Article: "Educational Issues: Causes and Solution."

 In the light of the Life of Noble Prophet PBUH

Introduction

Education is the process of acquiring knowledge and applying it in various aspects of life. Knowledge is more than just information; it is information that is comprehended and utilized for a purpose. Knowledge can be acquired through different methods and sources, such as through theoretical learning or practical experience, or through formal education or informal learning.  

Being educated means being enlightened and informed about various matters, not being ignorant or uninformed about them. Ignorance is different from illiteracy; illiteracy is the lack of ability to read and write, while ignorance is the lack of awareness or understanding of something. Literacy is an essential component of education, but education is a wider concept that encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and values that can enrich one's life. Education can help people to develop their cognitive abilities, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. It can also help people to become more well-rounded individuals who have diverse interests and perspectives and who can contribute positively to society.

Prophet Muhammad pbuh received his first revelation from Allah with the word read (iqrah.) This word signifies the importance of seeking knowledge in Islam. In Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah), Allah says:

وَعَلَّمَ ءَادَمَ الأَسْمَآءَ كُلَّهَا ثُمَّ عَرَضَهُمْ عَلَى الْمَلآئِكَةِ فَقَالَ أَنبِئُونِي بِأَسْمَاءِ هـٰؤُلاء إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِين

And He taught Adam all the names (of everything), then He showed them to the angels and said: \"Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful.\" ¹

This verse shows that Allah taught Adam a special knowledge that He did not teach even to the angels, who are among His noblest creatures. This knowledge was the name of everything in existence, which implies their nature and attributes as well.

This verse also shows that Allah tested the angels by asking them to name those things, but they admitted their lack of knowledge and praised Allah's infinite knowledge. Therefore, one can say that the first distinction and virtue that humans were given by Allah to demonstrate that they are a better creation than the angels is through knowledge.

In this era, science has revealed that among all living beings on earth, humans are the most intelligent, inquisitive, and capable of interpreting information, and have the ability to pass on this information to others through language and other means. Thus, humans are virtuous through their ability to acquire knowledge that others cannot attain.  

In the Quran (Surah Al-Imran), Allah invites us to observe the signs of His creation in the universe, such as the stars, the moon, the sun, and other things [such as the plants, animals, mountains, etc.] He indicates that by merely observing and pondering over these signs, a person can acquire knowledge that can lead him to recognize and worship his Creator. Allah says:

إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لَآيَاتٍ لِّأُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. ²

الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَى جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاواتِ وَالأرْضِ رَبّنا ما خَلَقْتَ هذا بَاطِلاً سُبْحانَكَ فَقِنا عذابَ النّار

Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], \"Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.\" ³

The people of understanding are those who reflect on the creation in the sky and the earth. Through their pondering and observations, they can testify to the existence of Allah and His infinite powers. They realize that Allah created everything with a purpose and wisdom, and they glorify Him for His perfect knowledge. They also seek His protection from the Fire, which is the consequence of ignorance.

However, when people failed to do that properly, they witnessed disorder and corruption in their societies and the world around them. Out of His mercy for mankind, Allah sent His messengers throughout history to remind them and guide them to the right path. He says: “We have sent you (O Muhammad) as a mercy for all the worlds.” (Quran, 21:107) He also says: “We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a bearer of good news and a warner to all humanity.” (Quran, 34:28)

Life of Prophet P.B.U.H

Therefore, education is one of the most important aspects of human development. It enables people to acquire knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes that are essential for personal growth, social progress, and spiritual enlightenment. Education is also a means of fulfilling one’s purpose in life, as Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (Quran, 51:56)

However, education is not merely a matter of acquiring information or certificates. It is a holistic process that involves the development of the mind, body, heart, and soul. Education is not only a right but also a duty for every Muslim, as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Ibn Majah)

Prophet Muhammad was the final messenger of Allah, the seal of prophethood. He completed and perfected the message of Islam that was revealed to all the previous prophets. Allah says: “Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last of the prophets.” (Quran, 33:40) He also says: “This day I have perfected for you your religion (way of life) and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion (way of life).” (Quran, 5:3)

The life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the best example of how education can transform a person and a society. He was born in Mecca in the year 570 CE, at a time when ignorance, idolatry, injustice, and oppression were widespread among the Arabs. He was an orphan who lost his father before his birth and his mother when he was six years old. He was raised by his grandfather and uncle, who were respected leaders of the Quraysh tribe. He did not receive any formal education, but he learned from his own observation, experience, and reflection. He was known for his honesty, integrity, wisdom, and generosity. He was also interested in learning about other religions and cultures.

When he was 40 years old, he received his first revelation from Allah (SWT) through the angel Gabriel in the cave of Hira. He was commanded to read in the name of Allah, who taught him what he did not know. He was chosen as the final messenger of Allah to convey the message of Islam to all humanity. He faced many challenges and hardships in his mission, but he never gave up or compromised his principles. He continued to seek knowledge from Allah and from other sources. He learned from the Quran, which was revealed to him gradually over 23 years. He learned from his companions, who were from different backgrounds and professions. He learned from his enemies, who challenged him with questions and arguments. He learned from nature, which was full of signs and wonders of Allah’s creation.

He also taught others what he learned from Allah and from his own experience. He taught them the basics of faith, worship, morality, and manners. He taught them the principles of justice, equality, freedom, and human rights. He taught them the skills of leadership, communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution. He taught them the sciences of history, geography, astronomy, medicine, and more. He taught them by his words and by his actions. He taught them with kindness and patience. He taught them with examples and parables. He taught them with questions and answers. He taught them with challenges and incentives.

He transformed his own life and the lives of those around him through education. He changed a society that was divided by tribalism, racism, sexism, and violence into a united community of faith, brotherhood, peace, and justice. He inspired generations of Muslims and non-Muslims to follow in his footsteps in seeking knowledge and spreading it for the benefit of humanity.

Issues

Today we face many educational issues that hinder our progress and development as individuals and as a society. Some of these issues are:

· Poverty: Many people do not have access to quality education due to a lack of financial resources or opportunities. They are unable to afford the fees or materials required for schooling. They are forced to work at an early age to support themselves or their families. They are deprived of their basic rights to education and dignity.

· Illiteracy: Many people do not have the ability to read or write due to a lack of proper education or training. They are unable to communicate effectively or access information that is essential for their personal or professional development. They are vulnerable to manipulation or exploitation by others who take advantage of their ignorance.

· Inequality: Many people face discrimination or exclusion in education due to their gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, or other factors. They are denied equal opportunities or treatment in schools or workplaces. They are subjected to stereotypes or prejudices that limit their potential or aspirations.

· Irrelevance: Many people do not find education relevant or meaningful to their lives or needs. They are bored or disengaged by the curriculum or methods that are used in schools or colleges. They are not motivated or inspired by the teachers or mentors who are supposed to guide them. They are not prepared or equipped for the challenges or opportunities that await them in the real world.

· Extremism: Many people are influenced by extremist ideologies or movements that use education as a tool for indoctrination or radicalization. They are exposed to distorted or false information that promotes hatred, violence, or intolerance. They are isolated or alienated from the mainstream society or culture that values diversity, dialogue, and cooperation.

These educational issues have serious consequences for our individual and collective well-being. They affect our intellectual, moral, social, and spiritual development. They affect our personal, professional, and civic participation. They affect our peace, security, and prosperity.

Solutions

We need to address these issues and find solutions that are based on the Islamic principles and values that were exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).  

Some of these solutions are:

· Charity: We need to support and sponsor education for those who are in need or in hardship. We need to donate our money, time, or skills to help them access quality education that is affordable and accessible. We need to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who freed many slaves by teaching them how to read and write.

· Literacy: We need to promote and encourage literacy for everyone, especially for women and children. We need to provide them with the resources and opportunities to learn how to read and write in their own languages and in other languages. We need to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who said: “The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.” (Bukhari)

· Equality: We need to ensure and uphold equality for everyone in education regardless of their differences or backgrounds. We need to provide them with equal opportunities and treatment in schools or workplaces. We need to respect and appreciate their diversity and contributions. We need to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who said: “All people are equal as the teeth of a comb.” (Ahmad)

· Relevance: We need to make education relevant and meaningful to our lives and needs. We need to design and deliver curriculum and methods that are engaging and effective for learners of different ages, levels, and interests. We need to motivate and inspire them with teachers or mentors who are knowledgeable and passionate. We need to prepare and equip them with the skills and competencies that are required for the current and future world. We need to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who said: “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are most beneficial to people.” (Tabarani)

· Moderation: We need to prevent and counter extremism in education by promoting moderation and balance. We need to provide accurate and authentic information that is based on the Quran and Sunnah. We need to foster critical thinking and analytical skills that enable us to discern between truth and falsehood. We need to cultivate a culture of dialogue and tolerance that respects different opinions and perspectives. We need to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who said: “The best of affairs is the middle course.” (Tirmidhi)

Conclusion

In conclusion, education is a vital element of human development that has been emphasized by Islam since its inception. The life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the best model of how education can transform a person and society for the better. However, we face many educational issues that hamper our progress and development as individuals and as a society. Therefore, we need to address these issues and find solutions that are based on the Islamic principles and values that were exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). By doing so, we can achieve our ultimate goal of worshipping Allah (SWT) in the best possible way.