Mohd Riyaz Ahmed | Mra Siddiqi
Editor PATRIOTIC VIEWS

Education holds a vital place in Islam, as emphasized in the Quran and Hadith. Allah commands, “And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.’” (Surah Ta-Ha: 114). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) established institutions for knowledge and moral development, highlighting the importance of education for Muslims.

Regrettably, many modern educational institutions, while promoting “high-quality education,” have led to moral decay, with activities such as dancing and singing becoming commonplace. This trend threatens the religious and social fabric of our youth, as parents often cheer for their children’s moral decline.

Islam categorizes knowledge into beneficial and non-beneficial. Beneficial knowledge aids both religious and worldly success, while non-beneficial knowledge harms. Unfortunately, some institutions exploit the notion of religious education for profit, misleading parents with claims of high moral standards.

Educational administrators should prioritize inviting scholars for guidance instead of celebrities. This approach can offer true enlightenment and serve as ongoing charity for the community. Parents must carefully choose schools that align with Islamic values, as negligence can severely impact their children’s faith and character.

While some religious schools may face criticism, they fulfill their roles despite challenges. Modern institutions often fail to provide a genuine religious education and focus on profit. The true essence of Islamic education must remain intact, ensuring that students are taught in accordance with the Quran and Sunnah.

Memorization of the Quran, which holds immense rewards, should be done properly to maintain the integrity of its teachings. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned against forgetting the Quran, stressing the importance of continuous recitation.

In conclusion, it is imperative for parents, educators, and society to work together to ensure that our educational institutions provide a robust moral and religious foundation for future generations. The preservation of faith and character is a shared responsibility that must not be overlooked.
Indeed, many important points regarding the virtues and rewards of memorizing the Quran have been highlighted in the Hadith. Those who memorize the Quran are granted a lofty status in this world and the Hereafter. However, warnings have also been given regarding those who forget the Quran after memorization. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The one who memorizes the Quran and acts upon it, his parents will be adorned on the Day of Resurrection with a crown, the light of which is better than the light of the sun.” (Sunan Abu Dawood). In another Hadith, he (peace be upon him) said: “The reciter of the Quran and the one who acts upon it will be with the Prophets, the Truthful, the Martyrs, and the Righteous on the Day of Resurrection.” (Sahih Bukhari). There is also a warning regarding forgetting the Quran. It is obligatory for the one who memorizes the Quran to continue reciting it so that they do not forget. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Protect your knowledge, for whoever learns the Quran and then forgets it will rise on the Day of Resurrection in a state of sin.” (Sunan Tirmidhi).