Ipoh: For the first time, Education director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad delivered the Friday sermon at the Sultan Idris Shah II Mosque (Perak State Mosque) in conjunction with the national Teachers' Day celebration. The sermon, titled "Guru Berhikmah Membina Insan Sejahtera," emphasized the significant role teachers play as carriers of the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) message in educating and shaping individuals who are valuable assets to religion, race, and nation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Azam highlighted in the sermon that teachers are noble individuals entrusted with a communal responsibility to enlighten minds and guide students with patience and wisdom. The sermon outlined five essential qualities of a wise teacher, including the ability to combine knowledge and character, teaching with sincerity, trustworthiness, patience, compassion, fairness, and being attentive and responsive to students' needs.
Moreover, teachers are encouraged to continuously enhance their knowledge, skills, and expertise. The focus should not solely be on academic excellence but also on ensuring students develop strong character, emotional stability, and a robust sense of identity. Mohd Azam emphasized that Islam places teachers in an esteemed position due to the immense importance of knowledge in enlightening minds, imparting knowledge, and shaping balanced individuals.
He reminded the congregation of the importance of appreciating teachers by showing gratitude, respect, and appreciation for their service, as well as praying for their well-being. "The ummah (Muslim community) must work together to support teachers and stand united in building knowledgeable, skilled, and confident citizens with a strong sense of identity, who can go on to become the country's future leaders," he stated.
Earlier, the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, attended the Yasin recital, tahlil, prayers, and Friday sermon in conjunction with the 55th National Teachers' Day celebration. The event was graced by the presence of Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) president, Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini.
In a remarkable gesture, Sultan Nazrin consented to 625 educators and teachers in the state delivering the Friday sermon, marking Teachers' Day, celebrated annually on May 16. The Education Department also hosted a program involving 2,000 students and education personnel, featuring spiritual motivation sessions for students, along with Yasin recitations, tahlil, and prayers.
The special sermon held in conjunction with Teachers' Day is part of a spiritual program that provides teachers the opportunity and experience to deliver the Friday sermon, recognizing their role as educators, community builders, and agents of social unity. The mosque revitalization initiative aligns with the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2026-2035, which aims to transform educators into high-capacity, future-ready professionals, while enhancing teachers' professionalism to produce well-rounded individuals grounded in the MADANI principles.