QUESTION
I am a Madrasa teacher and find myself intolerant when it comes to some of my students, especially the ones who are weaker and slower in learning. In my frustration, I sometimes insult such students and regret my behaviour. Due to their slowness, I leave off testing them.
REPLY
Bismihi Ta’ala
Respected Sister in Islam,
Wa-alaykumus Salaam wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakaatuh
1.) Ahle Ilm (The people of Knowledge) are supposed to be Ahle Hilm (people of tolerance). Just as you would like that Allah Ta’ala tolerates you for all your weaknesses and shortcomings, so you will have to train your nafs to also tolerate others on their weaknesses. Being human means that we are prone to shortcomings and errors – each and everyone of us.
2.) Making remarks that are uncalled for and are hurtful to them will invite regret. Learn to maintain silence. The Hadeeth mentions that a man does not slip so much with his foot as he does with his tongue.
3.) Moreover, you should adopt ‘adl’ (justice) in respect to your students, otherwise not testing them due to their weakness, will be an injustice to them. Allah Ta’ala has entrusted these students to your care. This is an amaanat. Win them over with love, compassion and affection. Encourage them with good words, with incentives.
If need be, get the brighter students to give some time to the weaker students, for revision purposes – that is, if you do not have the time.
4.) There are many excellent books by our pious Ulama and these book offer different methods of teachings as well as excellent suggestions in dealing with students.
Was-Salaamu alaykum wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakaatuhu
Yunus Patel (Maulana)