Reclaiming Education By JEREMY HENZELL-THOMAS

In this column in the previous issue, I appealed for a revival of an understanding of the higher faculties of mankind. I suggested, too, that through the awakening and nurturing of the full range of human capacities in young people, Muslims can not only transform education in the Muslim world but, through engaging positively and sensitively with mainstream educators in other traditions, can also make a real contribution to the revival of a truly holistic educational experience within any education system in the wider world.

The increasing dominance of narrow utilitarian models of schooling and the disorientation, demoralization and loss of soul they bring in their wake gives faith-based educators an extraordinary opportunity to re-ensoul educational practice. Given that Islam is under the
spotlight worldwide, Muslims not only have that opportunity for increased exposure but also a pressing responsibility to share what their tradition teaches aboutthe best education for all humanity. The Prophet said: “The perfection of piety is to teach one who does not know.”