heads. (At that time) be assured that this is the gathering of Sayyiduna Imam Abu ‘Abdullah Husayn رَضِىَ اللهُ تَعَالٰی عَـنْهُ.’ He رَضِىَ اللهُ تَعَالٰی عَـنْهُ further said: ‘This gathering will be absolutely free from jokes.’ (Tareekh Ibn ‘Asakir, vol. 14, pp. 79)

Similarly, when anybody would ask any question to Sayyiduna Sahl Bin ‘Abdullah رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه, then he رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه would not reply. Once, he رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه suddenly sat leaning against the wall and said to the people: ‘Today, ask me whatever you want.’ People humbly said: ‘What is the matter today? You did not use to answer any question.’ He رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه said: ‘Until my teacher, Sayyiduna Zun-noon Misri رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه was alive, I used to avoid answering questions out of his respect.’

People were greatly surprised to have heard this from him because as per their knowledge, Sayyiduna Zun-noon Misri رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه was still alive. Therefore, people straight away noted down the time and date. When it was inquired later on, then it was found out that Sayyiduna Zunnoon Misri
رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه passed away just a little while before his (Sayyiduna Sahl Bin Abdullah’s رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه) uttered words. (Tazkira-tul-Awliya, vol. 1, pp. 229)

Dear Islamic brothers! We should also show respect to our teachers because they have a lot of favours upon us. Through knowledge, they teach us how to distinguish between good and bad, make us a prominent figure of the society and try to improve our conduct and character. Sayyiduna Abdullah Bin Mubarak رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه said: ‘In comparison to acquiring more knowledge, we are more in need of acquiring a little bit of Adab (etiquettes).’

(Ar-Risala-tul-Qushayriyyah, pp. 317)

While teaching the respect of a teacher, A’la Hadrat, Imam Ahmad Raza Khan رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه has said:

1.   Student should not precede the teacher in conversation.

2.   He (student) should not sit at his (teacher’s) place even in his absence.

3.   While walking, he should not walk ahead of him.