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Aims of Islamic education

The major aim of Islamic education, according to Abdullahi (1982) is to “ build up the individual who will act as Allah’s Khalifah (representatives on earth) or at least put on the part that leads to such an end”. In other word, Islamic education aims at producing Allah’s representatives who will do good to mankind on earth. Hence, it urges Muslims to imbibe the values of kindness, generosity, patience, steadfastness, honesty and so on. The Holy Quran emphasizes on high moral standard, obedience, good behaviour and others among adherents.

Exercise 2:

  • Does this aim reflect part of your aims of being educated? 

Content of Islamic Education


Quran is a Holy document for all Muslims. It is the reference point from where the totality of Islamic education is drawn. Abduttawwab (1980 p 108) illustrate this point as follows:

Arabic syntax and morphology evolved to protet the Quran from ungrammatic utterances by foreign speakers. Tasfir, which stands for commentary on, and interpretation of the Quran, evolved to
facilitate its comprehension. Tajwid, the art of reading the Quran aloud, according to established rules of pronunciation and intonation, was introduced to facilitate its recitation; and Arabic lexicography
developed so as to define and clarify specific vocabulary and expressive of the Quran.

This shows that the content of Islamic education is designed to jealously preserve the Quran and urge Muslims to adhere strictly to tenets of the religion.

Another book of relevance which further guides the content of Islamic education is the Hadith. It contains the sayings of Prophet Mohammed, which gives some clearer information on some verses of the Quran, among others.

Islamic education also covers other areas of study in economics social sciences, medicine, pure science, arts and so on.

Exercise 3:

  • List other items that form part of the content of Islamic education. 

 Methods of Islamic Education

The most acceptable approach to teaching in Islam is humanistic. Educators in this area are urged to be gentle in approach, lenient in method and compassionate in interaction. The Holy Quran recommended the following methods precisely: story telling, use of questioning, metaphorical expressions. It also recommended the following strategies: repetition, illustrations, demonstration, field trips, punishments and rewards among others.