Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Imam Ghazali
On education
Introduction
The educational philosophy of Islam develops from the beliefs
found in the Qur’an and Sunnah. In the early days of
Islam, Muslims’ approach to these beliefs were straightforward
and uncontroversial.
There were no differences of opinion regarding the beliefs and
practices of the Messenger pbuh. His companions constituted
clear examples of his educational ideology wherever they
settled.
However, as Islam spread, it faced new problems and had to deal
with differing ideologies and belief systems that had crept into
the body of the Muslim community. The need to determine
educational practice became increasingly important.
1
10/16/2012
Naturally connected
revealed non-revealed
• That which came from the • All knowledge obtained
Messengers. through the use of the
intellect, experimentation
• Knowledge of the Hereafter or hearing.
is gained by examining the
• The temporal world gives us
temporal world. signs and proofs of the
• Knowledge of the Hereafter existence of a Greater
teaches us how to live our Existence and leads us to
temporal lives. worship Him.
• It is needed to enhance the
understanding of revealed
knowledge.
Nature
Types
2
10/16/2012
Fard Ayn
Revealed Non-revealed
Classification of knowledge
Praiseworthy Fard al-Kifaya
It is not compulsory knowledge.
Eg: Medical knowledge and Blameworthy
mathematics. A basic understanding
is supplementary to the This category comprises of
Neutral
fundamentals mentioned above those disciplines which are
This category encapsulates
and is therefore compulsory so that harmful, such as black
those disciplines that will not
it will benefit society and helps it to magic and gambling.
really enhance one’s
progress. Accordingly, the It is haram to acquire such
beneficial knowledge but
acquisition of these sciences and knowledge.
there is nothing wrong if they
disciplines is Fard al-Kifayyah, i.e. if
are studied, e.g. the history of
nobody acquires it, then the entire England, poetry.
Muslim community of a particular
locality will be sinful.
3
10/16/2012
4
10/16/2012
References
1. Panorama de la pensee Islamique by: C. Bouamrane, L. Gardet
Sindbad; 1-3 Rue Feutrier; Paris 18 (1984) , principally chapter 10, by Louis
Gardet (Notion et principe de l'education en Islam: pp 205-226)
2. Ihya ul’Ulum by: Al-Ghazali
Al-Ghazali, Ihya ul’Ulum, part I, book 2, section 2.
3. Ayyuha l’walad by: Al-Ghazali
Al-Ghazali, Ayyuha l’walad: UNESCO, Beyrouth 1951 (Arabic text).
4. Islamic Education by: A.Tibawi
A.Tibawi: Islamic Education, Luzac and Company Ltd, London, 1972
5. Materials on Muslim Education in the Middle Ages by: A.S. Tritton
Materials on Muslim Education in the Middle Ages; Luzac and Company, London,
1957.
1. http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?1809-Imam-Al-Ghazali-s-
Concept-of-Education
2. http://www.fountainmagazine.com/Issue/detail/Classification-Of-Knowledge-A-
Comparison-Of-Al-Ghazali-And-Al-Ansari