Draft:Co-education

• Comment: Wikipedia is an encyclopaedia, not a proselytising platform. DoubleGrazing (talk) 08:25, 29 December 2024 (UTC)

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Importance of education in Islam

Seeking knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim man and woman. Islam has emphasized acquiring knowledge from the very beginning, as it is the means through which a person learns to distinguish between right and wrong. The correct use of intellect and reasoning is also made possible through knowledge, which distinguishes humans from animals. The importance of knowledge in Islam can be gauged from the fact that the first verse revealed in the Holy Quran to the Prophet (PBUH) began with the command to seek knowledge.

Various hadiths also emphasize acquiring and spreading knowledge. Knowledge is light, and through it, a person can view themselves and humanity in the mirror of the past, present, and future. Knowledge acquaints us with higher values, showcases the greatness and flaws of human character, and elevates individuals. It was knowledge that gave Prophet Adam superiority over the angels.

Islam highlights the importance of women's education along with men's. The Prophet (PBUH) also arranged for the education of women. Girls' education is particularly essential because the next generation is nurtured in their care. If mothers are deprived of education and training, how will they be able to properly raise their children? This is why it is said, "If you educate a man, you educate an individual; but if you educate a woman, you educate an entire family."

What is Co-education?

In our society, the importance of education, particularly women's education, is being well understood. Currently, there are two approaches prevalent in our educational system. One approach is to provide education to male and female students in separate institutions, and the other is to offer them opportunities to study together in the same institutions. This type of education is referred to as Co-education..

Co-education and Pakistan

The harmful effects of co-education are clearly visible in society. Despite disliking the system of co-education, the majority of our society has accepted it, even though the moral decline observed in Western societies is largely attributed to co-education. Now, our society too is falling prey to the same moral decay. Those who raise their voices against this system of education are labeled as outdated, while the reality is that this Western educational model brings nothing but social deterioration. About such a system, Iqbal says:

Throw them out into the street,

These eggs of modernity are rotten and obsolete.

In this era, students often suffer from mental immaturity, and with the advent of technologies like the internet and mobile phones, both positive and negative impacts have been observed. These technologies have further contributed to mental immaturity and distractions. Co-education facilitates an environment where students may easily deviate from the right path, causing educational goals and benefits to take a backseat. Consequently, society falls prey to moral decline.

Co-education and its effects in the Western world

Co-education and its effects in the Western world Co-education acts as a barrier to women's education and contributes to the moral decline of society. Therefore, we should abandon this Western educational system. Because even the West is beginning to feel its negative impacts, and several developed countries have rejected this system. Islam provides the best way of life, and wherever these conditions and principles are violated, negative effects are inevitable. For example, the prevalence of co-education has corrupted the moral fabric of children, diminishing modesty, which is one of the most valuable aspects of human character. In adolescence, emotions run high, and the mingling of boys and girls without proper boundaries inflames inappropriate and sensual feelings. Additionally, when girls come dressed in short and revealing outfits, it exacerbates the situation. Supporters of co-education overlook the fact that students engaged in mixed education gain knowledge, but also experience sexual awakening. In Western contexts, the results show that instead of elevating educational standards, mixed systems lead to moral decline.

Suggestions and Advice

Today, our youth are increasingly facing issues and confusion due to mixed education, posing a constant threat to their better future. However, if institutions provide a healthy environment where mixed education minimizes opportunities for misbehavior and encourages students to engage in positive activities, both academic and extracurricular, it can lead to significant benefits. Efforts should be made to improve their dressing, conversations, and behavior to maintain decorum and avoid inappropriate behavior as much as possible. Mental and moral training is the key to ensuring their optimal personal development. Boundaries should be established for students, and they should be guided to respect one another, maintaining dignity, and supporting each other whenever needed.

Guidance from Allah

"Tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and not to display their adornment except what is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms."

— Surah An-Nur (24:31)

Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Modesty and faith go hand in hand; if one is removed, the other naturally disappears.

Every religion has its distinguishing characteristic, and the distinguishing characteristic of Islam is modesty (haya).