What is education?
The first question that arises and needs to be answered is ‘What exactly is Education?’ Over the years, as students, we might profess to be educated. After all, sixteen or more years of our lives have passed in different institutions. Can we say that by now we understand the process of education and its importance? Should the attainment of knowledge through education be religious or secular? Spiritual or worldly? Is education just a compulsion; required to attain livelihood or is it all encompassing; required to succeed in all aspects of life. A very good definition of education that I came across states:
Education encompasses both the teaching and learning of knowledge, proper conduct, and technical competency. It thus focuses on the cultivation of skills, trades or professions, as well as mental, moral and aesthetic development.[1]
As for whether education should be religious or secular? One without the other will never lead to complete success and satisfaction. Spiritual or worldly? Again, having attained one of either will be like reading one half of a book. Having worldly knowledge helps one to appreciate and understand Allah’s Creation, His attributes, His Word and His Prophet. Acquiring religious knowledge helps us live better according to Allah’s commandments. Both interrelate. Islam, being the true religion, encourages man to attain both since it wants us to focus on the whole sphere of our lives.
Why is Education important?
Importance of education should never be undermined. All over the world people agree that education is the key to a healthy mind and a successful life. Francis Bacon, a renowned painter, said, “Knowledge is power”. Aristotle, a greek philospher, states the importance of teachers in these words, “Those who educate children well are more to be honored than parents, for these only gave life, those the art of living well.
Education begins with questioning. An inquisitive mind is a...