TOWARDS AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE OF EDUCATION IN MUSLIM COMMUNITIES OF NORTHERN NIGERIA

Colonialism, secularization and the current globalization have reduced Islamic education to mere religious teachings. This paper argues for an education derived from an exclusively Islamic perspective in Geographical as well as other disciplines. The paper highlights attempts at infusing Islamic perspectives in education in Northern Nigeria and provides reasons for the failure of Muslims in their various attempts to incorporate Islam in Geographical as well as other studies in Northern Nigeria. Among the important reasons for the failure highlighted include; attitudes of the Muslims; the nature and types of schools and institutions established to carry out Islamic education and the incessant desire of Muslim to prove the divine origin of the Quran through modern science. The paper argues that in order to move forward there is the need to, develop a clear understanding of metaphysical truths of the Quran and base Islamic education in this context; revert back to the traditions of Islam and clarify and develop an articulate Islamic view point through clearly defined methods. The paper concludes that current debate in the Islamic world with issues such as Islamization of knowledge does not make any headway and it only demonstrate paucity of thought about education. The paper recommends a change of attitude and practice in the Muslim world that encourages free inquiry rather than free imitation and the need for an Islamic model society free of dogma that will allow positive interface between knowledge and religion and greater harmony.

کلیدواژه ها:

Science ، Secular system ، Geographic phenomena ، Western epistemology ، Western Education ، Northern Nigeria