Description
Book SynopsisMotivated by the intellectual historian Shahab Ahmed’s observation that “the history of Islamic paideia has yet to be written,” Islam as Education explores multiple forms that the search for knowledge and the transmission of wisdom have taken in Islam, focusing on the classical period (800–1500 CE). Ghiloni draws on a wide range of Islamic primary source material, ranging from sacred texts and parables to neglected pedagogical literature and paintings. He depicts three Islamic religious practices—pilgrimage, prophecy, and jihad—as modes of pedagogy: embodied ways of defining, defusing, and defending sacred knowledge. Islam as Education’s educational heuristic not only aids in understanding Islam, but also provides guidance for intercultural and interreligious relations. Ghiloni argues that Islam’s grand ʿilm (knowledge) tradition serves as a bridge between Muslims and non-Muslims, and compares it with the educational theory of John Dewey, the celebrated American pragmatist. Based on this discussion, a final chapter develops practical tools for learning from cultural and religious difference.
Trade ReviewIslam as Education takes the reader from the West to the East on a sublime journey of discovery into the universal depths of educational philosophy. Aaron J. Ghiloni paves the way for building bridges between educational philosophy of Islam and enlightened philosophy of the West. He superbly illustrates Islam’s pedagogical foundations of loving knowledge. Ghiloni travels on the journey along with the reader to seek the pearls of wisdom amidst the great ocean of knowledge. This is done with careful consideration of Islamic primary texts and scholarly works. This book connects the past to the present through the universal values of education. -- Salih Yucel, Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation, Charles Sturt University
Aaron Ghiloni pushes past the 'Islam versus the West' theme that has long dominated political and media narratives by presenting Islamic theology as a source of wisdom and insight with great potential to enhance Western educational philosophy and pedagogy. Islam as Education represents a substantial contribution to the ongoing scholarly conversations about the importance of learning from and across religious difference. -- Todd Green, Luther College
This book is original, meticulously researched, and lucidly presented. In a time when discussions on Islam remain highly politicised and polarising, it offers a promising and fresh perspective: an educational reading of Muslim tradition.Aaron Ghiloni’s cross-disciplinary educational hermeneutics reveals the presence of a humanising pedagogic imagination at the heart of Muslim faith shaping its past civilizational expressions and, most significantly, capable of engaging with modern Western educational thought. A must read for anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding of Islam and its polyvalent traditions of education. -- Abdullah Sahin, University of Warwick
Table of ContentsPart I: Paideia 1. Loving Knowledge 2. Civilizing Knowledge 3. Preserving and Adapting Knowledge Part II: Pedagogies Introduction to Part II 4. Seeking Knowledge: Pilgrimage 5. Defending Knowledge: Jihad 6. Limiting Knowledge: Prophecy 7. Knowledge from Difference
