Iqra (read) is the very first word of Divine revelation to the Last Messenger, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him). It was and is manifestation of importance of knowledge in Islam. This was the clear indication that “now the destiny of humanity is being attached to Knowledge”, and those persons and nations will prosper who will be ahead in knowledge and education.
There is no other religion, which attaches such importance to knowledge and education as Islam does. Earlier Muslims, who got this point, struggled a lot in gaining knowledge, and became ‘torch bearers of civilisation’. It is now an accepted fact that the European Renascence was possible due to these Muslim scholars only.
Muslims were not only heading religious education but were leaders of the modern subjects as well. They pioneered many new branches of knowledge, to name a few Algebra, Chemistry, Astronomy, etc. They greatly contributed to the fields of Astronomy, Medicine, Geography, History and many more.
The fundamental contribution of Muslims to Modern world is the ‘scientific outlook’ or ‘scientific attitude’ or ‘scientific method’ as it is called. This has revolutionised the way of thinking, which later became foundation of all modern inventions and discoveries. The method of Observation and Experimentation owe its origin to Muslim scientists.
All this was possible because of the last revealed Book, The Qur’ān. The Qur’ān trained its followers in all above trends. We find there are 865 verses (Ayah) of the Qur’ān that encourage human beings to gain knowledge. There are as many as 247 verses asking human beings to ponder over themselves as well as the universe; yet another 50 verses deal with History, Archaeology, etc.
It is education and knowledge that separates human beings from other creatures. It is the integral part of human civilisation, without which man goes to the level of animals. No human endeavour can overlook it. Radiance Viewsweekly is no exception to it. Since it is a Viewsweekly, it was bound to shed light on educational aspects according to its views. When we take a review of the articles published in Radiance Viewsweekly we see that this important aspect did not get that much importance as it deserves. This is on the basis of 60 selected articles on education. Apart from this the areas covered are also very few. Among these articles mostly Madrasa education system is dealt with; only a few articles deal with Muslims educational status. Islamic concept of education has been dealt with in two articles. One article deals with Technical and Vocational education in Muslims.
Duality of education system viz. Religious Education (Madrasa) and Secular education system (school, college, university) has caused Muslim Ummah a loss beyond repair. It played a big role in the downfall of Muslims. This is a very important aspect of Muslim education, and a thorough research. This important aspect finds expression in one article in Radiance Viewsweekly.
While talking about Madrasas we generally talk about their glorious past. Side by side we need to analyse their present condition, and try to find out ways and means to bring back their glorious past. In this regard one article dared to talk about reforming Madrasa Curriculum.
The sign of a living nation is that it takes review of its education system periodically, and reforms it accordingly. Alas this could be the practice in Madrasa education system also. Our Madrasas are trying unnaturally to immune themselves from rapid modern changes, which are going certainly to make them irrelevant.
By and large Radiance missed current educational issues of national importance. Only three or four articles appear in this regard. Professor A. Moghni has very rightly pointed out the trend of neglecting Humanities, eulogising Science and Technology and the price we are paying for it. He has also expressed his views on a healthy education system.
Radiance Viewsweekly must be complimented for its efforts to bring awareness about ‘Saffronisation’ of education. One reform pointed out in Radiance Viewsweekly is the professional training of Madrasa Teachers and the meagre efforts being made in this regard. It projected some Madrasa which are adopting some innovative ideas.
One article deals with Non-Formal Education. This is another area where Muslims are far behind as compared to their counterparts. It needs a serious attention of community leaders since day by day it is expanding and strengthening.
There are many educational movements. One such movement namely Muslim Majlis and its contribution to education has been discussed in Radiance Viewsweekly. Its main contribution is that it has highlighted ‘self-financing’ of Primary /Maktab education. In the light of Right to Primary Education 2009, this practice needs rethinking.
Some articles on Islamic concept of Education and Knowledge have been published. It has been rightly pointed out: “Absence of model Islamic System of education is the biggest problem. Muslims praise Islam, talk about it but do not practise it, it’s a great dilemma.”
Though efforts are going on for Islamisation of knowledge, the Islamic system of education is still missing. Islamic revival can take place only through Islamic system of education. It is needed not for Muslims only; it is the need of humanity.
Hazards of sex education have been dealt with in one article, and a seminar report on the subject has been published. D H Lawrence was quoted as saying “sex can burn as well as warm the finger.” In the present circumstances where even five-year girls are not safe and secured in the capital of the country, and sexual crimes are rising at an alarming rate, we really need to ponder over the subject with much seriousness. In this regard Islamic viewpoint must find place in Radiance.
Right to Education Act is much debated; one article deals with this issue. It is expected to have far reaching impact; hence needs more serious deliberation.
National Policy on Education 1986, which is the foundation of almost all educational reforms in our country, could not be dealt with satisfactorily.
Two visionary articles on education were found. One by K M Aref, who tried to guess the future of education and literacy mission. He also touched Globalisation and Universalisation and their impact on education. The other article is by S S Hussaini; he took review of fast changing educational scenario in the country, with especial reference to Muslims.
He has put remedial measures, too. Notable trends in this regard are less expenditure on education, privatisation of education, and commercialisation of education. The drastic change in information transfer, use of IT resources and cutthroat competition are some of the serious challenges to be faced by Muslim Ummah. He has very rightly dared to question the Educational Quality of the educational institutions run by Muslims.
It is strange that various education commission reports did not find a mention in Radiance Viewsweekly.
Islamic system of education should be fully debated. Government initiatives for Minority education, Madrasa Board, etc., need wide discussion. A series may be started to publish case histories of successful educational institutions, especially focussing their innovations. There is a dire need to take review of various educational legislations passed by Centre and States. Recent issues in education be discussed in Islamic perspective. If possible, an Educational and Vocational guidance column may be started.
[The writer is Assistant professor of Education, MANUU]