ISS 108 — Islamic Education: Lecture Note

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This is the complete lecture note for ISS 108 Islamic Education. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.

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la-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS

la-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Course code: ISS 108 Course title: Islamic Education Course credit load: 2 Units (C; LH 30) List of Series: o Series 1: Concept of Knowledge and Education in the Qur’ān o Series 2: Origin and Development of Islamic Education o Series 3: Contributions of Early Muslims and Traditional Scholars o Series 4: Institutions and Theories in Islamic Education o Series 5: Contemporary Challenges and Solutions in Islamic Education Series 1: Concept of Knowledge and Education in the Qur’ān Parts and Sub-Parts 1.1 Concept of Knowledge in the Qur’ān • 1.1.1 Meaning and Scope of Knowledge in the Qur’ānic Framework • 1.1.2 Revelation, Human Reason and the Pursuit of Knowledge • 1.1.3 The Value of Knowledge in the Life of a Muslim 1.2 Sources and Types of Knowledge • 1.2.1 Revelation as a Source of Knowledge • 1.2.2 Observation, Reflection and Human Experience • 1.2.3 Beneficial Knowledge and Responsible Use 1.3 The Purpose of Education in Islam • 1.3.1 Education for Faith, Character and Worship • 1.3.2 Education for Personal and Social Development • 1.3.3 Knowledge, Action and Accountability

la-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.4 Principles of Learning from the Qur’ānic Perspective • 1.4.1 Seeking Knowledge with Sincerity and Discipline • 1.4.2 Teachers, Learners and Respect for Knowledge • 1.4.3 Applying Knowledge in Everyday Life Introduction Knowledge occupies a central place in the Qur’ānic view of human life. The Qur’ān repeatedly directs people to read, reflect, observe, remember, and seek guidance. Education in this framework is therefore more than the collection of facts. It involves developing sound belief, disciplined thinking, good character, responsible action, and awareness of accountability before Allah. In this Series, you will examine how the Qur’ān presents knowledge and how that understanding shapes the purpose and practice of education. The aim of this Series is to help you explain the Qur’ānic concept of knowledge and education and apply its major principles to learning and responsible conduct. You will also examine the relationship between revelation, reason, observation, character, and action in an Islamic approach to education. We shall begin by examining the meaning and scope of knowledge in the Qur’ānic framework and the relationship between revelation and human reasoning. Next, we will consider the major sources and types of knowledge, including revelation, observation, reflection, and human experience. We will then examine the purposes of education in Islam, with attention to faith, character, worship, personal development, and social responsibility. Finally, we will consider practical principles of learning, the responsibilities of teachers and learners, and the importance of applying knowledge in everyday life. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to:

la-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • SLO 1.1 define knowledge within the Qur’ānic framework and explain its significance in human life, • SLO 1.2 analyse the relationship between revelation, reason, observation, and the pursuit of knowledge, • SLO 1.3 explain the purposes of education in Islam in relation to faith, character, worship, and social responsibility, • SLO 1.4 apply Qur’ānic principles of learning and responsible use of knowledge to everyday situations.

la-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.1 Concept of Knowledge in the Qur’ān 1.1.1 Meaning and Scope of Knowledge in the Qur’ānic Framework In the Qur’ānic framework, knowledge is not limited to information stored in the mind. It includes awareness of Allah, understanding of revelation, recognition of the signs of creation, and sound judgement that guides conduct. The Qur’ān connects reading, learning, reflection, and remembering with responsible human living. This means that when you study, the goal is not simply to accumulate facts but to develop knowledge that improves your belief, character, decisions, and actions. Fill in the blank: In the Qur’ānic framework, knowledge is expected to guide a person’s __________ as well as understanding. 1.1.2 Revelation, Human Reason and the Pursuit of Knowledge The Qur’ān presents revelation as a fundamental source of guidance while also repeatedly calling human beings to think, observe, reflect, and reason. The first revealed verses in Sūrah al-ʿAlaq (96:1–5) connect reading and learning with the Creator. Sūrah Ṭā Hā (20:114) also records the prayer for increase in knowledge. Together, these references show that seeking knowledge involves openness to divine guidance and responsible use of the intellectual abilities Allah has given human beings.

la-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Simple flow diagram showing Revelation, Reason, Observation and Reflection converging into Responsible Knowledge. Figure 1.1: Revelation and Human Faculties in the Pursuit of Knowledge Fill in the blank: Sūrah Ṭā Hā (20:114) records a prayer asking Allah to increase the speaker in __________. 1.1.3 The Value of Knowledge in the Life of a Muslim The Qur’ānic view gives knowledge a high value because knowledge can guide people towards truth and responsible action. Sūrah al-Mujādilah (58:11) links elevation in rank with faith and knowledge, while Sūrah al-Zumar (39:9) contrasts those who know with those who do not know. These references encourage you to treat learning as a serious responsibility. Knowledge becomes especially valuable when it produces humility, sound judgement, useful service, and obedience to what is right. Fill in the blank: Qur’ānic teaching presents knowledge as valuable when it leads to responsible __________ and conduct. Fill in the blank: Tawḥīd protects the believer from __________ and ensures worship is directed only to Allah.

la-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Pilot questions 1.1 1. What does knowledge include within the Qur’ānic framework? 2. How does the Qur’ān connect knowledge with responsible living? 3. What does Sūrah al-ʿAlaq (96:1–5) associate with learning? 4. What prayer for knowledge is recorded in Sūrah Ṭā Hā (20:114)? 5. Why is knowledge highly valued in the life of a Muslim? 1.2 Sources and Types of Knowledge 1.2.1 Revelation as a Source of Knowledge Revelation provides guidance about matters that human observation alone cannot fully establish, especially questions concerning Allah, worship, moral responsibility, accountability, and the purpose of human existence. The Qur’ān therefore occupies a central place in Islamic education. When you study Islamic subjects, you should distinguish between knowledge grounded in revelation and conclusions reached through ordinary human investigation, while recognising that both can contribute to learning when used appropriately. Fill in the blank: In Islamic education, the Qur’ān is a central source of __________ and guidance. 1.2.2 Observation, Reflection and Human Experience The Qur’ān frequently invites human beings to observe the natural world, reflect on its signs, and learn from experience. Such reflection does not replace revelation; rather, it encourages careful thinking about the world in which people live. In education, this principle supports inquiry, questioning, observation, comparison, and reasoned judgement. For example, a student studying agriculture can observe local soil and rainfall patterns, compare results, and use evidence to improve farming practices while maintaining an awareness of ethical responsibility. Fill in the blank: Shirk nullifies __________ deeds and prevents forgiveness if not repented from.

la-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Plate 1.2: Observation and Reflection in Learning Image showing a Qurʾān opened to verses warning against Shirk. Fill in the blank: The Qur’ānic encouragement to observe and reflect supports careful __________ and reasoned judgement. 1.2.3 Beneficial Knowledge and Responsible Use Knowledge carries responsibility. A learner may possess accurate information but still misuse it through dishonesty, manipulation, harmful speech, or irresponsible decisions. Islamic education therefore values beneficial knowledge, meaning knowledge that contributes to sound belief, good character, useful work, and the wellbeing of people. As you acquire knowledge, you should ask not only “What do I know?” but also “How should I use what I know?” This turns learning into responsible practice. Fill in the blank: Islamic education connects beneficial knowledge with responsible __________ of what is learned. Pilot questions 1.2 1. What role does revelation play in Islamic education?

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