"Read. Read in the name of your Lord.” The utterance of these words to the unlettered Prophet may peace and blessings be upon him, changed human civilization forever. The first command made to him established the importance of education, moreover the importance of submitting to God. Therefore, teachers are entrusted with the noblest of responsibilities, to be the facilitators of knowledge. It is they who can transform the sleeping horse into a gadfly. Educators must undertake this challenge with sincere devotion and fervor, for it is a mission entrusted upon them for the betterment of society.

It is not the responsibility of the teacher to produce pupils who simply regurgitate facts; rather it is to create independent critical thinkers and life long learners. Educators are not mere tools used to transfer knowledge from one bank to another. On the contrary they are guides for their students to reach higher levels of thinking. It is crucial to equip young minds with the basic skills they need for the adult world while nurturing their creativity and passions. Students must be prepared to embrace this technological world as it changes at a rapid pace without becoming dependent upon it.

Classrooms must provide a comfortable and safe environment for students where they are able to express themselves and take risks with discipline and understanding. The school should be a community in which the development of good character is enforced and students respect one another. It is the obligation of an Islamic institution to inculcate Islamic beliefs, values, and morals into the curriculum and pedagogy of the school. Therefore, Islam should be integrated throughout the cultures and climate for every grade level.

Teachers must embrace diversity within the classroom and prepare their students for a plural society by training them to interact with people of any race, creed, gender, or religion. Students must understand that Islamic unity is not conformity.  Despite our variations, we can exist as a unified body. Last but not least, instructors must push their students to shoot for the stars and instill in them a passion for education as was inspired by our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings upon be upon him.