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CHAPTER TWO REVIEW OF LITERATURE Introduction In early days of Islamic civilization, the purpose of education was to read the Quran. Islam has always focused on the education of young people and has recognized its value in its philosophy. Recitation was the basic learning style and it was dependent on the teacher’s capability and pupil’s ability to learn. Further, memorizing was the most significant feature of an Islam learning method. The present study captures several Islamic methods as advocated in Islam from its sources and tries to understand their current use in the Islamic education system. Importance of Teaching Methods Teachings methodology is regarded an integral component in quality teaching pedagogy (Arifin, 2004). With reference to al-Syaibani, the various methods of teaching are the channeled activities prepared by the instructors with reference to the topic, as well as the shaping the characters of their students, constructing the learning atmosphere and the system which gathers knowledge and builds up morals and behaviors (Kasim & Tamuri, 2010). Teaching methods, as defined by al-Abrashi (Arifin, 2004), are considered the pathway while the students are prepared themselves to learn the subjects being lectured to them. In simper terms, it comprises of the strategy, which the teachers create prior to their entering the classroom in order to execute the lesson for attaining the set aims. Teaching methods related to the Islamic education necessitate widespread modernization, since the existing improvement among the educational sciences must not be detached from the Islamic education theme. Thus, constant development among the field of Islamic education, particularly in the methods of teaching, can make a constructive influence on balancing the progression related to sciences, from the divine and physical viewpoints as well as the worldly and hereafter perspectives. According to Al-Attas (1980), Islamic education is described as a procedure,...
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CHAPTER
TWO REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Introduction
In early days of Islamic civilization, the purpose of
education was to read the Quran. Islam has always focused on the education of
young people and has recognized its value in its philosophy. Recitation was the
basic learning style and it was dependent on the teacher’s capability and
pupil’s ability to learn. Further, memorizing was the most significant feature
of an Islam learning method. The present study captures several Islamic methods
as advocated in Islam from its sources and tries to understand their current
use in the Islamic education system.
Importance of Teaching
Methods
Teachings methodology is regarded an integral
component in quality teaching pedagogy (Arifin, 2004). With reference to
al-Syaibani, the various methods of teaching are the channeled activities
prepared by the instructors with reference to the topic, as well as the shaping
the characters of their students, constructing the learning atmosphere and the
system which gathers knowledge and builds up morals and behaviors (Kasim &
Tamuri, 2010).
Teaching methods, as defined by
al-Abrashi (Arifin, 2004), are considered the pathway while the students are
prepared themselves to learn the subjects being lectured to them. In simper
terms, it comprises of the strategy, which the teachers create prior to their
entering the classroom in order to execute the lesson for attaining the set
aims. Teaching methods related to the Islamic education necessitate widespread
modernization, since the existing improvement among the educational sciences
must not be detached from the Islamic education theme. Thus, constant
development among the field of Islamic education, particularly in the methods
of teaching, can make a constructive influence on balancing the progression
related to sciences, from the divine and physical viewpoints as well as the
worldly and hereafter perspectives.
According to Al-Attas (1980), Islamic
education is described as a procedure, which entails a complete individual,
comprising of his/her logical, religious and social extents. The main objective
is to create a well-balanced growth of the individual’s personality, through
enhancing their tangible living circumstances, as well as grooming them in a
way which directs their behaviors, activities, decisions and approaches towards
their day-to-day life matters according to the governance structure provided by
the moral and spiritual principles of Islamic education (Pryor & Rasekh,
2004). Hence, augmenting the teaching methodology of Islamic education requires
appropriate utilization of appropriate teaching methods, which assist in
expediting the intellect level of the students regarding Islamic values and
beliefs.
Education and Teaching
in Islam
A leading scientist in Islam during
1332-1406 AD stated that The Quran was the principle of all religious education
including reading and writing (Subh, 1993). The methods adapted by the teacher
varied depending on their knowledge and preparation. The techniques varied
because of the motivation of students, and their willingness to learn (Ahmad,
1989). Az-Zarnooj suggested that the good teacher of that time was aware of his
students’ abilities and personality(Ahmad, 1989). Methods of teaching were
derived from the Quran and Sunnah. Ahmad (1989) cites Az-Zarnooj that teachers
should preach with concern and watchfulness and advises:
"...I
commend to you in the composing of your speech five things, if you are obedient
to him who makes recommendation to you
meaning you well. Do not neglect the purpose of the discourse, the time, its
quality (how to speak, in low voice or loudly, quietly…), its quantity (in condense manner) and its place...”
(p.35).[A1]
The children are at the best to be
taught at a young age and the Quran is of the view that teaching should be in a
constant and encouraging manner. It is believed by the Muslims that Prophet
Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was sent as an absolute example of a teacher, and
laid the foundations of how teaching should be carried out. An insight of
several methods of education from the Quran and Sunnah suggest that a teacher
has to be a good listener and should lead by example. The prevalent methods
subsequently became either preaching (student/listener is expected to just
obey) or counseling (student/listener is guided towards a point of view) and is
totally dependent on the type of teacher. These old methods still appear to be
in use today (Ahmad, 1989).
Education by preaching, advice and commandment
(Alnaseeha). The Quran recommends an influential
approach towards teaching, which is comprised of methods that include preaching
and advice. These methods strongly impacts the child’s religious, psychological
and social development point of view. The instructors need to realize its
significance among the education of children, preparing them for their mental
and social growth, while directing them towards interactive and mental wisdom.
Az-Zarnooj advised learners “...Ask advice in all matters and be firm and exert
patience with his teachers” (Ahmad, 1989, pp. 100, 102). He is also of the view
that “...It is necessary to choose …to ask advice in all matters” (Ibid, pp.
98, 100). He even suggests a series of instructions to the teachers and to the
learners. "...Know that it is not obligatory for every Muslim, man of woman,
to seek all aspects of learning, but only that in keeping with his situation in
life (‘Ilm al-Hal)" (Ibid, p.83). This suggests that teaching was not only
knowledge based but also had a moral and social aspect.
Indeed, the Quran emphasizes better ways
of learning “...God commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith
and kin, and forbids all shameful deeds and injustice and rebellion. He
instructs you that ye may receive admonition” (Quran: S.16; V. 90, Ali, 1946).
Muslims believe that the Almighty Allah (God) has made the society responsible
for their children by teaching them well and forbidding wrongdoing.
Teaching by repetition (Altikrar).
It is vital that preaching is backed up by the
element of repetition. Az-Zarnooj (1947) defined teaching by repetition as
Tikrar. He implied that teaching through repetition is a necessary tool in
effective learning. As an example, Allah’s (God) messenger had a habit of
repeating a spoken word thrice so that it could be fully understood and also
not taken in out-of-context. From the learning perspective, the student must
tally and compute the amount of repetition he requires to memorize them. As
stated by Ahmad (1989), the journey for seeking knowledge is counted as one of
the most dignified and challenging undertakings. Consequently, he advised the
students to promote learning and ratiocination in order to possess the already
preserved knowledge, in accordance with the Quran, through sacred figures
including David, Solomon, Noah and Moses.
Students should determine for themselves
the right amount of repetition required for effective learning. Islam has
advocated for efficient styles of teaching so as to harvest the divine emotions
in correct way and to train the mind of humans accordingly. The educationalists
must recognize this aspect as being the most significant in the education and
experiment by way of maximum learning to students on both behavioral and mental
maturity[IS2].
Teaching by narratives (Akbaar Algasas).
The
narrative style consists of storytelling, and creating a long-term intellectual
impression on the learners. The Quran describes stories of apostles and their
companions. Among the Islamic education, these stories extracted from the Quran
as well as the life of Holy Prophet (PBUH) are related to the narratives
derived from his companions and followers. The stories found in the Holy Quran
are a means for passing on the message embedded in Islam. Moreover, teaching by
narrative is distinguished from the myth, because the main objective it carries
is not the recitation of a tale, but to strengthen the belief of Muslims
further educating him for what is right or wrong morally. A dilemma is inferred
by them which are resolved in preference to the believer who gains faith in God
(Allah). Moreover, they play the role of a vivid and academic instrument for
the instructors to use, and the descriptions of the narratives can be attuned
to such an approach which suits the mindset of the knowledge seekers. (Al-Kahledy,
2010)
Allah
(God) conferred the knowledge of the best events and stories to his messenger
Muhammad (PBUH) so that people can have truth and lessons altogether (Ulwan,
1994). In fact, the purpose of these stories mentioned in the Quran is to draw
the reader’s attention. It is a tool to deliver the Islamic message in such a
way that the learner can correct himself in the light of these stories and
elevate his moral conduct. An amazing feature of these stories is that a
teacher can explain it to different students with different mental levels and yet
able to connect and reach the required goal.
Teaching by dialogue (Almonagashah).
Another approach adopted by the primitive
Muslim preachers and being studied by the researchers is the method of
dialogue. This entails having a conversation with people, in the course of
which queries are put forward for the reason of gaining their responsiveness
and sparking intelligence. This process triggers the intellect of learners and
their attention through the process of asking questions. Az-Zarnooj describes
“...Suitability of questions (debate) and
discussion is far greater than the repetition method
alone, as it has repetition but followed by another interesting element that
is: Questioning for an hour compared to
a month of repetition has far greater effect on learner.” (Ahmad, 1989, p. 140)
More,
Az-Zarnooj notifies that effectiveness of this method not only depends on the
involvement of learner but on the candid nature of teacher himself. There exist
various approaches for turning the conversation into a thought-provoking
dialogue which includes:
1)
Stimulating emotions and feelings can be achieved through presenting the topic
in an energetic and faithful manner,
2)
By tempting the student to keep a track of the conversation so he/she can be
acquainted with the supposition. (Al-Kahledy, 2010) Dialogue that entails
questions is considered one of the effective means for urging the intellects to
embrace Islam.
There are several ways to effectively
educate students such as, developing interest and feelings towards the subject
by explaining the subject in an exciting and realistic way (. (Al-Kahledy,
2010) The educator should make the students to follow the dialogue so that he
is able to understand about the taught lesson. Indeed, Az-Zarnooj says that the
questioning method is a way through which intellectuals can be encouraged to
enter Islam. As Ahmad (1989) quotes "...And certainly Abu Hanifa used to
study by asking questions and discussing them in his shop" (p. 143). He
also emphasizes on the debate method "...You should discuss the subject in
a way that you live your lives so that it may benefit you in a way you want. It
is important to gain knowledge through discussion, argument and questioning”
(Ahmad, 1989, pp. 138-139).
Teaching by metaphors (Tarb Alamthal).
According
to the definition provided by Merriam-Webster website (2014), metaphor is
described as a figure of speech, which explains a particular topic through
affirming that it is, at a point of comparison, similar as another or otherwise
dissimilar thing.
Metaphors are always a strong aid in
teaching. The Holy Quran beseeches about those people who give no importance to
the signs of God (Allah) spread all around them. These people are akin to those
who live their lives in ignorance of truth even after receiving the wisdom but
do not understand. Quran says:
...The similitude of those who were charged
with the (obligations of the) law, but who subsequently
failed in those (obligations), is that of a donkey which carries huge tomes (but understand them not). Evil is
the similitude of people who falsify the Sign of God: And God guides not people who do wrong. (Quran, Al-Jumua (62), Verse No: 5, p.553)
In this example, donkey is an animal that
carries a lot of load but doesn't understand about the load meaning it to be a
dumb animal.
The importance of a role model has its
significance in the Islamic ways of teaching, without it one cannot achieve the
desired aims. The Prophet (PBUH) addressed people on their level of
intelligence. This is what modern education demands, to put the student in the
situation as the leading role. The course set out for the students should be
according to the needs and interests of the students. According to Az-Zarnooj
(1947), teachers should rely on the Quran's parables in all situations and
activities for achieving the aims. This method has educational and
psychological value, facilitating the comprehension and training in a positive
manner (Ahmad, 1989).
Teaching through practice and application (Altatbeeg).
The
study undertaken by Al-Kahledy (2010) over the learning framework attributes
great significance to the process of teaching by means of practice. The
teaching methods by practice and application have a great influence over the
soul and endorse knowledge. Research suggests that actions and practices are
firmly and communally linked with every component of learning. The activities
which involve learning cannot be distinguished from the subject, goals and
enthusiasm, since these activities are the outcome of this motivation and
direct to it. As suggested by few of the scholars, lessons given must be
substituted with class exercises which involve a large proportion of student
participation (Knowles, 1986).
The learning methods proposed by Az-
Zarnooj (1947) have an important aspect of teaching through practicing and
application. The method of application helps learners to enhance their ability
to gain knowledge. Activities performed during the classes enabled learners to
be motivated and give up the laziness and boredom and lead to the aimed
results. Educators propose that a lecture should be switched to exercises
through which a large number of students participate and thus learn in a
healthy manner (Knowles, 1986).
Quoting Abu-Hanifa, a leading
scientist in Islam, Az-Zarnooj (1947) states, “...the purpose of learning is to
act accordingly” (Ahmad, 1989, p. 91). This indicates that whatever a student
has learned, he should actually know how to apply in his individual and social
life. The method of Prophet’s teaching consists of practice and repetition. He
used to pray on the platform and his companions followed him thus, setting an
example of repetition and a model of practicing method. According to Sunnah,
the learner should repeat what he is told, so that it can be corrected if there
is a mistake. The responsibility lies with the teacher, that they should
explain the subject in an easy manner so that everyone can benefit from it
equally. Therefore, the speeches of prophets on Fridays were not long. Instead
they consisted of short and easy words understood by all.
Teaching by the dictation method (Alktaba Wa Alamla).
Another
teaching method that was highlighted as an effective methodology was dictation.
This entails the grooming and training of a child to acquire noble qualities
and ethics. A healthy atmosphere along with the Islamic education provides the
individual the greatest of spiritual moralities and individual noble qualities.
Therefore, majority of the instructors preferred the teaching method of dictation
as the finest of the combination used for delivering lectures: dictation,
delivery and debate. Following the dictation method, teaching sessions are
usually maintained at Friday prayers in which the preachers recited from a book
or from his heart. Among a scenario which consisted a large population at the
congregation prayers, scholars were normally allotted in order to facilitate
the process of dictating from the preacher’s notes (at-Tabrizi, 1990).
Dictation is yet another highlighted
method proposed by Az-Zarnooj. This method of learning is cited in many Hadiths
(Sunnah). For example,
...It
is better for someone to educate his son than to give a measure of
charity. ...The best thing that a father can give his son is good manners.
Teach your children and family goodness and give them good manners. (at-Tabrizi, 1990, Vols. 1, 2)
According to Az-Zarnooj, dictation was
used as a learning tool in medieval times. “...I shall dictate to you what
knowledge consists of. Since the educated man is honored only by his knowledge
and knowledge of the law is the most worthy of honor” (Ahmad, 1989,
pp.128-130). The path to obtain knowledge is like making the pen ready at the
student's disposal on every occasion, in order to write down the matter of
scientific interest. The student should focus more on taking the notes rather
than try to memorize as the former is a more significant way of learning.
Research about Islamic
teaching
Abdurrahman Nahlawi study-1999
The goal of his study is to know the
meaning of the Quran methods in education and its impact on changing the human
behavior. That is can be through training the learners on meditation, use their
brain deeply and emotions. Also, the study found that the Quran organize human
needs and help them to arrange their behavior. The study also demonstrates the
effects of Quran methods on the whole human growth, mentality, sensuality and
intellectuality.
Sharif Hamad Study – 2004
The study aimed to identify the common
methods that used by Islamic teachers in Gaza while teaching Islamic education
and its justifications used. The most important result is that the common
methods that used are Persuasion method and dialogue method but the least
common methods are Self-education and Individualized Education. Also, the author
found that there are no statistical differences between male and female
teachers. The reasons of using these methods is related to The number of
students in the class, the kinds of subject and some teachers do not have
experience of other teaching methods to
use.
Public
High School, Saudi Arabia
High school in Saudi Arabia is the last
grade level before the higher education and it is three years (Farag, 2009). The high school goals include developing the
scientific thinking among students and deepening the spirit of research and
experimentation. Also, high school provides an opportunity for students to
pursue their higher studies. High school aims to build people who can take the
responsibility of family and bring awareness (Al-Aqeel, 2005).
There
are specific goals of the Islamic classes such as developing the proper
intellectual foundation for the study of science and knowledge, making the
Quran and the Sunnah the guide and judgment, Knowing God and be close to him as
well, also the classes aim to help students to be collaborated with others in
order to help the community and country and Giving the students the correct way
of thinking and solving problems of social, economic and political. Islamic
classes also aim to create the human mind and thought and perceptions about the
universe and life (An-Nahlawi, 2010)
Islamic Classes in Public High School,
Saudi Arabia.
There are five kinds of Islamic classes
in public high school at Saudi Arabia. These classes are Quran, Tafseer,
Tawheed, Fiqh, and Hadith. Each type of these classes has its own objectives
and purposes. These objective and purposes described by Fosool of teaching
Islamic education Alkhlifa and Hasheem book. The following section provides an
analysis of these types of classes.
Quran class.
Quran
is more than one thousand four hundred years old but did not change or alter by
even a single word (Alkhlifa and Hasheem, 2005). The foundation of Quran is
based on the doctrine of Islam and legislation (Alkhlifa and Hasheem, p.100,
Arabic Book). One of the goals of teaching Quran is to train students reading
correctly. Another objective is to increase the scientific outcome of the given
teachings. Reading the Quran helps students to find useful information to help
them understand human psychology and behavior. It also gives students
confidence of by reading it out loud (Alkhlifa and Hasheem, p. 100-101, Arabic
Book).
Tafseer class.
Tafseer
is the explanation of the Quran. The objectives of the Tafseer classes is to
enable the students understand the legal provisions of the Quran and understand
the meanings of the Quran deeply. Devising the legal provisions from the Quran,
it targets to increase the vocabulary and ideas of the students by explaining
them the meanings of different words and sentences of the Quran (Alkhlifa and
Hasheem, p.110, Arabic Book).
Hadith class.
Hadith
are the words spoken by the holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) that aim to elaborate
the teachings of Quran and provide a walkthrough for Muslims in every aspect of
living a life as per Islamic teachings.
Hadith aims to train students on how to devise rules and provisions
based on Islamic teachings emerging from Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). It aims to
confirm the mental side and taken into account in devising provisions. It aims
to develop the emotional side of students (Alkhlifa and Hasheem, p. 122, Arabic
Book).
Tawheed class.
Tawheed
means the doctrine that Muslims believe in. It focuses on studying the basic
provision of Islam that Allah Almighty is one and has no companion. The aim of
Tawheed is to communicate the correct belief to the hearts of students. These
classes aim to purify the fads and myths by giving students the correct belief
with evidence. The other objective is to urge the students to turn towards God
by giving them proper evidence of the truth of the religion (Alkhlifa and
Hasheem, p. 134, Arabic Book).
Fiqh
class.
Fiqh focus on teaching how to worship
Allah and provides comprehensive guidance on social, economic and political
issues. It also aims to enlighten the students on how to deal with themself and
others. It aims to teach them how to behave ethically in every aspect of life
and understand the doctrine of ethics (Alkhlifa and Hasheem, p. 147, Arabic
Book).
Summary
In conclusion, the purpose of explaining subject area so
that these methods could be used in modern day times in public schools of Saudi
Arabia. Islam has adopted practical ways of education and teaching. There are
five different types of classes that aim to help the students become better followers
of the religion.
[IS2]How are students prepared to do this? Explain
more and if you have source it would be great More on This Topic......
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