Education and Moral Upbringing: Two Wings of Humanity’s Flight

By Syed Maryam Liyaquet Hussain, New Age Islam

01 February 2025

Education Without Moral Training Is Incomplete. True Success Lies In Balancing Knowledge With Ethics. History Proves That Nations Thrive When They Emphasize Both. Without Etiquette And Values, Education Lacks Purpose. Good Company Fosters Righteousness, Ensuring Meaningful Progress.

Main Points:

1.    Education vs. Moral Training – Knowledge alone is insufficient; true education includes ethical and moral development.

2.    Manners Define Success – A knowledgeable but ill-mannered person is less valuable than someone with good character.

3.    Historical Lessons – Nations that balance education with moral values achieve lasting progress.

4.    Influence of Company – Good companionship fosters virtue, while bad company leads to moral corruption.

5.    Practical Ethics Matter – Real success comes from applying knowledge ethically and respectfully in daily life.

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Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi once said, "If my knowledge does not teach me manners, then an ignorant person is a thousand times better than me." Similarly, Aristotle expressed a similar thought when asked from whom he learned etiquette. He replied, "From the ill-mannered." When further questioned how, he explained, "By observing their bad actions and avoiding them. Thus, through careful practice, I attained true etiquette."

One can say that etiquette is the first step in acquiring knowledge. However, in reality, modern education has been presented in such a way that today's generation believes that knowledge alone is everything. While knowledge brings worldly success, it often lacks room for manners and ethics.

It is important to remember that اَلعِلْمُ حِجابُ الْاَکْبَر (Knowledge is the greatest veil). Life derives its beauty from contrasts, just as the night enhances the pleasure of daylight and mountains add to the charm of deserts. Similarly, education and moral training are inseparable—true education is defined by refined character. Without moral training, education is like a horse that lacks discipline and direction.

Difference Between Education and Training

The question arises: What is the fundamental difference between education and moral training? Simply put, education refers to the process of teaching, while moral training ensures that education leads to ethical and positive change in behaviour.

If we focus on three words—"What," "Why," and "How"—we can achieve an understanding of education:

What (Knowledge Acquisition): Curiosity begins with "what," forming the basis of learning.

Why (Observation & Reasoning): Understanding reasons enhances critical thinking.

How (Application & Experimentation): Practical experience develops expertise.

However, is knowledge alone a guarantee of success? Not necessarily. While these three aspects define learning, they do not ensure moral growth. Without proper training, education remains incomplete and may lead to material progress but lacks ethical depth.

Moral Training and Societal Development

History shows that nations prioritizing moral training alongside education achieve sustainable success. For example, many European countries have progressed not only due to their knowledge but also their strong ethical values. This is why even great scholars and religious leaders often reference European honesty and discipline.

The Egyptian philosopher Sheikh Muhammad Abduh once remarked, "I saw Muslims without Islam in Europe, and in my own land, I saw Islam without Muslims." This statement highlights that true values stem from moral training rather than just theoretical knowledge.

Thus, if education does not teach respect for humanity, it remains incomplete. Rumi's wisdom holds true—an ignorant person is better than a learned one who lacks manners. Real success lies in balancing knowledge with moral training, for only then can a nation truly progress.

Final Thoughts

Islamic scholars and Sufi masters have long emphasized the importance of keeping good company, as it shapes one's character:

"Good companionship makes you virtuous, while bad company corrupts your morals."

The great Sufi, Hazrat Mujaddid Alif Sani, also stated:

"If you sit with sinners, you will become emboldened in sin. If you sit with children, you will learn innocence. If you sit with rulers, you may develop arrogance. But if you sit with pious people, you will learn humility."

Thus, without moral training, knowledge remains shallow. To achieve true success in education, one must develop practical ethics—only then can real progress be attained.

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Syed Maryam Liyaquet Hussain is an Indian Islamic scholar. She writes on various religious and contemporary topics, providing insights and perspectives on diverse issues.

 

URL:    https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/education-moral-upbringing-humanity/d/134497

 

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