“Acquire knowledge for indeed if you are wealthy it will adorn you and if poor it will provide for you.” – Iman Ali A.S.
Iman Ali [a.s] is the first Imam of Shia among Muslims. He has a great and unique personality, has been praised by all religions and denominations because of his superiority in knowledge. and virtue. The behaviour and speech of Imam Ali [a.s.] has been considered as a rich example for the understanding of the comprehensive principles and skills that encompass the educational framework from the perspective of religion.
A school like Islam never confines itself to a specific time and hence it has the necessary mechanism in providing the principles and policy initiatives in education. Imam Ali (a.s.) has emphasised on the necessity and need of education for people. Realizing justice, developing one’s capacities and faculties, paying morals and values and leading men towards deeds was the impact of education according to Imam Ali (a.s.) Man should fulfil his educational needs in order to develop an ideal society.
Referring to the statements of Iman Ali (a.s.) “Nahj-al-balagha here are some principles that have a special place in education. These principles influence modern education which aims to mould man with a holistic personality.
The Hereafter Principle
In Iman Alis (a.s.) sacred view one can never act without regard to the conflict between the world and Herenfier. Facts such as death, mortality, deeds, doom, evaluation, representation of Paradise and Hell help man to understand the reality of the world and the Hereafter.
The Principle of Pragmation : From Iman Ali (a.s.) point of view “the wish” is a phenomenon that underlies some form of ignorance of the existential realities and neglect of the limitations of man. If one has a pragmatic approach he will never entertain himself with empty promises and long held fantasies between reality and illusion or truth and falsehood.
The Principle of Hopefulness : Education seeks to instill a sense of hope with the possibility of sin and error. Concepts of repentance, trust, despair with a provision to foster the spirit & obedience is the centrality of this principle. Those who are not hopeful do not turn to action and confine themselves to the torment of greed and worldly desires.
The Principle of Sustainability to Avoid Prosperity : Education implies that one should not always seek to meet, one’s own material needs, but to satisfy oncl basic need by eliminating greed and avarice. Self avoidance and persistence are recommended as exercises to strengthen the will and endurance in critical situations. Avoidance must always be reinforced with patience for problears and resistance to many legitimate demands.
The Principle of Reasoning : The educational achievement of the principle is self education which illuminates the intellect and reduces darkness. One must avoid ignorance and function with rationality. Reasoning and insight can be fostered by the Quran, the Prophet’s tradition, holy sayings, history and past works and the doctrine of doom. Reasoning promotes balance, moderation, avoidance, courage and a healthy disposition.
The Principle of Humility : In the educational culture of Islam, pride and arrogance cause human degradation, which in the beginning caused Satan to be thrown out of the Divine Court. The element of humility in educational relations is inevitable for Imam Ali (AS). Humility before Allah is central in divine worship, Pride and arrogance are a plague for human acceptance and salvation just as selfishness is a plague of reason and perception. Humility causes wisdom to flourish.
Imam Ali ‘s [AS] aim of education was to create intimacy between men and God and through this intimacy man could act as Allah’s vicegerent. on Earth and reform his society. Knowledge that deserves to be studied is that which is profitable. If it does not bear day profit, learning it is absurd, and if it hurts, it should be abandoned. Acquisition of some sciences is compulsory such as • jurisprudence but witchcraft or any science which harms the welfare of the community is forbidden..
“A little knowledge removes a lot of ignorance! ”
– Iman Ali (a.s.)
By Ruby (Nayeem) Zaidi – Shah
(New Delhi)
(For the month of Rajab)