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Muslim Obligations
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Topic starter
03/04/2025 4:30 am
In Islam, education is considered a fundamental obligation for every Muslim, both male and female. The emphasis on seeking knowledge is deeply rooted in the Qur’an and Hadith, highlighting its importance for personal development, societal progress, and spiritual growth.
Islam mandates that every Muslim must learn the basics of their faith, such as the fundamentals of Tawheed (oneness of Allah), how to pray, and how to fulfill other obligations (Fard ‘Ayn). Failing to acquire this knowledge can lead to sinful actions due to ignorance.
Worldly knowledge, such as medicine, engineering, and other sciences that benefit society, is considered a collective obligation (Fard Kifayah) in Islam. If no one in the community acquires such knowledge, the entire community bears the sin.
Obligation
The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes the value of knowledge and encourages believers to seek it:
“Read in the name of your Lord who created.”
(Surah Al-‘Alaq 96:1)
This was the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), underscoring the central role of education in Islam.
“Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?'”
(Surah Az-Zumar 39:9)
This verse highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge.
Certain fields of education, such as medicine, engineering, or teaching, are considered a collective obligation (Fard Kifayah). If a sufficient number of Muslims fulfill these roles, the community is absolved of sin; otherwise, the entire community bears the burden.
Punishment
- Muslims: Historically excelled in education but face modern challenges like underfunding, instability, and socio-cultural barriers.
- Non-Muslims: Lead in global education, research, and innovation due to robust systems and investments.
“And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart – about all those [one] will be questioned.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:36)
This implies that ignorance is not an excuse when one has the means to learn.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever relieves a believer’s distress of the distressful aspects of this world, Allah will rescue him from a difficulty of the difficulties of the Hereafter.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2699)
Neglecting beneficial knowledge harms the community by depriving it of critical skills needed to alleviate distress, making everyone culpable.
Reward
In Islam, seeking knowledge is one of the most virtuous acts, with immense rewards both in this world and the Hereafter. Learning is not merely an intellectual pursuit but an act of worship that brings the seeker closer to Allah.
- Spiritual Rewards:
- Path to Paradise.
- Elevation in ranks by Allah.
- Worldly Benefits:
- Blessings in life, honor, and respect.
- Afterlife Rewards:
- Continuous reward for beneficial knowledge.
- Personal Growth:
- Mental clarity, spiritual growth, and protection from sin.
By seeking knowledge with sincerity and acting upon it, a Muslim fulfills a core obligation, benefits society, and earns the love and pleasure of Allah.
Influence of Non-Muslims In Education
During the Islamic Golden Age (8th-14th centuries), Muslim scholars excelled in various fields of knowledge, contributing significantly to science, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy.
Early universities like Al-Qarawiyyin (Morocco), Al-Azhar (Egypt), and Bayt al-Hikmah (Baghdad) were centers of learning, attracting scholars worldwide.
In late 18th century (1800’s), Western nations began to dominate education and science, spurred by the printing press, the Enlightenment, and industrialization.
Countries like the USA, UK, Germany, and Japan are leaders in higher education and innovation.
