The rank of parents is higher than that of the teacher and the spiritual guide

Question

Question: Is the rank of the teacher and the spiritual guide lower or higher than that of the parents? In “Bihishti Zewar” (“Heavenly Ornaments”) it is written that the rank of the parents is higher. Kindly write with a reference.

Answer

On account of physical upbringing, the rank of the parents is higher, for that is the very foundation of all perfections; while spiritual upbringing, in respect of knowledge and practice, is carried out by teachers. Although that upbringing is lofty, if the parents, having carried out the physical upbringing, did not hand (the child)

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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