Are teachers and lecturers in the same rank and status as scholars?

Question:
May Allah reward you. The caller, Ayn Alif from Riyadh, asks: Do shaykhs and lecturers hold the same status as scholars? And are they equal in reward?

Answer:
There is no doubt that Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) has given preference to the people of knowledge who act upon their knowledge. Allah the Exalted said: So when knowledge and action are combined in one person, that is a favor from Allah which He grants to whom He wills. He has his status and respect due to the benefit he provides and the knowledge, piety, and righteous action he carries. Scholars differ in this; they differ in knowledge and they also differ in action. So each one is honored and loved according to what Allah has given him of beneficial knowledge and righteous action, whether they are lecturers or teachers, or judges or muftis. The criterion is not the job title; the criterion is the beneficial knowledge that the scholar carries, and also the action, which is the mindfulness of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). Yes.