Teaching and Learning

Learning and teaching come by nature with the person. From the first ages of life, child starts to learn many things by visualizing, hearing, sensing, in addition to many other values and morals being taught by their parents. Then, after they are a bit mature and already have an acquisition of knowledge, values and morals, they teach some of them, unconsciously, to their friends or other people while dealing with them, especially if they see something that's different from what they have learned. On the other hand, comes the school that plays a vital role in the process of education where the children spend most of their time at. Mostly, at school, they learn sciences that prepare them to their future careers having morals and values as the secondary concern.

Teaching is a high moral calling that started very long ago with prophets who were sent by God in order to guide people to the right path, teach them good morals and best ways to deal with people and live their life correctly. Prophets were sincere teachers who teach for the sake of Allah only, waiting nothing in return (rewards). They just wanted to spread the goodness in the world and help people to live a decent life that prepares them to their heavenly abode.

Teaching, in my point of view, is transmitting knowledge one has to other people who need it in a respectful way, taking into consideration the background of the learners and trying a repertoire of ways in order to reach each learner, in addition to relating it with their real life - how it benefits them.

Learning, with respect to me, is the essence of life; it's something that happens every day, through many ways. And with more learning, we'll be better persons and smarter at dealing with different life issues. It's fitting to mention here what Allah says in his Holy Book: {And over every lord of knowledge, there is one more knowing.} [Yusuf:76] , which means that there's no specified limit where knowledge ends, however, one stays increasing in knowledge until the last minute of his/her life. But according to the degree he/she gains knowledge, he/she will be considered nearer to Allah, the All-knowing.

Thus, teaching and learning form a complete cycle that accompanies every person's life. A cycle that should be given most attention in our societies and frequently enriched in order to build wise and responsible generation that lifts up the world to meet the standards of humanity.


- Fatima Sleiman