Bismillahir Rahmaanir
Raheem
LETTER FIVE
Intolerance whilst teaching
Question
As-Salaamu ‘alaykum warahmatullah
I am a Madrasa teacher and find
myself intolerant when it comes to some of my students, especially the ones who
are weak and slow in learning. In my frustration, I sometimes insult such
students and thereafter regret my behaviour. Due to their slowness, I even
leave off testing them. Please advise on how to overcome my intolerance.
Reply
Bismihi
Ta’ala
Sister in Islam,
Wa-alaykumus
Salaam wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakaatuhu
1.) Ahle
Ilm[1] are supposed to be Ahle Hilm[2].
Just as you would like that Allah Ta’ala tolerates you with 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 every one of us.
2.) Comments that are uncalled for and that are hurtful to
the children 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’[3]
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[4].
Win them over with love, compassion and affection. Encourage them with good
words and with incentives.
If need be, get the brighter students to give a little time to the
weaker students, for revision purposes – that is, if you do not have sufficient
time. However, do not be neglectful in giving your attention to the child.
4.)
There are many excellent
books by our pious Ulama and these book offer different methods of teaching, as
well as excellent suggestions in dealing with students. You should try and
obtain them, and follow through with the noble advice and guidance therein.
Was-Salaamu
alaykum wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakaatuhu
Yunus
Patel (Maulana)
[1]
Ahle Ilm : People of Knowledge
[2]
Ahle Hilm : People of Tolerance
[3]
Adl : justice
[4]
Amaanat : trust
