Dr. Thamer Abdul Jabbar Abdul Abbas Al-Saeedi<br /><br />Senior Inspector at the Ministry of Communications<br />Faculty Member at the College of Law / Al-Mustaqbal University, ranked first among private universities in the Iraqi national classification for 2024<br />Knowledge is one of the highest and most noble qualities and one of the greatest virtues. Islam has emphasized the necessity of acquiring and disseminating knowledge, as it serves the interests of people and guides them towards truth and righteousness. Ancient sages have likened knowledge to light; this is because light is self-evident and clarifying for others. The noble hadith states: “Knowledge is light that Allah casts into the heart of whomever He wills.” As the ranks of scholars differ in terms of faith, knowledge, and sincerity, their spiritual radiance also varies in breadth, intensity, and strength, depending on their possession of awareness and insight. The superiority of the scholar over the worshipper is like the superiority of the full moon over all the stars, for the worshipper’s light illuminates the path for himself, while the scholar’s light, knowledge, awareness, and insight guide his students, disciples, and seekers of knowledge to benefit from this light and increase their understanding. The noble hadith states: “A scholar is better than a thousand worshippers who rescue God's servants from misguidance to guidance.”<br /><br />The teacher educates, cultivates, observes, encourages students, and advises them to adopt noble qualities. The Rights of Imam Al-Sajjad (peace be upon him) emphasizes the teacher's rights over their students, stating: “And the right of your teacher in learning is to honor him, respect his assembly, listen to him attentively, approach him, and not to raise your voice against him or answer anyone who questions him until he himself answers. Do not speak about anyone in his presence, do not gossip about anyone in front of him, defend him if he is mentioned in a bad light, conceal his faults, and highlight his virtues. Do not associate with his enemies and do not oppose his friends. If you do that, the angels of God will testify that you sought him out and learned his knowledge.”<br /><br />Imam Ali (peace be upon him) stated: “Whoever teaches me a letter, I become his servant.”<br /><br />The Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) followed the methodology of his second teacher, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), and his first teacher, God Almighty. The Holy Quran and the sayings of the Messenger of Allah are replete with encouragement for knowledge and calls to it, as in: “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” and “The angels lower their wings for the seeker of knowledge, pleased with him.” In this, God's words and the words of His Messenger reinforce the importance of knowledge in the souls of people.<br /><br />In conclusion, there is a Japanese proverb that says: “Stay seven feet away from the teacher, so you do not accidentally step on their shadow.” This illustrates how Japan has embodied its greatness, advancement, and progress through the respect for teachers, placing them at the forefront of all state functions.<br /><br />Given that quality education is one of the goals of sustainable development advocated and encouraged by the United Nations, and that all countries are striving diligently to achieve these goals by 2030, we must explore ways to advance and elevate education in Iraq. This should develop students and raise them to high levels comparable to those of students in advanced countries, while also providing solutions to achieve quality education to fulfill this goal of sustainable development.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University: The First University in Iraq