Importance of Education in the Light of Islam: An Overview

Tareque Bin Atique*

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to investigate the concept, perspective, aim

and objectives and the sources of education in Islam. Education is the
responsibility of each and every individual in Islam. To acquire knowledge
has been made compulsory by divine commandment. The purpose ofeducation
in Islam is to associate and balance physical and spiritual development of
humankind. Moreover, Islam deals with the universal education and education
for practical life and moral values.

Keywords:Education, Islamic Education, Moral Values, Muslim

INTRODUCTION
Education is exploring the unknown, discovering new ideas, communicating with the world
around us. It is finding own self, recognizing human needs and communicating that
recognition to others. Moreover, it is an effective instrument for bringing about changes of a
1
man, a society and people to the direction determined by a state’s authority. To acquire
knowledge by human being is predominantly addressed in Islam. Islam has its distinct
attitude towards education that education is the instrument by which people can be trained in
the Islamic way of life. Islam teaches every aspects of human life which are essentially
important for day to day life of a person. Al Qur’ânand Al Hadith contain all possible
solutions that a man can use his knowledge and wisdom.
MEANING OF EDUCATION
Education comes from Latin word “educare, educere or educatum” which means to lead
pupils or to draw out there latent talents. 2 The word “educare” also means rearing where
“educere” means to bring out and “educatum” means to practice.

* Lecturer, Department of Islamic Studies, Jagannath University, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.

Arabic language defines three etymological meaning of education. Ta’lim from the root
‘alima (to know, to be aware, to perceive, to learn) which is used to denote knowledge being
sought or imprinted through instruction and teaching.Tarbiyah from the root raba (to
increase, to grow, to rear) implies a state of spiritual and ethical nurturing in accordance with
the will of God. And Ta’dib from the root aduba (to be cultured, refined, well-mannered)
suggests a person’s development of sound social behavior. What is meant by sound requires
a deeper understanding of the Islamic conception of human being. 3 The universally accepted
meaning of education today is growth, i.e. continuous unfolding of one’s potentialities; it is a
4
life-long process. This sounds as an echo of the Hadith- “acquiring knowledge from the
cradle to the grave”.
Many scholars have defined Education in their own ways According to Socrates, “Education
is the mean that helps in searching the truth”. According to Aristotle, “Education is a process
necessary for the creation of sound mind in the sound body”.5 Imam Ghazali defines,
“Education is a process which enables an individual to distinguish between the true and the
false, the good and bad and the right conduct and the evil doing”. 6The celebrated English
poet John Milton interprets it as a device to fit a man to perform justly, skillfully and
magnanimously all of the offices, both private and public, peace and war. 7 World book of
encyclopedia denotes education as the process by which people acquire knowledge, skills,
habits, values or attitudes.8 In a nutshell, education is the systematic way of utilization of
knowledge.It is an understanding to the meaning of the past and linking the potentials of the
future.

CRITERIA FOR ISLAMIC EDUCATION

As an academic discipline Islamic Education implies a thinking system, directly or indirectly,
originating from the Islamic values. Several scholars in the field of Islamic education attempt
to define Islamic education among which MuhibAldin, Dr. Saied, Abu al Rahman and Dr.
MugdadYalgin are the orators. MuhibAldin Abu Salih defines Islamic education as the
rearing and formation of an ideal Muslim individual whose life is brought to bear on the
Islamic ideal in his different bodily, intellectually and mentally. The content and methods of
his education being closely bound by the ideology of Islam. Abu Salih precisely presented
Islamic Education as the rearing and preparation of the Muslim for his earthly and immortal
life.9 Dr. Saied characterized Islamic Education in a fairly means. He indicates Islamic
Education as the interrelated ideas and concepts which are systematized in one intellectual
scheme itself based on an Islamic ideological and moral framework. Such ideas, intellectual
and moral are ideologically bound and are passed to the Muslim learners through strategic
and methods of instruction which cause him in the end to behave in an Islamic way. 10Abd al
Rahman Al Nahlawi identifies Islamic education as a group of practical and verbal actions
inspired by knowledge of the Qur’ânand Sunna and based on them in matters to do with
faith.11 Dr. MugdadYalgin mentioned Islamic education as an independent educational
system which has its distinct basic aspects, objectives and methods, all inspired by the
fundamental philosophic principals of Islam.12It is a process which produces human
resources following the Islamic teaching; especially spirituality and morality. It is the device
for enabling an individual to attain full stature and realize his divine nature. It is an attitude
and code of conduct for human life. Islamic education deals with many subjects, i.e. Islamic
theology, sociology, geography, philosophy, Islamic culture and civilization.

AIM OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION

“And the believers should not all go out to fight. Of every troop of them, a
party only should go forth, that they (who are left behind) may gain sound
knowledge in religion, and that they may warn their folk when they return to
them, so that they may guard themselves against evil”.13

Abu Abd-Allâh Al-Qartabi, the renowned Quranic scholar mentioned the significance of the
above verse of the Holy Qur’ânas the foundation of Islamic education policy. The goal of
that education described as seeking “tafaqquh fid deen”, translated above (by Fickthall) as
the sound knowledge in religion. It can also be translated as the sound understanding of
religion. Islamic education glorifies the understanding of religion and spreading of Islam as a
religion of all mankind. Islamic education aiming at understanding the teaching of Holy
Qur’ân as the first step of education and establishes the relation of humankind with the
Almighty Allâh. The purpose of Islamic education is not to cram the pupil’s head with facts
but to prepare them for a life of purity and sincerity. This total commitment to character-
building based on the ideals of Islamic ethics is the highest goal of Islamic education. 14The
supreme goal of Islamic education is to provide experiences which are based on the
fundamentals of Islam as embodied in the Holy Qur’ân and Sunnah which cannot be
changed. Beside these, Islamic education provides experiences in the form of knowledge and
skills. These experiences are likely to be changed in accordance with the changes in society.
Without Islamic education it is in certainty that knowledge without the basis in faith and
religion is merely incomplete education. Islamic education teaches the commitment towards
the basic values which have been prescribed in religion and scripture. It also focuses on the
sense of accountability towards Almighty Allâh so that men can pass their lives as a faithful
servant. Because it involves the ‘assimilation of Divine attributes’ leading to a life of ‘unity,
power, freedom, truth, beauty, goodness, love, and justice’. 15 International brotherhoods can
be flourished by the lessons from Islamic education irrespective of differences in generations,
occupations and social classes amongst the persons who are knit together by a common
religion and faith. Islamic education reminds the consciousness of the Divine Presence in the
universe and brings humankind nearer to an understanding of God and of the relation in
which man stands to his creator.It is imperative to mention that these aims of Islamic
education can clearly be distinguishable from the so called modern system of education
which is based on Western philosophy of life. The approach of Islamic education was
endorsed in the first World Conference on Muslim Education held in Mecca in 1977 in the
quoted words:
“Education should aim at the balanced growth of the total personality of man
through the training of man’s sprit, intellect, his rational self, feelings and
bodily senses. Education should cater therefore for the growth of man in all
aspects: spiritual, intellectual, imaginative, physical, scientific, linguistic,
both individually and collectively and motivate all aspects towards goodness
and the attainment of perfection. The ultimate aim of Muslim education lies in
the realization of complete submission to Allâh on the level of the individual,
16
the community and humanity at large.”
SOURCES OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION

The sources of Islamic education when it is ideologically bound by Islam are indicated by the
distinct part from which it is composed. The source for the metaphysical part in the Holy
Qur’an and the authenticated Tradition of the prophet Muhammad (s.m). 17 Islamic Education
is derived from Islamic values which are found in the Holy Qur’an and it is explained by the
various saying and deeds of Hazrat Muhammad (s.m). As such they are considered as final
and unchangeable. Al Qur’âncontains all knowledge and Hazrat Muhammad (s.m) practically
enunciated, instructed and implemented this knowledge .He also showed the right path how
to lead any one’s life in a perfect way. Islamic education is the ever –increasing accumulation
of pure scientific knowledge gained through the application of the human mind and sensual
18
powers on the material environment surrounding man. Al Qur’ânalso contains scientific
indication and philosophical thought.

IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION IN ISLAM

Education is the prime basis of Human being

"Read! In the Name of your Lord who has created (all that exists). He has created
man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the
Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that
which he knew not.19

Education is the core basis of human being that gives satisfaction and saves him from
destruction. Islam is the only religion which first verse of the Holy Scripture, Al Qur’ânwas
revealed with the instruction of education. The first word “Iqra” is a command that means
‘read’ in Arabic, and that implies the concepts of ‘learning’, ‘exploring’ and ‘seeking
enlightenment’. This demonstrates that reading (knowledge) is the way to approach the
creator of all that exists. Education is thus the starting point of every human activity. Allâh
created man and provided him with the tools for acquiring knowledge, namely hearing, sight
and wisdom. Allâh says - "And Allâh has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers
while you know nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight, and hearts that you might give
thanks (to Allâh)".20Allâh also created human being as a vicegerent of Allâh and sent them in
the world for establishing His rules. Allâh honored human being over all of His creations
only by knowledge and wisdom. Al Qur’ânsays – “Allâh will raise those who have believed
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among you and those whohave been granted knowledge, by degrees.” Moreover Allâh sent
many messengers in various ages with knowledge and wisdom in the world for showing right
path to those who were astray from Islam. Al Qur’ânsays- “And (remember) Lût (Lot), We
gave him Hukm(right judgment of the affairs and Prophethood) and (religious) knowledge,
and We saved him from the town (folk) who practisedAl-Khabâ’ith(evil, wicked and filthy
deeds). Verily, they were a people given to evil and were Fâsiqûn(rebellious, disobedient to
Allâh)”22.Allâh honored His Messenger Muhammad (s.m) with the knowledge (Sharee'ah)
which; He taught it to him Muhammad (s.m) so that he might teach it to mankind. Al-
Qur’ânsays- “Indeed Allâh conferred a great favour on the believers when He sent among
them a Messenger Muhammad (s.m) from among themselves, reciting unto them His Verses
(the Qur’ân), and purifying them (from sins by their following him), and instructing them in
the Book (the Qur’ân) and Al-Hikmah[the wisdom and the Sunnahof the Prophet
Muhammad(s.m) (i.e. his legal ways, statements, acts of worship)], while before that they
had been in manifest error.”23 Most of the Prophet sought to Allâh for increasing their
knowledge, i.e. Hazrat Ibrahim (A.) said- “My Lord! Bestow Hukm(religious knowledge,
24
right judgment of the affairs and Prophethood) on me, and join me with the righteous”. So
education is mandatory in Islam since it is a comprehensive system of life. Allâh also taught
instruction for increasing knowledge. Al Qur’ânsays- “Say: My Lord! Increase me in
knowledge." 25

Education for all in Islam

Everyone can get education according to his capability. Allâh has favored human being with
unlimited talents and virtues and has instructed for developing these talents through
education.26To seek knowledge is a sacred duty; it is obligatory on every Muslim, male and
female. Islam affirms the right to education for all without gender discrimination i.e. Al
Qur’ânsays- “Is one who is obedient to Allâh, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer)
during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like
one who disbelieves)? Say: "Are those who know equal to those who know not?" It is only
men of understanding who will remember.27 The verse addresses all people and indicates that
people will be judged by their knowledge and understanding. In addition, women’s education
is emphasized in many of Al-Qur’ânand Al-Hadiths . Prophet Muhammad (s.m)
said-“Seeking knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim”. 28 He also encouraged education
to the members of the most marginalized communities including slave girls. The Prophet
said: “He who has a slave-girl and teaches her good manners and improves her educationand
then manumits and marries her, will get a double reward; (narrated by Abu MusaAl-Ashari)”
29.
This approach indicates the importance of girl’s education. Prophet Muhammad (s.m) not
only encouraged people to be educated but also He implemented the rules’ how to be
educated. For example, at the battle of Badr, in which our beloved Holy Muhammad (s.m)
gained victory over His foes and seventy enemies were taken to prison. These prisoners were
literate people. In order to benefit from their education the Prophet declared that if one
prisoner teaches ten Muslim children how to read and write, this will serve as his ransom and
he will be set free. This was the first school in the history of Islam established by the Prophet
himself with all its teachers being non-Muslims. The Sunnah of the Prophet shows that
education is to be received whatever the risk involved.

Education for practical life

By education in Islamman can know his place, condition of himself, his family, his people,
his community and his society. He must know the relationship between creations and creator
applying the Qur’âniccriteria of intelligence, knowledge and virtue. 30 Islamic Education
makes knowledge on the basis of practical life like habits, manners, social behavior and skills
and these should be taught to new generations, which are in agreement with the basic realities
of life. The religious life should be usual practice for the unity of Allâh and practical
obedience of sovereignty. This practice should not be forced practice but be with willingness
inclination and sincerity of intention. 31.The practice of knowledge in practical life is
connected with ethics and morality with promoting virtue and combating vice, enjoining
right and forbidding wrong. This is called in the Qur’ân: amrbil-l ma’ruufwa nah-y’ani-l
munkar. Knowledge is pursued and practiced with modesty and humility and leads to beauty
and dignity, freedom and justice. Allâh said the HolyQur’ân: “Help one another in goodness
and piety, and do not help one another in sin and aggression; and be careful of (your duty to)
Allâh; surely Allâh is severe in requiting (evil)”.32 In Islam; education supports the scientific
thinking and research; disposing all myths. Moreover, Qur’ânconstantly encourages
observation of the natural phenomena ; at various places it stresses the necessity of the study
of nature, the moon, the tide, the night, the star, the day, plants, and animals - all these have
been presented in testimony of the law of nature and logical attitude which is so essential for
the healthy growth of intellectual activity. Al Qur’ân says- “Do they not observe the birds
above them, spreading their wings and folding them in? None can uphold them except
(Allâh) Most Gracious: Truly ( Allâh) Most Gracious: Truly it is He that watches over all
things”.33 Al Qur’ân also said-“It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon, nor can
the Night outstrip the Day: Each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to
Law)”.34Islam also ordered the Muslim to practical implementation of education: Al Qur’ân
commanded the believers to commit to writing every transaction concerning credit:"O ye
who believe! When ye contract a debt for a fixed term, record it in writing...... And call to
witness.... and not be averse to writing down this (contract) whether it be small or great, with
(record of) the term thereof : this is more equitable in the sight of God and more sure for
testimony, and the best way of avoiding doubt between you ..... 35

Education for moral value

Education is identified in Islam as worship. The acquiring of knowledge is worship, reading

the Qur’ânand pondering upon it is worship, traveling to gain knowledge is worship. The
following Hadith shows how important and how rewarding knowledge is: Abu Hurairah (R)
narrated that the Prophet Muhammad(s.m) said, “ He who treads the path in search of
knowledge, Allâh will make that path easy, leading to Paradise for him and those persons
who assemble in one of the houses of Allâh (mosques), recite the Book of Allâh and learn
and teach the Qur’ân (among themselves). There will descend upon them tranquility, mercy
will cover them, the angels will surround them and Allâh will mention them in the presence
of those near Him. He who is slow-paced in doing good deeds, his (long) descent does not
36
make him go ahead.” In another HadithAbdullah ibn Abbas (R) narrated that Allâh's
MessengerMuhammad (s.m) said, “Acquiring knowledge in company for an hour in the night
is better than spending the whole night in prayer.” 37In Islam; Education creates feelings of
love and respect in the heart of Muslim for Almighty Allâh. Allâh says in SuraFatir- “Only
those from amongst His servants who possess knowledge are the ones who fear Allâh; surely
Allâh is Mighty Most Forgiving.”38. Islam is the only ideological religion which creates
moral values, pious feelings and right thinking in any one’s heart. Islam guides all the
Muslim to striving for gaining knowledge. The objective of Islamic education is to keep
Muslim on right path. Acquiring the love of Allâh is the ultimate goal of human’s life.Allâh’s
Messenger said: “If anyone travels on a road in search of knowledge, Allâh will cause him to
travel on one of the roads of Paradise. The angels will lower their wings in their great
pleasure with one who seeks knowledge, the inhabitants of the heavens and the Earth and the
fish in the deep waters will ask forgiveness for the learned man. The superiority of the
learned man over the devout is like that of the moon, on the night when it is full, over the rest
of the stars. The learned are the heirs of the Prophets, and the Prophets leave neither dinar
nor dirham, leaving only knowledge, and he who takes it, takes an abundant portion.’”
39
Prophet (s.m) also said about moral significant of Education- "When a man dies, his acts
come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a
pious son, who prays for him (the deceased)."40So, we can agree with the statement of
Socrates about Education and He said- “From knowledge comes virtue and goodness, from
ignorance comes all that is evil, No man willingly chooses what is evil, and he does evil out
of ignorance”.41

CONCLUSION

Islam is a disciplined code of life. In Islam, there are equality, tranquility, fraternity,
generosity, love and friendship. Everything is from Islamic moral values. Islam encourages
the acquisition of knowledge and its use for the benefit of humanity. Education should take
guidance from religion for the achievement of ultimate goal of human being that is Allâh’s
satisfaction. So, Education in Islam is a comprehensive matter, which brings about
harmonious development of mind, body and soul. Because the focus of education in Islam is
both on morals as well as on knowledge and wisdom. Morality purifies human mind and
creates the relationship between mind and body.
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