It is a common phenomenon is Islam that education is the first structure upon which all actions are built, be it Ibadat or Mu’amalat. It is in line with this argument that the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) reads: “Proclaim or read in the name of your lord and cherisher who 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 (Q 96:1-5).
Islam however, buttresses the point that serving Allah should encompass all spheres of human endeavours, be it private or public Ibadat or Mu’amalat. Says the most High: say truly, my prayers and my services of sacrifice, my life and my death are all from Allah. 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 Muslim and non Muslim alike with justice and fairness, so that he will get the good and best reward in the life and hereafter, with Jannat as his final abode.
“Say O you Muhammad come I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from. Do not ascribe partner with him and be kind to your parents; do not kill your children because of poverty, we provide sustenance for you and them, do not approach illicit activities openly or secretly and do not kill anyone whom Allah has forbidden, accept for a just cause according to Islamic law. These are his commandments to that you understand.” (Q6:151).
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 on any person accept what he can bear and be just in your making comments event if a near relative is concerned, and fulfill the covenant of Allah. These are his commandments so that you remember (Q6:152). However no religion, set of groups or person first indicate the important or commandment of knowledge like Islam and Qur’an is the first book that stated what knowledge or education is all about before any does.
Saleh is of the Mass Communication Department of the University of Maiduguri.