Introduction
In the Islamic world, disagreements over modern education typically arise from misunderstandings of how it relates to Islamic principles. A closer look at Islamic history and scholarship reveals that Islam actively promotes knowledge acquisition, despite claims made by some that modern education promotes secular ideals that are incompatible with Islamic values. The Quran and Hadith place a great importance on pursuing knowledge in a variety of fields, including physics, medicine, and mathematics.
Using historical examples of Muslim scholars who incorporated a variety of academic disciplines within an Islamic framework as well as scriptural evidence, this article investigates whether modern education is acceptable in Islam.
1. Islam’s Emphasis on Knowledge and Learning
1.1 The First Revelation: A Command to Read
Islam places a high value on education and intellectual pursuits, as evidenced by the Quran’s first revelation. According to the divine command:
“Read in the name of your Lord, who created. Created man from a clot. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous—Who taught by the pen—Taught man that which he knew not.” (Quran 96:1-5)
This verse makes it clear that every Muslim has a fundamental obligation to pursue knowledge, not just to do so. The reference to the “pen” represents the value of writing, recording, and education, which serve as the cornerstones of intellectual growth. This was further supported by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who said, “Every Muslim has an obligation to seek knowledge” (Ibn-e-Majah, Hadith 224). He also emphasized the high regard for those who seek knowledge when he said, “The scholars are the heirs of the prophets” (Abu Dawood, Hadith 3641). Islam thus affirms education as a divine necessity that is necessary for the advancement of society and the advancement of the soul.
1.2 Knowledge as a Religious Duty
As previously stated, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) stressed that learning is a religious requirement for all Muslims. Since Islam promotes intellectual and scientific progress, this command covers both religious and modern education. “Say, are those who know equal to those who do not know?” (Quran 39:9), is a statement that affirms this idea. emphasizing the learner’s superiority. Furthermore, by saying, “Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for the one who treads a path in search of knowledge,” the Prophet (ﷺ) confirmed the importance of practical knowledge (Muslim, Hadith 2699). Therefore, it is essential to Islamic teachings to pursue education in all fields that are beneficial, such as science, medicine, and the social sciences.
2. The Golden Age of Islam: A Legacy of Learning
2.1 Contributions of Muslim Scholars to Modern Education
Muslim scholars were essential to the preservation, growth, and dissemination of knowledge in a wide range of fields during the Islamic Golden Age (8th–14th century). Their contributions demonstrated Islam’s support for intellectual progress by laying the groundwork for contemporary science, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy. As stated in Quran 58:11, “Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees,” the Quran highlights the importance of knowledge. Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of scholarly contributions when he said, “The best of people are those who bring the most benefit to others” (Musnad-e-Ahmad, Hadith 8799).
Al-Khwarizmi (780–850 CE): The Father of Algebra
Algebra was invented by Al-Khwarizmi, who also introduced methodical solutions to linear and quadratic equations. Modern mathematics is based on his foundational work, Al-Kitab al-Mukhtasar fi Hisab al-Jabr wal-Muqabala.
Ibn Sina (980–1037 CE): The Pioneer of Medicine
The Canon of Medicine, written by Ibn Sina, also called Avicenna, was a standard medical textbook in Europe for centuries. His writings fulfilled the prophetic teaching that “For every disease, there is a cure” (Bukhari, Hadith 5678) and advanced the disciplines of anatomy, pharmacology, and psychology.
Al-Razi (865–925 CE): Advancements in Medical Science
Al-Razi, also known as Rhazes, was a famous doctor who developed novel approaches to smallpox treatment and disease diagnosis. As the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Ask Allah for beneficial knowledge and seek refuge from knowledge that does not benefit” (Ibn-e-Majah, Hadith 3843), his medical research is a prime example of the Islamic principle of seeking beneficial knowledge.
Al-Farabi (872–950 CE): Philosophy and Political Science
Al-Farabi synthesized Greek and Islamic ideas and made significant contributions to political philosophy, ethics, and logic. His views on society and government were consistent with the wisdom principle found in the Quran: “He grants wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good” (Quran 2:269).
Ibn al-Haytham (965–1040 CE): The Father of Optics
Ibn al-Haytham laid the foundation for the creation of the modern camera by transforming the study of optics. His methodical approach to scientific investigation encouraged empirical research and reflected the Quranic command, “Say, observe what is in the heavens and the earth” (Quran 10:101).
These academics dispel the myth that contemporary education runs counter to Islamic teachings by serving as prime examples of Islam’s support for intellectual development and scientific inquiry.
2.2 Islamic Institutions and Modern Universities
Modern universities were greatly influenced by the Islamic world’s establishment of higher education institutions. Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) placed a strong emphasis on education when he said, “When a person dies, their deeds end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them” (Muslim, Hadith 1631). The institutions listed below are prime examples of Islam’s dedication to intellectual advancement:
Al-Qarawiyyin University (Founded in 859 CE, Morocco)
Al-Qarawiyyin is the oldest university in the world to award degrees, having been founded by Fatima al-Fihri. It promoted developments in astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy while acting as a hub for both religious and scientific research. The Islamic idea that knowledge is beneficial to both individuals and society as a whole is consistent with this legacy.
Al-Azhar University (Founded in 970 CE, Egypt)
One of the top universities for both Islamic and modern education is still Al-Azhar. It has demonstrated the balance between religious and modern education by preserving traditional Islamic scholarship while incorporating contemporary sciences.
Bayt al-Hikmah (House of Wisdom, Baghdad)
The House of Wisdom, which was established during the Abbasid era, developed into a significant hub for innovation and translation. By translating Greek, Persian, and Indian texts, Bayt al-Hikmah scholars contributed to the advancement of world knowledge.
This endeavor reflected the Prophet’s command: “Wisdom is the lost property of the believer; wherever they find it, they are most deserving of it” (Tirmidhi, Hadith 2687).
These establishments demonstrated that Islam has always encouraged the quest for knowledge and intellectual advancement by laying the foundation for the contemporary university system.
3. The Islamic Perspective on Modern Education
3.1 Differentiating Between Beneficial and Harmful Knowledge
Islam warns against knowledge that causes harm or moral decay while encouraging the pursuit of all knowledge that advances humanity.
“O Allah!” prayed the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). I run to You for safety from useless knowledge.” (Muslim, Hadith 2722), highlighting the difference between knowledge that is beneficial and knowledge that is detrimental.
The Quran emphasizes the value of lifelong learning by saying, “And say, My Lord, increase me in knowledge” (Quran 20:114). Therefore, as long as it is in line with moral standards and benefits society, modern education is not only acceptable but also encouraged in Islam.
3.2 The Role of Ijtihad in Adapting to New Knowledge
Ijtihad or independent reasoning, is made possible by Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) to tackle novel issues, such as improvements in education. As stated in Quran 29:69, “And those who strive for Us—We will surely guide them to Our ways,” the Quran promotes intellectual pursuits. Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) highlighted flexibility when he said, “A judge who exercises Ijtihad and is correct receives two rewards; if he errs, he still receives one reward” (Bukhari, Hadith 7352).
Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab: Emphasis on Practical Knowledge
In order to govern the growing Muslim empire, Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab actively encouraged the study of administrative, economic, and scientific methods. His rule reflected the idea that knowledge is necessary for leadership, which is consistent with the above-mentioned Quranic verse: “And say, My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” As a result, the adaptability of Islamic jurisprudence encourages the integration of modern education, guaranteeing advancement while maintaining its foundation in Islamic principles.
4. Misconceptions About Modern Education in Islam
4.1 Myth: Modern Education is Anti-Islamic
Some argue that modern education leads to Westernization and a loss of Islamic identity. However, many modern subjects, including physics, economics, and biology, are in line with Islamic teachings. Islam forbids knowledge that promotes immorality, atheism, or unethical behaviour.
4.2 Myth: Only Religious Knowledge is Required
Islam does not restrict education to religious studies alone, even though religious knowledge is crucial. Learning skills that would benefit society, such as trade, medicine, and governance, was encouraged by the Prophet (ﷺ).
For instance, the Prophet (ﷺ) granted freedom to those who taught ten Muslims to read and write after the Muslims captured prisoners following the Battle of Badr. This demonstrates that the Prophet valued education even during wartime.
4.3 Myth: Women Should Not Receive Modern Education
Examples of educated Muslim women who made substantial contributions to the fields of scholarship and religion abound in Islamic history. “Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees” (Quran 58:11) highlights the importance of knowledge acquisition for both men and women. This was further supported by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who affirmed women’s right to education by saying, “Do not prevent the female slaves of Allah from attending the mosques of Allah” (Muslim, Hadith 442).
Aisha bint Abu Bakr (RA) – Scholar and Teacher of Hadith
One of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) most learnt companions, Aisha (RA), was a distinguished scholar who passed on her knowledge to many of her fellow companions and subsequent generations. Her extensive expertise in medicine, jurisprudence, and Hadith shows how important women’s education is to Islamic principles.
As long as it is in line with Islamic ethics and values, this precedent confirms that women can pursue both religious and modren education.
5. The Need for Modern Education in the Muslim World
5.1 Economic and Technological Progress
Muslim-majority nations must aggressively adopt modern education if they hope to advance in science, technology, and economics. The statement “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves” (Quran 13:11) highlights the importance of intellectual development in the Quran. Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of gaining useful knowledge when he said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim” (Ibn-e-Majah, Hadith 224). Despite Islam’s promotion of lifelong learning and progress, Muslim societies run the risk of lagging behind in global development if they don’t make strides in innovation and education.
5.2 Strengthening the Muslim Ummah
Through improvements in governance, engineering, medicine, and law, a well-educated Muslim community makes a substantial contribution to the Ummah’s advancement. According to Quran 58:11, “Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees,” underscoring the importance of knowledge. In support of this, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “The superiority of a scholar over a worshipper is like that of the moon over all other stars” (Abu Dawood, Hadith 3641).
The Ottoman Empire: A Legacy of Knowledge
By combining Islamic and modern sciences, the Ottomans founded establishments like the Enderun(Boarding) Schools and Madrasas. According to the Quranic principle, “Say, travel through the land and observe how He began creation,” (Quran 29:20), their developments in architecture and medicine showed how faith and reason could coexist.
The Mughal Empire – Patronage of Education
The Mughals encouraged scholarship in Persian, Arabic, and Sanskrit and funded educational establishments such as Dar-ul-Baqa. The Islamic concept of justice: “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice” (Quran 4:58), was reflected in their legal and administrative reforms.
Islam’s emphasis on intellectual and societal advancement is reinforced by the success of these empires, which demonstrate how a civilization is strengthened when it embraces both religious and modern education.
5.3 Implementing an Islamic Model of Modern Education
Muslims should incorporate contemporary education with Islamic principles rather than reject it by:
-
- Establishing Islamic schools and universities that teach both modern and religious subjects.
-
- Promoting Halal science and technology, such as Islamic banking, medicine, and artificial intelligence.
-
- Encouraging Muslim scientists, doctors, and scholars to contribute to the global academic community.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Education
Islam encourages all forms of useful knowledge rather than opposing modern education. Islamic history demonstrates that pursuing knowledge is a divine obligation, as evidenced by the Quran’s injunction to “Read” and the contributions made by Muslim scholars in the fields of medicine, mathematics, and astronomy.
Whether or not modern education is acceptable is not the issue facing Muslims today; rather, it is how to incorporate it with Islamic principles. Muslims can make a positive impact on the world while staying true to their faith by embracing both religious and modern education.
As the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.” (Bukhari 5027)
This Hadith promotes a lifetime of learning that is advantageous to both individuals and society at large, so it does not discount contemporary education.
Modern education is therefore not only acceptable in Islam but also essential to the advancement and rebirth of the Muslim Ummah.
