Modern Education and Islam
Seeking of knowledge is of an utmost importance in islam. However, the core of contemporary education is based primarily on secular and materialistic ideologies where body, life and physical sciences take precedence over soul, afterlife and meta-physical beliefs. Since, in Islamic history, there has been no explicit categorization of secular and religious education, often times, we find ourselves confused about prioritizing one over the other while living in the modern world. In this article, we will try to address this and look for possible solutions in the light of our religion.
The World We Live In
The societies that we live in today are designed to facilitate material and logical existence while keeping the physical body at their center. The nourishing of soul or spirit has become secondary in our lives. However, being a muslim, I doubt any of us has consciously made this decision. After all, If you think about it, the decision to prioritize anything we can see, feel and sense over something we cannot, seems perfectly logical. These material things obviously have more intrinsic value for us. However, there is more than what meets the eye or as the saying goes, the best things in life aren’t things. In particular, this is where our true test lies.
Modern Education System
Modern education systems have evolved around the same logical concepts. Any theory, requires a proof to be validated. Only ideas that can be validated through experiments have scientific value. This whole system relies on the principle of cause and effect. Therefore, in general, there is no place for God, soul, spirit or afterlife in modern education. These concepts are secondary and optional at the best for a modern student.
Don’t get me wrong here. I’m not at all against the idea of acquiring modern education. Modern education and science has done a lot for humanity. Allah says in the Quran when mentioning the characteristics of the righteous,
“… And they ponder about the creation of heavens and earth …” [3:191]
There is no denying the fact that the advancements in modern science has allowed us to explore the secrets and mysteries of this universe, this world and whats within. However, Allah says, the ultimate conclusion that an honest explorer reaches at is nothing but
“… O our lord, you haven’t created any of this without a purpose …” [3:191]
Solution?
Being muslims, how can we cope with this? We are part of this modern human society. We cannot just ignore all of this and live in isolation. We cannot and should not just limit ourselves to contemporary religious education only. On the contrary, pursuing modern secular education only can make us lack in our understanding of true purpose in life. This definitely is not the answer nor is the objective of our religion. Allah created this world for us and wants us to live in it, be part of it and enjoy it.
“Say, who has forbidden the adornments of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good things of provisions” [4:174]
Since this world is a testing place, the aim of our religion is to live, operate and enjoy this life while being mindful of the limits prescribed by Allah and His messenger (SAW).
We have to try to strike a balance between the needs of modern education and our true source of knowledge provided by Allah the all knowing. Following are some of the points that we can ponder upon to achieve this balance.
1. True knowledge always leads to Allah
The first thing that we have to realize in the context of knowledge acquisition is the fact that true and honest knowledge seeking always leads to Allah. There is nothing wrong in pursuing modern scientific or non-scientific education. However, while acquiring this knowledge, we have to admit the fact that all knowledge originates from Allah only. He is the one who bestows part of knowledge on whomever He wills
“… and they encompass not a thing in His knowledge except for what He wills …” [2:255]
Allah associates seeking wisdom in any form as a fundamental characteristic of a believer. As it is narrated from the prophet (SAW)
“Wisdom is the lost property of a believer. Wherever he finds it, he is most deserving of it”[Tirmidi:2687]
While a believer is always on a lookout for wisdom, he also acknowledges the fact that all wisdom leads to Allah.
2. Connect with a true source of knowledge
At the same time, when we accept that all knowledge originates from Allah only, we have to turn to His words i.e. The Quran. Allah says in the Quran
“O mankind, there has come to you a conclusive proof from your Lord, and we have sent down to you a clear light.” [4:173]
While seeking, modern scientific and non-scientific education, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves as well as our children about the true source of knowledge. The first step in this path is to try to connect to by understanding the Quran.
3. True success is in afterlife
Finally, depending upon the person you ask, multiple people can provide multiple solutions for seeking meaningful knowledge. But one thing that everyone can agree on is that we have to be mindful of Allah in every deed. We have to be mindful of all the so-called “secondary” things about which Allah says in the Quran
“… And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion” [3:185]
We have to be mindful about our spiritual well being guided by the true knowledge provided by Allah and His messenger (SAW). The final conclusion that any piece of knowledge in this world can lead to is the fact that this world and its life is temporary. As mentioned earlier, true knowledge seeking always concludes that everything in this world is built out of purpose. This conclusion further leads to the fact that the actual true nature of success or failure lies in afterlife. As Allah says in the Quran
“O our Lord, indeed whoever You admit to fire – You have disgraced him …” [3:192]
And furthermore,
“… So he who is drawn away from the fire and admitted to the paradise has attained (true success)” [3:185]
Finally, we ask Allah (SWT) to grant us success both in this world as well as in the hereafter.
“… Our Lord give us in this world [that which is] good and in the hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of fire” [2:201]
Ameen. Wassalamualaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh