It is related in a Hadith that: “Whoever teaches someone even one verse of the Quran, then that teacher becomes a master over that student.” (Tabrani) That is, the teacher has become a master, and the student, his slave. What this means is that the teacher has many rights. As far as possible, the teacher and spiritual guide should be obeyed and their pleasure sought. They are the ones who remove one from darkness into light, and lead one to the original beloved, that is Allah Ta’ala. Can there be any kindness better than this? To be a slave does not mean that the teacher can sell the student. What it means is that he has to expound the truth in the best way possible. One should understand well that the rights of the teacher and spiritual guide are less than that of the parents.
