Education: A Fundamental

Tool for Societal Reorientation

Dr. Ahmad Bello Dogarawa, Abu Abdir-Rahmn
Department of Accounting, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
08032989042; 08026499981 (abellodogarawa@gmail.com)

What is Education?
o Education is a process of gaining knowledge for
some useful application.
o It involves passing knowledge, skills and values
from one generation to another using mostly
formal ways.

December 23, 2015

Dr. A. B. Dogarawa, ABU, Zaria

Education versus Knowledge

o Education and
synonymously.

knowledge

are

often

used

o Some educationists defined knowledge as the fact

gained from good education. According to this
view, education is the process while knowledge is
the end product.

o In this presentation, education and knowledge are

used interchangeably.

December 23, 2015

Dr. A. B. Dogarawa, ABU, Zaria

Islam and Education

o Islam considers knowledge as the noblest thing that
one can acquire and the best thing a seeker can strive
to attain.
o " :

o :

Dr. A. B. Dogarawa, ABU, Zaria

December 23, 2015

Goal of Education in Islam

o The goal of education in Islam is to provide
a
balanced growth of the total personality of man
through training of the human spirit, intellect, rational
self, feelings and bodily senses. (Hashim, 1996:87).
o Accordingly, Islam does not make distinction between
religious knowledge and knowledge of physical and
material sciences: ..." "

o The bottom line is whether a particular knowledge is

beneficial or not; its level obligation; and need of
individual or society for it.
December 23, 2015

Dr. A. B. Dogarawa, ABU, Zaria

Ruling on Seeking Knowledge [1]

o Seeking knowledge, which a Muslim needs in order to
perform the acts of worship that are binding on him is
an obligation that is compulsory on him (fard yn).
o
[Nahl, 16:43; Anbiyaa, 21:7]

[Muhammad, 47:19]

o

[Tabaraani] o

o However, seeking it to perform what is binding on the

society as a whole is of collective obligation (fardul
kifaayah) [Ibn Abdil-Barr; An-Nawawi; Ibn Taimiyyah].
December 23, 2015

Dr. A. B. Dogarawa, ABU, Zaria

Ruling on Seeking Knowledge [2]

o As for seeking knowledge regarding universal,
physical and material sciences, it is a collective
obligation, which fall under Allahs statement:
o

[Anfaal, 8:60]

o It also fall under the Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh):

[Ibn Maajah; Daar Qutniy] o
o In addition, it is supported by the popular
jurisprudence maxim:
December 23, 2015

Dr. A. B. Dogarawa, ABU, Zaria

]Ruling on Seeking Knowledge [3

, Shaikh Ibn Baaz wrote: o In his book
o ( )


:
.
, Shaikh Muhammad Umar o In his book
Bazmuul wrote:
o
.
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Dr. A. B. Dogarawa, ABU, Zaria

December 23, 2015

Philosophy of Education in Islam

ONTOLOGY

EPISTEMOLOGY
REVEALED/ACQUIRED

AXIOLOGY

December 23, 2015

Dr. A. B. Dogarawa, ABU, Zaria

Islamic Vision of Education [1]

Inculcation
of faith

Islamic
perspective of
education

Moral
education

Physical
education

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Mental
education
Dr. A. B. Dogarawa, ABU, Zaria

Social
education

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Islamic Vision of Education [2]

Scholar
Knowledge &
conduct
Purification & cultivation
December 23, 2015

Dr. A. B. Dogarawa, ABU, Zaria

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Characteristics of Education in Islam [1]

1
Holding tanks with
benefit as the basis

2
Both types
of education

3
Spiritual, moral,
mental, physical
and social
dimension
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4
From cradle to
grave

Dr. A. B. Dogarawa, ABU, Zaria

12

Characteristics of Education in Islam [2]

o These characteristics have enabled Muslims to give
birth to Islamic scholars who also doubled as
leading scientists and inventors of their time.
o Muslim civilization has produced thinkers and
discoverers among its famous sons, including alGhazali, Ibn Sina, Abu Musa al-Khawarizmi, Omar
Khayyam, al-Biruni, al-Farabi, and al-Kindi.

December 23, 2015

Dr. A. B. Dogarawa, ABU, Zaria

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Economic and Social Role of Education

o Education is the means of spiritual and mental
upliftment, engine for civilisation and the most
important factor for economic and social development.
In addition to its spiritual dimension, education:
1) makes people entrepreneurial, independent and adaptable through
increased flexibility in the face of change and difficulties;
2) serves as a gauge for measuring the economic success of a nation;
3) serves as an instrument of social stability and an agent of social change.
4) enlightens people on culture and values, and how to conserve and
transmit it from generation to generation.
5) enhances social skills, greater awareness of human achievement, and an
appreciation for cultural diversity.
December 23, 2015

Dr. A. B. Dogarawa, ABU, Zaria

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Education and Societal Reorientation [1]

o Islam sees education as an instrument of achieving
integrated, balanced development that is consistent
with the tenets of Islam, and producing
knowledgeable and high-principled people who hold
to noble values, and are prepared to serve the
society and take on global challenges.
o Muslims, especially duaats need sound education
and constant guidance to be able to guide people
on the spiritual, moral and social constructs of Islam
and re-orient the society in event of deviation.
December 23, 2015

Dr. A. B. Dogarawa, ABU, Zaria

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Education and Societal Reorientation [2]

o For education to serve as a tool of societal
reorientation, it must be able to provide experiences
in the form of knowledge and relevant skills based
on fundamentals of Islam, develop commitment
towards the basic values prescribed in the religion,
develop sense of accountability towards Allah and
readiness of selfless services geared at community
development.

December 23, 2015

Dr. A. B. Dogarawa, ABU, Zaria

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Using Education for Societal Reorientation

INSTRUCTIONAL STANDARDS

Integrative

Values-based

REVEALED OR ACQUIRED

Meaningful

ACTIVE
December 23, 2015

Dr. A. B. Dogarawa, ABU, Zaria

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Some Quotes on Importance of Education

o Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use
to change the world. Nelson Mandela
o The power of education to transform lives is universal.
Ban Ki-moon
o Education breeds confidence; and confidence breeds
hope. Conficious Chinese Philosopher
o Education is the cornerstones of freedom, democracy and
human development. Kofi Annan
o The function of education is to teach one to think
intensively and to think critically. Martin Luther King JR
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Dr. A. B. Dogarawa, ABU, Zaria

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