al-Tawazun al-Tarbawi wa Ahammiyatuhu li Kull Muslim

Author died
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Editions
Dar al-Siraj

al-Tawazun al-Tarbawi wa Ahammiyatuhu li Kull Muslim (Educational Balance and Its Importance for Every Muslim) is an Islamic treatise on spiritual development and pedagogical balance by Magdi al-Hilali .

Publication and Purpose

The book was published in its first edition in 1430 AH (2009 CE) by Dar al-Siraj and distributed by Mu'assasat Iqra' in Cairo . In the work, al-Hilali defines tarbiya (nurturing/upbringing) as the establishment of a permanent effect on an individual through continuous practical application, distinguishing it from ta'lim (instruction), which merely conveys theoretical information regardless of whether it is put into practice .

The author frames balanced education as an indispensable requirement for every Muslim to fulfill the purpose of servanthood to God, achieve inner peace and salvation, and equip the broader Muslim community (ummah) to carry out its duty of conveying Islam .

Structure and Core Themes

The text is structured around the integrated development of the four fundamental components of human nature: the intellect (al-'aql), the heart (al-qalb), the soul or lower self (al-nafs), and the physical body (al-jasad) . Al-Hilali argues that neglecting any of these aspects leads to spiritual imbalance, doctrinal confusion, or moral deviation .

The book discusses these components across distinct thematic axes:

  • Intellect and Cognitive Education (al-'Aql wa-l-Tarbiya al-Ma'rifiyya): Examines how the human mind gathers knowledge and reflections from the signs of creation to attain true awareness and recognition of God .
  • The Heart and Faith-Based Education (al-Qalb wa-l-Tarbiya al-Imaniyya): Focuses on the heart as the center of intention and will, explaining why theoretical knowledge does not translate into righteous behavior without heartfelt submission and faith .
  • The Soul and the Necessity of Purification (al-Nafs wa Darurat Tazkiyatiha): Addresses the inclinations of the lower self, the danger of base desires (hawa), and the necessity of self-rectification and purification (tazkiya) to overcome egoism and stubbornness .
  • Physical Action and Collective Responsibility: Treats the direction of physical energy and bodily effort toward righteous deeds, steadfastness, and active striving (jihad) to communicate the divine message .

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