My Islamic studies teacher is dying. She has cancer. She teaches a class for 5-11 year olds in her personal time. One day she was going to arrive 10 minutes late because of her chemotherapy. So she asked me to start the class for her. Then she called me and said, “I’m really sorry, but the chemotherapy took longer than expected and I will be another 15 minutes late.” She was dying, but still she was so apologetic. I said to her, “It’s okay, you should take the day off.” She said, “No, it’s not okay. These children will lose trust in me.”
Her words really hit me. She gave so much priority to maintaining their trust. She would never start her class even one minute late. I used to be very bad with timekeeping, but seeing her, I decided that I would be punctual from now on. I realised that when we don’t respect people’s time, it is a big disrespect. When we make someone wait one minute, they will never get it back. It is non-refundable. Time really is more valuable than money.
(Sister from UK)
As salamaleykum wa rahmatulah wa barakatuh,
I am reverted for almost 3 years alhamdulillah and I am a teacher. I am deeply touched by your story, thank you for sharing. I will try my best incha Allah to be punctual and to respect people.
May Allah help us improve and be an inspiration for poeple,
and may Allah reward ou and bless you, your family, your islamic teacher and her family
Ameen.