Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Ali ibne Abi Talib's Sayings on Education



Ali ibne Abi Talib on the Importance of Education and Seeking Knowledge 

Knowledge as Criterion of Personal Distinction: A person is worth what he excels at; your superiority over others is in proportion to the extent of your knowledge and wisdom.[i]

Education and Leadership: Whoever wants to be a leader should educate himself before educating others.[ii]

Theory and Practice: Theoretical as well as practical knowledge are the best signs of distinction; deep thinking will present the clearest picture of every problem.[iii]

On the Need for Studying History: Learn lessons from past events in order to understand and prepare for future events, because they are similar to one another; and study how nations are similar in their states and traits.[iv] Studying the causes of the rise and fall of civilizations is a critical means to acquire knowledge.[v]

Legacy of Scholars: Scholars live forever. They disappear only in physical image, but in the hearts and minds of people, their memories and messages last forever.[vi]

Linkage Between Knowledge and Practice: Knowledge and its practice must go hand in hand. Whoever is knowledgeable must act. Knowledge calls upon action; if answered, it will remain, but otherwise, it will disappear.[vii]

Education Process: Education involves the observation of events, learning lessons from history, and acquiring wisdom through thinking and analysis.[viii]

Specialized Training: Administrative officials of the government cannot serve efficiently without proper education and training.[ix]

Benefits of Education: He who acts without knowledge is like the one who is without direction. Consequently, his objectives remain unachieved. But the one who is well educated and well informed treads a clear path. Lack of education hinders one’s capacity to comprehend. Knowledge arms an individual to face the dangers of life.[x]




Chapter 5
[i] Nahjul Balagha Saying no. 81 & 175.
[ii] Ibid., Saying no. 73.
[iii] Ibid., Saying no. 4.
[iv] Ibid., Sermon no. 69 & 192.
[v] Ibid., Saying no. 30.
[vi] Ibid., Saying no. 146.
[vii] UNDP and Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, Arab Human Development Report 2002, p. 82.
[viii] Nahjul Balagha, Saying no. 146.
[ix] Ibid., Letter no. 53.
[x] Ibid., Sermon no. 153 & Letter no. 31.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Webinar: Principles of Good Governance in Islam




Summary outline of the webinar

The model presented by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and its reflections in the policies pursued by his companions offer great insights for the modern world. Islamic teachings provide for the establishment of a just order where welfare of people stands out as the core goal. Equality before the laws of the state ensures the sustainability of such a system. Leaders are embodiment of love and compassion.

Main topics covered
1. Provision of Justice for every citizen as the central pillar of a state.
2. Leadership is Knowledgeable and accountable.
3. State is especially responsible for the well being of poor, destitute and orphans.
4. Appointment of state officials on merit and a system of strict accountability to monitor their performance.
5. Public participation in decision making and policy formulation through regular consultation and consensus building.

For more details, click here