Aims of Education According to Al-Ghazali

Al-Ghazali (1058-1111) was one of the most influential Muslim thinkers. A jurist, logician, theologian, and philosopher, he was honored in the history of Islam with title of Hujjatul-Islam (the Proof of Islam)." Among his numerous contributions to the renewal of the intellectual life of the 5th Islamic century, he developed a theory of education rooted in his philosophy and aiming at improving the objectives and principles of education. Based on a reflection on the methods and knowledge of teaching, and detailing the relationships between scholars, teachers and pupils, his education concept had a notable influence inside and outside the Muslim world.

Aims of Education

The purpose of education, according to Al-Ghazali, was to be closer to Allah SWT, the creator, and he divided it into two kinds of terms. The long-term goal and the short-term goal.

*The long-term purpose is building up a closer approach to Allah. The process of education should be able to lead people to get to know each other and to get more in touch with the all Mighty. From this definition, we can infer that the longer someone learns, the more he gains knowledge, the closer he is to the ONE. Obviously, the education here is neither the secular one distinguishing life science and religion, nor the conservative Islamic system. However, it is an integrated education system which can guide humankind to manage their obligation to be vicegerent(khalifah) as which is recited in Al-Baqarah:30

*The short term purpose is the achievement of human beings’ profession primarily based on their understanding and expertise. Al Ghazali moreover stated approximately positions, repute, wealth, fame and other lifestyles satisfaction. Yet, they all are not standards due to the fact the information they have got is to be certainly in the route of ALLAH. Their first motivation is to implement the law in Koran (syariah) and the prophet’s (Muhammad) mission. From the thoughts above, it is clear that the capabilities of education consistent with AlGhazali are to accumulate the private approach to ALLAH further to advantage happiness in this life and the hereafter.

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