Fundamental Features of Islamic Education System
Speaking at a forum on “Quran and Education”, Khosro Baqeri highlighted different aspects of the Islamic education system. Following are excerpts from his speech at the forum.
When we look at how the Quran defines humans, we see that humans have been introduced as beings that have Amal (action, deed). The word Amal and its equivalents are used frequently in the Quran.
When a concept is mentioned a lot in a book, it shows that the concept has a central status. The word Allah is mentioned in the Quran many times and that means it is central in the Holy Book. The word Amal is also used frequently.
The concept of Amal is also very important as many other concepts would not be meaningful without it. For example there would be no religion without Amal because religion is for those who are Amel (have Amal).
In the story of creation of Adam and Eve, two Amel human beings are portrayed. When they enter paradise, we are to see what Adam and Eve would do in the face of a temptation. And they fail to resist the temptation.
God gives them the opportunity to repent, which is an indication of dynamism of Amal.
So mankind has been portrayed in the Quran as one who has Amal and his Amal makes his identity.
With this explanation we can now discuss the concept of Tarbiya (education). The Tarbiya of one who is Amel cannot be with coercion and compulsion.
Also, it should include motivation. So those educational systems that kill motivations and do not pay attention to inclinations are not compatible with mankind being Amel.
So Tarbiya should not include indoctrination, coercion and compulsion.
