An appreciation of teachers

The Bahá’ís started some of the first girls’ schools in Iran. Shown here are a group of pre-school girls at the Tarbiyat School for Girls in Tehran, circa 1930.  Reproduced with permission of the Bahá’í International Community at http://media.bahai.org/

This is Teacher Appreciation Week in the United States, and Tuesday was National Teacher Day. Here are a few quotes about the importance of education, and most importantly, spiritual education.

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The Messengers of God are the principal and the first teachers.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

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The Pen of Glory counselleth everyone regarding the instruction and education of children. Behold that which the Will of God hath revealed upon Our arrival in the Prison City and recorded in the Most Holy Book. Unto every father hath been enjoined the instruction of his son and daughter in the art of reading and writing and in all that hath been laid down in the Holy Tablet. He that putteth away that which is commanded unto him, the Trustees are then to take from him that which is required for their instruction, if he be wealthy, and if not the matter devolveth upon the House of Justice. Verily, have We made it a shelter for the poor and needy. He that bringeth up his son or the son of another, it is as though he hath brought up a son of Mine; upon him rest My Glory, My Loving-Kindness, My Mercy, that have compassed the world.

Bahá’u’lláh

In His Most Holy Book (Kitáb-i-Aqdas), His book of laws, Bahá’u’lláh values teachers so much that they are listed as inheritors in cases of intestate succession:

We have divided inheritance into seven categories: to the children, … to the wife, … to the father, … to the mother, … to the brothers … to the sisters, … and to the teachers ….

Bahá’u’lláh

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Man is the supreme Talisman. Lack of a proper education hath, however, deprived him of that which he doth inherently possess. Through a word proceeding out of the mouth of God he was called into being; by one word more he was guided to recognize the Source of his education; by yet another word his station and destiny were safeguarded. The Great Being saith: Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom. If any man were to meditate on that which the Scriptures, sent down from the heaven of God’s holy Will, have revealed, he would readily recognize that their purpose is that all men shall be regarded as one soul, so that the seal bearing the words ‘The Kingdom shall be God’s’ may be stamped on every heart, and the light of Divine bounty, of grace, and mercy may envelop all mankind.

Bahá’u’lláh