Ideal Teacher in the Qur’an: A Study on Educators’ Roles and Characteristics

Abstract

Teachers hold a central role in the Islamic education system—not only as transmitters of knowledge but also as moral guides and role models for students. This study aims to explore the concept of the ideal teacher from the Qur’anic perspective using a literature review approach. The analysis focuses on Qur’anic verses that discuss educators’ roles and characteristics, including QS. Al-Baqarah (2:151), QS. An-Naḥl (16:125), QS. Al-Mujādilah (58:11), and QS. Al-Aḥzāb (33:21). The findings reveal that the ideal teacher in the Qur’an embodies several core traits: possessing and continually seeking knowledge, displaying noble character, teaching with wisdom and patience, and serving as a role model for students. The primary function of teachers in Islam encompasses gradual knowledge delivery, moral guidance for personality development, and motivation for students’ potential growth. Moreover, the Qur’anic model of the ideal teacher remains relevant for today’s educational systems, particularly in enhancing learning effectiveness and character formation. The study concludes that Qur’an-based educational values offer a viable solution to improving teacher quality and the learning process. Therefore, integrating the concept of the ideal teacher from the Qur’an into Islamic education curricula and teacher training programs is essential for implementing wisdom- and example-based teaching methods.

Keywords: ideal teacher; Qur’an; Islamic education; educator’s character