Risala ila al-Mudarrisin wal-Mudarrisat

Risala ila al-Mudarrisin wal-Mudarrisat (A Letter to Male and Female Teachers) is an educational and da'wa treatise written by Dr. Abu Bakr Ahmad al-Sayyid of Kuwait University, providing guidance and practical methods for educators to integrate Islamic principles, moral guidance, and faith-based outreach into teaching across academic disciplines Risala ila al-Mudarrisin …+1.

Background and Publication

The treatise was addressed to male and female teachers across all educational levels—from primary schools to universities—regardless of the subject taught, including the natural sciences, mathematics, history, and languages Risala ila al-Mudarrisin …. In a published edition, the work was introduced with a foreword dated Safar 1407 AH (1986 CE) by Muhammad ibn Ali al-'Arfaj, principal of the Musa ibn Nusayr Secondary School and imam and preacher of the Shubra Mosque in Riyadh Risala ila al-Mudarrisin …+1.

Shaykh Abd Allah ibn Jar Allah al-Jar Allah reviewed the text, numbered its Quranic verses, documented its hadiths, added explanatory footnotes, compiled an analytical table of contents, and appended a three-part supplementary treatise dated Muharram 1407 AH Risala ila al-Mudarrisin …+1.

Core Themes and Methodology

The work frames teaching as a form of jihad and a major pastoral responsibility, arguing that school environments offer an optimal setting for cultivating future generations and countering atheism, secularism, and moral laxity Risala ila al-Mudarrisin …+1. The author organizes his counsel into foundational principles and practical methods:

• Islamic Demeanor and Role Modeling: The author underscores that teachers must exemplify Islamic conduct in appearance and speech, greeting students with the Islamic greeting of peace (al-salam 'alaykum), opening classes with the basmala and praise of God, and concluding with Surat al-'Asr and the council-expiation supplication Risala ila al-Mudarrisin …+1. Female teachers are urged to adhere strictly to the Islamic veil (hijab) Risala ila al-Mudarrisin ….
• Integrating Curricula with Islamic Beliefs: Teachers of secular subjects are encouraged to connect academic topics with faith Risala ila al-Mudarrisin …. Examples include:
  • History: Drawing attention to divine laws governing the rise and fall of civilizations Risala ila al-Mudarrisin ….
  • Natural Sciences: Utilizing physical and biological phenomena to demonstrate the Creator's existence and wisdom Risala ila al-Mudarrisin ….
  • Mathematics and Computer Science: Using calculations of zakat, inheritance, and Islamic banking models as practical problem-solving examples Risala ila al-Mudarrisin ….
  • Languages and Literature: Selecting texts and themes rooted in Islamic values rather than uncritical adoption of foreign material containing atheistic or materialistic philosophies Risala ila al-Mudarrisin ….
• Instructional Excellence and Student Guidance: The treatise stresses pedagogical competence, gentleness, fair grading, prevention of cheating, and avoiding unconstructive ridicule Risala ila al-Mudarrisin ….
• Extracurricular Activities and School Climate: The author advises supervising student cultural clubs, organizing educational trips, stocking class libraries with Islamic literature, utilizing morning assemblies for beneficial reminders, and fostering positive teacher-student rapport through visits and moral support Risala ila al-Mudarrisin …+1.

Appendix by Abd Allah al-Jar Allah

The printed edition includes a dedicated appendix by Abd Allah ibn Jar Allah al-Jar Allah divided into three topics Risala ila al-Mudarrisin …+1:

1. The Teacher's Responsibility: Highlighting self-rectification as a prerequisite for guiding youth and maintaining religious observance Risala ila al-Mudarrisin …+1.
2. Methods of Learning and Comprehension: Outlining student guidelines such as sincere intention, pre-lesson preparation, attentive listening, thoughtful inquiry, post-lesson review, diligence, and supplication Risala ila al-Mudarrisin …+1.
3. Setting a Good Example: Admonishing educators to observe the sunnah, maintain the five daily congregational prayers, and avoid widespread vices such as smoking, listening to corrupting songs, shaving the beard, and women's unveiling Risala ila al-Mudarrisin …+1.