Thursday, January 25, 2007

Advice to the Teacher

ECHOES OF THE HEART

As we enter the new academic year we present an extract from Sadullah's paper on VALUE-BASED EDUCATION delivered at the Teacher Development Seminar in Pasadena, USA.


ADVICE TO THE TEACHER

The Holy Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said, "I have been sent as a teacher" and "have been commissioned to complete the pattern of human behaviour". These prophetic traditions emphasize the significance of education, of ethical values and of moral conduct.


AIM OF EDUCATION

It is my contention that the aim of education in Islam is to functionally inform and positively transform the student; i.e. initiate a catalytical reaction leading to continuous development of the student's beliefs, thoughts, actions, potentialities, faculties, expressions, motivation and aspirations.

Our academic institutions and educational systems must be faith-based and value-laden. Learning is meaningful where there is cognizance of its usefulness. Education is beneficial if it transmits and promotes deeply cherished values of sincerely, honesty, integrity, sense of responsibility and concern for the rights and welfare of others.

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