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Importance of education in islam
In
this article we’ll try to shed some light on knowledge from Islamic
perspective. Generally speaking, the Arabic word for knowledge is 'ilm,
which, in most cases, indicates to Islamic knowledge or matters related
to Sheree’ah (Islamic Law). Although, some of the Quranic verses in this
article refer to Islamic knowledge, yet they are general in their
meaning, and thus can be used to refer to learning in general.
The
importance of education is a none disputable matter. Education is the
knowledge of putting one's potentials to maximum use. One can safely say
that a human being is not in the proper sense till he/she is educated.
This
importance of education is basically for two reasons. The first is that
the training of a human mind is not complete without education.
Education makes man a right thinker. It tells man how to think and how
to make decision.
The
second reason for the importance of education is that only through the
attainment of education, man is enabled to receive information from the
external world; to acquaint himself with past history and receive all
necessary information regarding the present. Without education, man is
as though in a closed room and with education he finds himself in a room
with all its windows open towards the outside world.
This
is why Islam attaches great importance to knowledge and education. When
the Quran began to be revealed, the first word of its first verse was
'Iqra' that is, read. Allah says, (what means): "Read!
In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has
created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And
your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen.
He has taught man that which he knew not" [Quran, 96: 1-5]
Education
is thus the starting point of every human activity. Allaah created man
and provided him with the tools for acquiring knowledge, namely hearing,
sight and wisdom. Allaah says (what means): "And
Allaah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know
nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight, and hearts that you might give
thanks (to Allaah)" [Quran, 16:78]
A knowledgeable person is accorded great respect in many prophetic narrations.
Because of the importance of knowledge, Allaah commanded His Messenger 
to seek more of it. Allaah says (what means): "and say: `My Lord! Increase me in knowledge" [Quran, 20:114]
The Prophet made seeking knowledge an obligation upon every Muslim, and he
explained that the superiority of the one who has knowledge over the
one who merely worships is like the superiority of the moon over every
other heavenly body. He
said that the scholars are the heirs of the Prophets and that the
Prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention did not leave behind any money,
rather their inheritance was knowledge, so whoever acquires it has
gained a great share. Furthermore, the Prophet said that seeking knowledge is a way leading to Paradise. He said: "Whoever follows a path in the pursuit of knowledge, Allaah will make a path to Paradise easy for him." (Al-Bukhaari)
How great importance is attached to learning in Islam, can be understood from an event in the life of the Prophet . At the battle of Badr in which the Prophet
gained victory over his opponents, seventy people of the enemy rank
were taken prisoner. These prisoners of war were literate people. In
order to benefit from their education the Prophet
declared that if one prisoner teaches ten Muslims how to read and
write, this will serve as his ransom and he will be set free. We can
freely say that this was the first school in the history of Islam
established by the Prophet himself with all its teachers being non-Muslims. Furthermore, they were all war prisoners.
Knowledge
brings a great reward. The one who points the way to something good is
like the one who does it. When the knowledgeable person dies, his reward
with Allaah does not cease when he dies, rather it continues to
increase so long as people benefit from his knowledge. The Prophet said: "When
a man dies, all his deeds come to an end except for three — an ongoing
charity, beneficial knowledge or a righteous child who will pray for
him." (Muslim)
On
other side, a person without knowledge is like someone walking along a
track in complete darkness. Most likely his steps will wander aside and
Satan can easily deceive him. This shows that our greatest danger lies
in our ignorance of Islamic teachings in the first place and in our
unawareness of what the Quran teaches and what guidance has been given
by the Prophet .
On
the other hand, if we are blessed with the light of knowledge we will
be able to see plainly the clear path of Islam at every step of our
lives. We shall also be able to identify and avoid the dangerous paths
of disbelief, Shirk (associating with Allaah) and immorality, which may
cross it. And, whenever a false guide meets us on the way, a few words
with him will quickly establish that he is not a guide who should be
followed.
Knowledge is pursued and practiced with modesty and humility and leads to dignity, freedom and justice.
The
main purpose of acquiring knowledge is to bring us closer to our
Creator. It is not simply for the gratification of the mind or the
senses. It is not knowledge for the sake of knowledge. Knowledge
accordingly must be linked with values and goals.
One
of the purposes of acquiring knowledge is to gain the good of this
world, not to destroy it through wastage, arrogance and in the reckless
pursuit of higher standards of material comfort.
Six etiquettes of learning
lbn Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah 
said: "There are six stages to knowledge:
Firstly: Asking questions in a good manner.
Secondly: Remaining quiet and listening attentively.
Thirdly: Understanding well.
Fourthly: Memorising.
Fifthly Teaching.
Sixthly- and it is its fruit: Acting upon the knowledge and keeping to its limits."
Conclusion
According
to Quranic perspective, knowledge is a prerequisite for the creation of
a just world in which authentic peace can prevail. In the case of
country’s disorder or war the Quran emphasizes the importance of the
pursuit of learning, Allaah says (what means): "Nor
should the believers all go forth together: if a contingent from every
expedition remained behind, they could devote themselves to studies in
religion, and admonish the people when they return to them - that thus
they (may learn) to guard themselves (against evil)." [Quran, 19:122]
