The Students Islamic Organisation of India organised a two-day national workshop-cum-seminar on “Islamic Philosophy of Knowledge and Education” at the Islamic Centre, Hyderabad on October 2-3, 2009.
The workshop began with Qur’ānic Dars on the first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq by Mr. Abdur Rafiq, Secretary General of the organisation. Mr. Suhail K.K., National President, SIO of India, in the light of SIO’s Policy and Programme, underlined the need for organising the workshop. He said SIO wants to make Islamic philosophy of education a matter of discussion in academic institutions.
Presenting the keynote address, Dr. Badarul Islam, former National Secretary of SIO, spoke on Islamic Philosophy of Education. He said that Islam envisages every individual to question his identity and the reason why he has been created.
A detailed study on the ‘Analysis of Contemporary Education System’ was presented during the Panel Discussion presided over by Professor Muhammad Rafat, Zonal President, JIH, Delhi & Haryana.
Shanawaz Ali Raihan, National Secretary, SIO of India, deliberated on the ‘History of Secularization of Society and its Impact on Education’.
The second day began with the lecture by Dr. M. Rafat, who spoke on Islamic Civilization and spoke about the elevation and downfall of the Islamic Civilization. Explaining the Pedagogy and Epistemology of Islamic education, Dr. Hifzur Rehman Principal, Sashibhushan Institute of Education, said that Ilm or knowledge is light that enlightens an individual.
Dr. Badarul Islam presented the foundations and growth of western and Islamic education while speaking on ‘Islam and Modern Philosophies of Education’. He said the modern education system is based on trial and error.
Dr. Zaki Kirmani, Director Centre for Studies on Science, Aligarh spoke on ‘Islam and Reconstruction of Science’, while Mr. Sadatullah Hussaini, former National President SIO of India, spoke on ‘Islam and Restructuring Social Studies’.
Mr. Ashraf Mohammedy, Managing Director, Idafa Investments Pvt. Ltd., dealt with the impact of the modern economic system vis-a-vis Islamic economic system. Dr. Shafi Abdullah, Director Institute of Islamic Medical Science, proclaimed that Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless and greet him) is the first scientist of marrow and enlightened the audience with the Prophetic medicines. Delegates from different parts of the country participated in the programme.
“Our aim should be to be the founders and leaders of a new Islamic Civilization,” said Mr. Sadatullah Hussaini while participating in the seminar on “Islamic Philosophy of Knowledge and Education” on October 4.
Welcome address was delivered by SIO National Secretary Shahnawaz Ali Raihan.
SIO President Suhail KK asked the country’s student community to ponder over Islamic contribution in different branches of knowledge.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. M. Rafat said that we’ve great institutions and thus we need to make them centres of knowledge not of just information-providing centres.
Professor Saud Alam Qasmi of AMU lamented that the present education system may have produced degree holders and but could not provide good human beings who hold moral values.
Dr. Zaki Kirmani questioned the lethargic approach of Muslims and the reason why the community is lagging in the various fields today.
Dr. Badarul Islam said that accountability is the basis and foundation of morality and the motive of education should be to know your Creator.
A book by Dr. Badaural Islam, entitled Ta’leem ki Akhlaqi Bunyaden was released at the hands of Dr. M. Rafat, Zonal President, JIH, Delhi & Haryana and Professor at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. The book was published by White Dot Publishers, the new publication house of SIO of India.
The programme was concluded with vote of thanks extended by SIO Andhra Pradesh President Asif Mohiuddin.