Why Are Those Educated People Uncivilised?

Dr Fazal Ul Haq Wani ✉

The emphasis on education within Islam stands out as a defining characteristic in the annals of human history. According to Islamic beliefs, the inception of humanity was not shrouded in darkness or ignorance; instead, it commenced bathed in the illuminating guidance of the Creator.

 

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Central to this belief is the notion that knowledge was the initial gift bestowed upon humanity by the Creator, marking it as a fundamental quality. Education, therefore, emerges as the pivotal factor that sets humanity apart and, as illuminated in the Holy Quran, elevates humans above all other creations.

Education is one of the essential qualities that are vital for the healthy progression and development of any civilization. While other systems and ideologies around the world may consider education as one of the many needs of man, Islam has prioritized it as the foremost requirement. However, education is not merely a teaching and learning process. Instead, it is a divine process that enables nations to achieve self-realization, as it nurtures and refines the thoughts of the individuals who constitute a nation.

Education plays a crucial role in transmitting civilizations and cultural heritage to future generations, instilling in them respect and admiration for the divine objectives of life. This is why the very first verses revealed upon Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) begin with the word "Iqra," which means "read."

The Quran and Sunnah have given education a special preference, and it is because of this emphasis that humans have been bestowed with many blessings. There are two types of people in society: those who are 'educated' and those who are 'civilized.' The term 'educated' refers to individuals who have passed various courses from colleges and universities. However, being 'civilized' goes beyond mere academic qualifications and encompasses a deeper understanding of things and situations. Civilized individuals have a vision and are capable of making meaningful contributions to society, regardless of their educational background.

To substantiate this point, I would like to share a story about my school in Pathan, Pulwama, where I studied up to the 8th standard. At the time, there was no school in our area, and students had to travel 10 kilometres to attend school. This was a significant distance, as there was no transport service available. However, some visionaries established a school in our village, where both Islamic and modern education were imparted. They did not establish the school for personal gain but for the benefit of the community. These individuals worked tirelessly to build the school, even doing manual labour to construct its walls. They carried the construction material on their shoulders from a long distance, demonstrating their commitment to the cause.

With the help of Allah, after a span of tiresome time, this school could produce several doctors, engineers, teachers, and administrative officers. Everyone praises this school, but some days ago, the government asked for some requirements to continue the registration of this school. Due to weak financial conditions, the school management was unable to fulfil all the requirements. The only thing needed for its survival was the people's support. The school management informed the villagers about the problem and asked for their help.

However, instead of providing assistance, many of the educated people in the village started criticizing the school authorities for their management. I have learned that these individuals have personal issues with the school management, who are trying hard to impart religious education along with modern education. These 'educated' individuals are now working to resolve their personal issues rather than joining hands for a larger cause. These are the people who, despite being 'educated,' are 'uncivilized.' For these individuals, degrees and certificates matter more than intellect and development.

In conclusion, education is a fundamental requirement for the progress and development of any civilization. However, being 'educated' and 'civilized' are two different things. While education provides knowledge and skills, being 'civilized' requires a deeper understanding of things and situations, a vision for the future, and a commitment to making meaningful contributions to society. The story of my school in Pathan, Pulwama, serves as a reminder of the importance of being 'civilized' and the need to support educational institutions that prioritize both religious and modern education for the betterment of society.

The author can be reached at: wanifazal@gmail.com

 

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