“Ibu, sedaplah ibu masak hari ini,” said my 4-year-old daughter as she finished her simple plate of plain white rice and a fried egg topped with a “healthy” dose of soy sauce. It had been a busy day for me and my husband, and the quickest meal I could whip up for her was a measly fried egg on some leftover white rice. Yet, despite the simplicity of the dish, she complimented my cooking, just like my husband always does, no matter how modest the meal.
That moment made me pause and reflect on how our actions and words, even in the smallest of moments, deeply influence those around us. My daughter’s innocent compliment mirrored her father’s kindness, showing me once again how powerful our example can be. “Monkey see, monkey do,” and “You are the mold of your supervisor” are common sayings that remind us how the behavior of those in positions of authority—parents, teachers, leaders, and yes, even us lecturers—leave a lasting impression on the people we guide. Our students and communities watch us closely, often emulating what they see. This means that not only our good actions, but also our mistakes, can ripple out far beyond the moment.
This brings us to a larger question: what kind of example do we want to set? Our intentional misconducts, whether big or small, reflect our own lack of integrity and credibility. In academia, this can mean everything from unethical co-authorship to falsifying data—actions that some justify with, “everyone else is doing it.” But is this the kind of person we want to be, especially in front of the next generation of leaders, parents, and professionals?
I am reminded of an old story passed down by my elders about a man who migrated to a community where everyone had only one ear. The community leaders told him that to truly belong, he must cut off one of his own ears. It’s an exaggerated tale, but it highlights a real dilemma: what do we do when society’s norms clash with our personal ethics? In academia, we face similar choices. Do we follow unethical practices just because they’ve become the norm? Would we really “cut off our ear” just to fit in?
As educators, we are responsible for more than just knowledge transfer. Our conduct, our ethics, must be second nature. Our behavior should be consistent, even when no one is watching, and especially when it challenges the status quo. In a famous hadith narrated by Anas bin Malik, he reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Even if the Resurrection were established upon one of you while he has in his hand a sapling, let him plant it.” Even in the midst of chaos, when fear and uncertainty rule, we are called to continue doing what is right because it has become a part of who we are.
So, as we guide our children, students, and communities, let’s be mindful of the examples we set. Let us nurture the habits and values that will not only shape us but also inspire those who follow us. After all, is there any better legacy to leave behind than one of integrity and good character? Let us do this kerana Allah, untuk manusia—for His sake, and for the people we serve.
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