From Hujur to Sir: How Madrasas Are Drifting Away from Deen

Respect in Islamic Education: Are Madrasa Teachers Abandoning Spiritual Identity?

In recent times, a troubling trend has begun to take root within many of our madrasas. These institutions, once revered as sanctuaries of sacred knowledge and spiritual development, are gradually losing their foundational essence. The spiritual atmosphere—the ruh (soul) of these establishments—is slowly fading. If madrasa teachers must be addressed as “Sir,” then where does the institution’s spirituality remain? This seemingly minor change in address is not a trivial issue. How much of a truly religious environment remains when we strip away the traditional Islamic etiquettes and titles?

Why “Hujur” Matters: Preserving the Identity of Islamic Scholarship

The reality is, teachers in madrasas should be addressed as “Hujur”—a term that carries honor, spiritual weight, and deep respect in the context of Islamic scholarship. But today’s reality is such that if someone calls them “Hujur,” they become extremely displeased and, if possible, call the students “ill-mannered.” This reaction is not only inappropriate—it reveals a deeper identity crisis. How can a teacher in an Islamic environment be offended by being called with a title that symbolizes religious dignity? Something is deeply wrong.

The Hidden Agenda? Secularizing the Madrasa Environment

The implication of these teachers’ attitude is that while they place themselves within a religious institution, their agenda seems to be to strip students of their deen (religion). They seem to prefer remaining outside the boundaries of religious identity, and they persistently attempt to bring students out of those boundaries as well. This is not an accidental drift; it appears to be a deliberate mission. They wish to spread ignorance in the name of teaching within these institutions. It is alarming when the very people entrusted with guiding young minds become the ones sowing seeds of confusion, arrogance, and irreverence.

A Sincere Appeal to Misguided Teachers

To those teachers who believe they are being disrespected if not addressed as “Sir,” I have a simple request: kindly remove yourselves from religious institutions. This request is neither harsh nor emotional—it is a necessary appeal. If you insist on upholding secular titles and attitudes, there are countless other educational spaces for that. Otherwise, you are effectively contributing to the spiritual downfall of students. Remaining in such positions not only harms the students but also endangers the future of our entire community.

When Students Lose Faith: A Future You Will Regret

The day your own students, shaped by your influence, become truly irreligious—that day something opposite and disastrous will await you. The harm will come back to you. The behavior those students will exhibit toward you will be something you won’t be able to tolerate. Respect and reverence are earned by practicing what you preach. When you have failed to honor Islamic values, how can you expect the youth to uphold them for your sake?

And it is you who will be responsible for that disrespectful behavior. No one else. So, you will neither be able to tolerate such humiliation, nor will you have the right to complain. When the time comes, how will you even complain to anyone that your students used crude, disrespectful language toward you—or even physically assaulted you? These scenarios may sound extreme, but when spiritual respect and moral discipline are removed from an environment, such outcomes become terrifyingly real.

Foolish Expectations: Seeking Honor from the Irreligious

Therefore, I say this: Those of you who seek honor from people who possess no religion—you are living in a land of fools. You are deluded if you think that irreligious individuals will offer you true respect. Assuming that students are foolish is nothing but foolishness itself. Today’s students observe, analyze, and understand. They can tell the difference between sincerity and hypocrisy.

Time to Reflect: The Ummah Awaits Your Sincere Contribution

Change your character while there is still time. The Ummah expects you to serve the religion with sincerity. There is a desperate need for scholars and teachers who live by the faith they teach. Dedicate yourselves as true servants of the deen, and through the knowledge you impart, contribute to the success of your students’ worldly and spiritual lives—so that you may proudly play a leading role in their journey toward righteousness and excellence.