Our Education: Some Thoughts - Dr. Kazi Din Muhammad
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Human beings are not born with an innate sense of right and wrong. After birth, their relatives, parents, and environment help cultivate this understanding. For the development and appropriate application of human instincts, people rely on external education. Like other animals, a human child is born naive and unaware, but to live as a human, they must learn to differentiate between humans and animals. This knowledge is gained through education.
Over thousands of years, humanity has developed various methods to prepare children to become functional members of society. In every era, great individuals have emerged to heal the ills of society and establish truth and justice. These extraordinary people sacrificed themselves to guide others, constantly reminding us: "You are human, not animals." Your life's purpose isn't fulfilled merely by satisfying basic biological needs like eating, sleeping, and procreation. Your efforts should aim toward the welfare of others.
Your aspiration should be to become the best of creation—Ashraful Makhluqat, upholding human dignity and honoring the Creator both in this world and the hereafter. This well-wishing and striving should encompass individuals and society, spreading from person to community, from community to nation, from nation to the world. A person lives not just for themselves but for others—this is the essence of true education. Real education teaches how to live life.
Education: A Method of Living
Education is the method by which one learns how to live. In various geographic environments, different types of food, climates, and conditions demand survival techniques that are the essence of true education. Education gives people the ability to distinguish between good and bad, beauty and ugliness, justice and injustice, truth and falsehood. This sharpens the understanding and directs the purpose of human life.
Education is the guiding force for human and global life, leading it from harm to benefit. Refining this process is humanity's first and foremost duty. The social and spiritual purpose of education is self-sacrifice and devotion to others' welfare.
Humans are intelligent, rational beings. Therefore, to live in society, they must develop their mind, soul, and intellect. Education that enhances these three faculties is true education. Allah has said, "Do not exceed the limits, for Allah does not love those who exceed limits." Education that nurtures a person’s natural disposition and is beneficial for both themselves and others is obligatory for everyone. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Seeking knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim man and woman."
Our education system must address all aspects of life. Education solely aimed at earning a livelihood is incomplete because after addressing the needs of food and clothing, the thirst of the heart and the hunger of the mind must also be quenched. Therefore, society must foster and inspire spiritual growth as well. If humanity’s moral sense isn’t nurtured, their animalistic tendencies will dominate, preventing them from fulfilling the true purpose of human life.
However, spiritual education alone is not enough. Education that encourages moral development but denies biological needs is also not true education. Therefore, the education we desire is one that integrates both, enabling people to live, provide for themselves, and be inspired to sacrifice for the benefit of humanity. This balanced education is the most desirable for everyone.
As Alexander the Great said, "To my father, I owe my life, but to Aristotle, I owe how to live worthily."
True education is the one that inspires a noble life. Islam encourages the pursuit of such education, even if one must travel far from their village or country. For this very knowledge, Islam has instructed: "Seek knowledge, even if it is as far as China." Even in times when transportation wasn't as accessible as it is today, Islam advised traveling to distant lands to acquire knowledge.
An ignorant person is like an animal. They are not only foolish and unaware but also like a festering wound in society. They degrade themselves and pull others down with them. Therefore, every age and every society has strived to eliminate ignorance and illiteracy. The scientific progress we witness today is a testament to the pursuit of knowledge.
A well-educated person will devote their life to the betterment of humanity, will make their own life happy and prosperous, and will also think of others' welfare. They will strive to establish truth and justice and beautify their environment and surroundings. To achieve this, we need well-educated and healthy-minded citizens. To live in society as a worthy citizen and true human being, people must embrace real education. Education eliminates divisions among people—rich or poor, black or white—and paves the way for a united world community.
Workless education is as unrealistic as education without religion is unforgivable. Vocational education teaches people how to survive, while religious education teaches people how to live and think as responsible citizens. Therefore, the education that integrates both approaches is the ideal education that can bring prosperity to society. The Almighty Allah has created humans as rational beings, embedding within them a balance of human virtues and animal instincts. Allah has willed that humans maintain their dignity by upholding their humanity and suppressing their animalistic tendencies. Life is a continuous struggle to nurture humanity within ourselves, eliminate animal instincts, and strive to truly embody the essence of a human being. To make life orderly and beautiful, one must possess the knowledge to distinguish between truth and falsehood, beauty and ugliness. Such knowledge is cultivated through proper education and dedication.
To live as humans, we must live in a society, relying on each other in a system governed by the intellect and culture of humanity. When we follow the laws of Allah, without disrupting the natural order, and carry out our tasks properly, individual and collective life becomes simple, straightforward, and beautiful. This beauty is the ultimate truth, and truth itself is beautiful. Falsehood is ugly, and what is ugly and false is anti-humanity and anti-life.
To eliminate the unrest and darkness in both individual and collective life, to awaken and nurture a healthy social consciousness and a sense of humanity, people must engage in responsible roles from birth to death. Without order in this participation, life cannot be conducted smoothly and beautifully. In life, one must fulfill various roles—father, mother, brother, sister, husband, wife, children, etc. The practice and preparation for fulfilling these roles depend on education. Without proper education about one’s duties toward neighbors, orphans, and the poor, as well as relationships between employer and servant, young and old, friend and foe, one's life will inevitably devolve into an animalistic existence.
True education helps in character formation, which is a person’s most valuable asset. Once character is refined and cultured, life becomes naturally orderly and beautiful. From serving the nation, society, family, and individuals to attaining the favor of the Creator, the development of a pure mind and cultured intellect is made possible through various deeds. If human instincts are not illuminated by the light of education, life inevitably descends into ignorance and darkness, which is anti-humanity.
Life is not just about living in this world; this world is also a field of work for the hereafter. It is said, "This world is the field for the hereafter." The deeds performed here are the provisions for the journey of the afterlife. If the method of work is not refined through education, life is bound to fail.
Education encourages people to seek lawful livelihoods and dedicate themselves to the welfare of society and the nation. Moreover, it helps maintain purity in faith and beliefs, prompting individuals to fulfill their responsibilities toward both creation and the Creator. This is why seeking knowledge (Ilm) has been made obligatory. Islam, the greatest life system, calls ignorance "Zulumaat" (darkness) and knowledge "Noor" (light). Therefore, everyone is urged to seek knowledge. People are repeatedly encouraged to reflect on the mysteries of creation, uncover the truth, and engage in research. Without knowledge, one cannot even know themselves, let alone the world or their Creator. "Whoever knows himself knows his Lord." Without entering the realm of knowledge, recognizing Him is impossible.
Just as seeking knowledge is obligatory, so is imparting knowledge. Sharing knowledge selflessly is a meritorious act. Hazrat Ali (R.A.) said, "Acquire knowledge and do not seek payment for it, for people die, but the learned remain alive." Teaching others is the greatest form of guidance, and offering good advice during difficult times is an excellent deed.
The wise poet Sheikh Saadi once said about giving wealth: "Do not hesitate to hand over the key to your wealth to someone else today, for tomorrow, that key may no longer be in your hand."
What has been said about giving wealth also applies to the distribution of knowledge or 'Ilm.' As the poet rightly said:
"Knowledge as attire and religion as adornment,
Expand the greatness of a person.
This wealth cannot be taken away by anyone,
The more you give, the more it grows."
One of the main purposes of education is "plain living and high thinking." As previously mentioned, the best education is the one that teaches people how to survive in this worldly struggle while also helping to build their moral character. Simply teaching the means to earn a livelihood makes life one-sided. Just as moral or religious education alone can cripple a person's life, focusing solely on vocational education brings one close to that same weakness. A balance between both religious and worldly education can make life meaningful. This kind of life, even when lived amidst the impurities of the world, becomes smooth and beautiful, ensuring success in the afterlife as well.
An English philosopher once said that if students are only taught the means to earn a living without combining it with moral education, they do not become well-educated, but rather poorly educated. "If you give them three 'Rs,' i.e., Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic, and do not give them the fourth 'R,' i.e., Religion, they are sure to become the fifth 'R'—Rascal." Therefore, education that lacks morality is not desirable to anyone.
This advice is particularly relevant in today’s context in our country. The Fourth 'R,' Religion, has no significant influence on the current education system. Thus, if we want to nurture children into becoming true humans, we must recognize the necessity of including the Fourth 'R' (Religion) in their education.
As previously mentioned, the primary and foremost goal of true knowledge (Ilm) is to teach people to distinguish between good and evil, light and darkness, beauty and ugliness, benefit and harm, justice and injustice, truth and falsehood. This prepares a person to believe in the immortality of eternal life, engage in good deeds, and become a dedicated Muslim in service to creation. It also motivates them with the will to act in this world and seek guidance for the hereafter. This is the real aim of education—not just earning degrees and diplomas from colleges and universities. Education purifies our knowledge, sharpens our intellect, broadens our perspective, and makes our lives cultured and beautiful. Ideal education is one that enhances human civilization, adapts to time, place, and circumstance, and keeps the flow of human culture vibrant.
An English philosopher once said, "Education does not necessarily mean the mere acquisition of Degrees and Diplomas. It emphasizes the need for acquiring knowledge to live a worthy life. A balanced acquisition of techniques to fight against odds to pave the path of peace for mankind and to fight for survival before and after death is recommended for the gradual cultural development and smooth running of human civilization."
Education is necessary not only for people to survive but also to allow others to live. It is also essential for engaging in service and for preserving the continuous flow of human civilization and culture. The purpose of education is not just to gather degrees, diplomas, or certificates; that is not sufficient for a meaningful life. Therefore, it is something to be rejected.
In discussing the definition of culture in relation to education, T.S. Eliot said, "The purpose of education has been defined as making people happier. But the idea that an educated person is happier than an uneducated one is by no means self-evident. Those who are aware of their lack of education often feel discontent. If they aspire to excel in occupations for which they are not qualified, they can be discontented simply because they have been led to believe that more education would have made them happier. Many of us feel some grievances against our elders, schools, or universities for not having done better by us. This can be a way of excusing our own shortcomings and failures. Being trained or educated beyond one’s abilities can be disastrous, as education can impose a greater burden on the mind than it can bear. Too much education, like too little education, can produce unhappiness."
Man has been created for two purposes: worship and vicegerency. Humans should dedicate themselves to the worship of their Creator and to serving His creation. As they are the best of creation and Allah's vicegerents, they are responsible for its care. However, neither of these duties can be fulfilled without knowledge. But this knowledge must align with human capacity; it shouldn't be too little, nor should it be excessive, as that can be dangerous. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The essence of knowledge is love for humanity." The ideal of life is to work for the welfare of society, regardless of whether one is a sinner or righteous. He also said: "The ink of a scholar is more valuable than the blood of a martyr." Knowledge is sharper than a mujahid's sword. There is nothing comparable to knowledge when it comes to dispelling the darkness of ignorance and establishing a world of light. Through knowledge, we can eliminate conflicts, hatred, and discord and foster bonds of brotherhood and friendship among people.
Knowledge is power. Ignorance is weakness and death. There is no wealth like knowledge. It has been said: "The essence of all wealth is knowledge." With knowledge, the impossible becomes possible. Knowledge helps turn enemies into friends. It aids in understanding life, religion, and the way of living. Without knowledge, one can never attain true greatness. Knowledge is light, while ignorance is darkness. Allah says in the Qur'an: "Are darkness and light the same? Will you not think?" Those who are ignorant—deaf, dumb, and blind, unable to hear, see, or understand—are like cattle in the eyes of Allah. Knowledge purifies a person both inwardly and outwardly, and it refines the mind and intellect. The expansion and control of reason and logic are under the influence of knowledge. The Qur'an says: "Whoever has been given knowledge has been given abundant goodness." In knowledge lies goodness and salvation. Therefore, everyone has the right to acquire knowledge, and using that right wisely makes our lives beautiful and harmonious. It is said that pursuing knowledge is better than spending the whole night in worship. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Whoever seeks knowledge, his past sins are forgiven." He also said: "Whoever dies while still a student, dies free of sin." If someone sets out to seek knowledge, they remain on the path of Allah until they return.
The education that fosters true humanity, ignites a sense of duty toward others, and instills humility toward the Creator is the most desirable form of education. As the scriptures say, "Knowledge gives birth to humility." Knowledge invigorates a sense of humanity, separating people from the animalistic state. For this reason, all religions emphasize the importance of pursuing knowledge. Humility and modesty elevate human greatness, and to make life beautiful, one must be truly educated. The relationship between people, between humans and the living world, and the relationship with the material and non-material universe, including the rightful due and rights of all things, must be included in the education system. By knowing the difference between truth and falsehood, justice and injustice, good and evil, beauty and ugliness, people can purify and cleanse their lives. Falsehood, injustice, and ugliness must be eradicated, and truth, justice, and beauty must be established. A life that is simple, humble, inspired by nobility and self-sacrifice, and dedicated to the welfare of humanity is the true life. The education that harmonizes all these qualities is the one that is appropriate for everyone.
The qualities that make a person truly human, adorn them with Allah's attributes, and enable them to become Allah's true vicegerent are the qualities that make life beautiful. Without such qualities in the education system, education cannot be successful, and Islam supports and promotes this universal education.
In the golden age of Islam, there was no distinction between secular and religious education. All forms of knowledge were given a place in the religious domain. A modern European writer commented that one of Islam's greatest achievements is that it has given equal status and respect to the study and practice of various sciences, including the Qur'an, Hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), establishing them in the mosque.
In mosques, alongside discussions on the Qur'an, Hadith, and Fiqh, there were discussions on chemistry, physics, herbal medicine, and astronomy. The mosque was the university of Islam during the golden era. Knowledge from all fields and regions of the world was warmly welcomed into the mosque's domain. This remarkable synthesis of diverse knowledge and the highest achievements of all sciences gave Muslim thinkers a unique characteristic, leaving an indelible mark on every reader. It is the peaceful and majestic grandeur of a well-informed mind.
In Islam, there is no concept of ‘secularism’ or ‘theocracy’ because true religion encompasses all aspects of human endeavor and activity. The Qur'an distinguishes between good and evil, and good deeds support human growth and development, while evil deeds are detrimental to this progress. Islam is a rational religion that rejects illogical and irrational faith. The Qur'an repeatedly calls upon people to use reason and judgment in religious matters, declaring any faith devoid of logic and reason as null and void.
All historical evidence shows that when nations lose their belief in Allah, their downfall is inevitable. Can faith in Allah and rationality be reconciled? Some Western thinkers argue that they cannot, but Islam has proven that these two concepts are fully compatible and complementary.
In the early centuries of Islam, success came from blending unwavering faith in Allah with free intellectual inquiry. Islam does not consider anything in the world so sacred that it is immune to criticism or examination, except for one infinite, miraculous, and unparalleled being: Allah, the One and Only. Once belief in His oneness is established, there is no room for further discussion. He is universally compassionate and merciful. He created humans with the gift of reason, wisdom, and the ability to deduce cause and effect. Muslim scholars have praised this 'cause-and-effect' knowledge as Allah's greatest gift to humanity.
To pursue what is good and avoid what is harmful, Allah has given humans the freedom to use their reasoning and judgment in His name, and the sacred law provides guidance and protection in this pursuit.
There is no clergy system in Islam. In other religions, all rights and activities are concentrated unnaturally in the hands of the clergy. But in the Islamic social system, these rights and responsibilities are placed on every individual. As a result, the most intelligent and knowledgeable naturally assume leadership.
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In the journey of life, a person without knowledge is like a lamp without oil, unable to provide light. Therefore, this principle has been enshrined in the directive for universal education, along with the ultimate pursuit of knowledge. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The pursuit of knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim, male and female."
Thus, 1500 years ago, universal education for both men and women became an integral part of the sacred constitution of Islam. Later, Western civilization embraced this concept warmly. It has also been said: "Knowledge is power." From the following authentic hadith, it is evident that emphasis is not only placed on the pursuit of knowledge but also on the dissemination of knowledge among the masses: "Indeed, Allah will not take away knowledge by removing it from the people but He will take it away by the death of the scholars until there will remain no scholar. The people will then take ignorant ones as their leaders, and they will be asked, and they will give verdicts without knowledge. They will go astray and lead others astray."
This statement clearly portrays the current state of Islam. Among us today are narrow-minded scholars whose depth of knowledge raises significant doubts. However, the term 'knowledge' used here certainly refers to something far broader and more humane than what such individuals may possess. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: "The ink of a scholar is more sacred than the blood of a martyr." He further said: "One hour of silent reflection on the creation of Allah is better than a year of worship." In another hadith, he said: "He who pursues knowledge honors me."
The first thing that was created was reason or the knowledge of cause and effect. Allah has not created anything superior to reason. Through it, Allah brings benefit, and with its help, we understand and comprehend everything. It is through this that Allah is pleased, and in it lies the cause for both reward and punishment. He also said: "Listening to a scholar and inspiring others to learn is more noble than engaging in religious rituals. He who leaves home in search of knowledge is walking on the path of Allah."
"Knowledge helps its possessor distinguish between good and evil, between wrongdoing and righteousness; knowledge illuminates the path to heaven. In the barren desert, it is our companion, in solitude, it is our society, and in the absence of friends, it is our companion. It guides us on the path to happiness and provides the strength to bear the burden of sorrow. Among friends, it is an adornment, and against enemies, it is an impregnable shield."
"Behold, the angels spread their wings over the seeker of knowledge. Can those who have knowledge and those who do not ever be equal? The position of a knowledgeable person is above that of a devout worshipper, just as my position among you is higher than that of the lowest among you."
He said: "A person may perform salah, fasting, zakat, charity, and Hajj, and fulfill all other religious duties, but he will be rewarded in proportion to the amount of common sense and reason by which he has conducted his life. He further said, 'A person who has knowledge but does not apply it in life is like a donkey carrying books.'"
The existence of an ignorant Muslim was never imagined in the Holy Quran, nor could the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ever conceive of such a thing. In reality, the phrase 'ignorant Muslim' is contradictory to the very definition of being a Muslim. In the glorious days of Islam, it was as difficult to find an ignorant Muslim as it was to find a poor Muslim.
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Our current education system is merely a slightly modified version of the one introduced during British rule. I am not saying this system is entirely useless, but the misguided notion that it is the only effective method is continuously leading us towards destruction. The way we educate our future generations will shape them and determine how their intellect develops. If we fail to reform today's education system, there will be no progress for the nation.
The situation in our country has reached a critical state. There are no signs of efforts to measure or remedy this crisis, and no one seems to care. Everyone is preoccupied with themselves. People are afraid to expose this dreadful gangrene in the nation's body. But what is the root cause of this distress? Did no great individuals or personalities emerge among our ancestors? If they did, why is the situation so dire today? Is it not because the very foundation of our education is flawed? Have we ever considered whether the education we provide can produce truly virtuous people? The Bible says: "Do men gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles?" This statement is entirely applicable to us today.
Scholars worldwide have agreed that attention must be given to character development in students. In fact, character development is one of the most important aspects of education. At the same time, we cannot ignore that we must open the doors of knowledge in every field, including technology, herbal medicine, and medical science. We must give due importance to agriculture and industry, expand the scope of work, and create honest and skilled workers.
Moral education, or religious education, is essential for character development. In our ancient education system, there were two recognized branches. One was paravidya (spiritual knowledge), and the other was aparavidya (material knowledge). In the branch of paravidya, teachings on religion and liberation were provided, making it easier to develop character. However, this aspect of education has become secondary in today's system.
Our personality has two recognized aspects: the apparent aspect and the real aspect. The sciences that expand our knowledge fall under the apparent or pratibhasik aspect, dealing with experimental sciences. The knowledge that transcends the senses, which inspires humans to understand the relationship between the individual soul, the human soul, and the Supreme Soul, is addressed in the 'real' or sat aspect. This is referred to as 'pragya' or higher wisdom. Since it transcends the senses, it is beyond the reach of the five-sense empirical investigation. It is in caring for the soul, the eternal truth within each person, that this aspect is nurtured. The more one interacts with this inner truth, the more complete their experience becomes.
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Swami Vivekananda, in defining education, said: "Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man." The development of one's inner self should be the true goal of education. The essence of the soul is perfection. From this perspective, it can be said that although Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was illiterate, he had attained 'complete education.' On the other hand, we may be literate, but we are 'uneducated.' Our incomplete education and its misuse are the root causes of all our conflicts, dissatisfactions, and sufferings. It is due to this lack of completeness that today's education system fails to produce truly 'educated' individuals.
There are many differing opinions regarding the quality of our education system. Over the past fifty years, various committees and commissions have been formed to reform the education system. It can be said without hesitation that these efforts have primarily focused on making minor reforms to the external curriculum. Except for a few individuals, no committee or commission has discussed the fundamental flaw in our education system—the lack of a guiding ideal or loss of purpose. Almost all focus solely on material knowledge, secularism, or lack of transcendental knowledge. None of them are aware of, or choose to neglect, the importance of transcendental knowledge. Consequently, education is confined to merely providing vocational training for earning a livelihood. Yet, every great thinker throughout the ages has agreed that education without spiritual knowledge cannot be considered true education. No matter how learned a person may be, they cannot be regarded as truly 'educated' without the inclusion of transcendental knowledge in their learning.
The current education system pays no attention to fostering "retention," "reflection," or mental excellence through teaching. There is no attempt to develop students into deserving recipients of knowledge through the practices of meditation, concentration, and moral purity. In the past, schools were situated in favorable environments. In the noise and chaos of cities, mental steadiness and concentration are lost. Therefore, it is essential to consider creating an environment conducive to building a solid, well-rounded understanding of life.
In the past, during graduation ceremonies, teachers would advise: "Child, you have only reached the threshold of education. You have yet to discover the treasure. Now is the beginning of real education. Do not abandon it in life’s struggles, as this education will be your support. It will save you from hardship, grant you peace in this world, and help you earn rewards in the hereafter. So, do not abandon the pursuit of knowledge. You are leaving school and celibacy, but education and study have no end. You are entering household life; knowledge and study are your provisions." The advice was simple: "Become human." The Upanishads say: "Speak the truth and practice righteousness—speak truth and act righteously. Do not stray from the truth, do no disgraceful deeds. Do good deeds and show benevolence. Practice these virtues."
One must practice virtues like respect. If one does not respect the words of scripture and the teacher, they cannot practice any religion in life. The scriptures say: "Only those who have respect gain knowledge," and "those without respect have no future in this life or the next." The Gita says: "The disrespectful person is destroyed."
One of the key objectives of education is to practice self-restraint. Education should awaken and control inner strength, and learning to control desires helps manage all of life’s actions. If a water pot has even one small hole, no matter how much you fill it, the water will leak out. Similarly, a single uncontrolled desire can ruin all austerity and penance. If a boat of life is tied to the rope of attachment, it cannot move forward no matter how hard you row; you will remain stuck where you started. All efforts will be in vain.
Education must teach how to purify the mind. If the heart, like a lake, is stirred by the external storms of the world, it cannot reflect a clear image of itself. The fragmented reflection cannot be whole. It’s not enough for the water to be still; it must also be clear and pure. You must cleanse yourself of sins and impurities, only then will you see your true image. Remove the turbulence and pollution of the external world, purify yourself, and immerse in meditation. Many say: “How can we pray, fast, or meditate when the agitation of indulgence constantly disturbs the heart and clouds the mind, making it difficult to focus on Allah?” Remember, all these practices—prayer, fasting, meditation—are meant to remove worldly restlessness and illusions. It is said: “Prayer is the believer’s ascension.” In prayer, the reality of Heaven and Hell becomes clear and present. Through continuous practice, desires are subdued, indulgence ceases, and the glory of renunciation is realized. This purification of the heart and immersion in higher thoughts should be an integral part of true education.
On one hand, we must remember our Creator and Sustainer, while on the other hand, we must fight against Satan. This is the life of a believer. The Gita says: "Therefore, always remember Me and fight." This is the true jihad. Once, a group of warriors was returning from battle, and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) asked them: "Where are you coming from?" They replied: "From jihad." He said: "You have returned from the lesser jihad to the greater jihad," meaning the real struggle is the one within life itself. Whoever can wage this struggle is the true warrior and the real believer.
If this practice is missing from education, then that education is incomplete. Therefore, it cannot lead to success in human life. Such education is not desirable. The foundation of all education should include such practices so that life’s thoughts and actions are governed by faith and creed. Only then can this education bring the key to success for the nation.
By engaging in the pursuit of knowledge, every Muslim, and indeed every human, will resist ignorance and oppression. Through this effort, Muslims can make positive contributions to the welfare of humanity in all fields—science, philosophy, arts, and every branch of knowledge. This education should be for everyone. The education that benefits all—students, teachers, learners, and all levels of society—is what should be established. This foundational and universal education should combine both religious and worldly life skills. When such education influences the mind and body of every person in society, controlling thought and action, only then can we hope to cultivate wise, exemplary citizens.
References:
1. Kazi Din Muhammad, Human Life, Dhaka, 1987, p. 13.
2. T.S. Eliot, Notes Towards the Definition of Culture, London, 1948, P99 ff.
3. M. M. Pickthall, Islamic Culture, cited in Shahed Ali (ed.), Outline of Islamic Culture, Dhaka, 1967, p. 25.
4. Kazi Din Muhammad, The Beauty of Life, Dhaka, 1984, p. 173.
5. Swami Veereshwarananda, On Education and Religion, Inspiration, Ramakrishna Memorial, Dhaka, 1984, p. 25.
Author: Distinguished writer and thinker
"Just as education without work is unrealistic,
So too is education without religion unforgivable.
Work education teaches people how to survive,
But religious education teaches them how to live
and think as worthy citizens."
— Dr. Kazi Din Muhammad
