Characteristics of the Ideal Teacher Based on Qur’anic Verses and Narrations, with a Focus on the Life of Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq (Peace be Upon Him)

In the face of challenges confronting contemporary Islamic education—where some teachers, despite their mastery of scientific subjects, lack ethical, pedagogical, and spiritual qualities—this article presents a model of the ideal teacher derived from the Holy Qur’an and the narrations of the Infallibles (peace be upon them), with particular emphasis on the life of Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) as a practical exemplar. The study classifies these characteristics into four interrelated categories: scientific–cognitive (comprehensiveness and mastery), educational–ethical (commitment and moral conduct), communicative–social (affection and accessibility), and spiritual–divine (godliness, metaphysical connection, and guidance). The research adopts a qualitative, deductive methodology, drawing upon more than twenty reliable sources. The findings reveal that applying this model within the university environment contributes to building a resilient generation, as it strengthens religious identity, nurtures ethical awareness, and enhances critical thinking skills and the ability to confront intellectual and cultural pressures. Moreover, the life of Imam al-Sadiq—who trained more than ۴,۰۰۰ students in diverse sciences and high moral standards—demonstrates the potential for improving religious education and enriching general education in its pedagogical and character-building dimensions. This is achieved not by endorsing secular education, but by offering a value-based framework that deepens the human dimension of any modern educational system. The article expands previous studies by proposing a new spiritual–pedagogical classification applicable to contemporary educational institutions.

کلیدواژه ها:

ideal teacher ، Qur’an ، narrations ، Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq ، Islamic education ، pedagogy