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 saying, “You really did change my life.” Later she explained that this teacher had “opened something” in her, giving her the confidence to use her voice and her words.

A world-famous artist, with awards, money, and fans, still carries the imprint of one teacher who noticed her and nourished a small, hidden seed. Years later, at the height of her career, her instinct is to honor that teacher in public.

If this is the impact of one teacher on a voice in this dunya, what about the teachers who awaken the heart, who connect us to Qur’an, to salah, to the remembrance of Allah The Prophet ﷺ said, “I was only sent as a teacher,” and when he saw two circles in the masjid, one making du‘a and one learning, he chose to sit with the circle of knowledge.

The Arabic word for teacher, mu‘allim, comes from a root that means to mark or to leave an imprint. A real teacher does not just pass on information. They carve a line in the heart that changes its direction.

If one school teacher can mark a career so deeply, what then of the Prophet ﷺ who taught hearts how to know their Lord, and of every parent, Qur’an teacher, or quiet uncle in the masjid who passes on even a small portion of that light

True intelligence is not just being clever. It is recognizing what brings the heart true peace and fulfillment .

So honor the teachers who shaped you. Seek out gatherings that revive your remembrance of Allah. And wherever you can, even with one ayah, be a teacher yourself.

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