Towards Becoming Muslims Challenges

Brief presentation by:Brief presentation by:
Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj IsmailUstaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail
2323rdrd
May 2009May 2009
Wisma Indah, level#2Wisma Indah, level#2
Masjid Kassim AnnexMasjid Kassim Annex
448 Changi Road448 Changi Road
AllRightsReserved©Zhulkeflee2005
CONTINUATION OF SERIES:CONTINUATION OF SERIES:
““Towards becomingTowards becoming
Muslims - and itsMuslims - and its
challenges.”challenges.”
- preliminary reflections :- preliminary reflections : PART 3PART 3

“O you who have attained to faith!
Be conscious of God with all the consciousness
that is due to Him, and do not allow death to
overtake you ere you have surrendered
yourselves unto Him (Muslimun).”
(Qur’an: Surah Aali Imran: 3: 102)

“O you who have attained to faith!
Ward off from yourselves and those who are close to
you that fire (of the Hereafter) whose fuel is
human beings and stones, [lording] over it are
angelic powers awesome [and] severe, who do
not disobey Allah in whatever He has commanded
them, but [always] do what they are bidden to
do.”
(Qur’an: Surah at-Tahrim: 66: 6)

Say: ”Behold, my prayer, and [all] my acts of
worship, my living and my dying are for God
[alone], the Sustainer of all the worlds, in
whose divinity none has a share: for thus have
I been bidden – and I shall [always] be
foremost among those who surrender
themselves to Him (Muslimeen).”
(Qur’an: Surah al-An’am:6:162)

“For, if any one goes in search of a religion other
than al-Islam (self-surrender and submission to
Allah), it will never be accepted from him, and
in the life to come he shall be among the lost.”
(Qur’an: Surah Aali Imran: 3: 85)

““Every child is born in a state ofEvery child is born in a state of
Fitrah (pure innocence);Fitrah (pure innocence);
it is the parent that will make himit is the parent that will make him
to be a Jew, or a Christian,to be a Jew, or a Christian,
or a pagan (Majusi).”or a pagan (Majusi).”
((Hadith of Prophet Muhammad s.a.wHadith of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.).)

““Open (speak or when starting to teach inOpen (speak or when starting to teach in
the beginning, recite) upon your childrenthe beginning, recite) upon your children
the words, ‘the words, ‘LAA-ILAA-HA- IL-LALLAAHLAA-ILAA-HA- IL-LALLAAH’ –’ –
There is no god except Allah.”There is no god except Allah.”
((Hadith reported by al-HakimHadith reported by al-Hakim))

““Educate (nurture) your children upon three things:Educate (nurture) your children upon three things:
 To Love your Prophet (s.a.w.),To Love your Prophet (s.a.w.),
 And to love the Family members of his household,And to love the Family members of his household,
andand
 learn to recite Al-Qur’an.”learn to recite Al-Qur’an.”
((Hadith narrated by ThabraniHadith narrated by Thabrani))

““Teach your children to obey Allah, and make themTeach your children to obey Allah, and make them
to be mindful (fear to ever) being disobedientto be mindful (fear to ever) being disobedient
towards Allah, instruct them to carry out thetowards Allah, instruct them to carry out the
commandments, and to abstain from thecommandments, and to abstain from the
forbidden, because this will preserve them and youforbidden, because this will preserve them and you
from the Hell-fire.”from the Hell-fire.”
((Hadith narrated by Ibn AbbasHadith narrated by Ibn Abbas))

We bestowed (in the past) wisdom on Luqman: "ShowWe bestowed (in the past) wisdom on Luqman: "Show
(thy) gratitude to Allah." Any who is (so) grateful does so(thy) gratitude to Allah." Any who is (so) grateful does so
to the profit of his own soul: but if any is ungrateful verilyto the profit of his own soul: but if any is ungrateful verily
Allah is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.Allah is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.
((Surah Luqman: 31:12Surah Luqman: 31:12))

Behold, Luqman said to his son admonishing him:Behold, Luqman said to his son admonishing him:
"O my son! Join not in worship (others) with Allah:"O my son! Join not in worship (others) with Allah:
for false worship is indeed the highest (greatest)for false worship is indeed the highest (greatest)
wrong-doing."wrong-doing."

And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents:And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents:
in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in yearsin travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years
twain was his weaning: (hear the command) "Showtwain was his weaning: (hear the command) "Show
gratitude to Me and to thy parents: to Me is (thy final)gratitude to Me and to thy parents: to Me is (thy final)
Goal.Goal.

"But if they strive to make the join in worship with Me"But if they strive to make the join in worship with Me
things of which thou hast no knowledge obey them not;things of which thou hast no knowledge obey them not;
Yet bear them company in this life with justice (andYet bear them company in this life with justice (and
consideration) and follow the way of those who turn toconsideration) and follow the way of those who turn to
Me (in love): in the End the return of you all is to Me, and IMe (in love): in the End the return of you all is to Me, and I
will tell you the truth (and meaning) of all that ye did."will tell you the truth (and meaning) of all that ye did."

"O my son!" (said Luqman) "If there be (but) the weight of a"O my son!" (said Luqman) "If there be (but) the weight of a
mustard-seed and it were (hidden) in a rock, or (anywhere)mustard-seed and it were (hidden) in a rock, or (anywhere)
in the heavens or on earth, Allah will bring it forth: forin the heavens or on earth, Allah will bring it forth: for
Allah understands the finer mysteries, (and) is well-Allah understands the finer mysteries, (and) is well-
acquainted (with them).acquainted (with them).

"O my son! Establish regular prayer ("O my son! Establish regular prayer (as-Swolahas-Swolah),),
enjoin what is just, and forbid what is wrong: andenjoin what is just, and forbid what is wrong: and
bear with patient constancy whatever betide thee;bear with patient constancy whatever betide thee;
for this is firmness (of purpose) in (the conduct of)for this is firmness (of purpose) in (the conduct of)
affairs. ”affairs. ”

"And swell not thy cheek (for pride) at men nor walk"And swell not thy cheek (for pride) at men nor walk
in insolence through the earth; for Allah loveth notin insolence through the earth; for Allah loveth not
any arrogant boaster. “any arrogant boaster. “

"And be moderate in thy pace, and lower thy voice;"And be moderate in thy pace, and lower thy voice;
for the harshest of sounds without doubt is thefor the harshest of sounds without doubt is the
braying of the ass."braying of the ass."

INFANTINFANT
PRE-SCHOOLPRE-SCHOOL
Parents may alreadyParents may already
provide nurturing inprovide nurturing in
accordance with Islamicaccordance with Islamic
traditions. Yet althoughtraditions. Yet although
much time spentmuch time spent
confined at home, weconfined at home, we
must also become awaremust also become aware
of strong influencesof strong influences
through exposures of thethrough exposures of the
mass media and ourmass media and our
family lifestyle andfamily lifestyle and
parental behavior.parental behavior.

SCHOOLING PERIODSCHOOLING PERIOD
EXPOSURE TOEXPOSURE TO
TODAY’S “TEENSTODAY’S “TEENS
SUB-CULTURE”SUB-CULTURE”
Although some basicAlthough some basic
knowledge of Islam mayknowledge of Islam may
have been provided, yethave been provided, yet
when they sent the childrenwhen they sent the children
to formal school, stressto formal school, stress
towards “towards “academicacademic
excellenceexcellence” only and tend to” only and tend to
neglect the “neglect the “Aqidah-micAqidah-mic””
element in their educationelement in their education
which must continuously bewhich must continuously be
complimented in tandemcomplimented in tandem
with their developmentwith their development
while in and throughoutwhile in and throughout
their schooling age.their schooling age.

FURTHERFURTHER
EXPOSURE TOEXPOSURE TO
TODAY’S “TEENSTODAY’S “TEENS
SUB-CULTURE”SUB-CULTURE”
With lesser contact-time atWith lesser contact-time at
home, and inadequatehome, and inadequate
mentoring & monitoringmentoring & monitoring
Islamically by parents, theirIslamically by parents, their
education becomeseducation becomes
““secularizedsecularized”; children may”; children may
be left to peers and mediabe left to peers and media
influences. Islamic valuesinfluences. Islamic values
may began to be subsumedmay began to be subsumed
by negative trends and sub-by negative trends and sub-
cultures opposed to Islam.cultures opposed to Islam.
Some may begin to haveSome may begin to have
doubts about Islam or evendoubts about Islam or even
loose their Muslim identity.loose their Muslim identity.

COLLEGE &COLLEGE &
VARSITY –VARSITY –
NATIONAL SERVICENATIONAL SERVICE
/ TASTE OF/ TASTE OF
WORKING LIFEWORKING LIFE
At this level, our young mayAt this level, our young may
become more independentbecome more independent
(less attached to family(less attached to family
influence); their idealisminfluence); their idealism
may lead them to ‘try out’,may lead them to ‘try out’,
to adapt and adopt valuesto adapt and adopt values
alien to Islam itself.alien to Islam itself.
Serious crisis of identitySerious crisis of identity
usually occur at this stage –usually occur at this stage –
usually when they becomeusually when they become
‘worldly-wise’ but‘worldly-wise’ but
unfortunately theirunfortunately their
knowledge of Islamknowledge of Islam
stagnates at “stagnates at “kindergartenkindergarten
or primaryor primary” level.” level.

Is part-time IslamicIs part-time Islamic
classes adequate?classes adequate?
NoNo, if approach to learning, if approach to learning
Islam merely as subjects toIslam merely as subjects to
be learnt rather than abe learnt rather than a
lifestyle and characterlifestyle and character
building.building.
NoNo, if parents merely, if parents merely
delegate tasks to teachersdelegate tasks to teachers
without they themselveswithout they themselves
participating in child’s holisticparticipating in child’s holistic
development, and providingdevelopment, and providing
good role models.good role models.

Is part-time IslamicIs part-time Islamic
classes adequate?classes adequate?
NoNo, when learning does not, when learning does not
conform to its systematicconform to its systematic
ways according to tradition –ways according to tradition –
fardh ‘aynfardh ‘ayn beforebefore kifaayahkifaayah;;
and to begin with eclecticand to begin with eclectic
before specializationbefore specialization
NoNo, when their identity as, when their identity as
Muslims allowed to beMuslims allowed to be
eroded by other values anderoded by other values and
““idolsidols” as role models.”” as role models.”

Is Islamic educationIs Islamic education
achieved byachieved by
integratingintegrating
knowledge?knowledge?
Mere integration (formal school withMere integration (formal school with
Islamic class) does not make it anIslamic class) does not make it an
Islamic education.Islamic education.

It is only when the dominant worldview,It is only when the dominant worldview,
approach and philosophy for their education isapproach and philosophy for their education is
that of Islam; and the conscious objective is ofthat of Islam; and the conscious objective is of
moulding an Islamic identity becomes themoulding an Islamic identity becomes the
primary concern.primary concern.

That it must proactively equip them to discernThat it must proactively equip them to discern
between ‘between ‘haqqhaqq’ (truth) and ‘’ (truth) and ‘baatilbaatil’ (falsehood);’ (falsehood);
between ‘between ‘hasanathasanat’ (goodness) and ‘’ (goodness) and ‘sai-yi’atsai-yi’at’’
(evil) etc. when learning from other systems.(evil) etc. when learning from other systems.

That the three primary ‘Tawhidic’That the three primary ‘Tawhidic’
development ofdevelopment of iimaniiman,, ‘amal‘amal andand ihsanihsan
(paradigm) continues to be nurtured.(paradigm) continues to be nurtured.
WHAT IS THISWHAT IS THIS
TAUHIDIC PARADIGM?TAUHIDIC PARADIGM?

‘‘ILM TAUHIID - ‘AQIDAHILM TAUHIID - ‘AQIDAH
(Creed or Theology)(Creed or Theology)

Purpose / ObjectivePurpose / Objective
Development of Certainty (Belief)Development of Certainty (Belief)
Awareness of Reality / TruthAwareness of Reality / Truth
Develop discernment between Truth & Falsehood,Develop discernment between Truth & Falsehood,
What is involvedWhat is involved??
‘‘Aql - (proper use of Reason / Intellect)Aql - (proper use of Reason / Intellect)
Fitrah - Instincts & innate feeling (perception)Fitrah - Instincts & innate feeling (perception)
Tauqifiy – Revelations & reliable traditionsTauqifiy – Revelations & reliable traditions
What is the EffectWhat is the Effect??
To develop firm conviction, strong principle,To develop firm conviction, strong principle,
Commitment to concept of Unity & Justice of AllahCommitment to concept of Unity & Justice of Allah
(Tauhiid); knowing the true purpose, role and Destiny of Man.(Tauhiid); knowing the true purpose, role and Destiny of Man.
Extracted from “Beginners’ Manual on Islam”Extracted from “Beginners’ Manual on Islam”
By Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail -PERGAS (pg 154)By Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail -PERGAS (pg 154)
Tauhiidic paradigmTauhiidic paradigm

‘‘ILM TAUHIID - ‘AQIDAHILM TAUHIID - ‘AQIDAH
(Creed or Theology)(Creed or Theology)

Development of Certainty (Belief)Development of Certainty (Belief)
Awareness of Reality / TruthAwareness of Reality / Truth
Develop discernment between Truth & Falsehood,Develop discernment between Truth & Falsehood,
‘‘Aql - (proper use of Reason / Intellect)Aql - (proper use of Reason / Intellect)
Fitrah - Instincts & innate feeling (perception)Fitrah - Instincts & innate feeling (perception)
Tauqifiy – Revelations & reliable traditionsTauqifiy – Revelations & reliable traditions
To develop firm conviction, strong principle,To develop firm conviction, strong principle,
Commitment to concept of Unity & Justice of AllahCommitment to concept of Unity & Justice of Allah
(Tauhiid); knowing the true purpose, role and Destiny of Man.(Tauhiid); knowing the true purpose, role and Destiny of Man.
RELEVANT COMPLEMENTARYRELEVANT COMPLEMENTARY
KNOWLEDGE:KNOWLEDGE:
Languages, Logic & philosophy,Languages, Logic & philosophy,
Epistemology, Biology, Botany,Epistemology, Biology, Botany,
Chemistry, Physical sciences,Chemistry, Physical sciences,
Astronomy, Geology, History,Astronomy, Geology, History,
Anthropology, Marine & Space,Anthropology, Marine & Space,
Etc.Etc.

‘‘ILM FIQHILM FIQH
(Practical Laws for life;(Practical Laws for life;
Learning of the Shari’ah)Learning of the Shari’ah)

Development of Correct Practices;Development of Correct Practices;
Submission & Obedience to Will of Allah (Islam)Submission & Obedience to Will of Allah (Islam)
Knowing the law, rules as Guidance to every aspect of lifeKnowing the law, rules as Guidance to every aspect of life
Capability to implementing them in lifeCapability to implementing them in life
To develop a community of people,To develop a community of people,
Inviting to what is goodInviting to what is good
Enjoining what is right, and forbidding evil,Enjoining what is right, and forbidding evil,
Advocating the fulfilment of AMANAH (Trust)Advocating the fulfilment of AMANAH (Trust)
As Allah’s Khalifah (vicegerent),As Allah’s Khalifah (vicegerent),
Establishing the Brotherhood of Man inEstablishing the Brotherhood of Man in
The servitude of One God.The servitude of One God.


BROAD EXTENT OF TOPICS COVERED IN FIQHBROAD EXTENT OF TOPICS COVERED IN FIQH
‘‘ibadahibadah (personal devotion / worship)(personal devotion / worship)
MuamalahMuamalah (social transaction)(social transaction)
MunakahahMunakahah (Marriage & family)(Marriage & family)
Irth / fara’idIrth / fara’id (Distribution of wealth)(Distribution of wealth)
JinayahJinayah (crimes & punishment)(crimes & punishment)
Qoda’iyahQoda’iyah (judiciary)(judiciary)
jihadjihad (struggle in war & peace)(struggle in war & peace)
imarahimarah (Leadership/government)(Leadership/government)


BROAD EXTENT COVERED IN FIQHBROAD EXTENT COVERED IN FIQH
‘‘ibadahibadah (personal devotion)(personal devotion)
MuamalahMuamalah (social transaction)(social transaction)
MunakahahMunakahah (Marriage & family)(Marriage & family)
Irth / fara’idIrth / fara’id (Distribution of wealth)(Distribution of wealth)
JinayahJinayah (crimes & punishment)(crimes & punishment)
Qoda’iyahQoda’iyah (judiciary)(judiciary)
jihadjihad (struggle in war & peace)(struggle in war & peace)
imarahimarah (Leadership/government)(Leadership/government)
RELEVANT COMPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE:RELEVANT COMPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE:
All applied sciences, technologyAll applied sciences, technology
and skills, knowledge of economics, politics,and skills, knowledge of economics, politics,
social & administrativesocial & administrative
sciences etc. that can assist in thesciences etc. that can assist in the
fulfilment of establishing justice, order, peace,fulfilment of establishing justice, order, peace,
harmony, prosperity, physicalharmony, prosperity, physical
with moral progress, and the well-beingwith moral progress, and the well-being
of Man & society, etc.of Man & society, etc.

‘‘ILM AKHLAQ / TASAWWUF / IRFANILM AKHLAQ / TASAWWUF / IRFAN
(Science of human Disposition/ Sufism)(Science of human Disposition/ Sufism)

Development of Righteous PersonalityDevelopment of Righteous Personality
Purification/perfection of the SelfPurification/perfection of the Self
Reforming or purification of the Self (Nafs)Reforming or purification of the Self (Nafs)
Best behaviour in relationship with Allah,Best behaviour in relationship with Allah,
within oneself, and with others.within oneself, and with others.
Knowledge of Self and of Allah (Gnosis)Knowledge of Self and of Allah (Gnosis)
Development of Most noble personality traitsDevelopment of Most noble personality traits
Founded on Love of Allah, of all His prophets [Founded on Love of Allah, of all His prophets [NabiyyinNabiyyin]]
especially the Seal of Prophethood Muhammad s.a.w.,especially the Seal of Prophethood Muhammad s.a.w.,
his Household [his Household [itrahitrah oror Ahlul-bayti wa Aali -RasulAhlul-bayti wa Aali -Rasul] and loyal Companions [As] and loyal Companions [Ashaab]haab],,
In fellowship with the Truthful [In fellowship with the Truthful [siddiqqinsiddiqqin], the Witnesses & martyrs [], the Witnesses & martyrs [shuhadashuhada] and the] and the
Righteous servants of Allah [Righteous servants of Allah [SolihinSolihin]; Striving to purify the Self (]; Striving to purify the Self (NafsNafs) and) and
adorning it with the Exalted Moral traits of Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.adorning it with the Exalted Moral traits of Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
(The Perfected Man – “(The Perfected Man – “Insan Kaamil”)Insan Kaamil”)

‘‘ILM AKHLAQ / TASAWWUF / IRFANILM AKHLAQ / TASAWWUF / IRFAN
(Science of human Disposition/ Sufism)(Science of human Disposition/ Sufism)

Development of Righteous PersonalityDevelopment of Righteous Personality
Purification/perfection of the SelfPurification/perfection of the Self
Reforming or purification of the Self (Nafs)Reforming or purification of the Self (Nafs)
Best behaviour in relationship with Allah,Best behaviour in relationship with Allah,
within oneself, and with others.within oneself, and with others.
Knowledge of Self and of Allah (Gnosis)Knowledge of Self and of Allah (Gnosis)
Development of Most noble personality traitsDevelopment of Most noble personality traits
Founded on Love of Allah, of all His prophets [Founded on Love of Allah, of all His prophets [NabiyyinNabiyyin]]
especially the Seal of Prophethood Muhammad s.a.w.,especially the Seal of Prophethood Muhammad s.a.w.,
his Household [his Household [itrahitrah oror Ahlul-bayti wa Aali RasulAhlul-bayti wa Aali Rasul] and loyal Companions [As] and loyal Companions [Ashaab]haab],,
In fellowship with the Truthful [In fellowship with the Truthful [siddiqqinsiddiqqin], the Witnesses & martyrs [], the Witnesses & martyrs [shuhadashuhada] and the] and the
Righteous servants of Allah [Righteous servants of Allah [SolihinSolihin]; Striving to purify the Self (]; Striving to purify the Self (NafsNafs) and) and
adorning it with the Exalted Moral traits of Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.adorning it with the Exalted Moral traits of Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
(The Perfected Man – “(The Perfected Man – “Insan Kaamil”)Insan Kaamil”)
RELEVANT COMPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE:RELEVANT COMPLEMENTARY KNOWLEDGE:
This aspect of development requiresThis aspect of development requires
practical behaviour, the aspect of beingpractical behaviour, the aspect of being
and becoming. Its area of developmentand becoming. Its area of development
is the inner Self, the ‘human psyche’ oris the inner Self, the ‘human psyche’ or
the state of the Soul reflected in histhe state of the Soul reflected in his
Disposition (Disposition (AkhlaqAkhlaq). Therefore, the close). Therefore, the close
equivalent may perhaps be ‘human’ psychology,equivalent may perhaps be ‘human’ psychology,
behavioural sciences, manners & discipline, etc.behavioural sciences, manners & discipline, etc.

One of the recommended readings One of the recommended readings ““IslamIslam
and the Plight of Modern Manand the Plight of Modern Man”” ::

Dilemma of the Present-Dilemma of the Present-
day Muslim…….day Muslim…….
“…One can find in the Islamic world today a full spectrum of people
ranging from purely traditional elements, through those who are
caught between traditional values and modernism, to the blatant
modernists who nevertheless still move within the Islamic orbit, and
finally to the few who no longer consider themselves to belong to the
Islamic universe at all.”
(Prof. Seyyed Hossein Nasr in book “(Prof. Seyyed Hossein Nasr in book “Islam and the Plight of Modern ManIslam and the Plight of Modern Man””
published by Longman)published by Longman)
* I have underlined passage to highlight four types or categories of Muslims he has identified* I have underlined passage to highlight four types or categories of Muslims he has identified

 WHAT IS THE ULTIMATEWHAT IS THE ULTIMATE
 AIM & OBJECTIVE OF A MUSLIM’SAIM & OBJECTIVE OF A MUSLIM’S
EDUCATION THAT WE HOPEEDUCATION THAT WE HOPE
FOR OURYOUNG?FOR OURYOUNG?
 WHAT KIND OF CURRICULUM ANDWHAT KIND OF CURRICULUM AND
PROGRAM CAN WE INSTILL TOPROGRAM CAN WE INSTILL TO
COMPLEMENT THE CURRENTCOMPLEMENT THE CURRENT
SYSTEM WHICH WE NOW HAVE TOSYSTEM WHICH WE NOW HAVE TO
FACE AND ADAPT – ANDYET TOFACE AND ADAPT – ANDYET TO
REMAIN TRULY MUSLIM?REMAIN TRULY MUSLIM?

 PERHAPS WE AS MUSLIMPERHAPS WE AS MUSLIM
PARENTS AND EDUCATORSPARENTS AND EDUCATORS
SHOULD SERIOUSLYSHOULD SERIOUSLY
UNDERTAKE AUNDERTAKE A
RE-APPRAISALRE-APPRAISAL
OR EVENOR EVEN
 RE-LEARNING OURSELVES ONRE-LEARNING OURSELVES ON
WHAT ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVEWHAT ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE
ON EDUCATION SHOULD BE.ON EDUCATION SHOULD BE.

Another important & highly recommended Another important & highly recommended
readings on this issue: readings on this issue:
““The Educational PhilosophyThe Educational Philosophy
& Practice of Syed& Practice of Syed
Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas”Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas” ::

Knowing the problem.Knowing the problem.
““Acknowledging the problem is half the solution!” We have lamentedAcknowledging the problem is half the solution!” We have lamented
how Muslims today are backward in many areas and that only throughhow Muslims today are backward in many areas and that only through
education we can hope to extricate ourselves from this predicament.education we can hope to extricate ourselves from this predicament.
Many suggestions are offered, but unless we can identify correctly theMany suggestions are offered, but unless we can identify correctly the
problem, whatever solutions offered may be misplaced, irrelevant andproblem, whatever solutions offered may be misplaced, irrelevant and
sometimes may even add to further confusion.”sometimes may even add to further confusion.”

Understanding terms commonly used inUnderstanding terms commonly used in
Muslims Education.Muslims Education.
There are already many terms in Islamic perspective (mostly Arabic)There are already many terms in Islamic perspective (mostly Arabic)
which Muslims are familiar with, yet what it really means is notwhich Muslims are familiar with, yet what it really means is not
adequately understood. We should revisit and perhaps begin to learnadequately understood. We should revisit and perhaps begin to learn
the profoundness of our Islamic heritage in the learning culture. Andthe profoundness of our Islamic heritage in the learning culture. And
from these we could perhaps discern the inadequacy of what ourfrom these we could perhaps discern the inadequacy of what our
children currently are being exposed to and begin to do somethingchildren currently are being exposed to and begin to do something
about it.about it.

Philosophy of Education.Philosophy of Education.
““Knowledge (and education) is never neutral”Knowledge (and education) is never neutral”
• It always has an underlying basis or a philosophy stemming from aIt always has an underlying basis or a philosophy stemming from a
certain worldview. Is our understanding of it relevant to Islam? Thus ascertain worldview. Is our understanding of it relevant to Islam? Thus as
Muslims, we need to check our understanding of this from our ownMuslims, we need to check our understanding of this from our own
perspective as Muslims.perspective as Muslims.
Are we familiar with the Islamic terms “Are we familiar with the Islamic terms “tarbiyyahtarbiyyah,, ta’lim, ta’dibta’lim, ta’dib,, irshadirshad,,
tadristadris” ?” ?

Secularism and Islamization - What is it allSecularism and Islamization - What is it all
about?about?
““Secularism” and “Islamization” have been mentioned by many people.Secularism” and “Islamization” have been mentioned by many people.
Yet what do they actually mean? What is their significance for Muslim inYet what do they actually mean? What is their significance for Muslim in
this contemporary age where some people regard as imminently comingthis contemporary age where some people regard as imminently coming
close to a “clash of civilizations”?close to a “clash of civilizations”?
Yet, Muslims have encountered other civilizations successfully in the past.Yet, Muslims have encountered other civilizations successfully in the past.
What principles did our forebears apply so successfully in theirWhat principles did our forebears apply so successfully in their
education?education?

AdabAdab (etiquette) in Education.(etiquette) in Education.
In Islam, “In Islam, “AdabAdab” is synonymous to the concept of justice” is synonymous to the concept of justice
and has become the basis for a Muslim’s developmentand has become the basis for a Muslim’s development
and education. Yet today, Muslims may have lost sight ofand education. Yet today, Muslims may have lost sight of
this important element when approaching education.this important element when approaching education.
What isWhat is AdabAdab? And why is it so important? And what is? And why is it so important? And what is
thethe AdabAdab for Muslims as students and as educators?for Muslims as students and as educators?

Prof. Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas identifies “Confusion in
knowledge amongst Muslims” as the main problem.
This confusion leads to the Loss of ADAB :
 ““AdabAdab is recognition and acknowledgement of the reality thatis recognition and acknowledgement of the reality that
knowledge and being are ordered hierarchically according to their variousknowledge and being are ordered hierarchically according to their various
grades, degrees and rank, and of one’s proper place in relation to thatgrades, degrees and rank, and of one’s proper place in relation to that
reality and to one’s physical, intellectual and spiritual capacities andreality and to one’s physical, intellectual and spiritual capacities and
potentials.”potentials.” [a][a]
[a][a] as quoted by Wan Mohd Nor Wan Daud “The Educational Philosophy and Practice of Syed Muhammadas quoted by Wan Mohd Nor Wan Daud “The Educational Philosophy and Practice of Syed Muhammad
Naquib Al-Attas ” page 137.Naquib Al-Attas ” page 137.

 Although the solution is to remove the confusion of knowledge
through EDUCATION, yet in Islam, education is essentially
“TA’DIB” from the term ADAB, without which, real education
cannot take place.
 Lest we forget, Islamic education seek to produce the “good
human being” modeled after the pattern of our Prophet
Muhammad s.a.w. the “Insan Kaamil”, and not merely developing
ones’ competence to compete in the global market, as generally
understood and advocated by contemporary educationists.

“The religion (the way of life
acceptable) in the sight of Allah
is only al-Islam”
(Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3 : 19)

Our du’aOur du’a
““Our Lord ! Grant that our spouses and ourOur Lord ! Grant that our spouses and our
offspring be a joy to our eyes, and cause us tooffspring be a joy to our eyes, and cause us to
be foremost amongst those who arebe foremost amongst those who are
conscious of Thee! (as ‘al-mut-taqqin’).”conscious of Thee! (as ‘al-mut-taqqin’).”
((Qur’an : al-Furqan: 25: 74Qur’an : al-Furqan: 25: 74 ))

““Our Lord ! Condemn us not if we forget or fallOur Lord ! Condemn us not if we forget or fall
into error; Our Lord ! Lay not on us a burdeninto error; Our Lord ! Lay not on us a burden
like that which You did lay on those before us :like that which You did lay on those before us :
Our Lord ! Lay not on us a burden greater thanOur Lord ! Lay not on us a burden greater than
we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins,we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins,
And grant us forgiveness, Have Mercy on us.And grant us forgiveness, Have Mercy on us.
You are our protector : Help us against theYou are our protector : Help us against the
unbelievers.”unbelievers.”
((Qur’an : al-Baqarah : 286Qur’an : al-Baqarah : 286 ))

WaAllaahu a’lamWaAllaahu a’lam

All welcome to visit my web-blog:All welcome to visit my web-blog:
 http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/
 http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/
 http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/
 http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/
 http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/
 http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/
 http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/
 http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/

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