes as formative influence. Neuroscience tells us that encouragement during key developmental moments can reshape self perception and long term behaviour through neuroplasticity. A single validating relationship can strengthen confidence pathways that persist for decades.

Islam teaches us this truth at a deeper level. The Qur’an describes knowledge as light:

“Is one who was dead and We gave him life and made for him light by which he walks among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge from it?”
(Surah al An‘ām 6:122)

A teacher who connects a student to Allah is not improving a skill. They are turning on a light.

In the prophetic worldview, intelligence is not merely cleverness or academic achievement. It is recognising what brings the heart true peace and lasting fulfilment.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The intelligent one is the one who restrains his soul and works for what comes after death.” (Tirmidhi 2459)

Teaching and learning for Allah’s sake are among the few pursuits that escape the hollowness of dunya. Wealth fades. Applause dies down. But a heart turned toward its Lord carries that direction into the grave.

If one school teacher can leave such a mark on a career, what then of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, who taught hearts how to know their Lord.

And what of every parent who teaches a child to say bismillah. Every khatib who clarifies an ayah. Every Qur’an teacher who patiently corrects a letter. Every quiet uncle in the masjid who models gentleness and adab without ever giving a formal lesson.

None of these acts are small.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Convey from me, even if it is one verse.”
(Bukhari 3461)

1. Honour Those Who Taught You
Make du‘a for the teachers who shaped you, both religious and worldly. Gratitude strengthens humility and softens the heart.

2. Seek Circles That Revive the Heart
Choose gatherings that increase your remembrance of Allah, not just your information. The company we keep imprints us.

3. Teach What You Know, Even a Little
Do not wait to be an expert. Share one ayah, one hadith, one gentle reminder with sincerity.

4. Teach With Presence, Not Pressure
The Prophet ﷺ taught with mercy, patience, and awareness of human limits. This approach is echoed in modern psychology, where safe learning environments enhance retention and emotional regulation.

A teacher leaves an imprint, whether they intend to or not.

So honour the teachers who shaped you. Seek learning that revives your heart, not just your resume. And wherever Allah places you, in your home, your masjid, or your community, remember that even one sincere lesson can redirect a soul.

May Allah make us grateful students and gentle teachers, carriers of light in a world hungry for meaning.

Why is teaching so highly valued in Islam?
Because teaching connects hearts to Allah and guides actions beyond this life, making it a form of lasting charity.

What did the Prophet ﷺ say about his mission?
He ﷺ explicitly described himself as a teacher, emphasising education of the heart and character.

Does teaching have to be formal to be rewarded?
No. Even teaching one verse or modelling good character is rewarded if done sincerely.

How does Islam define true intelligence?
As recognising what benefits the soul in the Hereafter, not merely worldly cleverness.

Can parents be considered teachers in Islam?
Yes. Parents are among the most influential teachers, shaping faith, values, and identity.