The Concept of Lifelong Learning in Islam and Its Implications for Modern Education

Abstract

The Islamic tradition has a powerful idea of lifelong learning and acknowledging the role of gaining knowledge as a permanent and everlasting task. Knowledge seeking in Islam does not simply occur in the formal education fields by itself but the quest occurs in all the other spheres of the life of the person whereby the intellectual, spiritual and the personal growth are being stimulated. In this paper, the Islamic approach of lifelong learning will be discussed that will center on the teachings of Quran and Hadith that give significance of learning during their lifetime. It explores how these principles can be applied to the contemporary education practice, and how they might be adopted in order to enhance the contemporary lifelong learning strategies. Using the works of classical Islamic scholars and aligning them with the current trends in education all over the world, this study argues about the advantages of the holistic, lifelong learning, which integrates intellectual and moral growth. Moreover, the article examines the contribution of formal and informal learning settings in Islam as it applies to the family, community and workplace settings and their role in the lifelong learning process. The results indicate that integrating the Islamic values into the contemporary education systems may facilitate more inclusive, ethical and sustainable lifelong learning in the 21st century. This article provides the insight on how Islamic doctrines may be transformed to the modern educational paradigms and this way contribute to an education system that appreciates the ongoing growth of mind and soul.

Keywords: Concept of Lifelong, Learning, Islam, Implications, Modern Education