The success of every system is based on the qualities of the student. Because he is the main partner and beneficiary of these systems. So, the qualities of a student are an important factor of the success of every system. Regarding these qualities we have some advice from Imam Shafi, The well known Islamic scholar and philosopher to a person who persue knowledge. It is too relevant and fit for our modern educational concepts and pedagogies even after the laps of 12 centuries. Intellect, eagerness, perseverance, affluence, the company of a Teacher, and a long duration are the six qualities described by Imam Shafi.
The first quality of a student is Intellectual power. It means sharpness of mind. A student should have a mind powered by cognizance and prudence. Because, the education is a mental activity. In this process a student is finding the unknown analyzing the known. So, the process needs a power full mind devoid worries and problems to reach his findings easily and comfortably.
In the modern educational pedagogies we can see a lot of exercises and activities given to the student out of the portion. The student is ought to find and furnish the solutions by his observation and experience with the help of the lesson. So, here a student should have a sharp mind to reach the solutions fast and easily. The success of such activities which is more helpful for students is based on this quality.
The second quality is eagerness. Eagerness represents the thirst of a student to learn enthusiastically. It symbolizes the strength of intention. In the psychological terms it is will power. It is a worldwide accepted fact - the will power is behind every motion of mankind achieving his goals. It will help him to overcome every challenge of the life.
In the modern educational methods there are a lot of motivational activities. These are mainly aimed at keeping him enthusiastic and more attentive. By these motives curriculum and methodology of teaching are trying to keep the student keen toward his leaning. So, the eagerness is essential to a student.
The third one is perseverance. Perseverance means to keep him striving to get the optimized target. It includes continuous readiness of student and promptness as well. It also covers the meanings of patience and sacrifice. The Arabic word ‘iswthibar’ which is used by Imam has a wider connotation than above mentioned.As education are a long time process it needs more and more patience and sacrifice. Mostly in the age of learning, one need not be fully aware of the benefits and goals of education. He may have thought of spending time for education a mere waste. This state of mind might have discouraged him. To protect a student from this negative aspect he should have the quality of perseverance.
Next quality is affluence. By affluence Imam might have meant the ability to bear the financial and infrastructural expenses of learning. This quality doesn’t mean to be rich and wealthy. But it means the student should get rid of the worries and difficulties due to financial botherations. Because, the financial burdens will deviate the student from his real targets. The financial stability will give the student more confidence.
This fact may be questioned by some people arguing with stories of great personalities of history like Abraham Lincoln the former president of USA and Lal Bahadur Shastry the former prime minister of India who were learned fighting against hurdles of their life. Lincoln used to study under the street light, while Shastry was swimming to cross the river for want of money to pay ferry fees. This is a rare exemption from the general rule because of their extra ordinary confidence by setting the goal before all. In our educational behavior the students are mingled often between rich and poor. So the poverty of the poor may have hurt his mind looking at the pomp of the others.
Company of a teacher is essential in education setup. One cannot learn only by depending on the books bought from book stalls and by websites. It may be helpful for him to make his learning easier, but the guidance of a teacher is not avoidable at all in any circumstances. Somebody will say the life itself is a learning process. It is true. But the role models whom we are following in our life are actually, the teachers.
Imam Shafi concludes his pieces of advice with the description about time. He advises that a long time should be used for learning. As we understand earlier the education is a long time process. It has to continue throughout our life. Because, it is a nursing and nourishing processes. It should take its own time. 
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