Education – a way forward for the welfare of humanity

Two weeks ago, a Palestinian teacher was named as the winner of 'The most exceptional teacher in the world” competition and was awarded a $1m prize. The competition, which was in its second year, was set up to recognise the most outstanding teacher and who has also made an exceptional contribution to the profession.

Teaching has, of course, long been recognised as one of the most important professions which contribute to the welfare of humanity and its progress. Islam places exceptional importance on education, both in terms of learning and teaching. However, Islam regards both the material and the spiritual aspects of education as vital in the maintenance of the welfare of all people during their lifetime.

First of all, in order to understand the importance of education and learning in Islam, we need to understand the importance of this Quranic verse: ‘Allah will raise in high ranks those of you who believe and are endowed with knowledge’. S58 V11

So, when belief and knowledge are both achieved, the rank of a person rises. The backdrop to this verse would also seem to be saying that knowledge, while coming from many different faculties, should also include well-mannered behaviour, good etiquette and the learned ability to recognise  situations which require that they are well-managed in the interests of the general public. Therefore, in Islam, we should always strive towards a balanced combination of learning and educational achievement.

Knowledge is one of the most important attributes of Allah; He is described as ‘ All-Knowing’, (Al-`Aleem) and is one of the Most beautiful Names.

Knowledge is given by Allah to all those who genuinely seek it. The Quran guides us by saying: ‘Then Allah taught Adam the names of all things and presented them to the angels and said: ‘if you are right then tell Me the names of these things. They said: ‘Glory to You! We have no knowledge except what You taught us. You, only You, are All-Knowing, All-Wise’. S2 V31-32

There are some important signature symbols in learning and teaching. One of them is the pen and another the ability to write. In Surah 68, which is also called ‘Al-Qalam’ (The Pen), Allah swears by the importance of the pen and its function, by saying: ‘Nun, by the pen and what the scribes write’.

Of course, another symbol of learning is the ability to read.  The first word in the beginning of the revelation of the Quran was ‘Read’. This is the first indication of just how much emphasis Islam places on the processes of learning and education. The following verses are at the very beginning of the guidance handed down in the Quran for the benefit of all in Islam. The first 5 verses read as follows: ‘Read in the Name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clot of congealed blood. Read and your Lord is Most Generous. Who taught by the pen. Taught man what he did not know’. 

To further underline the importance of learning, the Prophet Mohammad, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, said: ‘seek knowledge, even if found in China’. This is a famous hadith and even though its chain of narrators is weak, it shows the keen interest and desire of the Prophet that people educate themselves, in both the spiritual knowledge of Islam and of this world.

Indeed the Prophet, peace and mercy of Allah be upon him, declared that seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every single Muslim. He said: ‘seeking knowledge is an obligation upon all Muslims’.

Many scholars tend to emphasise that knowledge here means only religious knowledge, but there is no evidence for any such restriction. Religious knowledge, however, must take priority because of its guiding effects on all other knowledge, providing, as it does, the spiritual and ethical aspects necessary and, more importantly, knowledge about the Creator and His Creation.

Being an obligation also means that each and every individual has the right to seek knowledge and no one should be deprived of it because of their disability or by any other physical or economic restriction. People who play a role in creating access to knowledge, for people who may otherwise be deprived of it, are doing noble work and should be applauded for their efforts. Hence, the reward granted to the Palestinian teacher, for her outstanding work, should be acclaimed worldwide. The work of others, who may not have been so successful, but have also dedicated themselves to the teaching profession and bringing an awareness of knowledge to others, is equally deserving of our plaudits.

The gaining of knowledge requires a lifelong effort: as the saying goes: ‘knowledge is from cradle to grave’. It remains a very complicated process and never stops, even if a person achieves a doctorate! Knowledge should bring with it a balanced understanding of people, instil in us a sense of quest towards further improvement, and leave us without any sense of arrogance.

In today’s world, certificates and degrees are, all too often, illegally bought and sold, often without thought or shame, in the hope of gaining a better job and gaining more money.  This practice is totally dishonest, but as only knowledge increases ability, many of those who indulge in it will, inevitably, be caught and punished. 

The real test of true knowledge is when a knowledgeable person lights up other's lives with his knowledge and, by his actions, helps them to improve their surroundings. Our purpose for seeking knowledge must be positive and must include an element of service to others less fortunate than ourselves, so that the individual rights of all can be fulfilled and the whole world becomes enlightened by knowledge.