Knowledge and Education in Islam (2/4)

Knowledge and parents

These points related to knowledge need to be emphasized for parents, particularly those who feel that educating themselves about Islam is not important. As noted above, the acquisition   of knowledge is an obligation for both men and women.  One of the primary duties of parents is to take care of their children, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually.  Education   is a key factor in all of this with the goal of raising healthy, knowledgeable, and strong Muslims.

It is probably even more important for women due to their position in the family.  Teaching can be direct, such as study circle at home or in the mosque, but much of it will be indirect, through modeling   and observation. The mother,   through her continual contact with other family members, has the potential to be an excellent teacher.  Most of this can be done simply by learning about Islam and implementing its wisdom. Children learn a great deal by watching those around them, particularly their parents.

For example, a child who sees her mother wearing the hijab[1] (modest dress), reading the Qur'an, and praying on time is likely to follow this example and find it less of a struggle than one who has never seen her parent do any of these.

Modelling and observation are powerful forces and the mother is a critical factor in this prescription.

This  does  not  in  any  way  negate  the  role  of  the father  in educating his children. Fathers should understand the importance of education as well and cooperate with the mother in providing an Islamic learning environment. 

As husband and wife, they should encourage one another to learn on a continuous basis and share newly acquired knowledge with each other. Reading the Qur'an, hadiths and books; attending study circles; listening to lectures; participating in Islamic conferences, and finding trustworthy websites about Islam on the Internet are all ways that couples can nourish one another's intellectual growth. When this is shared together, it can help to strengthen and enhance the marital relationship.

Knowledge and parenting

In relation to parenting, education and learning must be built upon a foundation of Islamic knowledge.  Priority must be given to learning aspects of the religion, since this is an individual obligation.

The life of a Muslim child should be immersed in Islamic knowledge from the beginning.  His or her knowing, thinking, and perception should be focused on it. The Qur'an, the Hadith, the seerah,[2] and Arabic must be his or her daily bread. His or her head should rest upon the bed with stories of the prophets, the Companions, and tales of pious people.

Other types of knowledge can then be built upon this solid foundation. As  a  matter  of  fact,  any  worldly  knowledge  should always be connected to the original sources of Islam, the Qur'an  and the  Sunnah. 

For  example,  how  could  one  study  natural  science without linking it to Allah's  wisdom, perfection,  and order  in the universe, and to the scientific miracles of the Qur'an? A student could not study business without understanding the Islamic perspectives on economics, finance, and management.  To study psychology would mean to first understand what the Creator has stated about His creation, for He knows us better than we know ourselves.

It is also important to recognize that knowledge that contradicts Islam or the principles of Islam is completely unacceptable. It is prohibited to learn philosophies and beliefs that are contrary to the principles of Islam. Sending  our  children  to a secular  school,  for example,  poses  the  serious  danger  of  exposing  our  children  to distorted  belief  systems  and  practices. 

In addition, it gives the message that religion is only a compartment of life and that we can understand other disciplines without reference to religion. Religion in these types of schools is given less of a priority, if any at all, than science and other subjects.  Religion of any type may, in fact, be ridiculed and debased in such a system.

It is important to note that we should not ignore the material aspects of this life, for taking care of ourselves is part of religion as well. It is reported, for example, that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) frequently prayed: “O Allah, give us all the good of this world, and the good of the life Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire.”[3] It is acceptable to learn science, math or other subject’s that do not contradict Islamic principles, but we should never concentrate on the worldly life at the expense of the life in the hereafter. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:

“So whatever thing you have been given - it is but [for] enjoyment of the worldly   life. But  what  is with  Allah  is better  and  more  lasting for those  who have  believed  and rely upon  their Lord.”  (Qur'an, Surah Ash-Shura, 42: 36)

More than knowledge alone

The acquisition of knowledge is obviously not   the   only necessary element in our journey through life. All of the know ledge in the world would   mean nothing   if it was not connected to iman, taqwa, sincerity, and belief in the oneness of Allah.

There are many people who have knowledge, but who are still on the wrong path.  If we have all of these other components,   the understanding   that we gain in our search for knowledge   will help us to know which road to take to Allah   and   how   to avoid dangerous and harmful situations. The important  thing   to  remember    is  that   we  are  responsible  for  our children  and will be held  accountable   for what  we have  (or have  not) taught  them. 

To preserve our religion, we must educate ourselves and our children. The strength of the Muslim community is directly tied to the level of knowledge of its members.

(Continued)