LEARNING AND EDUCATION AS VIEWED BY ISLAM

 

LEARNING AND EDUCATION AS VIEWED BY ISLAM

Islam aims at popularizing education:

Islam is a religion of knowledge and light, not of ignor­ance and darkness. The first verse revealed to the Prophet (ﷺ) commanded him repeatedly to read and to praise knowledge and learning — praise which is evident in attributing educ­ation to God: “Read in the name of thy Lord Who creates, Creates man from a clot, Read; and thy Lord is the most generous. Who taught by the pen, Taught man what he knew not." Addressing his Prophet God said in another place: " And say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge ", and again: “God bears witness that there is no god but He, and (so do) the angels and those possessed of knowledge, maintaining justice.” He began by glorifying Himself first, secondly the angels and thirdly the learned; how great an honour and merit and nobility. In another verse God says: " And these parables, We set them forth for men, and none understand them but the learned. “In other words, none but the educated scholars can understand them.

In many places the Holy Qur’an praises the learned and their high place. The Qur’an says: “Say: Are those who know and those who know not alike?” and “Allah will exalt those of you who believe, and those who are given knowledge, to high ranks.”

Learning is revered in Islam, and to Muslims is the highest in life. Learned men who put their knowledge to use occupy a place next to that of the prophets. The Pro­phet (ﷺ) says that “the learned are the inheritors of the Pro­phets.” It is said that the learned will be next to the prophets in interceding for the people on Judgment Day. The Prophet (ﷺ) also says that “the ink of the scholars is better than the blood of the martyrs.”

The holy Prophet (ﷺ) has called for education and made it obligatory. He said: “Educate your sons; they must live in a time different from yours.” Islam has made no distinction between girls and boys in matters of education. In this respect, the Prophet (ﷺ) says: “Learning is obligatory upon every Muslim, be he a man or a woman." Islam demands that every individual seek education, apply it, and exert himself to spread it.

Islam did not stop with calling upon believers to prop­agate knowledge, but also called for continuous work in seeking knowledge and education, and in research and study. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Man is learned as long as he seeks knowledge; if he thinks he has acquired all knowledge, he becomes ignorant.” The Prophet (ﷺ) also says: “Everything in heavens and earth pray that the learned man be for­given." Commenting on this, Al-Ghazali says: “Is there any higher status than that of he for whom the angels of heaven and earth pray that he may be forgiven by Allah?" While the scholar is occupied with himself, the angels are occupied in praying for him.

The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged education both by word and action. He used to release educated prisoners from among the unbelievers if they taught some of the Muslims to read and write, in an endeavour to spread education among the Muslim people. He did not neglect to give the woman her due share in learning to read and write; he asked Al-Shafat Al-Adawiya to teach his wife Sayeda Hafsa how to read and write, thereby setting the best example for his community concerning the obligation to educate women and girls.

One day the Prophet (ﷺ) went out and saw two groups of people, in one of which the people were praying to Allah and seeking His blessings, while in the other some were teaching the people. On seeing this he remarked: “As for those who are praying to Allah, He may grant their prayers or He may not; but those who are teaching the people are superior. It was sent as a teacher. “Then he moved to the latter and sat with them, thereby setting us the best example of encouraging learning, spreading education, and acknowledging the merit of teachers. To the holy Prophet education is the foundation of worldly life and of religion; he said: "Whoever desires the world must acquire learning, and whoever desires the hereafter must acquire learning, and whoever wishes the two together must also obtain learning." The Prophet (ﷺ) observed: “Humanity is two men, the teacher and the taught; there is no good in anything besides these." He also said: “The death of a tribe is a lesser tragedy than that of a learned man.” In another saying he stated: “The learned man is as superior to the worshipper as the moon is to the rest of the stars.” And again: “Whoever follows the road of seeking knowledge, God will show him the road to Paradise.” He also said: "The angels lower their wings to the seeker of knowledge in approval of his pursuit." All these holy traditions celebrate the glory and superiority of practical scholars and urge the pursuit of knowledge, show­ing that Islam demands education and the spreading of knowledge, and freedom from ignorance and illiteracy. Another tradition says: The best of men is the learned be­liever, who is useful when he is needed and independent when left alone.

Ali ibn Abi Talib, explaining to Kamil, said: "Know­ledge is better than money. Knowledge protects you, but you must protect your money. Knowledge rules but money is governed. Spending diminishes money, but learning grows by expenditure.” He also said: "The learned man is superior to the believer who offers the night prayers, fasts, and fights for the cause of Allah." He also said (in verse): "Only the learned man has the right to be proud, since he guides those who seek guidance by his statements. Man is judged by his accomplishments; the ignorant is al­ways the enemy of the learned. Through knowledge one can live forever; the learned lives on while others die.”

Pointing to his chest, Ali (RDA) once remarked: “Here lies abundant learning. Would that I might find people cap­able of receiving it.” He was right in this remark, as the hearts of the pious are the repository of secrets.

The Caliph Omar (RDA) said: “O people, seek knowledge Allah has a beloved garment which He awards to whoever seeks knowledge." This is not surprising, since it is through learning that hearts live by the light of wisdom, as the earth lives by the rains of heaven.

Some ages said: "If a learned man dies, he is lament­ed by the fish of the water and the birds of the air. Although his face disappears, his memory lives on. “It is said also: "Be a learned man or a student or a listener, but be not ignorant else you shall perish.”

Al Hasan, son of Ali (RDA), said: “Without learned men the people would have become like animals", meaning that by learning people cross the boundary of animality into hum­anity.

It has been said: "Teach knowledge, for its teaching is reverence to God, and its seeking is worship. Its study is prayer, and its pursuit is equal to "jihad". Teaching the un­taught is like giving alms. By the exchange of knowledge with learned men one becomes close to them. Learning is a companion in loneliness, a friend in solitude. It is a mark of piety and a consolation in good and bad days. It is a relative among foreigners; it lights the way to Paradise. By it God raises nations and makes them rule in prosperity, as an example to the followed and as a guide to well- being, whose works are related and whose deeds are observed, whose friendship the angels covet, brushing them with their wings. For knowledge is life for the heart, and light for the eyes, through which man become pious, obeys God, worships Him, proclaims His unity and praises Him; the fortunate acquire it, the lucky consume it, and the unfortunate are deprived of it.

A philosopher had to choose wealth, kingdom, or knowledge. He chose knowledge whereupon he was also awarded a kingdom and wealth for having selected knowledge.

According to Ibn Miskawaih and Al-Ghazali, both renowned Muslim scholars, knowledge nourishes the soul and the mind. To Ibn Khaldun knowledge and education are natural phenomena in human society; he says: "Animals in their animality share with man the attributes of sense, movement and eating, but it is the faculty of thinking that distinguishes man from an animal... Thought is the source of the sciences and trades.”

The Muslim Caliphs respected scholars and men of letters and gave them generous gifts. Their respect for knowledge is shown by the fact that they urged their sons to acquire it and excited their interest in it. Caliph Abd el Malik ibn Marwan, advising his son, said: “Acquire learning; if you are rulers you will excel, if you are of medium station in life you will rule, and if you are com­moners you will live." Education in his eyes makes rulers excel, makes people of moderate position rule, and enables the common people to gain their livelihood.

Haroon Al-Rashid entrusted the Muslim scholar Sibawaih with educating his son Al-Mamun, and Al Ahmar Ali ibn El-Hasan was commissioned to teach his son Al-Amin. His advice should be taken by educators as an example for educating the children. He said: "O Ahmar, the Commander of the Faithful has given in your charge the lifeblood of his soul, his most beloved. Spread your hand over him, for he must obey you. Behave towards him ac­cording to the wish of the Commander of the Faithful. Read him the Qur’an, acquaint him with Arab history, recite to him poetry, and teach him the tradition. Enlight him as to the points and beginnings of theological discussion. Forbid him to laugh except at the proper time. Teach him to honour the Hashimites when they visit him, and to exalt the leaders' councils when they attend him. Do not become accustom­ed to one hour passing without your availing yourself of it to be of use to him, but without distressing him, for that will deaden his mind. Do not be overly permissive with him; otherwise he will be delighted by leisure and become fond of it. Be as close and friendly towards him as possible, but if he rejects this, you must be severe with him."

This advice shows wisdom and sagacity. It contains one of the best programmes of study for secondary schools, from the study of the Holy Qur’an to history; from literature and poetry to learning the tradition and studying grammar and rhetoric; from religious, literary and scientific education to social and moral instruction. The last part of the advice is the best rule for natural behaviour and punishment in school: "Do not be overly permissive with him; otherwise he will be delighted with leisure and become fond of it. Be as close and friendly towards him as possible; but if he re­jects this, you must be severe with him. "

The sages, men of letters and philosophers have discuss­ed this at great length. Al-Ghazali says: "Whoever ac­quired knowledge, used it and profited by it was like the sun, providing light for itself and others because of its brightness. " And we must not forget the saying of some Islamic sages: “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave even if it requires going as far as China.”

Once Abu Amr ibn El Ala was asked whether it was advisable for an old man to learn. He replied: "If he was fit to live, he was fit to learn." There is no doubt that the child needs education more than the old man.

Al-Ghazali (i) says: “Knowledge is acquired like mo­ney. Whoever learns, works, and teaches is called great in the Heavens. He is like Musk which perfumes others while it is perfumed itself. He who learns and does not use his learning is like a note-book which is useful to others but is itself empty of knowledge, or like a grindstone which sharpens other things but cannot cut, or a needle which clo­thes others but is naked itself, or the wick of lamp which provides light to others while it is itself consumed. As it is said: “He is only a wick which, ignited, lights people as it becomes consumed.”

The tradition says: “Acquire knowledge. It leads to religion, informs man, is a companion in loneliness and a friend away from home. It is a means to social gatherings, procures money, and is a means in seeking to fulfill need. ^?

An Arab poet said: "Whoever is learned is considered exalted although he may not be of noble family. If he mo­ves to another land he lives by his knowledge; no learned man is a stranger anywhere."

Thus the learned man — though he may be of humble origin — is considered by Islam to be high and noble, since the Islamic religion does not consider origin or noble descent, but rather knowledge and its use, piety and virtue; if a scholar stays in any country he can live there by his know­ledge, and is not a stranger in any land. Knowledge is the basis of success of this life, by which the poor man can arrive at the greatest position and highest station in the Islamic countries. Through knowledge and education class differ­ences in Islam were lessened, and equality of opportunity appeared; poverty or humble origin were not obstacles to arriving at high ranks and elevated posts in the Islamic world, because Islam is the religion of true democracy, absolute justice and complete equality.

“The whole youth is he who says 'Here am I', not he who says 'Such was my father.”

The Muslims judge themselves on their learning and use of it, not on their birth, origin and descent; there is no preference because of ancestors, nobility of descent, wealth or poorness in acquiring high positions in Islam. Justice is obligatory; there is no preference given to Arab over non-Arab except in piety, virtuous deeds, and scholarly and moral capacity.

There is no disputing that education is one of man's rights and one of the necessities of life, like water, air and food. Whoever wishes to live must acquire education, and we must undertake to educate him.

“If knowledge shines in a nation, their aspirations are granted without delay."

Among the effects of knowledge is that its application leads to religion, makes man aware of what is useful and what is harmful to him, accompanies him in loneliness and solitude and is a friend to him abroad, is a means to social gathering and clubs, earns money for him, and is a means of seeking what he needs. These are important advantages and great effects.

If knowledge spreads in a nation its wishes are achiev­ed, as are its freedom and independence. No colonial power could ever stand in its way. Education is the most valuable possession of the greatest men, the best means for the ad­vancement of backward nations, the best gift they could be given. Ignorance is the basis of all vices; a life of ignorance is death, since man is in need of knowledge.

This is why the Muslim scholars encourage study and education, the collection of facts, the discovering of opinions and ideas, and their practical application, and urges them to take long journeys for the sake of seeking knowledge and learning.

Why did Islam command education?

Islam commanded education in the first verse revealed to the Prophet, because it is the first duty, the best means of advancement and bettering the world and its peoples, if knowledge is accompanied by its application. Al-Ghazali said: "If a man read a hundred thousand scientific questions and learned them, and does not apply them, they are of no benefit to him without being used. And if you studied for one hundred years, and collected one thousand books, you would not be entitled to God's mercy unless you use your learning. "

Al-Ghazali is not content with knowledge, but stresses the importance of using learning, as may be seen from his speech (i): "All people are mortal except the learned; and all the learned are mortal who do not use their knowledge, and all those who use knowledge are mortal except those who are sincere." He requires Muslims to learn, use their knowledge, and be sincere in its use. By use he means po­lishing the mirror of the heart from the impurities of the world and from bad morals, and furnishing it with praise­worthy moral characteristics such as patience, gratitude, good manners, sociability, sincerity, abstinence and piety, and avoiding blameworthy characteristics such as impatience, in­gratitude, envy, spite, deceit, arrogance, conceit, pride and hypocrisy.

The Muslim philosophers realized the effect of applica­tion of knowledge in strengthening learning and increasing its effect. The Prophet said: " Man always abstains from learning when he knows what he has learned will be of little use to him.” Al-Namari Al-Qurtubi mentions in his book "' Compendium of Learning and its Blessings “(Vol. I, page 118) that a Muslim scholar remarked: “The beginning of learning is intent, then listening, then understanding, then memorizing, then its practice and propagation.” This means that man resolves upon education and seeks it, then listens to what the scholars say, then understands their speech and memorizes it, then applies what he has learned, then spreads the opinions and ideas that he has learned among the peo­ple; this is the highest sort of instruction and education.

It is needles to point out the benefits of knowledge and education and the defects of ignorance and illiteracy. It is impossible for a nation to advance without making education general, and there is no way to save people from the evil of ignorance and baseness except by knowledge and its applica­tion. Civilization, culture and advancement lie in knowledge, invention and innovation, while we can see in advanced na­tions as a result of general education and instruction spread through all classes.

A teacher must use his knowledge; his action must not give the lie to his speech. Whoever drinks something and says to the people, “Do not drink it, for it is deadly poison", is ridiculed and accused by the people, while increasing their desire for what was forbidden. A teacher and his student are like a stick with its shadow; can the shadow be straight while the stick is crooked? In this respect it has been said: “Do not forbid something and commit its like; you will be disgraced if you act proud.”

 

God said: "Do you enjoin men to be pious and neglect your own souls?" Therefore, the responsibility of the learn­ed man for his sins exceeds that of the ignorant. If a learn­ed man errs, he is imitated. Whoever sets an example of bad behavior is responsible for it and for its being followed. Ali ibn Abu Talib says: “I am betrayed by two kinds of people: dishonorable learned man and a pious ignorant man, the learned man entices the people by his shamelessness, and the ignorant by his piety.” The Prophet said: “Man cannot be learned until he becomes active through his learning", and also "Whoever increases in knowledge with­out increasing in righteousness will only increase his remoteness from God.”

Umar ibn Al-Khattab says: "I fear most for this nation the learned hypocrites." Someone asked: "How could there be a learned hypocrite?" He replied: "Learned of tongue, but ignorant of heart and act.”

Al-Hasan (RDA) once said: "Do not be among those who col­lect knowledge of the learned and the anecdotes of the wise but act as fools.”

Someone said to Abu Hurayra (RDA): “I want to acquire knowledge but am afraid of losing it. “He replied: "Losing knowledge is equivalent to abandoning it.”

God said: “It is most hateful in the sight of Allah that you say that which you do not.”

Abu Al Darda (RDA) says: “Woe unto the man who does not learn; and woe sevenfold to he who learns and does not use his learning.” Makhul related, quoting Abd Al Rahman ibn Ghanam, as having said: "Ten of the Prophet's companions told me: 'Once we were studying in the Qaba's mosque. The Prophet came up to us and said, “Learn what you will: but Allah will not reward you until you employ it”

The Islamic religion demands knowledge and its use; knowledge without use is like a tree without fruit.

An Arab poet said: "You who preach to the people, you have been accused, since you blamed them for things which you do. You admonished them diligently with warnings, but, by my life, it was you who committed the crimes. You censure worldly life and those who desire it, but you your­self are the one who wished it most.”

It is said: “Do not seek knowledge unless you learn so that you may use what you have learned. He who learns but does not use his knowledge is like a woman who com­mit adultery in secret, conceives and is later exposed by pregnancy. In the same way God will publicly expose on .Judgment Day those who do not utilize their knowled­ge.”

We often hear bitter criticism against the widespread illnesses of bilharzia and enclystoma in our country, and the large number of beggars, invalids and blind people, to the point where the proportion of blind here is greater than any­where else in the world. We also hear about moral corruption, and abundance of accidents and crimes. If we educated the people truly, the health, moral and social standard would rise. The Ministry of Education did a great service by mak­ing preparatory and secondary education free so that it would include poor and rich alike. No one is now denied education because of poverty. It is obligatory to educate everyone in the United Arab Republic, and in the Muslim and Arab world, for knowledge is the way to freedom, prosperity, pro­gress and advancement.

In order to eliminate poverty the whole nation must be educated. Children should not be allowed to work until they finish their education. They must be educated until they are prepared to earn their livelihood, prepared for a life bet­ter than that of the uneducated. First we must give them rhetorical education, then industrial agricultural or com­mercial. We must seek work for them which they can do after having learned a profession or trade, until we eliminate ignorance, poverty, and disease; we must not bury the intel­lect of one individual of the children of the United Arab Republic.

If this is done, the new generation will be born sound, with healthy body, good mind, and perfect character, able to achieve for its people the deep-rooted glory and eternal dignity they aspire to.

In order that Muslim, Arab and Eastern countries may recover their past glory and former greatness, they must spread and popularize education. Ignorance is a weakness and was the primary cause of the decline of earlier glory. Education is the only means through which a nation can advance in every way. Islam is the religion of knowledge and light, without defect, and requires the education of men and women. “The pursuit of knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim man and woman, “as the Prophet says. When will the day come when education is universal through­out the Islamic world? When will we destroy ignorance and illiteracy? When will we celebrate the burial of the last illiterate in the United Arab Republic, and in the Arab world?