The Importance of Education in Islam

In the name of ALLAH, the Beneficent, the Merciful
The Importance of Education in Islam
Introduction:
Islam stands as the most rational and precise religion that ALLAH has given to the whole mankind. It gives importance to education, which is the process of teaching and acquiring or learning knowledge (which includes beliefs, values, attitudes, manners and skills).
To seek knowledge is a sacred duty, it is obligatory on every Muslim, male and female. The first word revealed of the Quran was "IQRA" READ! Seek knowledge! Educate yourselves! Be educated.
Explanation:
In ISLAMIC aspects first we have to understand human talents and ability and then train and educate because the profound truth of human dimensions existence is complicated, it is difficult for humans to understand, and on the other hand diagnosis and reason of human is surrounded by a curtain of instincts and material so he himself is not able to complete the planning, preparing and supplying a complete law for themselves, therefore, ALLAH ALMIGHTY has set the law and HIS MESSENGERS has to train it to humans.
ALLAH ALMIGHTY sent Prophet Muhammad not only as His Final Messenger and the Seal of the Prophets but also as the Great Teacher (Educator) to mankind.
Knowledge:
In a society where religion and knowledge in general and science in particular do not go hand in hand, it seems necessary to briefly describe the position of ISLAM vis-à-vis knowledge, ISLAM, in the theory as well as in practice, has always promoted knowledge. Distinctive mark of human beings over the angels is knowledge.
Knowledge is the most important thing in one’s life.
There are two kinds of knowledge: Religious knowledge and Secular knowledge.
These two kinds of knowledge’s are very important for a human being. Secular for this day to day dwelling and religious for his smooth life on earth and hereafter.

Education: The word EDUCATION means, learning and teaching, the first meaning that comes to mind is induction of a subject by the master to the minds of students, so the pupils could imitate it from the teacher and learn to repeat it. But the true meaning of teaching is much deeper and significant, and if we look at it with more accuracy we find that teaching is to make changes in student, teaching and transforming the mode of ignorance to make them independent thinkers and give them intellectual growth.
Upbringing:
Upbringing means to raise, to nurture, develop and teach ethics to someone. The general meaning of upbringing is to develop everything in good shape, and this meaning includes, plants, animals and humans and is also used in the cultivation of body and soul.
In Islam upbringing means training the ability to convey the actuality and make balance and coordination between them and use them in order to achieve perfection.
Philosophy:
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with reality, existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language.
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Philosophy of Education: “Philosophy of Education is the application of philosophical methods to the analysis and understanding of human experiences in Education”.
Philosophy of Islam and Its Foundations: Islam is a philosophy because its foundation lies on one concept of universe and the concept that Islam is a complete code of life.
As for as philosophy concerns, God is realistic.
According to this philosophy universe is non-realistic.
Holy Quran is a best source of knowledge.
Importance of Education with Reference to Holy Quran:
Epistemology:
Epistemology meaning "knowledge, understanding", is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and scope of knowledge and is also referred to as "theory of knowledge". It questions what knowledge is and how it can be acquired, and the extent to which knowledge pertinent to any given subject or entity can be acquired.
The Following verses are related to the Epistemology, an area of Philosophy.
The first verses of the Holy Quran began with the words:
"Read in the name of thy Lord who created; [He] created the human being from blood clot. Read in the name of thy Lord who taught by the pen: [He] taught the human being what he did not know." (96: 1-5).
ALLAH ALMIGHTY says in Quran,
"Are those who have knowledge equal to those who do not have knowledge?!”(39:9).
“...Allah will raise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of you who believe and have been granted Knowledge. And Allah is well-acquainted with all you do.” (58:11).
“Allah bears witness that none has the right to be worshipped but He, and the angels, and those having knowledge (also bear witness to this); (He is always) maintaining His Creation in justice. None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Almighty the All-Wise.” (3:18).
“O you who believe! If you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion (to judge between right and wrong) remove from you (all) evil (that may afflict) you and forgive you: for Allah is the Rabb of grace unbounded.” (8:29).
“Say (O Muhammad): ‘This is my Way; I do invite unto Allah with certain knowledge.” I and whoever follows me (must also invite others to the Oneness of Allah with sure knowledge). Glory to Allah! And I am not of the polytheists.’” (12: 108).
“Rabbi zidni ilma.” (“O my Rabb! Increase me in knowledge.”) (20:114).
“(We sent them) with Clear Signs and Scriptures and We have sent down unto you (O, Muhammad also) the Message; that you may explain clearly to men what is sent for them, and that they may give thought.” (16:44).
“O my Rabb! Bestow wisdom on me, and join me with the righteous; grant me honorable mention on the tongue of truth among the latest (generations); make me one of the inheritors of the Garden of Bliss.”) (26:83-84).
“But teach (the Message): for teaching benefits the Believers.” (51:55). Ethics: Ethics, also known as moral philosophy, is a branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct, often addressing disputes of moral diversity.
The Following verses are related to the Ethics, an area of Philosophy.
“Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion upon His Servant that he may be to the worlds a warner.” (Qur’an, 25:1).
“Say to My servants that they should (only) say those things that are best: for Satan does sow dissension among them: for Satan is to man an avowed enemy.” (17:53).
“Allah does not love the utterance of evil words in public except by one who has been wronged. Allah is He who hears and knows all things.'' (4:148).
“Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Rich (Free of all wants) and He is most Forbearing.” (2:263).
“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: they are the ones to attain felicity.” (3:104).
Metaphysics:
Metaphysics is a traditional branch of philosophy concerned with explaining the fundamental nature of being and the world that encompasses it.
The Following verses are related to the Metaphysics, an area of Philosophy.
Verily, the Righteous (they will be) in a position of Security, among Gardens and Springs; dressed in fine silk and in rich brocade they will face each other; and We shall join them to Companions with beautiful big and lustrous eyes. There can they call for every kind of fruit in peace and security; nor will they there taste death except the first death. And He will save them from the Torment of the Blazing Fire as a bounty from your Rabb! That will be the supreme success!” (Quran 44: 51- 57).
“Say, ‘He is Allah the One. The enternally besought of all. He begets not nor was He begotten and there is none comparable unto Him.’” (112: 1-4).
“Is one who worships devoutly during the hours of the night prostrating himself or standing (in adoration), who takes heed of the Hereafter, and who places his hope in the Mercy of his God—like one who does not? Say: 'Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know?” It is those who are endowed with understanding that receive admonition.'” (39:9).
Importance of Education with Reference to Hadith:

The Prophet Muhammad has also emphasized the importance of seeking knowledge in different ways:
(a) Time: "Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave."
(b) Place: "Seek knowledge even if it is far as China."
(c) Gender: "Seeking of knowledge is a duty of every Muslim"
(d) Source: "Wisdom is the lost property of the believer, he should take it even if finds it in the mouth of a mushrik."
Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah’s Messenger said, “The knowledge from which no benefit is derived is like a treasure out of which nothing is spent in the cause of Allah.” (Tirmidhi 280).
Abu Darda narrated that Allah’s Messenger. said, “The worst of men in the eyes of Allah on the Day of Resurrection will be the scholar who does not derive benefit from his knowledge.” (Tirmidhi 268).
Ana’s narrated that whenever the Prophet spoke a sentence (said a thing), he used to repeat it thrice so that the people could understand it properly from him and whenever he asked permission to enter, (he knocked the door) thrice with greeting.” (Bukhâri 1/95).

Ibn Abbes narrated that when Allah’s Messenger sent Mu'adh to YeIbn Abbas narrated that when Allah’s Messenger sent Mu'adh to Yemen, he said (to him), “You are going to people of the Book. First of all invite them to worship Allah (Alone) and when they come to know Allah, inform them that Allah has enjoined on them, five prayers in every day and night And if they start offering these prayers, inform them that Allah has enjoined on them, the Zakat (charity). And it is to be taken from the rich amongst them and given to the poor amongst them; and if they obey you in that, take Zakat from them and avoid (don't take) the best property of the people as Zakat.” Men, he said (to him), “You are going to people of the Book. First of all invite them to worship Allah (Alone) and when they come to know Allah, inform them that Allah has enjoined on them, five prayers in every day and night; and if they start offering these prayers, inform them that Allah has enjoined on them, the Zakat (charity). And it is to be taken from the rich amongst them and given to the poor amongst them; and if they obey you in that, take Zakat from them and avoid (don't take) the best property of the people as Zakat.” (Bukhâri 2/537).
Explanation:
Being a sole creator, only Allah has grip on the happening of this world. He is Omni-present and the creator of the knowledge, the knowledge is light through which a person can see the difference between right and wrong. The importance of knowledge from this verse is evident that nothing can take place without his permission. He is the lord of knowledge and it is crystal clear in the Ayat-ul-Kursi where he declares that nobody can be educated but with his appointment. Neither a lady nor a barren soil is able to be fruitful but with his consent.
Being a source of complete knowledge and understanding, Quran is mighty in providing reasons of every single trouble and trail. By taking its help we can truly judge our problems to find out clear solutions. It provides an appropriate way to lead the successful destination.

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