UNIT NO 1

ISLAMIC FOUNDATIONS
OF EDUCATION

Written By:
DR. M. MAHMOOD HUSSAIN AWAN
Reviewed by:
DR. FAZAL-UR-REHMAN

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 1. INTRODUCATION

The word Islam, as defined by the Quran itself means submission to the
Supreme Being and compliance with His laws, which constitute Nature, “I have
only created the jinns and men that they may save me. (51:56) and “say” truly.
My prayer and my services of sacrifice, my life and my death are for Allah, the
Lord of the worlds who hath no peer (6:162). This means the final aim of Islamic
education should be inculcation of complete submission to the supreme will of
Allah Almighty. This is the Islamic concept of worship and hence the aim or
philosophy of education; in the Holy Quran. Thus, “the true religion with God is
Islam (3:19).
Islam lays special emphasis on the acquisition of knowledge. Concept of
vicegerancy of man. According to Quran, Allah has made man as his vicegerent
due to knowledge (Ilm-ul-Asma), when angels argued about the vicegerency of
man then Allah (SWT) taught Adam the names of everything and then Adam told
them and hence proved his ability for vicegerencey on earth. This shows the
importance of acquirng knowledge from the Quranic point of view (Surah Al-
Baqra Fourth Ruku). It is obligatory alike for both Muslim male and female.
Therefore, it stresses on acquiring knowledge from cradle to grave even if one had
to go for it as far as China. Meaning of knowledge in Islam is both extensive and
comprehensive. It is not confined to the physical performance of religious rituals
only but to infuse the spiritual, moral and practical aspects as well, and thus helps
in the complete growth of an individual’s personality.
Knowledge is of two types, revealed knowledge and acquired knowledge.
Revealed knowledge has been given to human beings through prophets by Allah.
Acquired knowledge is that which is being acquired by the human beings through
the study of natural phenomena, attitude of man and through the study of society.

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According to the philosophy of education in Islam, in most comprehensive sense,
is the upbringing of a true believer. Such a believer who by understanding his
Lord, worships Him in full conviction of His Oneness, abides by the Shariah and
uses all that Allah has created to protect faith and reinforce His religion.
Education is the process through which knowledge is transmitted from an
individual or section of society to another individual or section. It also reflects the
philosophy on which it is based. Islamic philosophy derives its origin from the
spirit of teachings of the Quran and Hadith (the sayings of the Holy Prophet peace
be upon him). The Qayas and Fiqqah, are also the important components.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE UNIT

After reading the unit, it is hoped that you will be able to:
1. Explain the concept and nature of the Islamic foundations of education
2. Discuss the following
a. Quran
b. Hadith
c. Fiqah
d. Qayas

3. Identify the important features of Islamic foundations of education

3. ISLAMIC FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION

It would be helpful to understand the Islamic foundations of education if
we are acquainted with the concept of Islamic philosophy.
3.1 Quran
The word “Quran” litrally means reading or recitation. Quran is
designated in Arabic Al-Furqan, (distinguisher). Kalam Allah (the words of God),
Kitab (the book), Nur (the light) and Al-Huda (the guidance) and Al-Dhikr (the

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reminder). It is considered as eternal miracle of Islam, the expounder of the most
sublime truth: the perfect moral code.
Islamic education aims at discovering and formulating Allah’s will.
Ahmed Hassan (1982, P: 43) writes “The primary purpose of the Quran is to lay
down a way of life which regulates the relationship of man with man and his
relationship with God. The Quran gives directions for man’s social life as well as
for his communion with his Creator”.

Since the dawn of revelation “Read”: in the name of Thy Lord who
created, Man from a dot (congealed blood). Read: and Lord is the Most Bountiful
who taught by the pen; taught Man what he knew not” (96:1:5). Until this day, the
Quran is acknowledged as the core, pivot and entrance of learning. Each aspect of
life is moulded by it. Even every human action is classified. This classification is
categorized as obligatory (Fard and Wajib; prohibited (Haram), reprehensive
(Makruh), recommended (Mandub), permitted or legally left indifferent (Mubah).
And indeed, the objective good cannot be known and achieved without
knowledge of the above. Bhatia (1989, p:2) stated “there is hardly any book in the
world as the Quran in the service of which so much talent, so much labour, so
much time and resources have been expanded and which is so minutely verified
and carefully preserved”.
The Quranic text is divided into 114 chapters. Each chapter is called
‘Surah’ which consists of a certain number of verses each called ‘Ayah’.
The revelations contained in Quran were not all revealed on one
occasion but at long intervals and in response to special needs to the Prophet
(peace be upon him) lived at Mecca for thirteen years and at Madina for ten years.
The revelations which the Prophet (peace be upon him) received in Meccan
period are mostly concerned with general percepts that urged strongly and
earnestly the man to righteousness. For example, the universal principles
including belief in Allah, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and the Hereafter, followed by
general rules concerning religion and social practices were also revealed within
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thirteen years in Mecca. The period of ten years which starts after Hijra is the
period when laws were promulgated in the words of the Quran and by the
percepts of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). In Medina, the general principles
revealed in Mecca, were completed. Thus we must believe that all institutions,
like ethical, social, political, economic and legal etc, are ideal, perfect and
complete.
Quran is not a book of science or any other particular field of
knowledge but it deals mainly with basic principles of human life. Therefore,
Quranic concept of education is that it explicity teaches its reader principles in
each and every sphere of life so that its followers have complete knowledge about
their pattern of life.
As we studied in the referred text, Quran, is the fountain head of
Wisdom, from which all other sources of knowledge derive their authority, It
consists of very words of Allah; revealed on Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) in
twenty three years, first in Mecca and completed in Medina.
Islamic education system comprises the following principles:-
1) Belief in the Oneness, immateriality, absolute power, mercy and supreme
compassionateness of the Creator.
2) Charity and brotherhood among mankind.
3) Subjugation of passions;
4) The outpouring of a grateful heart to the Giver of all good;
5) Accountability of human actions in another existence;
6) Developing a sense of social consciousness i.e. enjoining what is right and
forbidding what is wrong?.
During the life of Holy Prophet the Quran was in a scattered form, there
was not complete collection of all the revelations. However, most of the verses
related to reading, writing and acquisition of knowledge revealed in Mecca were

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written by amanuensis on the behest of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) If you recall the
event of Hazarat Umar’s (May Allah be please with Him) embrassing Islam, who
founded the Quranic verses in written form with his sister, you would confirm
yourself this fact. Hazrat Abu Bakar (May Allah be please with Him) deputed
Hazrat Zayd Ibn-e-Thabit to make a written collection of the Quran. The official
codification of the Quran was first made during the caliphate of Hazrat Usman
(May Allah be please with Him) which has come down to our own time.
3.2 HADITH
The next source of Islamic foundations of education is the Hadith, Ahadith
as plural. Hadith derives its authority and validity from Holy Quran. Quran says
“Obey God and Obey the Messenger” (4:59). Thus, Hadith offers best explanation
or interpretation to Quran. Sunnah (Traditions) are model behaviour of the Holy
Prophet (P.B.U.H) and Ahadith are His (Peace be upon Him) sayings. But in
effect both cover the same ground and are applicable to His (P.B.U.H) actions,
practices and sayings. Thus, it includes ‘qaul’ (saying) of the Holy Prophet
(P.B.U.H) and fi’l (action) or His silent approval of the action or practice of
another. Either by showing in his practice how an injunction shall be carried out,
or by giving an explanation in words. Ahadith are not only explanatory to the
Quranic text but also complementary to it. In the words of Quran “Prophet (Peace
be upon Him) never spoke of his own will unless it was a revelation revealed to
him” (53:3-4). In another place “whatever messenger gives you, take it, and
whatever he forbiddeth, abstain from it (59:7) “No doubt, they were in total
ignorance before it. Certainly, Allah, through His Benevolence, sent to the
Faithful a Prophet (P.B.U.H) from among themselves, who recites to them His
commandments, purifies them and teaches them the Book and Philosophy”
(3:164).

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 There is a deliberate distinction in Hadith and Sunnah. The word Sunnah
literally means way, custom, manner of acting or habit of life. Thus, Sunnah is the
custom or manner, which prevails with regard to a religious, social or legel
matters or rule of conduct. A Hadith on the other hand, is a statement of Prophet
(P.B.U.H). A Sunnah may be embodied in a Hadith, but is not itself a Hadith.
Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was an embodiment of all the good qualities of character.
His (P.B.U.H) Sunnah is both an instrument for the institutionalization and
practice of Allah’s will, as well as a strong force for the propagation of Islam.
There are six collections of Hadiths denominated “Al-Kutab al-Sitta or the
“Sihah-e-Sittah”. These collections and compilations were made by Muhammad
Ibn Ismail Bukhari (Al-Bukhari); Imam Muslim (Muslim); Abu Daud; Abu Isa
Muhammad (Tirmizi); Abu Bakar Rahman; and Abu Abdullah Ibne-e-Majah.
There are hundreds of sayings of Prophet (P.B.U.H) which emphasise on
necessity and supreme value of knowledge. Chip (1974, p. 117) has noted the
following Ahadith in the context of Education:-

- He dieth not who taketh to learning

- The ink of the scholar is more holy than the blood of the martyr.
- He who leaveth home in search of knowledge walketh in the path of Allah.
- The acquisition of knowledge is a duty incumbent on every Muslim, male
and female.
- Seek after knowledge though it be in China
3.3 QIYAS
With the rapid spread of Islam outside Arabia, North’ wards into Syria,
and East’ wards into Mesopotamia and Iraq. The cultural norms and geographical
conditions in these areas were different than those of Mecca and Madina.
Consequently, the Muslim scholars set themselves to the task of elaborating the
social system and administration there, according to Quran and Sunnah. Keeping
in view, the peculiar social conditions, and local elements, they tried to assimilate

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the local institutions into an Islamic framework. Particular attention was paid
towards the institutions dealing with social welfare respecting the local needs. By
this change, the specifically legal disciplines expanded far beyond. Particularly
with the reconciliation of orthodox system of education an effective educational
discipline urging the spirit of enquiry for achieving positive knowledge like
medicine and science came into being. These fresh influences comprehended all
facts of life. Religion and other intellectual literature adopted foreign cultural
currents. Subsequently, the well-known traditions were also interpreted according
to Quran and Sunnah to apply to particular relevant situations.
Such application of reasoning in any case which is based on the facts of
other case is called Qiyas. Although, it is a most disputed source of Islamic law
but it derived its significance from Quran and Sunnah.
“The term ‘Qiyas’ according to the Muslim jurists, means analogical
reasoning, i.e. concluding from a given principle embodied in a precedence that a
new case falls under this principle or is similar to this precedence on the strength
of spil a common essential feature called the reason (illa) Rahman 1966, p.71).
As we see, although Qiyas (a logical deduction) is the main source of
Islamic jurisprudence, it contributes a lot for blooming of educational system. It
did not only refine the spiritual capacities but dominated the entire outward
activities of Muslims.
3.4 FIQH
Fiqh is most comprehensive discipline which covers all spheres of life of
Muslims. It deals with upbringing of true believers. Aghnides (1981, p.24) says
“The science which derives the shariah values from the shariah evidence is the
“science of Fiqh” or simple Fiqh, and the person conversant with this science is
the Faqih”, he further noted “Fiqh has been defined by Abu Hanifa in a general
way as ‘The self’s knowledge of what is to its advantage and disadvantage”