How should a Muslim student treat their teachers?

Knowledge comes with manners

Muslim scholars have always taught adab (manners) before or alongside knowledge. Classic stories describe students who were careful not to interrupt their teachers, who sat attentively, and who asked questions gently. The Quran itself teaches a short dua every student can use:

The Prophet ﷺ also said: "He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young ones and respect our elders" (Sunan Abi Dawud 4943). Teachers are usually among those elders.

What respect looks like in class

• Arrive on time and put your phone away.
• Listen without talking over them, and use their title (Mr, Ms, Dr, Professor) if that's the norm.
• Hand in honest work. Cheating is also a betrayal of their trust. See Is it haram to cheat on exams?
• Don't mock them behind their backs or in group chats; backbiting applies to teachers too.
• Say thank you. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah" (Sunan Abi Dawud 4811).

Non-Muslim teachers

Most teachers in Europe and the USA aren't Muslim, and that changes nothing about good manners. Being kind, honest and respectful toward them is part of how Muslims show what Islam is. If you need something for your faith, like a short break to pray, ask politely and explain briefly. See Can I ask my professor for a prayer break during exams?

When you disagree

Respect doesn't mean you must accept everything a teacher says, especially about religion. You can raise a point in a calm, curious way ("Could I share another view on that?"), or speak to them after class. If a teacher is unfair or crosses a line, go through the proper channels, such as a tutor or the school's complaints process, rather than arguing in public.

The same manners apply to Islamic teachers, whether in a mosque class or online. See How do I know if an online Islamic teacher is trustworthy?