Integration of Knowledge: An Approach to the Comprehensive Development of Learners’ Body, Soul and Spirit
- September 22, 2020
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: Education, IJRISS
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue IX, September 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186
Matovu Musa (PhD)
Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Education, Islamic University in Uganda, Kampala, Uganda, East Africa
Abstract: Education in Islam should be founded on both acquired and religious knowledge based on the command from Allah SWT (Subhanahu Wa-Ta’ala) and sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) to better serve the society needs, and also prepare people for the Hereafter. The revealed knowledge helps people manage themselves while the acquired knowledge helps man to manage the system or society. The knowledge from Al-Quran and sunnah guide man by controlling their sensory, intellectual and spiritual components of life while the acquired knowledge controls the body functioning for the individual to manoeuvre in this world. The integration of both revealed and acquired knowledge helps the learners to fully develop in terms of their body, soul and the spirit. Attaining a well-integrated education system helps in producing professionals who are highly skilled in their professionals but also understand Allah SWT and His Prophet (PBUH).
Key words: Integration of Knowledge, Learners, Body, Soul, Spirit.
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Sources of Knowledge to Muslim Education
In accordance to the first revelation to Prophet (PBUH), Islam is a religion founded on both education and knowledge. Education and knowledge acquisition in Islam is a command from Allah SWT (Subhanahu Wa-Ta’ala) (Aminuddin, Asmawati, Norhasni, Habsah & Haziyah, 2010; Halstead, 2004; Najwan & Zehavit, 2017; Islam, 2016; Maali & Jassim, 2019). In Islam knowledge is basically divided into two categories that is; (1) revealed knowledge and (2) acquired knowledge (non – revealed knowledge) (Miftachul, Jibrail, Kamarul & Gamal, 2016; Rahmah & Osman, ND; Azam & Amin, 2011). Revealed Knowledge is the type of knowledge that is compulsory for every Muslim to learn. Such knowledge includes; knowledge of fasting, salah (prayer), paying zakat, and hijjah among others (Azam & Amin, 2011; Rahmah & Osman, ND). Revealed knowledge guides mankind in their belief and worshiping of Allah (SWT) in order to fulfil their fitrah or submission to Allah SWT (Kounsar, ND). In all Muslim societies revealed knowledge should be a priority over the acquired knowledge because it serves our needs, and prepares mankind for the Hereafter. The revealed knowledge in Islam is based on the revelations in the Qur’an and Sunnah (Azila, Khairuddin & NorAsiah, 2015; Khan, 2002).
