Back to School, Marching on to Excellence
| Khatib : |
Sadullah Khan |
| Khutbah No: |
210 |
| Khutbah Date: |
09/08/06 |
[b]يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ[/b][i]Allah will elevate those faithful ones among you who possess knowledge;[/i][i]surely Allah is fully informed of all your actions.[/i][b][Qur’an 23: 115] [/b]As students return to school for the new academic year, we reflect on the fact that [list][*]Allah commenced the final Divine communication (al-Qur'an) with
‘Iqra’ [Q 96:1] ; an injunction exhorting the pursuance of knowledge [/*][*]
that Allah elevates those who pursue/possess knowledge. [Q 58:11][/*][/list] both clear indications of the significance Islam attaches to learning and education. [b]Prophet as Teacher[/b]Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said; [i]"I have been sent as a teacher" [/i]and[i]"I have been commissioned to improve human pattern of behavior".[/i]These prophetic traditions emphasize the significance of education, of ethical values and of moral conduct. It was that very Prophet who emphasize[i]…"No person gives his child a better gift and inheritance than knowledge and good moral training.” [/i][b]Key to Human Progress[/b]Knowledge is key to human progress and its acquisition is absolutely essential in enabling the human being to fulfill his/her mission and function as the vicegerent of Allah on earth. Hence the Prophetic statement, [list][*]
“Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim, male and female." (There is no gender barrier to learning.), [/*][*]“Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave” (no age barrier to learning); and scholars have said, “seek knowledge even if it be in China” (no geographical barrier to learning.). [/*][*]The Prophet also said:
"Whosoever goes out in search of knowledge, Allah eases the way for such a person to paradise." … the student is in the path of Allah until he returns from studies, and if he/she dies while in pursuit of knowledge , he/she dies the death of a martyr”; clearly indicating the sanctity of learning and knowledge. [/*][/list] [b]
Hikmah / Wisdom[/b]Islam is a “religion” whose divine revelation requires us to think, to observe, to inquire, to investigate, to test statements, to reflect and to understand. The aim of education in Islam is to functionally inform and positively transform the student; i.e. to initiate a catalytic reaction leading to continuous development of the student's beliefs, thoughts, actions, potentialities, faculties, expressions, motivation and aspirations.The aim is to imbibe hikmah/wisdom. Wisdom is reason synthesized with higher values of compassion, justice and benevolence. Hikmah [Qur'an 16:125] is concerned with reason as an instrument for the promotion of higher values that lead to spiritual growth, inner peace and happiness. Allah thus informs us of the high estimation of wisdom by saying,[i]whoever has been granted hikmah has indeed been granted a tremendous goodness. [Qur'an 2:269] [/i][b]Preparing the Student[/b]Students who are morally and spiritually conscience develop a sense of their own self-worth. Helping our students develop healthy self-esteem is one of the most important things that parents can do for them; it is the foundation of their faith and commitment to Allah. Youth need to be assured that they are a special gift from Allah and they are to dedicate their talents and resources, and this gives them value, purpose and direction for life. Through every phase of a youth's development, they need provisions for moral and spiritual enrichment that encourages them to truly reverence the Creator, appreciate the creation, to experience the joy of existence and to value the beauty in themselves.
"We have indeed created humans in the best of molds." [Qur’an 95:4]. Our duty is to preserve, and nurture the distinctive character that Allah has created. [b]Prayer of the Prophet[/b]
[b]اللهم أغنِنا بالعلم و زيِّنا بالحِلم و أكرِمنا بالتقوَى و جَمِّلنا بالعافيَه[/b][i]O Allah, Enrich us through knowledge, Adorn us with humility, Ennoble us with piety, and Beautify us with a sense of pardoning. [/i][b]أللهم عَلِّمنا ما يَنفعُنا ، وَانفعْنا بمَا عَلَّمتنا و زِدنا عِلما[/b][i]O Allah, Teach us what will be beneficial, Benefit us through what you taught us, and Increase us in knowledge[/i]
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