Islamic Education Talk

[Source courtesy of Muhammadiyah Sg]



AlhamdulilLah, had the opportunity to sit in and listen to yet another inspiring talk by Sheikh Abdul Halim Abdul Karim. The key notes covered, among many essential points, include the importance of clarity in definitions as this aspect is the foundation on which we operationalise our deeds.

In Islam, Muslims are to speak a common language, which is rightly the case, as we have our own Worldview, identity, mindset, etc. Hence to get the concepts right on the onset is wajib (compulsory) and should not be taken lightly so as to avoid confusion and misunderstanding within the Ummah.

More importantly, not to unwittingly adopt concepts and worldview of the West and apply them in Islamic education, which is the current situation we are observing in our Ummah...may Allah SWT open all doors of hidayah for educators in Islam to take the time to analyse, evaluate, discern (recall the significance of 'iqra') between what is haq (true) and what is bathil (false), insya Allah amin Allahuma amin!

Truly all 'ilm belongs to Allah 'Azza wa Jalla. As seekers of knowledge, we are to have the right adab (recall Ta'lim Muta'alim) and a solid Tauhidic paradigm, which includes Tasawwur Islam (Worldview of Islam) i.e. the ability to filter and reject teachings that do not comply with our faith before studying it in great detail the philosophy of all fields or subject matter in order of priority - Fardh Ayn then Fardh Kifayah.

Let me end the post with a hadith by RasululLah SAW, "Addabaniy Rabbi, Fa-ahsani Ta'dibiy" (My Lord educated me and make it excellent)... May Allah SWT guide us to the right and true knowledge that will benefit us in this world and in the Hereafter, insya Allah aamiin ya Rabb! :) 

Afternote: Who is our khalifah who is supposed to identify the required 'ilm in Fardh Kifayah (and if this beloved khalifah of our Ummah) is doing so? Truly, (Unto them, O Muhammad): Are those who know equal with those who know not? But only men of understanding will pay heed. [QS az-Zumar: 39: 9]