Nigeria: Legality of Modern Education in Islam

It is a common phenomenon in Islam that education is the first pillar or structure upon which all actions are built, be it ibadaat (rituals) or Mu'amalat (transactions) . It is in line with this argument that the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad reads: " Proclaim (or Read) In the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created. Created man out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood. Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful. He who taught (the use of) the pen. Taught man that which he knew not." (Q96:1-5)

Islam, however, buttresses the point that serving Allah should encompass all spheres of human endeavours, be it private or public, Ibadaat or Mu'amalat. Says the Most High: "Say: Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the worlds. No partner hath He: This an I commanded, and I am the first of those who bow to His will." (Q6:162-163)

As a Muslim is, however, encouraged to have a sound faith in Allah, to practice Islam to the best of his ability, and to interact with human beings, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, with justice and fairness, so that he will get the good and best reward in the life hereafter, with Jannat al-Firdausi as his final abode.

"Say, O' You Muhammad come I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Do not ascribe any partner with Him in worship and be kind to your parents: do not kill your children because of poverty, we provide sustenance for you and for them; do not approach illicit activities openly or secretly; and do not kill anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Islamic law). These are His commandments so that you understand." Q6:151.

And do not approach orphan's property except for improvement on it until (he or she) attains the age of full strengths; and give full measure and full weight with justice. We do not impose on any person except what he can bear. And be just in your making comments even if a near relative is concerned, and fulfill the covenant of Allah. These are His commandments so that you remember." Q6:152

A brief introduction of the sect "Boko Haram"

The term "Boko Haram", in my own view, and the views of many Muslims in Nigeria, was coined by the enemies of Islam so that it will become very easy for them to fight Islam and Muslims alike, especially through discouraging the latter from active participation in search of knowledge, science and technology to be precise.

The foundations of modern science and technology could be traced to activities of Islamic jurists and scientists of the early centuries such as Ibn Rushud (Averreos) (1128-1198) who excelled in Philosophy, Law, Medicine, Astronomy and Theology, Al Farabi (Al-Pharabius) (870-950 C.E) who excelled in Sociology, Logic, Philosophy, Political Science and Music; Ibn Sina the father of modern Medicine, Al-Razi etc.

Excerpted from the book: Karanta Boko Halal Ne Da Sunan Allah (Legality of Modern Education In Islam) by Ash-Sheikh Muhammad Sani Yahya Jingir.

Credit to Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim