Teaching Islamic studies is not just about delivering content; it is a responsibility that weighs on the heart and soul of the educator. As an Islamic Studies teacher, one must constantly reflect on their motivations and renew their intentions, ensuring that their teaching is purely for the sake of Allah.
What Motivates You to Teach?
Many professions are driven by financial incentives, but Islamic studies teachers often find themselves in schools that do not offer competitive salaries. If money is not the primary motivator, does that automatically mean our intentions are pure? Not necessarily. There is something even more subtle that can affect sincerity more than wealth: position and social capital (الجاه).
Reputation, recognition, and the doors that open due to our role in the community can sometimes cloud our intentions. It is critical to recognize that any action done for the sake of Allah remains and flourishes, while anything done for worldly gain fades away:
“As for the foam, it vanishes, [being] cast off; but as for that which benefits the people, it remains on the earth.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:17)
Intention is a Spectrum, Not a Binary
Many people think sincerity is an all-or-nothing matter—either 100% for Allah or 0%. However, intentions exist on a spectrum. One might act with 70% sincerity for Allah and 30% for other reasons. The goal is to continuously strive towards 100% sincerity, knowing that intentions fluctuate. This is why renewing our intentions is an ongoing process.
The great scholar Sulayman Al-Hushaymi said:
“A single intention needs multiple renewals.”
This means that even within a single act, our sincerity can shift, requiring constant reevaluation and purification.
A Lesson from Imam Al-Mawardi
Imam Al-Mawardi (d. 450 AH), known for his works in Fiqh (Al-Hawi) and Tafsir (Al-Nukat wa Al-Uyoon), once had a striking moment of realization about sincerity. He was asked a simple question—one he had answered many times before. But at that moment, he was unable to recall the answer. A student had to respond on his behalf, leaving the class puzzled. When asked what happened, he replied:
“Right before I was asked, I saw the crowd and a dose of self-admiration entered my heart, and so Allah prevented me from answering.”
Even the most knowledgeable and pious scholars were not immune to subtle shifts in intention. If they had to actively guard their hearts, how much more should we?
As a side note, Al-Mawardi’s Al-Nukat wa Al-Uyoon is an excellent resource for teaching tafsir. He compiles all the various opinions regarding every ayah then summarizes them into 2-4 opinions giving a teacher quick access to a holistic understanding of a verse/surah.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Sincerity
Striving for sincerity requires continuous effort. Here are some practical ways Islamic Studies teachers can work on renewing and purifying their intentions:
- Regularly Make Dua – Ask Allah for sincerity in your teaching. The Prophet (ﷺ) often supplicated: “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from associating anything with You knowingly, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I do unknowingly.” (Ahmad)
- Privately Perform Good Deeds – Engage in acts of worship that are hidden from others, such as extra prayers, charity, or dhikr. This helps train the heart to act solely for Allah’s pleasure.
- Pause and Reflect Before Teaching – Before stepping into the classroom, take a moment to make a silent intention: “I am doing this for Allah’s sake, to benefit my students and earn His pleasure.”
- Remind Yourself of the Reward – Teaching for Allah’s sake carries immense blessings. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, knowledge that benefits others, or a righteous child who prays for them.” (Muslim)
- Avoid Seeking Validation from Others – Social recognition can be addictive. Instead of seeking approval from people, seek it from Allah. Acknowledge that any good you achieve in teaching is from Him alone.
Purifying the Heart for the Sake of Our Students
As Islamic Studies teachers, our sincerity does not just affect our personal relationship with Allah—it impacts our students. When we teach with a pure heart, seeking Allah’s pleasure, He blesses our efforts, allowing our students to be guided. If we allow self-admiration, status, or recognition to taint our intentions, we risk losing the very barakah (blessing) that makes our teaching effective.
Let us strive to continuously renew our intentions, seek Allah’s pleasure, and remember that sincerity is a journey, not a destination. By purifying our hearts, we ensure that our knowledge remains a means of guidance for both ourselves and our students.
May Allah grant us sincerity in our teaching and bless our efforts with lasting impact. 🤲🏼