BEŞİNCİ BAB · ÜÇÜNCÜ FASIL · Üçüncü Madde
Article Three
It explains the proper conduct and etiquette for a student in learning from their teacher.
O esteemed one! Know that those learned in manners have said: The proper conduct and etiquette for a student in learning from their teacher are fifteen:
1- To greet the teacher and (upon his arrival) to receive him standing.
2- To sit only with the teacher’s permission (when he says, “Sit”).
3- To sit with reverence, as if in prayer, in the teacher's presence.
4- To speak little (only when necessary) in the teacher's presence.
5- Not to speak unless the teacher asks a question.
6- Not to ask questions without permission from him.
7- Not to present an opposing view by saying, “So-and-so scholar argues contrary to what you say.”
8- Not to give the impression that one knows the subject matter better than the teacher. [376/a]
9- Not to whisper secrets into a classmate’s ear during the lesson.
10- To keep one's head bowed (focusing on the lesson) and not show interest in what is around.
11- When someone attempts to speak ill of the teacher, to hold one’s tongue firmly and, if possible, end the conversation.
12- To rise when the teacher comes and goes for each lesson.
13- Once the teacher finishes the lesson and rises, not to ask any further questions.
14- When the teacher sets out on a journey, not to question him then, but to walk behind him.
15- To show respect and offer hospitality to the teacher’s children and relatives as well.
If one sees the teacher committing an apparent misdeed based on his outward appearance, he should not immediately oppose it, but rather investigate the matter and learn its inner reality. Remembering that the teacher likely knows the inner truth of the matter, whenever suspicion arises, one should recall the story of Moses and Khidr (peace be upon them both).
For anyone who desires to acquire knowledge and benefit from their teacher, it is essential to treat him with the manners and etiquette mentioned above so that he may obtain the knowledge – a share of God’s light. As it has been said: “One only attains knowledge through respect and reverence; one loses it by abandoning respect for the teacher.”
Poem
Show reverence to your instructor, for it is related:
"He who teaches me even a single letter becomes my master."
Modern Turkish Translation
Be respectful to your instructor, for it is said: “One who teaches me even a single letter becomes my slave.”