Usul al-Tarbiyah al-Islamiyyah wa Asalibuha fi al-Bayt wa al-Madrasah wa al-Mujtama

Usul al-Tarbiyah al-Islamiyyah wa Asalibuha fi al-Bayt wa al-Madrasah wa al-Mujtama (The Foundations of Islamic Education and Its Methods in the Home, School, and Society) is a foundational modern treatise on Islamic pedagogy and educational theory written by Abd al-Rahman al-Nahlawi al-Ittijahat al-Haditha f…+1.

Overview and Purpose

The book presents Islamic education as a comprehensive remedy for contemporary social distress and the neglect of childhood, which the author attributes to unrestrained modern Western educational models and permissive social norms Usul al-Tarbiyah al-Islam…. Drawing its principles directly from the Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah, the work elucidates the relationship between Islam and pedagogical development, grounding education in an Islamic worldview concerning humanity, the universe, and life Usul al-Tarbiyah al-Islam…+1.

The text addresses the devotional, legislative, social, political, and bodily dimensions of education, emphasizing the protection of the five universal necessities (al-daruriyyat al-khams): religion, life, wealth, intellect, and lineage/honor Usul al-Tarbiyah al-Islam…+1. It also analyzes the educational and moral impact of Islamic creed (aqidah) through the six pillars of faith: belief in Allah, His angels, revealed scriptures, messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree (qadar) Usul al-Tarbiyah al-Islam…+1.

Structure and Pedagogical Methods

The work examines the major institutions and agents of Islamic upbringing, including the family home, the school, the mosque, the role and requisite traits of the Muslim educator, and the broader social environment Usul al-Tarbiyah al-Islam…+1. It outlines the functions of the school—such as transmitting cultural heritage, filtering harmful influences, cultivating cohesion among youth, and coordinating educational efforts with the home—alongside school activities and curriculum design Usul al-Tarbiyah al-Islam…+1.

A central component of the book is its detailed analysis of seven distinct pedagogical methods derived from the Quran and Sunnah:

1. Dialogue (al-hiwar): encompassing devotional and supplicatory dialogue, descriptive dialogue, narrative dialogue, argumentative and rational dialogue to establish proof, and Prophetic dialogue Usul al-Tarbiyah al-Islam…+1.
2. Storytelling (al-qisas): utilizing Quranic and Prophetic narratives to engage human emotions and intellect with realistic moral examples Usul al-Tarbiyah al-Islam…+1.
3. Striking Parables (darb al-amthal): providing vivid allegories and similes to clarify concepts Usul al-Tarbiyah al-Islam…+1.
4. Exemplary Role Modeling (al-qudwah): teaching through righteous conduct and practical imitation Usul al-Tarbiyah al-Islam…+1.
5. Practical Application and Action (al-mumarasah wa-l-amal): reinforcing learning through hands-on practice, training, and habituation Usul al-Tarbiyah al-Islam…+1.
6. Drawing Lessons and Admonition (al-ibrah wa-l-maw'izah): encouraging reflection on events and sincere exhortation Usul al-Tarbiyah al-Islam…+1.
7. Encouragement and Deterrence (al-targhib wa-l-tarhib): balancing positive reinforcement with constructive discipline Usul al-Tarbiyah al-Islam…+1.

Publication History

The book was first published by Dar al-Fikr in Damascus in 1399 AH / 1979 CE al-Ittijahat al-Haditha f…. It saw wide circulation and multiple reissues, including a second edition in 1403 AH / 1983 CE and a twenty-fifth edition published in 1428 AH / 2007 CE Inayat al-Islam bi Tarbiy…+1.