Tarbiyyah

Tarbiyyah

Etymology

The term “Tarbiyyah” (تربية‎) is derived from the Arabic root “r-b-y” (ر ب و‎), which encompasses the notions of growth, increase, development, and nurturing.

Definitions and Context

Tarbiyyah, typically translated as “upbringing” or “education”, holds a profound and multi-dimensional significance in the Islamic tradition. Historically, it referred not only to religious upbringing but also to a well-rounded education that included both religious and humanistic disciplines (known as adab, أدب).

Medieval Islam

In medieval Islamic society, proper tarbiyyah of the upper classes required a balanced integration of:

1. Religious Sciences - Knowledge of the Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and other religious texts.
2. Humanistic Disciplines (Adab) - Fine skills such as poetry, prose, calligraphy, ethics, literature, and other artes liberales that refined personal conduct and social interaction.

Reference: Asad, Muhammad. “The Guidance of Islam.”

Contemporary Understanding

In today’s world, tarbiyyah often refers to three primary aspects:

1. Child Rearing - Encompassing moral, ethical, and spiritual development from an early age in adherence to Islamic values.
2. Education (Secular) - Systematic instruction in various academic fields, including sciences, mathematics, humanities, and arts, aligning with modern secular capacities.
3. Pedagogy - The art and science of teaching, focusing on effective methods and practices for impartially educating the learners.

Cultural Specificities

Arabic (تربية‎): Predominantly used within the culturally-contextualized framework of parenting and education in Middle Eastern societies.
Turkish (terbiye): Similarly, in Turkish culture, it carries the connotation of nurturing, upbringing as well as manners and decency.

Relevant Literature for Further Studies

1. “Islamic Education: Its Traditions and Modernization into the Arab National Systems” by Hasan Langgulung: Examines the evolution and modernization of tarbiyyah practices.
2. “The Book of Islamic Etiquette” by Tahir-ul-Qadri: Explores the interconnection between tarbiyyah and adab.
3. “Nurturing Eeman in Children” by Dr. Aisha Hamdan: Practical guide on Islamic child rearing contemporary to modern society.

Takeaways

• Tarbiyyah remains a multi-faceted concept central to the nurturing and complete development of individuals in an Islamic context.
• Historically seen as a rounded education including both secular and religious instructional methods.
• Adaptable to contemporary needs, focusing on holistic education, moral upbringing, and effective pedagogical practices.

Conclusion

Tarbiyyah serves as a cornerstone within Islamic societies, ensuring balanced growth on all fronts—not merely academic, but moral, spiritual, and ethical. Its expansive range reflects Islamic concerns with personal development, seamlessly bridging past traditions with current educational needs.

For more exploration around this topic, scholars and practitioners alike can delve into the suggested readings and query specific cultural applications of this essential and enduring principle of Muslim life.