Re-edited on June 5, 2025

By Jawed Anwar

The prevailing education systems worldwide, both in the East and West, have degraded human character to its lowest point, bringing the world to the brink of destruction. Modern humanity often behaves worse than beasts, as no other creature harms its own kind as humans do, ready to annihilate entire races. This points to a fundamental flaw in our education system.

It is alarming that the Muslim world, including so-called Islamic states and societies, has adopted the same education system devised by forces—described as influenced by Shaitan—that aim to lead humanity to failure. Many in the Muslim world believe there is no alternative to Western liberal secular education, and Muslim intellectuals have largely failed to propose a viable alternative.

Regardless of the intellectual state of Muslims, we possess Al-Quran, a book that grants us an intellectual edge, provided we study it with understanding and apply its teachings. Unfortunately, many Muslims have relegated the Quran to a high shelf, treating it as a source of blessings rather than a guide for life. Some mistakenly believe it is meant only for scholars, not the general public. The truth is the opposite.

Quran repeatedly says:
Surah Al-Qamar (54:17, 22, 32, 40):
"And We have indeed made the Quran easy to understand and remember; then is there anyone who will take admonition?"

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:99):
"We have sent down to you clear signs, and none would deny them except the perverse."

Surah Al-Imran (3:3-4):
"He has sent down to you the Book with the truth, confirming what was before it, and He sent down the Torah and the Gospel. Aforetime, as a guidance to mankind, and He sent down the Criterion. Surely, those who disbelieve in the signs of Allah shall suffer a severe chastisement. And Allah is Mighty, the Lord of Retribution.

To achieve success, happiness, eternal life in Heaven, and true prosperity, we must reform our education system according to the Quranic framework. After that, the journey of human beings will start towards success, happiness, eternal life in Heaven, and real development and prosperity. This is the way the people of this world will return to Sirat al-Mustaqim (the right, middle, and balanced path).
Surah Fatir (35:28):
"And among men and beasts and cattle are various colors likewise. Those who truly fear Allah among His servants are those who have knowledge. Surely, Allah is Mighty, Forgiving."

Knowledge of the Source of Knowledge

According to the Quran, the ultimate source of knowledge is Allah Himself.
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:29):
"It is He Who created for you all that is in the earth, then He turned to the heaven and made them seven heavens; and He has knowledge of all things."

Surah An-Nisa (4:32):
"And do not covet that by which Allah has made some of you excel others. Men shall have a share of what they have earned, and women shall have a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of His bounty. Surely, Allah has knowledge of all things."

Surah Al-Maida (5:97):
"Allah has made the Ka‘bah, the Sacred House, a means of support for mankind, and the sacred month and the offerings and the animals with garlands. That is so you may know that Allah knows whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth, and that Allah is Knower of all things."

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255):
"Allah! There is no deity save Him, the Living, the Eternal. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His leave? He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them. He is the Sublime, the Tremendous."

Surah An-Nisa (4:26):
"Allah desires to make clear to you, and to guide you to the ways of those before you, and to turn to you in mercy. And Allah is Knowing, Wise."

Surah Al-An’am (6:59):
"And with Him are the keys of the unseen; none knows them but He. And He knows whatsoever is in the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but He knows it, nor is there a grain amid the darkness of the earth, nor anything fresh or dry, but it is in a clear record."

Surah Al-A’raf (7:52):
"And certainly We have brought them a Book which We have made clear with knowledge, a guidance and a mercy for a people who believe."

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:2):
"This is the Book; there is no doubt in it, a guidance to those who fear Allah."

And this Book is granted to be retained and protected forever:
Surah Al-Hijr (15:9):
"Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Reminder, and surely We will guard it."

Therefore, we have a basic, clean, unaltered, and doubtless Book to believe and practice. Understanding of the Book (Al-Quran) should be the top priority in the education system and curriculum. As Muslims, it is our obligation. There is no faith without knowledge, and faith is incomplete without knowledge. The Quran has set it as the first condition and a prerequisite for believers to believe in the Source of Knowledge.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:4):
"And who believe in that which has been sent down to you and that which was sent down before you, and who are certain of the Hereafter."

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:41):
"And believe in what I have sent down, confirming that which is with you, and be not the first to disbelieve in it, nor sell My signs for a small price; and fear Me alone."

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:159-160):
"Those who conceal the clear proofs and guidance We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are those whom Allah curses and whom the cursers curse. Except those who repent and make amends and openly declare [the truth]; those I turn to in mercy, and I am the Oft-Returning, the Merciful."

The Quran presents itself as a guidance for all humankind; therefore, it is imperative that our educational institutions and schools be open to all, and the understanding of the Quran should receive prime importance in the syllabus and curriculum.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:121):
"Those to whom We have given the Book recite it as it ought to be recited; they believe in it. And whoso disbelieves in it, they are the losers."

The Knowledge of the Teacher of Knowledge ﷺ

Allah has not dropped the Book from the sky. Instead, He sent the Guide, the Messenger, to explain and interpret the Book and reveal its words of wisdom. The Messenger Himself is the pioneer of a new education system and the founder of the movement to establish the system of God in human society and state. This is the same system that already governs the non-human realm (where there is no freedom of choice). The Messenger’s role is to bring human society onto the same highway on which everything in the universe moves unintentionally—the straight and destined path.

Allah has taught His Messengers the Book with wisdom and the criterion to differentiate between right and wrong.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:53):
"And when We gave Moses the Book and the Criterion, so that you might be guided."

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:119):
"Verily, We have sent you with the truth, as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner; and you will not be questioned about the inmates of the Fire."

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:129):
"Our Lord, raise up among them a Messenger from among them who shall recite to them Your signs, and teach them the Book and wisdom, and purify them. Surely, You are the Mighty, the Wise."

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:151-152):
"Even as We have sent among you a Messenger from among you who recites to you Our signs and purifies you, and teaches you the Book and wisdom, and teaches you what you did not know. So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me."

Surah Al-Imran (3:164):
"Allah conferred a great favor on the believers when He raised among them a Messenger from among themselves, reciting to them His signs, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and wisdom, although before that they were in manifest error."

Surah Ibrahim (14:1-2):
"Alif Lam Ra. A Book which We have revealed to you that you may bring mankind out of darkness into light, by the leave of their Lord, to the path of the Mighty, the Praiseworthy. Allah, to Whom belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. And woe to the disbelievers from a severe chastisement."

Surah Al-Fath (48:8-9):
"Verily, We have sent you as a witness, a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner. That you may believe in Allah and His Messenger, and may help him and honor him, and glorify Him morning and evening.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:231):
And when you divorce women and they reach their term, then either retain them in kindness or release them in kindness, and do not retain them to harm them so as to transgress. And whoso does that, he wrongs himself. And do not take the signs of Allah in jest, and remember Allah’s favor upon you, and what He has sent down to you of the Book and wisdom, whereby He admonishes you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is Knower of all things.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:97):
"Say: Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel—for he brings down the revelation to your heart by Allah’s leave, a confirmation of what was before it, and a guidance and glad tidings for the believers."

Now, after the advent of the last Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (peace be upon him), there is no other way for humanity but to follow him.

Surah Al-Imran (3:81):
"And when Allah took a covenant from the prophets, saying: I have given you a Book and wisdom; then there shall come to you a Messenger confirming what is with you; you shall believe in him and you shall help him. He said: Do you agree and take this burden upon you? They said: We agree. He said: Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses."

Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:38-39):
"And We sent messengers before you, and We gave them wives and offspring; and it was not for a messenger to bring a sign except by Allah’s leave. For every term there is a decree. Allah effaces what He wills and confirms, and with Him is the Mother of the Book."

Now there is only one option to unite humanity and stop infighting and quarrels, and that is for the people of the world to accept the system, concept, and content of education provided by the Teacher, the most knowledgeable.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:213):
"Mankind was one community; then Allah sent prophets as bearers of glad tidings and warners, and sent down with them the Book with the truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed. And none differed over it except those who were given it, after clear proofs came to them, out of envy among themselves. Then Allah guided those who believed to the truth about which they differed, by His leave. And Allah guides whom He wills to a straight path."

Surah Al-Maida (5:13):
"Then because of their breaking of their covenant, We cursed them and made their hearts hard; they alter the words from their places, and they have forgotten a portion of that whereof they were reminded. And you will not cease to discover deceit in them, except a few of them. So pardon them and overlook; surely Allah loves those who do good."

Surah An-Nisa (4:79-80):
"Whatever good befalls you is from Allah, and whatever evil befalls you is from yourself. And We have sent you to mankind as a Messenger, and Allah is sufficient as a Witness. Whoso obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah; and whoso turns away, We have not sent you as a keeper over them."

The education system and curriculum of the Quranic model must inculcate the teacher of all teachers (Al-Muallim), the interpreter of Al-Quran (Muhammad, peace be upon him), the life and words of the Messenger: Hadith and Seerah.

The Knowledge of Language and Communication

The language in which Al-Quran, the last Message, the book of guidance, and the latest edition of the divine book has been revealed and interpreted must be mandatory in our education curriculum.

Surah Yusuf (12:2):
"Verily, We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran, that you may understand."

Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:37):
"And thus We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran, and have set forth therein warnings in diverse ways, that they may fear Allah or that it may cause them to remember."

Surah Az-Zumar (39:28):
"An Arabic Quran, without any crookedness, that they may fear Allah."

Surah Ha-Mim As-Sajdah (41:3):
"A Book whose verses have been made clear, an Arabic Quran, for a people who know."

Surah Az-Zukhruf (43:1-4):
"Ha Mim. By the clear Book. Verily, We have made it an Arabic Quran that you may understand. And verily, it is in the Mother of the Book with Us, exalted, full of wisdom."

As the guide of truth, the Messenger of Allah addressed Arabs in the Arabic language; therefore, as representatives of the Messenger of Allah, we must learn the local and native languages wherever we are living, becoming fluent and gaining expertise in the field of language and the art of communication.

Surah Ibrahim (14:4):
"And We sent no messenger except with the tongue of his people, that he might make clear to them. Then Allah leads astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And He is the Mighty, the Wise."

Surah Ash-Shura (42:7):
"And thus We have revealed to you an Arabic Quran, that you may warn the Mother of Cities and those around it, and warn of the Day of Gathering about which there is no doubt; a party will be in the Garden, and a party in the Blaze."

Surah Ad-Dukhan (44:58):
"Verily, We have made it easy in your tongue, that they may take heed."

The expertise in native and national languages and communication should be an integral part of our curriculum.

Surah Ta-Ha (20:25-28):
" Moses said: My Lord, expand my breast for me. And ease my task for me. And loose a knot from my tongue. That they may understand my speech."

A nation without good speakers will be called a dumb nation.

The Knowledge of Science

In the Quranic education system, after revealed and prophetic knowledge, the knowledge of the universe and its elements—science—holds a fundamental position. After creating the first person, Adam, Allah taught him the names of all elements.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:31-33):
"And He taught Adam the names, all of them; then He presented them to the angels and said: Tell Me the names of these, if you are truthful. They said: Glory be to You; we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Surely, You are the Knowing, the Wise. He said: O Adam, tell them their names. And when he had told them their names, He said: Did I not tell you that I know the unseen of the heavens and the earth? And I know what you reveal and what you conceal."

Unfortunately, today’s science is under the control of secular humanists who rebel against God and attempt to erase Allah from the universe’s narrative. However, several Muslim scientists have produced remarkable scientific literature that brings students closer to God. True scientific knowledge recognizes the Artist and Creator of the universe, filling hearts with gratitude and thankfulness. Allah has revealed two kinds of Books: one written with black ink, brought by the Messengers of God, and the other spread across the pages of the universe, known as science.

The pages within the hardcover of sky and earth are countless: days and months, stars and galaxies, sun and moon, rain and snow, mountains and deserts, men and women, birds and animals. By reading and reviewing the pictures and lines of the Book of the universe, a person of intellect can easily recognize their God. The first scientist to draw attention to this book was Abraham (peace be upon him), the son of Aazar. He refused to accept the diminishing stars, setting sun, and descending moon as gods. He declared:

Surah Al-An’am (6:75-76):
"And thus We showed Abraham the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, that he might be of those who are certain. When the night covered him, he saw a star. He said: This is my Lord. But when it set, he said: I love not those that set."

The thinker of the cave Hira, Muhammad (peace be upon him), declared the same thing.

Surah Al-Imran (3:190-191):
"Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, there are signs for those who possess understanding. Those who remember Allah standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth: Our Lord, You have not created this in vain. Glory be to You; save us from the punishment of the Fire."

We should develop the science curriculum based on the following Ayahs and human experience and discovery using the intellect provided by God Almighty, the All-Knowing:

Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:3):
"And it is He Who spread out the earth and placed therein firm mountains and rivers, and of every fruit He made two kinds. He causes the night to cover the day. Verily, in that are signs for a people who reflect."

Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:4):
"And in the earth are neighboring tracts, and gardens of vines, and fields sown, and palm trees, growing from a single root or otherwise; they are watered with the same water, yet We make some excel others in fruit. Verily, in that are signs for a people who understand."

Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:8):
"Allah knows what every female bears, and what the wombs diminish or increase. And everything with Him is by measure."

Surah Ya-Sin (36:36):
"Glory be to Him Who created all pairs, of that which the earth grows, and of themselves, and of that which they know not."

Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:17):
"He sends down water from the sky, so that valleys flow according to their measure, and the flood bears away the foam that mounts up, as does the scum that rises from what they melt in the fire to make ornaments or utensils. Thus does Allah illustrate truth and falsehood. As for the foam, it passes away as scum; but as for that which benefits mankind, it remains on the earth. Thus does Allah set forth similitudes."

Surah An-Nahl (16:10-14):
"It is He Who sends down water from the sky; from it you drink, and from it grow the plants on which you pasture your cattle. Therewith He causes crops to grow for you, and olives, and date-palms, and grapes, and every kind of fruit. Verily, in that is a sign for a people who reflect. And He has subjected to you the night and the day, the sun and the moon; and the stars are subjected by His command. Verily, in that are signs for a people who understand. And what He has created in the earth of varied colors; verily, in that is a sign for a people who remember. And it is He Who has subjected the sea, that you may eat fresh meat from it, and bring forth from it ornaments which you wear. And you see the ships cleaving it, that you may seek of His bounty, and that you may be grateful."

Surah An-Nahl (16:65-69):
"And Allah sends down water from the sky, and therewith revives the earth after its death. Verily, in that is a sign for a people who listen. And verily, in the cattle there is a lesson for you. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, from between excretions and blood, pure milk, agreeable to those who drink it. And of the fruits of the date-palm and grapes, whence you derive strong drink and good nourishment. Verily, in that is a sign for a people who understand. And your Lord inspired the bee, saying: Take your habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect. Then eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of your Lord, made smooth. There comes forth from their bellies a drink of varying colors, wherein is healing for mankind. Verily, in that is a sign for a people who reflect."

Surah An-Nahl (16:72):
"And Allah has made for you mates of your own kind, and has made for you from your mates sons and daughters and grandchildren, and has provided you with good things. Will they then believe in falsehood and deny the favor of Allah?"

Surah An-Nahl (16:78):
"And Allah brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers knowing nothing, and gave you hearing and sight and hearts, that you may be grateful."

Surah An-Nahl (16:79-82):
"Do they not see the birds subjected in the atmosphere of the sky? None holds them but Allah. Verily, in that are signs for a people who believe. And Allah has made for you, from your houses, a place of rest, and made for you, from the hides of cattle, tents which you find light on the day of travel and the day of encampment; and from their wool, fur, and hair, furnishings and enjoyment for a time. And Allah has made for you, from what He has created, shade, and has made for you places of refuge in the mountains, and has made for you garments to protect you from the heat, and coats of mail to protect you in your fighting. Thus does He complete His favor upon you, that you may submit. But if they turn away, your duty is only to convey the message clearly."

Surah Al-Isra (17:12):
"And We have made the night and the day two signs; then We effaced the sign of the night and made the sign of the day visible, that you may seek bounty from your Lord, and that you may know the number of years and the reckoning. And everything We have set forth in detail."

Surah Al-Isra (17:36):
"And follow not that of which you have no knowledge. Verily, the hearing and the sight and the heart—all those will be questioned."

Surah Ad-Dahr (76:1):
"Has there come upon man a period of time when he was not a thing worth mentioning?"

Surah Al-Isra (17:66):
"Your Lord is He Who drives the ship for you through the sea, that you may seek of His bounty. Verily, He is ever Merciful toward you."

Surah Al-Isra (17:70):
"And We have honored the children of Adam, and We have carried them on land and sea, and provided them with good things, and preferred them above many of those whom We created with a marked preferment."

Surah Al-Hajj (22:5-7):
"O mankind, if you are in doubt about the Resurrection, then verily, We created you from dust, then from a drop, then from a clot, then from a lump of flesh, formed and unformed, that We may make clear to you. And We cause what We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed time, then We bring you forth as infants, then that you may reach your maturity. And among you is he who dies, and among you is he who is brought back to the worst of age, so that after knowledge he knows nothing. And you see the earth barren, but when We send down water upon it, it stirs and swells and puts forth every lovely kind. That is because Allah, He is the Truth, and it is He Who gives life to the dead, and He is Able to do all things. And because the Hour is coming, there is no doubt about it; and because Allah will raise those who are in the graves."

Surah Al-Alaq (96:1):
"Read in the name of your Lord Who created."

Surah At-Tin (95:1-4):
"By the fig and the olive. And Mount Sinai. And this secure city. Verily, We created man in the best mould."

Surah Al-Hajj (22:34):
"And for every nation We have appointed a rite, that they may mention the name of Allah over the beast of cattle that He has provided them. And your God is One God, so to Him submit. And give glad tidings to the humble."

Surah Al-Mulk (67:15):
"It is He Who has made the earth subservient to you, so walk in its paths and eat of His provision. And to Him is the Resurrection."

Surah Nuh (71:19-20):
"And Allah has made the earth a carpet for you. That you may go along therein in spacious paths."

Surah Al-Hajj (22:65):
"Do you not see that Allah has subjected to you whatsoever is in the earth, and the ships that sail through the sea by His command? And He holds back the heaven from falling on the earth, except by His leave. Verily, Allah is, for mankind, Kind, Merciful."

Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:12-22):
"And certainly We created man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a drop in a safe lodging. Then We made the drop a clot, then We made the clot a lump, then We made the lump bones, then We clothed the bones with flesh, then We produced it as another creation. So blessed be Allah, the Best of Creators. Then after that you will surely die. Then on the Day of Resurrection you will surely be raised. And We have created above you seven paths, and We are never unmindful of creation. And We send down water from the sky in measure, and We cause it to settle in the earth; and We are able to take it away. Then We produce for you therewith gardens of date-palms and grapes, wherein you have much fruit and whereof you eat. And a tree that springs forth from Mount Sinai, producing oil and relish for those who eat. And verily, in the cattle there is a lesson for you. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, and you have many benefits in them, and of them you eat. And upon them and on ships you are carried."

Surah An-Nur (24:45):
"And Allah has created every animal from water. Of them are some that creep on their bellies, some that walk on two legs, and some that walk on four. Allah creates what He wills. Verily, Allah is Able to do all things."

Surah Al-Furqan (25:53):
"And it is He Who has made the two seas to flow freely, one palatable and sweet, and the other salt and bitter; and He has set a barrier and a complete partition between them."

Surah Ar-Rum (30:22-23):
"And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your tongues and colors. Verily, in that are signs for those who know. And of His signs is your sleep by night and day, and your seeking of His bounty. Verily, in that are signs for a people who listen."

Surah Luqman (31:20):
"Do you not see that Allah has subjected to you whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth, and has completed His favors upon you, apparent and hidden? Yet among mankind are those who dispute about Allah without knowledge, without guidance, and without a clear Book."

Surah Fatir (35:27-28):
"Do you not see that Allah sends down water from the sky, and We produce therewith fruits of diverse colors; and among the mountains are streaks, white and red, of various shades, and others intensely black? And among men and beasts and cattle are various colors likewise. Those who truly fear Allah among His servants are those who have knowledge. Surely, Allah is Mighty, Forgiving."

Surah Al-Jathiyah (45:13):
"And He has subjected to you whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth, all from Him. Verily, in that are signs for a people who reflect."

Surah Sad (38:27):
"And We did not create the heaven and the earth and what is between them in vain. That is the assumption of those who disbelieve. So woe to those who disbelieve from the Fire."

Surah Az-Zariyat (51:10-11):
"Accursed be the conjecturers. Who are heedless in their recklessness."

The above-mentioned verses of Al-Quran openly explain the pages of the universe and confirm the Unity (of God, universe, and humanity) and the Day of Judgment. They make it easy to understand science and confirm that science is a subject to better recognize and understand God. These facts of science span various disciplines: physics, chemistry, biology, zoology, botany, geology, oceanology, astronomy, genealogy, mathematics, and more.

Education of Management, Administration, Governance, Politics, and Other Social Sciences

Those who accept faith and represent the Messenger of God are the vicegerents of God on earth. They must administer worldly affairs in a way that facilitates the path to Heaven for the masses, in accordance with the laws of God, the true Creator and Administrator of the universe. We must learn all required knowledge related to state and governance.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:251):
"And if Allah had not repelled some people by others, the earth would have been corrupted. But Allah is full of bounty to the worlds."

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:268-269):
"Satan promises you poverty and bids you to indecency, while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing. He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever is given wisdom is given abundant good. And none will take heed except those who possess understanding."

To govern a state, the most important knowledge is understanding the depth of matters and issues (politics).

Surah Yusuf (12:21-22):
"And the Egyptian who bought him said to his wife: Give him an honorable place; perchance he may profit us or we may adopt him as a son. Thus did We establish Joseph in the land, and that We might teach him the interpretation of events. And Allah has full power over His affair, but most people know not. And when he reached maturity, We gave him judgment and knowledge. Thus do We reward those who do good."

When Yusuf (Joseph) gained state power, he thanked his Lord in the following words:

Surah Yusuf (12:101):
My Lord! You have bestowed dominion upon me and taught me of the interpretation of events. Creator of the heavens and the earth, You are my Protector in this world and the Hereafter. Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous."

Surah Sad (38:20):
"And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and decisive speech."

Surah An-Naml (27:15):
"And We gave knowledge to David and Solomon, and they said: Praise be to Allah Who has preferred us above many of His believing servants."

Surah An-Naml (27:17):
"And there were gathered to Solomon his hosts of jinn and men and birds, and they were set in ranks."

Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13):
"O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is the most righteous of you. Verily, Allah is Knowing, Aware."

The custodian of the vicegerent of the earth should have the ability to create, not to corrupt and destroy. The knowledge of society (social sciences), economics, policy, planning, research, management, finance, and others falls in this category.

Knowledge of Technology

Technology is another area in which a group of the community or nation must specialize.

Surah Al-Kahf (18:94-97):
"They said: O Dhu’l-Qarnayn, verily Gog and Magog cause corruption in the land; so may we pay you tribute on condition that you set a barrier between us and them? He said: That wherein my Lord has established me is better; so help me with strength, I will set up a rampart between you and them. Bring me blocks of iron, until, when he had filled up the space between the two cliffs, he said: Blow, until, when he had made it a fire, he said: Bring me molten copper to pour thereon. So they could not scale it, nor could they pierce it.

Surah Al-Anbiya (21:79-80):
"And We gave understanding of it to Solomon, and to each We gave judgment and knowledge. And We subjected the mountains and the birds to glorify with David. And We were the Doers. And We taught him the art of making coats of mail for you, to protect you in your fighting. Are you then grateful?"

Surah Sad (38:36-37):
"So We subjected to him the wind; it blew at his command gently wheresoever he willed. And the devils, every builder and diver."

Surah Saba (34:10- 13):
"And We gave David bounty from Us: O mountains, echo with him, and you birds. And We made iron soft for him. Saying: Make coats of mail, and measure the links. And do righteous deeds. Verily, I am Seer of what you do. And to Solomon the wind; its morning course was a month’s journey, and its evening course was a month’s journey. And We made a fount of molten copper flow for him. And of the jinn were those who worked before him by the leave of his Lord, and whoso swerved from Our command among them, We caused him to taste the punishment of the Blaze. They made for him what he willed: arches, statues, basins like wells, and fixed cauldrons. Work, O House of David, in gratitude. And few of My servants are grateful."

Surah Al-Hadid (57:25):
"Indeed, We sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and sent down with them the Book and the Balance, that mankind may establish justice. And We sent down iron, wherein is mighty power and benefits for mankind, that Allah may know who helps Him and His messengers in the unseen. Verily, Allah is Strong, Mighty."

Knowledge of Health and Medical Sciences

Knowledge related to health and medical sciences has always held importance in Muslim history. A proverb states: There are only two types of knowledge—the knowledge of the body and the knowledge of deen (religion). Health is a trust and bounty from Allah, and it is mandatory for all humans to protect it. However, illness and health are in the hands of Allah, the Warner and the Healer.

Surah Al-Anbiya (21:83-84):
"And Ayyub (Prophet Job), when he cried to his Lord: Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of those who show mercy. So We answered him and removed what was upon him of distress, and We gave him his family and the like thereof with them, as a mercy from Us and a reminder for those who worship."

Surah Ash-Shu’ara (26:80):
"And when I am sick, it is He Who heals me."

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said that Allah has not created any disease without a cure; some know its treatment, and some do not. In Islamic literature, there is a rich body of content on Quranic and Prophetic medicine. Several doctors are researching this area of medicine. In the past, Muslim doctors made significant contributions to the field of medicine. The most prominent among them is Abū ʿAlī al-Ḥusayn ibn ʿAbd Allāh ibn Sīnā (Avicenna, 980–1037). The world knows him as the doctor of doctors. His most famous works are The Book of Healing, a vast philosophical and scientific encyclopedia, and The Canon of Medicine, a standard medical text at many medieval universities, used as a textbook in universities like Montpellier and Leuven as late as 1650. Ibn Sīnā’s Canon of Medicine provides a complete system of medicine.

The Knowledge of History

The knowledge of the history of mankind, its origins, phases, the history of prophets and Messengers of Allah, the history of ancestors, great people, and scholars of Islam is imperative to learn. The Quran mentions and explains the most successful people and nations of the world and the reasons for their success. It also explains the most failed people and nations and the reasons for their failure. The Quran provides not only bookish knowledge but also knowledge gained through observation and travel.

Surah Yusuf (12:109):
"And We sent not before you except men to whom We sent revelation, from the people of the towns. Have they not traveled in the land and seen what was the end of those before them? And the abode of the Hereafter is better for those who fear Allah. Do you not then understand?"

Responsibility to Revive the Quranic Education System

Who is responsible for reviving this education system in the world? It is obvious that the responsibility lies exclusively on the shoulders of Muslims.

Surah Al-Imran (3:110):
"You are the best community raised up for mankind; you enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and you believe in Allah. And if the People of the Book had believed, it would have been better for them. Among them are believers, but most of them are perverse."

Surah Al-Imran (3:104):
"And let there be among you a community inviting to good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong; and those are the successful."

Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:11):
"For him are angels ranged before him and behind him, guarding him by Allah’s command. Verily, Allah changes not the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. And when Allah wills punishment for a people, there is no turning it back, and they will find besides Him no protector."

The purpose of reviving an education system is that people may face all the issues and challenges of this world in all spheres of life by obeying the guidance and commandments of Allah.

Surah Az-Zariyat (51:56):
"And I created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship (Ibadah; obey) Me."

(Jawed Anwar can be contacted at jawed@seerahwest.com)