Main Pillars of the Islamic Code of Education

The Islamic Message is composed of several parts which are interrelated, complimentary to each other and in perfect harmony. These parts are the covering concepts, legislations and directives.
In Islamic doctrine, concept is inseparable from legislative texts, ethical values or worldly ideas and thoughts. It is composed of all above-mentioned elements which are gathered and operate in fine harmony.
Therefore, our subject Education In Islam' is interrelated with the Islamic view of man, universe and life. Furthermore, it covers human conducts, standards and goals. This is the starting point of exploring the fundamental sources of Islamic knowledge and concepts, where the main pillars and milestones of the Islamic education code and its policy for human upbringing are defined.
When it is preceded with such a study exercise it would lead to the following deductions:
1. Islamic education code recognizes the fact that people possess pure natural instincts, and have equal response to good and evil. This reality is revealed in the following verse of the holy Qur'an:
"By the soul, and that which shaped it and inspired it to understand sin and piety. (Indeed) successful is he who keeps it pure and ruined is he who corrupts it.” Holy Qur’an (91:7-10)
"So set thy face to the true religion, the nature made by Allah in which He has made mankind; there is no altering of Allah's creation; that is the right religion; but most people know it not.” Holy Qur’an (30:30)
A tradition from the Prophet (s.a.w.) says:
"Babies are born with their natural instincts, it is the parents who turn them Fire-worshipers, Jews and Christians. ”
Imam Ali (a.s.) says in this regard:
"Certainly the heart of a youngster is similar to an empty land it accepts (makes grow) whatever is strewn on it.”
2. Environment and genes factors have positive and negative effects on people's personalities and life, Allah, the Highest says:
"And Even so We did not send any Warner into a township but those who led easy lives in it said: Indeed we found our fathers upon a course, and we are following upon their footprints. “
Holy Qur’an (43:23)
The Prophet (s.a.w.) pointing out the role of genes in the formation of human characters said:
"Be careful when choosing a wife, for (maternal) uncles have bearing on babies' characteristics.”
He also said:
"Offer for marriage those who are equivalent, get married of them, and be selective when choosing a marriage partner.”
3. Basic motives and instincts exist within all people, but have different magnitudes with respect to strength or weakness. Hence, it is acknowledged that people possess various potentialities such as intelligence, noble characters etc....
Islam takes this fact into consideration in its education process and observes this reality when shouldering people with responsibilities and duties.
4. Since every human being possesses the will and choice of selection, he or she would be held responsible for his! Her actions. They would be accounted for their deeds and would receive relevant reward or punishment in the Hereafter, any person is able to correct his! Her stands, triumph over carnal desires and overcome adverse conditions, although, he! She would be free to indulge in evil doings and go astray.
"and pointed out to him the two conspicious ways”
Holy Qur’an (90:10)
"Nay, man is evidence against himself, even though he puts, forth his excuses.” Holy Qur’an (75:14, 15)
Imam as-Sadiq says in this regard:
"No compulsion or (complete) freedom, it is a middle point (for man) between these two extremes”
5. Education is a process of refining human character and building a pleasing personality that would help enhance good motives and uproot or curb negative manifestations. Knowledge is a guiding light in life to do constructive work and in turn educate others, while seeking knowledge solely for the purpose of its possession is not encouraged by Islam. Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (a.s.) says:
"Knowledge is akin to practice, whoever learns would work and whoever works gets learned; Knowledge calls for work, otherwise it goes away.”
6. Furnishing a model practical code of Islamic values and ethics is an important part of constructive Islamic education. Such an example would provide the society with a visual portrait, add dynamism to thoughts and concepts, induce people to be keen adherents, and encourage the mixing of principles with concepts.
"Certainly you have in Allah's Apostle an excellent examplar…”
Holy Qur’an (33:21)
"These are they whom Allah has guided; so follow their guidance.”
Holy Qur’an (6:90)
7. Learning lessons from other people's mistakes:
Allah, the Highest says:
"Have they not journeyed in the land and seen how was the end of those before them?” Holy Qur’an (12:109)
"Have they not journeyed in the land and seen how was the end of those before them? They were stronger than these in might and they dug up the earth and built upon it more than these have built and there came to them their apostles with clear signs; and (surely) Allah never wronged them, but they wronged themselves.” Holy Qur’an (30:9)
Imam Ali (a.s.) says in this regard to one of his sons:
"So, I hastened to mould you properly before your heart hardened up and your mind became preoccupied, so that you might be ready to accept through your intelligence the result of the experience of others and be saved from going through these (bitter) experiences yourself Now you can very easily make use of all the knowledge which men have to acquire with great care, trouble and patience. Things which were hidden from them and which any experiments, experiences and sufferings could bring to light are now made very conveniently and easily available to you (through these advices).”
8. Education is generally a personal and social responsibility:
"0 you who believe guard yourselves and your families against a fire whose fuel is people and stones...” Holy Qur’an (66:6)
"And from among you there should be a party who invite to good and enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and these it is that shall be successful.” Holy Qur’an (3-104)