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Education is our noble heritage. Allah our creator made us different from other creatures due to our ability to perceive what is good and bad, and to use our reason. Right from the beginning, Allah created the first means for learning which is the PEN. Allah also swore by the pen, “By the pen and the (record) which (men) write…” (Sura Al-`Alaq)
Mankind was placed above all creatures because of the examination our father Adam passed when he was created by Allah. Allah the Almighty was indeed his teacher (Al-Baqarah 2: 33-38). The father of monotheism Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was a great student of divinity and the oneness of Allah which earned him the title of “friend of Allah.” No other prophet before him received such honor. All the prophets of Allah and their followers were people of knowledge and wisdom. The seal of prophethood, Muhammad, the son of Abdullah, (peace be upon him) was a great teacher and his followers were more famous than any generation in the history of mankind.
The importance of education can be dated as far back as the beginning of creation, as we read in the above verse (Al-Baqarah 2:33). Allah made it crystal clear to His servants about the importance of knowledge as the key for this life and the next. The very first word of revelation was “Read in the name of your Lord.” We must therefore, ask ourselves: Why should we be educated? Allah the most Merciful and full of wisdom gave us the answer in the undoubted book (Al Qur’an) saying, “Are those equal those who know and those who don’t know?” (Az-Zumar 39:9). Therefore, seeking knowledge cuts across age, tribe, and faith. Allah urges us to use our reason. Whenever He judges, He says only the people of understanding can know or understand. We must ask ourselves whether or not we are from the people who understand.
Our role model in every aspect of life is the Prophet (peace be upon him) who never acted from his own desire but was always guided by Allah the Almighty.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) told us that knowledge and wisdom are the lost property of the believers, so if a believer finds it anywhere he should take it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not return to his Lord until he had practiced this as a way of life. We remember the battles of Ahzab and Badr where the Prophet (peace be upon him) requested the captives to teach 10 Muslims each as a form of ransom. This was a landmark for seeking knowledge and it marks the first school in the history of Islam apart from Darul Arqam. The companions struggled to seek knowledge from birth to death; it was an essential part of life for them.
This is why Islam is the religion for humanity and it sets education as a parameter for every deed and action. The importance of gaining knowledge cannot be overemphasized. No nation can develop without it. Education can be viewed as follows:
1. For guidance: Education provides us with guidance in every aspect of life. It gives us the choice to utilize what is useful for our souls. Without education we may continue to live in ignorance which is a source of evil. Allah says, “Those who received guidance, He increases their guidance and bestows on them their piety and restraint from evil.” (Muhammad 47:17)
We can only acquire guidance through knowledge. It was guidance that led our father Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to become pious. Allah grants wisdom to whoever He wishes and whoever receives wisdom has received a treasure that will be an overflowing benefit.
2. For Empowerment: If we are exposed to both qualitative and quantitative education coupled with Islamic guidance we are empowering ourselves with the strongest means to overcome the obstacles of this life. It will lead us to overcome employment problems, give us self-confidence, and consequently improve our living standards.
The development of human resources is more important than mineral resources and exports. This is because if we insist on being underdeveloped we cannot control what is under our feet. Education, in all its aspects, should be our goal for the coming generation.
3. Development is something that is acquired through education. Our creed has no barrier to scientific advancement which solves human problems. The Muslims can enjoy and utilize many bounties of the Creator and appreciate the Majesty and Oneness of Allah. The Qur’an tells us about the nature and essence of life which is reflected in science. Islam never separates science from faith but interrelates them and uses them to ascertain Allah’s mercy toward His creatures.
Education brings reformation to human life and the bad turns to good if it is used correctly. Education is a covenant between Allah and His servant. Allah says, “Fear Allah it is that teaches you and Allah is well acquainted with all things.” (Al-Baqarah 2:284) Every morning and evening we should seek Allah’s guidance to help us acquire beneficial knowledge, pure wealth, and righteous deeds. It is a fact that righteousness leads to paradise with Allah’s mercy which is our target.
Knowledge can prevent social disorder like drug addition, sexual promiscuity, corruption, and bad governance. These are all things that can be attributed to ignorance, even though the perpetrator may seem to be educated in the secular sense. But secular education alone, does not develop a person’s good character.
Ideally, the Muslim would be fully equipped with knowledge and crowned with fear and love of Allah. We should strive to make positive differences wherever we are.
In conclusion, our history is rich and we should not ignore it. Wisdom is our lost property so let’s rush and seek it from every corner of the world.
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