Education in Human Development
Education plays an important role in human development. Education is one of the most important means to improve personal endowments, build capabilities, overcome constraints and in the process, enlarge available set of opportunities and choices for a sustained improvement in well-being. The process of education and attainments thereof has an impact on all aspects of life.
The rise of Muslims to the zenith of civilization in a period of four decades was based on lslam's emphasis on learning. This is obvious when one takes a look at the Qur'an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad which are filled with references to learning, education, observation, and the use of reason. To observe, to listen, and to reason things are so important in order to understand the true aspect of any situation and this can be only possible with knowledge and education. Allah says in Quran in Surah Al-Mulk, verse: 10
And they will say, "If only we had been listening or reasoning, we would not be among the companions of the Blaze."
Quran also encourages people towards scientific research and research can only happen with ample knowledge. As Allah says in Quran in Surah Az-Zumar, verse: 33
“And the one who has brought the truth and [they who] believed in it - those are the righteous”.
A saying of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) is that,
With knowledge man rises to the heights of goodness and to a noble position, associated with sovereigns in this world, and attains the perfection of happiness in the next.
This saying clearly states that how much change or transformation an education can bring in an individual.
In another place Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) was asked "What is the greatest vice of man?" He said, "You must not ask me about vice, but ask about virtue;" and he repeated this three times, after which he said, "Know ye! The worst of men is a bad learned man, and a good learned man is the best."
These all quotes tell us that how important an education is and what role an education can play in personal and social development. One can live a long, healthy and rewarding life by attaining and preserving the happiness of learning. Learning is everyone's birthright. Everyone - young or old, rich or poor, male or female, has access to learning. What we have learned cannot be taken away by others.
