A Kano-based communication expert, Muhammad Jamil Idris, has sparked widespread debate after asserting that Islamic teachers who conduct home lessons risk losing respect and dignity within society.
In a viral video circulating online, Idris argued that the practice of visiting students’ homes to teach undermines the honor traditionally associated with Islamic scholarship. According to him, such arrangements expose teachers to what he described as “reckless disregard and disrespect.”
Reflecting on his teaching experience in Abuja, Idris said he maintained a strict policy against home tutoring. He noted that he taught a diverse group of students, including children, youths, and كبار individuals, but always insisted they come to him for lessons. He emphasized that the dignity of religious knowledge requires scholars to uphold personal honor by setting firm boundaries.
He recounted an encounter with a senior military officer who requested private lessons for his daughter at home. Idris said he declined, insisting instead that the student attend classes at a fixed time and location. He added that he operated a strict schedule, where lateness automatically led to cancellation of the day’s lesson.
The situation, according to him, escalated after several weeks when the officer allegedly offered him ₦5,000 following an evening prayer session. Idris described the gesture as humiliating, saying it reinforced his belief that such arrangements diminish the value and dignity of Islamic teachers.
He concluded with a controversial recommendation, urging Islamic scholars not to depend on teaching as a primary source of income. Instead, he advised them to pursue business or alternative livelihoods while offering religious instruction free of charge, arguing that this would preserve their honor and prevent exploitation.
The remarks have since drawn mixed reactions across social and academic circles. While some support his stance on maintaining the dignity of scholars, others argue that prevailing economic realities make paid teaching unavoidable for many Islamic educators.
