General Overview on Educational Institutions in Islamic Civilization

The scientific condition of the Arabian Peninsula before Islam and even at the beginning of Islam was so disappointing that the number of literate people did not exceed 16 0r 17 at the time of Muhammad. Then the first sparks of learning and literacy started with the Quran messages. In this way Quran verses and the Prophet's tradition became the best guides and sources of inspiration for learning and literacy. This book from the one hand encouraged people to think and respect knowledge and make distinction between those who are literate and those who are illiterate (1), and on the other hand, broaden their view point toward learning and made them seek knowledge; since the first Ayah (verse) of Quran started with the words "read in the name of God who created you." (2) It shows that the first steps of learning starts with reading; and knowledge changes the darkness of ignorance to the light of recognition and reading opens the gate of wisdom. Prophet Muhammad with the emphases on learning and literacy encouraged Muslims toward learning and increasing their knowledge and understanding. Because preserving the Suras (chapters) of Quran was very important to him, he had an especial concern over oral and written learning of these Suras among his followers in the mosque. Apart from its religious entity, mosque became an important place for learning and education and Muhammad is considered as the first teacher of Islamic society. (3) In addition to the encouragement found in holy Suras for literacy, establishment of the schools and universities which were done by Imams, created a kind of jubilee among Muslims in the history of Islam and made the act of establishing schools as important and valuable as making a mosque. For this reason after a short time several schools, Maktabs, and mosques opened in Islamic nations. And these schools had a considerable role in the progress and growth of Islamic civilization and helped Muslims come to the pick of their civilization in the first few centuries. [Hamid Alami. General Overview on Educational Institutions in Islamic Civilization. Life Sci J 2012;9(4):698-702] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com. 109