Becoming an Inspiring Educator: Reviving the Soul of Education Through Teaching Etiquette

Bandung, July 4, 2025 — To mark the beginning of the new academic year, Tunas Unggul School once again held its monthly spiritual reflection session, reaffirming its commitment to value-based education that emphasizes not only academic excellence but also the development of character and spirituality. This month’s session carried the theme “The Etiquette of Teachers and Students According to Classical Islamic Texts”, delivered by the esteemed Ustadz Asep Zaenudin Hafizhahullah, a well-respected Islamic scholar and educator.

This session served as a reflective space for teachers and educators to revisit their roles—not merely as transmitters of knowledge, but as moral and spiritual role models for their students. In his talk, Ustadz Asep reminded participants of the noble status of knowledge and the sanctity of the teaching profession.

“Knowledge is a light granted by Allah. Those who teach it must first purify themselves to be worthy bearers of that light,” he emphasized.

He went on to outline key principles of etiquette that every educator should embody, including:

• Developing a deep sense of muraqabah—a constant awareness of being observed by Allah in all situations.

• Honoring the sanctity of knowledge, especially religious knowledge, by not misusing it for personal gain.

• Practicing zuhud, or detachment from worldly distractions that do not benefit the Hereafter.

• Purifying one’s intentions in teaching, keeping them free from worldly ambitions such as fame or financial gain.

• Avoiding income from impermissible (haram) or doubtful (shubhat) sources, as the blessings of knowledge are closely tied to personal integrity.

• Upholding the symbols and spirit of Islam consistently—both publicly and privately.

• Observing the Sunnah (prophetic practices), not only in speech but also in daily behavior.

• Exhibiting noble character traits, while steering clear of disgraceful behavior that could undermine one's role as a teacher.

• Maintaining an ongoing passion for learning and self-development, as a lifelong responsibility to knowledge.
  
  

This session served as a powerful reminder that teaching is more than a profession—it is an act of worship and a sacred trust that demands moral discipline, spiritual awareness, and continuous intellectual growth.

Through initiatives like this, Tunas Unggul Foundation reinforces its vision of holistic education—nurturing not only the intellect but also the soul, and shaping educators who lead with both wisdom and integrity. It is hoped that the values emphasized in such forums will continue to be reflected in the daily interactions between teachers and students, fostering an educational environment that is both enlightening and empowering.