Education and Knowledge in the Perspective of Islam

Abstract

Education in Islam is not merely a process of transferring knowledge or training intellect but a sacred duty that encompasses the moral, spiritual, and social development of humankind. The Qur’an’s first revelation, “Read in the name of your Lord who created” (Qur’an, 96:1) encapsulates the centrality of knowledge in human existence and its connection with divine guidance. This study aims to explore the philosophy of education and knowledge in Islam through the lenses of epistemology, purpose, and application. Employing a qualitative, library-based methodology, it draws from classical and contemporary sources including the Qur’an, Hadith, and the works of scholars such as Al-Ghazali, Ibn Sina, Ibn Khaldun, Syed Naquib al-Attas, and Fazlur Rahman. The study reveals that in Islam, knowledge (‘ilm) is inseparable from faith (iman) and practice (‘amal). It is viewed as a divine trust that must lead to self-purification, social justice, and the realization of human perfection (insan kamil). Education (tarbiyah, ta’dib, ta’lim) functions as the process of nurturing the human soul, harmonizing reason and revelation, and preparing individuals to act as stewards (khalifah) on Earth. The findings argue that the decline of Muslim civilization correlates with the fragmentation of knowledge and the adoption of secular models of education detached from spirituality. Therefore, the reformation of Islamic education must aim to reestablish the unity of knowledge under the paradigm of Tawhid (Oneness of God), ensuring that scientific advancement remains grounded in ethical and spiritual responsibility.