Islamic Perspective of Adult Education: An Overview

Abstract

This article demonstrates the Islamic Perspective of adult education. Apparently, adult education is based on the concept of lifelong & continuing education. The 21st century has acknowledged it as an agent of overall development of an individual and the society as well. The history of Islam reveals that it started with the first revelation on the Holy Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH). The Qur’an and Sunnah emphasize on seeking knowledge without any age or gender restrictions. The example of Ashab-e-Suffah (who were adults) provides established concrete grounds to adult education to be followed by the Muslim Ummah. The Ashab-e-Suffah used to gather at a place called the Suffah in the mosque of the Prophet (PBUH) (Masjid-e-Nabvi) to seek the knowledge of Islam and life skills according to the principles of the Islam and Islamic Values. After some days living here and learning from the Prophet (PBUH) directly; they went back, practiced and taught the same to those who were unable to come to the Suffah. This practice promoted Islam in far lung areas of the deserted Arab. Obviously, it can be said that adult education is based on the philosophy of Islamic Education even in modern world.