Islamic Education - An Overview of Religious and Secular Learning in Islam

Introduction to Islamic Education

In Islamic discourse, education devoid of religious underpinnings is often seen as an anomaly. This perspective is deeply embedded in traditional Islamic thought, where the acquisition of knowledge is predominantly intertwined with understanding divine commandments and religious scriptures.

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: التعليم في الإسلام (al-taʿlīm fī al-Islām)
• Turkish: İslami eğitim

The Foundation of Islamic Education

Religious Emphasis

Islam places supreme emphasis on the pursuit of knowledge, particularly knowledge of God and His ordained Book— the Qur’an. This is manifestly evident in various collections of Hadith (Prophetic traditions), such as Ṣaḥīḥu ʾl-Bukhārī, which dedicate entire sections to the virtues of learning (`ilm) specifically as it relates to divine understanding.

The Social Setting

Prophetic traditions underscore the spiritual assembly of those studying the Book of God, depicting them congregating in mosques with divine light, comfort, and angelic presence enveloping them. Hence, the principal objective of education in Islam is a profound comprehension of Muhammad’s religion, with secular knowledge often being perceived as secondary or even perilous to faith.

Divisions Among Islamic Scholars

The Ascetic and the Learned

Islamic religious figures historically fall into two broad categories:

1. Ascetics and Sufis: These are individuals devoted to a life of spiritual mortification and mysticism.
2. Scholars and Theologians (ʿUlamāʾ): Renowned for their meticulous study of Islamic texts, these scholars hold pivotal roles in disseminating religious knowledge and maintaining doctrinal integrity.

Notably, in Turkey, these learned individuals are referred to as ʿUlamāʾ, while in India, they are known as Maulawīs.

Views on Secular Knowledge

Although there exists an undercurrent among religious communities suggesting a disdain for secular studies, some Islamic teachings seemingly endorse a broader spectrum of learning. For instance, the Qur’an alludes to the value of wisdom in an inclusive manner in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:272): “He giveth wisdom to whom He will, and He to whom wisdom is given hath had much good given him.”

Structure and Methodology of Religious Education

Child Education

Child education traditionally begins with basic religious tenets, often facilitated by mosque-associated schools. Here, children are first taught the Arabic alphabet and the numerical value of letters, moving on to simple Qur’anic words and sections.

Stages of Early Education:

1. Alphabet and Basic Words
2. Ninety-Nine Names of God
3. The Qur’an: Initial and Final Chapters

Advanced Religious Studies

Students of theology, termed طلاب العلم (ṭalabatu ʾl-ʿilm, meaning “seekers of knowledge”), engage in a regimented study spanning several disciplines:

1. Grammatical Inflection (صرف, aṣ-ṣarf)
2. Syntax (نحو, an-naḥw)
3. Logic (منطق, al-mant̤iq)
4. Arithmetic (حساب, al-ḥisāb)
5. Algebra (الجبر و المقابلة, al-jabr wa ʾl-muqābalah)
6. Rhetoric and Versification (المعنى و البيان, al-maʿna wa ʾl-bayān)
7. Jurisprudence (فقه, al-fiqh)
8. Scholastic Theology (عقائد, al-ʿaqāʾid)
9. Qur’anic exegesis (تفسير, at-tafsīr)
10. Hadith studies (أحاديث, al-aḥādīs̤)

Institutions and Endowments

Prominent Islamic educational institutions, such as Al-Azhar University in Cairo, stand as monumental hubs of learning. Many mosques, endowed with lands and properties, support scholars and learning initiatives through these endowments.

Modern Perspectives and Secular Learning

Although classical Islamic education has often shown reluctance towards integrating secular disciplines, history reveals instances where Islamic polities, notably in Andalusia, fostered a confluence of Greco-Roman wisdom and Islamic scholarship, facilitated by translations led primarily by non-Muslim scholars.

Conclusion

Islamic education underscores an intrinsic link between religious devotion and the pursuit of knowledge. While traditional thought has historically championed religious over secular education, there’s recognition within Islamic scripture and scholarly tradition that wisdom in all forms is ultimately deemed virtuous.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. “Education in Islam: Philosophy, Practice, and Challenges” - A comprehensive examination by S. M. Gazali.
2. “The History of Education in Medieval Islam” by I.M. Al-Rawī - An insightful look at the development of Islamic educational paradigms.
3. “The Rise of Colleges: Institutions of Learning in Islam and the West” by George Makdisi - A detailed exploration of the educational institutions that flourished in the medieval Islamic world.

Takeaways

• Education in Islam fundamentally intertwines religious devotion with the pursuit of knowledge.
• Knowledge of the Qur’an and Hadith is paramount, with secular learning often treated cautiously.
• Islamic education varies regionally, influenced by historical, cultural, and political contexts.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the relationship between Islam and education necessitates a nuanced consideration of religious imperatives, historical adaptations, and contemporary challenges. While traditional views may prioritize religious over secular knowledge, modern movements within the Islamic world reflect a growing synthesis of both domains.