ISLAMIC EDUCATION SYSTEM: PHILILOSOPHY, LEVELS, CURRICULUM AND METHODOLOGY

 




ISLAMIC EDUCATION SYSTEM: PHILOSOPHY, LEVELS, CURRICULUM AND METHODOLOGY

1. Introduction

Islamic education is a comprehensive system aimed at the holistic development of the individual—spiritually, intellectually, morally, and socially. Rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah, it views education as an act of worship, a form of spiritual purification, and a means to cultivate righteous, knowledgeable, and socially responsible human beings. Historically, Islamic education has played a transformative role in shaping civilizations, producing scholars in theology, law, philosophy, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and literature.

2. Philosophical Foundations of Islamic Education

2.1 Tawhid (Unity of God)

The principle of Tawhid forms the foundation of the Islamic worldview. Knowledge is considered sacred and interconnected, reflecting the unity of creation under one God.

2.2 Knowledge as Divine Guidance

Islamic teachings consider the pursuit of knowledge a religious obligation. The first revelation “Iqra” signifies that learning is a duty for every Muslim, male and female.

2.3 Balanced Development

The educational aim is the balanced growth of:

    • Aql (intellect)
    • Qalb (heart/emotions)
    • Ruh (spirit)
    • Nafs (self or desires)

2.4 Moral–Ethical Orientation

Character building (Akhlaq) is central. Education aims to produce morally upright individuals who uphold justice, truthfulness, compassion, and responsibility.

2.5 Integration of Religious and Secular Knowledge

Traditional Islamic education does not separate worldly knowledge (Dunya) and spiritual knowledge (Akhirah). All knowledge is valuable if it leads to the well-being of individuals and society.

3. Objectives of Islamic Education

Islamic education seeks to:

    1. Strengthen faith (Iman) through understanding of Qur’an and Sunnah.
    2. Develop moral character (Akhlaq).
    3. Promote intellectual growth via reasoning, contemplation, and inquiry.
    4. Foster social responsibility (Ummah consciousness).
    5. Prepare the learner for success in both this world and the Hereafter.

4. Levels of Islamic Education

Islamic education has evolved into a structured system with three broad levels: primary, secondary, and higher education, each integrating religious and contemporary knowledge.

**4.1 Primary Level (Maktab / Kuttab)

4.1.1 Purpose

    • Foundation of literacy in Qur’anic reading, writing, and basic ethics.
    • Development of habits of prayer, cleanliness, social manners, and discipline.

4.1.2 Curriculum

    • Qur’an (recitation, basic memorization)
    • Arabic alphabet and handwriting
    • Basic Islamic beliefs (Aqidah)
    • Daily supplications (Duas)
    • Moral instruction (Akhlaq)
    • Simple arithmetic and reading (modern reforms)

4.1.3 Pedagogy

    • Memorization (Hifz)
    • Oral instruction (Talaqqi)
    • Storytelling from Qur’an and Prophet’s life
    • Demonstration (practice of prayer, cleanliness)

**4.2 Secondary Level (Madrasa Education)

4.2.1 Purpose

    • Formal study of Islamic sciences along with general education in modern systems.

4.2.2 Curriculum

Two models exist:

a) Traditional Madrasa Curriculum (Dars-i-Nizami)

Subjects include:

    • Qur’anic studies (Tafsir)
    • Hadith studies
    • Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence)
    • Arabic grammar & rhetoric
    • Logic & philosophy
    • History of Islam
    • Mathematics
    • Astronomy (in some systems)

b) Modern Integrated Curriculum

    • Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
    • Mathematics
    • Social sciences
    • Computer studies
    • Languages (Arabic, English, Urdu/Local language)
    • Islamic Studies (Aqidah, Fiqh, Quran, Sirah)

4.2.3 Pedagogy

    • Analytical reasoning
    • Debate and dialogue (Munāzara)
    • Project-based learning (recent reforms)
    • Group learning
    • Translation and interpretation exercises

**4.3 Higher Education (Jamia / Islamic University)

4.3.1 Purpose

Produce scholars, jurists, researchers, educators, and professionals.

4.3.2 Curriculum

Traditional Islamic Higher Education

Advanced studies in:

    • Qur’an exegesis (Tafsir)
    • Hadith and Hadith sciences
    • Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh & Usul al-Fiqh)
    • Islamic theology (Kalam)
    • Comparative religion
    • Arabic literature
    • Islamic history and civilization

Modern Islamic Universities

Blend Islamic and contemporary sciences:

    • Islamic banking & finance
    • Psychology and Islamic counselling
    • Education & teacher training
    • Law (Shariah + Civil Law)
    • Medicine
    • Engineering
    • Social sciences and humanities

4.3.3 Pedagogy

    • Research-based learning
    • Seminars, symposiums
    • Field work
    • Research dissertations
    • Critical inquiry (Ijtihad)

5. Curriculum in Islamic Education System

Islamic curriculum includes Naqli sciences (transmitted knowledge) and Aqli sciences (rational knowledge).

5.1 Naqli Sciences (Revealed Knowledge)

    1. Qur’anic Studies
      • Recitation
      • Memorization
      • Interpretation (Tafsir)
    1. Hadith Studies
      • Prophetic traditions
      • Verification (Isnad)
      • Application (Fiqh al-Hadith)
    1. Aqidah (Belief system)
    2. Fiqh (Islamic law)
    3. Sirah (Prophet’s biography)
    4. Arabic Language

5.2 Aqli Sciences (Intellectual Sciences)

Traditionally included:

    • Mathematics
    • Astronomy
    • Medicine
    • Philosophy
    • Logic
    • Geography

Modern additions:

    • Science & Technology
    • Social sciences
    • Computer applications
    • Economics
    • Psychology

5.3 Integrated Curriculum

Contemporary Islamic education integrates:

    • Moral & spiritual values
    • Scientific literacy
    • Life skills
    • Critical thinking
    • Citizenship
    • Global competencies

6. Methodologies in Islamic Education

Islamic pedagogy is deeply rooted in the teaching methods used by Prophet Muhammad.

6.1 Traditional Islamic Methodologies

1. Talaqqi & Mushafahah (Direct Instruction)

Teacher recites; student repeats to ensure precision—used in Qur’an memorization.

2. Hifz (Memorization)

Extensive memorization of Qur’an, Hadith, and classical texts.

3. Munāzara (Debate)

Students argue respectfully to understand complex jurisprudential and philosophical issues.

4. Q&A (Socratic Method)

Prophet Muhammad often asked questions to stimulate reflective thinking.

5. Storytelling (Qasas)

Used to convey moral lessons from Qur’an and Sirah narratives.

6. Ijaza System

Certification granted by a qualified scholar after mastery of a text or discipline.

7. Practical Demonstration

E.g., showing how to perform wudu, prayer, or moral practices.

6.2 Modern Methodologies

a. Activity-Based Learning

Integrates Islamic stories, moral dilemmas, and group projects.

b. Cooperative Learning

Encourages unity and teamwork.

c. Inquiry-Based Learning

Promotes critical thinking through analytical engagement with texts.

d. ICT-Integrated Islamic Education

E-learning platforms, digital Qur’an labs, online Hadith databases.

e. Value-Based & Experiential Learning

Students learn values through practice—charity, community service, ethical behaviour.

f. Blended Learning

Combining face-to-face and virtual learning.

7. Role of the Teacher in Islamic Education

The Islamic teacher (Mu’allim/Murabbi) is:

    • A moral role model
    • A guide and mentor
    • A transmitter of knowledge
    • A character-builder

Teachers embody prophetic qualities: patience, integrity, humility, compassion, and scholarly excellence.

8. Assessment in Islamic Education

Traditional Assessment

    • Oral recitation tests
    • Memorization accuracy
    • Written exams on classical texts

Modern Assessment

    • Continuous assessment
    • Project work
    • Research assignments
    • Practical assessment (values, participation)

9. Conclusion

Islamic education is a comprehensive system that integrates spiritual, moral, intellectual, and social development. Its distinctiveness lies in the balance between religious and worldly knowledge, and its goal to produce individuals who are ethically grounded, intellectually capable, and socially responsible. The modern Islamic education system is evolving to meet global challenges while preserving timeless values.

References

Al-Attas, S. M. N. (1991). The concept of education in Islam: A framework for an Islamic philosophy of education. ISTAC.

Halstead, J. M. (2004). An Islamic concept of education. Comparative Education, 40(4), 517–529.

Sahin, A. (2013). New directions in Islamic education: Pedagogy and identity formation. Kube Publishing.

Nasr, S. H. (1987). Traditional Islam in the modern world. Kegan Paul.

Rosenthal, F. (1970). Knowledge triumphant: The concept of knowledge in medieval Islam. Brill.

Hussain, M. (2014). Islamic education: Concepts and practices. Journal of Islamic Studies, 25(2), 310–328.

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