In this age of e-learning, how can we train our Akhlaaq and manners like the earlier generations who attained this knowledge directly from their scholars?

Learning good character is essential for the student of knowledge as it is an important fundamental aspect of our religion. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “I was sent to perfect good character” [1]

This is one of the cons of studying online, in that one does not get to physically interact with a teacher and learn from his character as the early Muslims used to do. However, there are still many ways to learn good character. Here are some steps one can take to learn character as an online student:

1. Observe the instructors in the videos and their manners, observe how they teach, interact with students, answer difficult questions and deal with difficult individuals.
2. Observe how the teachers interact with people in forums, social media and YouTube videos. Pick up the good characteristics that you see on display in such videos.
3. Study the biographies of scholars, as they tend to focus on their character and manners. This will familiarize you with the character of the early scholars and you can emulate them in personality
4. Find people in your community who are role models of good character and emulate them. So learn humility from the most humble person you know, learn generosity from the most generous person you know and learn mercy from the most merciful person you know.

Allah knows best.

Reference:

[1] Musnad Ahmad 8595