EDUCATION
IN ISLAM
Islam places great stress on seeking knowledge and education.
Generally speaking, one can’t find the proper right in this world this is true
in all times and places. Knowledge is very important for two reasons.
Firstly, it makes the man a right thinker, no one can think
properly without having a fair amount of education. It also help a man to take
the right decision. Secondly, knowledge is that only through gaining many
levels of education, man is able to gain more information from the external
world.
In a fact, Islam called upon seeking out knowledge on all the
levels. The first world of the Qur’an, revealed by God to Prophet Muhammad was
read, which highlights the importance of science and learning.
The prophet said; seeking knowledge is a compulsory on every
Muslim. He also said whoever follows a path seeking knowledge; God will make
his path to paradise easy. In Islam, education process derives its pillars from
Holy Qur’an and prophet traditions, and saying of companions. Followers and the
opinion of pedagogy scholars. From this balanced blend, the Islamic education
derived its objectives, elements, means and methods, in the context of
integrated system organized by Islamic teachings. Education process in Islam is
a process of building and directing individuals of reach its maturity. For this
aim, messages r revealed and messengers were sent to builds individuals
spiritually, mentally, and physically, in the light of balanced system that
enables them to perform his duties.
The importance of education is clear. It can be safely said that
a human being is not in the proper sense till he is educated. When the Qur’an
was revealed, the first word of its first verse was ‘Iqra’ meaning read. Education
is thus the starting point of every human activity. Education and knowledge and
mandatory upon both men and women in Islam. God the exalted says in the Qur’an:
“are
those equal, those who know and those who don’t know ? it is those who are
endued with understanding that receive admonition”
(Az-Zumar , :39)
In Islam, great respect and admiration is given to the learned
people of knowledge. They hold an extremely high rank in society. The prophet
Muhammad said:
“if anyone travels on a road n search of knowledge, God 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 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 prophet, and the prophets leave neither
Dina or Dirham, leaving only knowledge, and he who takes it in abundant
portion”.
The importance of education cannot be neglected. Especially in today’s
world , the role of education has become even more vital. It is absolutely
essential for economic and social development.
