Education and reflection of the Prophet’s hadith regarding the compulsory study of Darul Ma’arif Islamic Boarding School

Darulmaarif.net – Indramayu, May 5, 2025 | 16.00 WIB

In the midst of various educational challenges in Indonesia – from the low literacy, the gap of access to education, to the character crisis – we are faced with a fundamental question: What is the true meaning of education? Not just a matter of academic values, diplomas, or titles, but deeper: about the mission of forming a complete human being.

To answer that, we need to look back. Tracing the footsteps of the philosophy of education from big thinkers since ancient Greece, and how the legacy of thought was continued with the teachings of Islam – especially the words of the Prophet Muhammad:

Knowledge of knowledge is a party in every Muslim

Meaning: “Studying knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim.” (HR. Ibnu Majah)

Lafadz Faridlotun means very mandatory. (Letter) Ta ‘Marbuthoh Faridlotun is encouraged to obey (emphasize).

This hadith is not just a scientific call, but a deep philosophical statement about the position of science in shaping human existence.

Educational Philosophy from Ancient Greece

Greek philosophers such as Socrates, PlatoAnd Aristotle view education as a means of liberation of humans from ignorance to truth.

• Socrates teach that education is Maieutic – Like a midwife who helps “give birth to” truth that already exists in the human body.
• Plato In his work Republicassert that education is a way to form a just and rational soul. He divided the world into two: the senses world and the world of ideas. Education is a bridge from the medium to the essence of truth.
• Aristotle More realistic, emphasizing education as a means of forming virtue (virtue) and noble character (ethos).

Its relevance to modern education is that his true education is not only the transfer of information, but self -transformation.

Modern era and criticism of materialistic education

In modern times, philosophers like John Dewey Developing Experiential Learning Progressive Education. According to him, education must be relevant to real, democratic life, and forming individuals who think critically.

However, many criticisms arise against the modern education system that tends to be capitalistic and utilitarian – pursuing numbers, ranking, and market orientation, but forgetting the spiritual dimensions, morals, and meaning of life.

Education in Islam: Science as Worship

Different from Western philosophy which is often speculative, in Islam, education is part of monotheism. It is not only an intellectual process, but also spiritual.

In the book Jammin ‘Bayān al-‘ilm is Faëlih The work of Ibn ‘Abd Al-Barr, explained that the intended knowledge includes syar’i and worldly science that supports the lives of Muslims. Imam al-Ghazali Dalam Ihya ‘Ulum al-Din Even states that science is the most important way to draw closer to Allah SWT.

Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qordhowi added, the obligation of knowledge in this hadith is collective and individual. Religious science is mandatory for every individual, while social science, engineering, health, and others are fardhu kifayah which is important for the progress of the people.

Correlation of the Prophet’s Hadith with Educational Philosophy

The Prophet’s hadith was the answer to the concerns of philosophers from Greece to the modern era. Islam not only places science as a tool, but as a form of worship. Knowledge in Islam does not stop at cognition, but must give birth charity And Moral.

In Islam, education is not only more than Tarbiyah. Based on language, Tarbiyah (Λ ربية) means educating, caring for, and guiding. According to various Arabic literature, Tarbiyah has the meaning of physical development, reason, and soul carried out continuously until students (Mutarabbi) Can be an adult, independent, and able to play a role in the community.

In this understanding, Tarbiyah Defined as a process full of attention and love, and is carried out with softness and wisdom. As explained by Al-Marraghy Tafsir Al-Maaraghy that Tarbiyah Includes education with a gentle, loving heart, and far from the impression of boring.

This is relevant to our unrest in Indonesia today: how education is not enough to only print smart people, but also the right person. Society needs leaders who are knowledgeable and integrity – not only technically capable, but also have a mandate spirit.

CLOSING: Education as a worship of life

So, when the Prophet said that studying that knowledge Fardlu (Mandatory), he is forming awareness that education is not a matter of school or campus alone, but life for life (life for life (Life learning).

As Muslims, let us strengthen the spirit of studying not only for the world, but also as a way to Ridha Allah. Make every space, every book, every experience, as part of worship seeking knowledge.

And anyone who is the way in which it is touched in it with knowledge, God will facilitate Him by means of heaven

Meaning: “Whoever takes the way to seek knowledge, then Allah will make it easy for him the way to heaven.” (HR. Imam Muslim)

Let’s support the Islamic education movement that frees, enlightening, and inspiring. Continue to visit darulmaarif.net to get Islamic articles, books of books, and inspiration for pesantren education based on values.

Hope it is useful. Wallohu a’lam.