The Divine Education Model in the Family of the Prophets (Part 149)
The Educational Models in the Life of the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH)
Chapter One: Basic Concepts
First Topic: The Concept of Education
Education in Linguistic and Technical Terminology
The Linguistic Meaning of Education:
Linguistically, education means bringing something to its perfection gradually and step by step. [1]
The Technical Meaning of Education:
In technical terminology, education means nurturing and developing a child until they gradually reach the stage of perfection. It encompasses all aspects of education, including material and physical, psychological and spiritual, intellectual and mental, behavioral, and social development. [2]
The Purpose of Education in Islam
Many writers and researchers have discussed this subject and presented detailed and valuable explanations. However, their views can be summarized as follows: “It is clear that the purpose of educating an individual in Islam is definite and specific: to nurture a person to worship Allah (SWT) and prepare them to serve and worship Allah (SWT).
There is no need for lengthy discussion here, because Islam is characterized by comprehensiveness and does not restrict worship to prayer, fasting, and Hajj. Rather, every action performed by a Muslim with the intention of drawing closer to Allah (SWT) and seeking the pleasure of Allah Almighty is considered an act of worship.” [3]
Second Topic: Divine Education
Imam al-Ghazali (RA) states: “It should be known that the method of raising children is one of the most important and fundamental matters of life. Children are a trust placed in the hands of their parents. Their pure hearts are precious and unblemished jewels, free from any imprint or image, and receptive to any impression. They can be inclined in whichever direction one wishes.
If children are accustomed to good and instructive words and deeds, they will grow up accordingly and attain happiness in this world and the Hereafter. Their parents, teachers, and educators will also share in their reward.
However, if children become accustomed to evil and wrongdoing and are neglected and treated with indifference like animals, they will become miserable, meet an unfortunate end, and perish. Parents, teachers, and educators who have been negligent in their education and upbringing will also share in the punishment for their sins and misdeeds.” [4]
Allah (SWT) says: يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا [5] Translation: “O you who believe! Protect yourselves and your families from the fire.” [6]
Definition and Characteristics of Faith-Based Education
By faith-based education, we mean introducing children to the principles of faith from the time they begin to think, accustoming them to the pillars of Islam as their minds begin to develop, and teaching them the fundamental principles of Islamic Shariah once they acquire the ability to distinguish between things.
The principles of faith refer to all truths and matters of the unseen whose existence has been conveyed to us through authentic reports. These include belief in Allah (SWT), the Most Glorified; the angels; the heavenly Books; the Prophets (AS); the punishment of the grave; the questioning by the two angels in the grave; resurrection on the Day of Judgment; accountability and reckoning; Paradise and Hell; and other matters of the unseen.
The pillars of the religion of Islam refer to all subjects related to the divine way of life and Islamic teachings, such as faith, worship, morality, legislation, the social system from the Islamic perspective, rulings, and other related matters.
Every educator is required to begin teaching the concepts related to faith-based education from early childhood so that children become familiar with Islamic beliefs and worship and become adorned with them in their way of life and system of thought. Thereafter, they should regard Islam as their best guide and highest educator. [7]
