Concept of Education in Islam
Education is the process, system, or method through which knowledge is instilled in human beings. Humans, referred to as "rational animals," need education to perform their duties and responsibilities. The Islamic concept of education is not solely about acquiring skills for earning but focuses on what is beneficial for both the individual and society. Islam emphasizes two basic types of education:
- Religious Education
- Secular Education
Religious knowledge in Islam refers to the instructions and guidelines from Allah Almighty on how a person should live and behave. Secular education, on the other hand, is for day-to-day living. The specialty of Islam is that the first revelation of the Holy Quran was about learning:
“Read, and your Lord is Most Honorable, who taught (to write) with the pen, who taught man what he knew not.”
(Quran, 96:3-5)
Islam made education obligatory for every male and female Muslim. The Quran emphasizes the importance of knowledge, stating:
“Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know?” (Al-Zumr, ayah 9)
“Allah grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and to whom wisdom is granted, indeed he receives an overflowing benefit.” (Al-Baqarah, ayah 269)
Without education, one cannot fully perceive the message and commandments of Allah. Ignorance can lead to being misled from the right path, and a person might struggle to distinguish between right and wrong. The danger of ignorance is that it leaves a person vulnerable to the influence of Satan.
An educated person, however, is enlightened and capable of identifying and following the right path.
Acquiring knowledge is crucial in Islam. Allah invites humans to investigate and ponder the creation of the Universe. Allah asks people to travel and seek knowledge, and this pursuit of knowledge is considered worship in Islam. Knowledge gained through effort brings a person closer to Allah and leads them to Jannah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) said:
“One who treads a path in search of knowledge, his path to Paradise is made easy by God...”
(Riyad-us-Saleheen, 245)
Education is not just about learning; we must also pass on and share the knowledge we gain with others. Islam encourages followers to learn the Quran and teach it to others. This hadith highlights the reward for teaching beneficial knowledge to others:
“God, His angels, and all those in Heaven and Earth, even the ants in their hills and the fish in the water, call down blessings on those who instruct others in beneficial knowledge.”
(Tirmidhi, Hadith 422)
