Classical Foundations of Islamic Educational Thought: A Compendium of Parallel English-Arabic Texts

by Bradley J. Cook (Editor), Fathi H. Malkawi (Editor)

Education has always been an important pursuit in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad enjoined his followers to “seek knowledge, even unto China.” Within the religion, educational theory and practice were founded on the work of itinerant teachers who taught the fundamental tenets of the faith in exchange for lodging and other services; Qur’anic schools where masters of the Qur’an tutored pupils; and centers of higher learning in Baghdad, Damascus, Alexandria and elsewhere, where Islamic theology and jurisprudence were developed and taught. In this volume, Bradley J. Cook, with assistance from Fathi H. Malkawi, has drawn together and introduced selections from the writings of eminent Islamic thinkers on the subject of Islamic educational efforts, presenting the original Arabic texts alongside their annotated English translations.

Genres: Education, Islam

367 pages, Hardcover

First published February 15, 2011

Reviews

[Francesca Bocca-Aldaqre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a unique resource for English-speaking students of Islamic Education.
Starting form the appearances, this book is beautifully edited. The typography is very pleasurable to the eye, and the proportion of Arabic and English text on each page is perfect (furthermore, the Arabic font is very easily readable). The margins are wide enough for note-taking, and the spine is solid. In short, this edition can resist some serious study.
Concerning the contents, this book presents classical Islamic essays on the theme of education, be it rules of conduct for the teacher, the importance of education in an ideal Muslim society or the ethics of learning, this book has it covered.
The only downside for the average reader (not worth taking away a star from this book though) is that a few of the texts chosen overlap quite significantly. This downside could actually be an advantage for the student, as he could be able to compare the evolution and the diffusion of certain idea through the educational works of Islamic scholars.