In the quest of increasing their knowledge and with the hope of becoming successful, many students try their best to serve their teachers. Rightfully so!
It is the system of Allāh Ta’ālā that He opens many doors for those who humble themselves before their elders and assist their seniors.
From the era of the Ṣaḥabah, and even before them, whoever served their mentors, Allāh Ta’ālā made them successful. The books of narrators of Aḥādīth are filled with examples of those who had weak memories and did not have any ability. Yet, they became leading scholars because of making Khidmah (service and assistance) of their teachers.
This continued through the ages, and till today, almost every scholar would know of students in his class or institute who were ‘not so bright’ or not even very dedicated. Yet, they are serving the Ummah, and the only reason Allāh Ta’ālā is accepting them is because of the Khidmah that they rendered for their elders.
However, it essential to understand how to respect one’s elders.
Many students simply purchase an expensive gift for their teacher, many disciples fight to invite their mentor for a lavish meal, and many of the laymen send a message over Whatsapp to their local scholar praising his magnificent work.
Some of the wealthy feel that by transporting their seniors in the most expensive car or by booking a business class ticket for their scholars, they have fulfilled their right and have shown appreciation to their ‘Ulamā.
Whilst all these are great, we have forgotten the essence of Khidmah.
Khidmah starts with firstly following the teachings of one’s elder. It is no use that one spends so much funds on a scholar – who, in all probability would have no desire for it – yet, he contradicts the advices that the scholars has given, which are derived from Qur’an and Ḥadīth. Compliance is the best alliance.
At times, the parent/teacher/elder will request or actually command that such a thing should be done which goes against the Nafs (ego) of the youngster. Whether it is a request to give a lecture, for someone who is not used to public speaking, or even if it is the demand for a student to embark on a new project; the test of his loyalty and respect is if he fulfills these desires of his elders, even though they contradict his own desires. This is true Khidma, this is actual Khidma, this is what Khidmah is! Submit, that is the greatest Khidmat.
Start with what is mandatory, before aiming for what is complimentary. It is better to save the teacher from sadness, disappointment and inconvenience, rather than disappointing him and then doing simple acts like bringing his water or straitening his cushion.
A teacher becomes disappointed when a student is absent from lessons, does not complete his homework, skips his revision, and displays a no-care attitude to the lessons.
It is more important to assist a teacher in his academic work. Since it is the goal of every scholar to spread the knowledge that Allāh has blessed him with. His every morning and his every evening is in trying to achieve this. If a student assists him in fulfilling this goal of his, then this is the greatest benefit a student can give to his teacher and that a disciple can give to their mentor.
Every scholar is concerned about his destiny. Supplicating for one’s elders and doing something which will be of Ṣadaqah al-Jāriyyah for them are things which they will appreciate the most. This is Khidmah that is unmatched.
It is simple to show some respect publically and in front of others. However, true Khidmah is when the Shaykh is not around. It is more important to show respect and express one’s appreciation even in the absence of ones elder.
In the books on the principles of Aḥādīth, emphasis is put on praising one’s teacher in his absence. Regarding almost every teacher of his, one will find many statements from Imām Mālik where he praised that teacher, spoke about his goodness, or expressed his fortune in having studied under that great soul. When we read that Imām Abū Ḥanīfah did not stretch his legs in the direction of the home of his teacher, then this was obviously done in the absence of that teacher. In short, Khidmah for one’s elders is done for Allāh Ta’ālā, and hence, it does not matter whether that senior knows about it or not. Definitely, it is not done just to impress one’s elder or to ‘get into his good books’.
Once the above is fulfilled, then the straitening of the shoes or buying the groceries of the teacher will have great impact and be really beneficial. Then, even if you do not get to host your Shaykh, you do not send a gift to your teacher or you do not flatter your local scholar, you will still be regarded as a ‘loyal Khādim’. If you get the honour of doing of these, then that is the cherry on top.
Procedure of Khidma for a Senior
- Follow his teachings
- Obey his commandments
- Fulfill his requests
- Carry out what is required
- Be absolutely respectful
- Assist with his major work
- Help in his projects
- Supplicate for him
- Do things which will benefit him in the hereafter
- Honour him in his absence
- Help out with small tasks
Then display additional reverence by standing up when he enters, opening a car door, or straightening his shoes.