Safia Murtaza Malik a.k.a Safia Shaheen Pakistan International School, JeddahMy family has been teaching Qur'an and Islamic Studies throughout their lives. I too started to teach Qur'an and Islamic Studies in a private school in Madinah too, which gave me experience and confidence to teach a large class. I did my Masters in Islamic Studies from Punjab University and settled in Jeddah after marriage, where I started giving Qu'ran lessons to the ladies in my neighborhood once a week. The, then principal of PISJ, Zafar Ali Ahmed's wife also attended one of my classes. She was so impressed that she invited me over for tea and asked me if I could share my knowledge with students who are our future. I submitted my CV and asked for the consent of my husband and father. My father who is a Professor in Jamia Islamia Madinah Al Manuwara advised me not to miss the opportunity. Although, he always used to tell me that I should practice first before I preach. Hence, my official teaching career started from there, to teach students between right and wrong, and to nurture them with Islamic values and beliefs. Teaching soon became my destiny. I started teaching in 1993 to 16 sections of grade 5. Initially, I faced a lot of naughty students but gradually I created a unique bond with them. I tried developing an understanding with my students which never hindered me to accomplish my purpose. It all depends on the teacher, if a teacher knows how to deal with her students she will never fail. The teacher teaches from the heart to polish the soul. Be humble, a teacher should never make it a great deal out of their profession and have pretenses. Parents take care of their child physically, provide them with clothing and food, but a teacher is the spiritual parent of a child. And a student should never mind if a teacher scolds him/her, instead he/she should accept them. It's almost 20 years since I have been teaching and I get motivated when I see my students content. Although, they have left the school long back, they still remember and thank me. I am more than satisfied when my students listen and implement even on a single word I have taught as it brightens the lamps of knowledge. As told to Nisma Rafiq/Saudi Gazette __
