Our understanding of education is based on Islamic sources. To explain it, we look at three events of education recorded in the Qur'an and Hadith.
Adam (AS) is taught
Allah (SWT) taught Adam (AS) all the names, meaning knowledge, as described in Sura Baqarah, verses 31–34. When he was presented to the angels, he succeeded by virtue of the knowledge he had acquired.
The Prophet (SA) is taught
Known as "ummi", the Prophet (SA) was not educated by any human system. He was taught by Allah through the angel Jibreel (AS), from the start of his Prophethood until the end of his life.
The Prophet (SA) teaches
For twenty-two years he taught his companions. That program produced a new nation, the Muslims, who within a decade replaced the powerful Byzantine and Persian empires.
All three events give us a model. We turn especially to the third, for Allah says there is an excellent pattern for us in the Messenger of Allah (Sura Ahzab, verse 21).
What we learn
Four lessons we take
A teacher of the highest character
Allah Himself certified the Prophet (SA) as holding an exalted standard of character. Our teachers must follow his way of teaching.
A curriculum of the highest quality
The 'Ilmush Shariah', founded on tauhid and risalat, was elaborate and well-proportioned. Our curriculum must be founded upon it.
Students like the companions
The companions were finest examples of knowledge seekers. Our students will be taught their manners and etiquette of learning.
The habit of Tadabbur
Constant deep thinking made the companions the wisest generation. We will nurture the same style of thinking in our students.
The education program of the Prophet (SA) does not prohibit essential knowledge and skills by which an educated generation can build a secure and benevolent society. So our curriculum keeps 'ilmush shariah' as its foundation and develops the essential knowledge of worldly affairs upon it.