“A teacher is a sacred guide, or a spiritual mentor, who shapes life from birth to death. As one who leads his people in accordance with the program of destiny, who elevates its morals and character, and who instills in it a consciousness of eternity, the teacher is a being of such sublime value that there exists no other creature on earth comparable to him.”¹⁾

“Frivolous and careless people can never become devoted men of cause, nor can they serve as spiritual mentors to others. There must first be spiritual excellence (ihsan) within, for only then can perfection (itqan) appear outwardly. A person must adorn the world of his heart with seriousness and devotion so that this inner state may reflect upon his actions and leave an impression on others. Indeed, those whose attitudes and behavior are frivolous can give nothing to others; on the contrary, they repel them from the very path they claim to follow. They make people say, ‘How can someone who claims to believe in the Hereafter, the Resurrection, Judgment, Paradise, and the vision and pleasure of God live in such heedlessness and abandon?’—and thereby sow doubt among those around them.”²⁾

“When I speak of ‘trustees of service,’ what comes to mind are those devoted souls who assume responsibility for noble causes—who support them with their prayers and efforts, seize every opportunity that arises, and strive to reach more hearts with burning concern. Likewise, when I recall our selfless teachers seeking entry into hearts abroad, I think of the muallimin and muallimat—our brothers and sisters laboring in distant lands. And then I remember the students they guide and the spiritual mentors who shape them. In my prayers I try to mention every soul who contributes to this movement of volunteers.”³⁾

“Among the believers, there will of course be those engaged in trade, industry, or professional work, possessing material means and wealth. Yet if Divine destiny has placed someone in a position that demands working entirely for the nation—like a soldier who thinks of nothing for himself—he must be conscious of this privilege and act accordingly. Yes, an overpowering Divine decree has assigned to each person a role: some are called to business or craftsmanship, others to teaching, guiding, or administration. Such duties require complete dedication—minds and hearts wholly focused on enlightenment, instruction, and representation of faith. Therefore, everyone must strive to do justice to the position he occupies, being fruitful and faithful to its demands.”⁴⁾

“A person who will serve as a spiritual mentor must go forth as one thoroughly equipped and well-formed. The first pioneers went with pure and simple faith, and through Divine grace they achieved great good. But now, as we reach out across the world, there is need for deeper knowledge, broader vision, and greater preparation.”⁵⁾

“Whether at home or abroad, there are selfless and sincere teachers and spiritual mentors serving their people and all humanity in schools, cultural centers, and similar institutions. Whatever their income—be it mere sustenance, a scholarship-level allowance, or a modest salary—their expected service is far beyond an ordinary working schedule. After providing for their families, they should, if possible, teach thirty or forty hours a week, stay with their students day and night, and, if they can, dedicate even their weekends to guiding them.”⁶⁾

“One of the most important aspects of teaching (and spiritual mentorship) is being able to guide students through one’s conduct—through the language of example. Human beings are prone to evil and can easily be drawn toward passions such as lust, anger, hatred, and the violation of others’ rights. Left unchecked, these tendencies pull them downward toward the lowest depths. Restraint over these destructive impulses, and the nurturing of good ones, can only be achieved through the hand of a good guide—one whose attitude and actions inspire admiration and imitation.”⁷⁾

“The conduct of those who guide society and occupy leading positions is of utmost importance. If they walk straight, those who follow will also walk straight; but if they err, their errors will not remain limited to themselves—they will spread and grow among the people.”⁸⁾

“The traveler of truth walks a solid path of investigation and verification. His goal is God’s pleasure; his disposition is detachment from worldly praise or blame; his inner world is one of constant self-examination and ever-deepening spiritual discovery. He moves among the people while remaining with God—broad enough to reflect composure, yet restless enough to keep ascending. He shares with others the gifts of Divine knowledge, love, and spiritual joy; he guides those without direction toward the light; he inspires the aimless with ideals; and without burdening anyone, he interacts gracefully with every segment of society.”⁹⁾

“The Prophets expressed, in words comprehensible to all, the essence of the relationship between God, humanity, and the universe. They served as guides (spiritual mentors), leading people toward servitude to the Almighty and to happiness in both worlds.”¹⁰⁾

“The true saint (rabbani) is both a perfect believer who embodies his connection with God and a perfect guide who leads others toward that same horizon. Considering the vast sphere of Divine Lordship, he exerts all his effort to transform potential human beings into true humans. Hence, the friends of God—the genuine trainers of souls—are called rabbani, ‘those devoted to the Lord.’ The reason Imam Rabbani bore this title is precisely this. Such rabbanis form a spiritual faculty that acts in harmony with the Divine laws operating in the universe, teaching people how to live, how to observe this exhibition of creation, how to read this grand Book of Being, and how to reach the horizon it points to.”¹¹⁾

“In another sense, Kawthar (abundance) refers to the scholars of the Prophet’s community—those who, like you in your guidance and enlightenment, lead the people to goodness. They are the heirs of the Prophets within the community, and they too have been granted to you as a Divine gift.”¹²⁾

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