Abstract
The three known systems of education existing in Nigeria are the traditional/indigenous, Islamic and formal western education systems. The thrust of this paper therefore, is a retrospective examination of Islamic education system in Nigeria and its historical transformations. Reflecting on the past is like using a rear mirror to view what are the contemporary characteristics of Islamic education in Nigeria. Therefore, concepts associated with the subject matter were clarified, correcting the general misconceptions about the position of Islam on the Muslims’ quest for knowledge. This is a qualitative study, hence the use of historical research method which relied heavily on both primary and secondary sources of data. The sources were also subjected to historical evaluation that focuses on the internal and external criticisms to establish the genuineness and authenticity of the two sources. The study ultimately analysed the data historically, adopting a content analysis that produced critical and contemporary submission about the then, the contemporary and the future prospect of Islamic education in Nigeria and among the Muslims. The findings revealed that both the Qur’an and Hadith which are the two major scriptures in Islam provided justification and clear acceptance of modern education among the Nigerian Muslims. The study further portrayed the efforts of individuals and Islamic organisations in promoting modern education amongst Muslims and in many diverse ways; not limited to establishment of institutions at all levels. Attention was accorded girls’ participation in modern education and compensatory educational opportunity, through Non-Formal education programmes. Some suggestions were made, calling on the stakeholders to redouble their efforts and do everything to address the branding of Islam as being violent; by embracing peace which Islam is known for and using education as an instrument to reclaim the glory of Islam as people or architect of modern knowledge in the global history.
Highlights
The task of writing this paper is focused on Islamic education in Nigeria and has provoked the thought of the writer by being retrospective on how we have come to where we are about the emergence of Islam in Nigeria and the gradual acceptance of modern education by the Nigerian Muslims
In a simple straight forward language, it is an effort that looks at the ‘Contemporary Islamic Education from the ‘Rear View Mirror’, examining the theory and practice of Islamic education from historical point of view and bringing to the fore, the laudable achievements which have been recorded by Muslim individuals and Islamic organisations
It is on record that in Nigeria, Islam was first accepted by a Kanem ruler, Umme Jilmi who reigned from 1085 to 1097
Summary
Many messengers or prophets of Allah had been sent, including prophets Adam (Adam), Nuhu (Noah), Daud (David), Sulayman (Solomon) Musa (Moses), Ibrahim (Abraham), Yusuf (Joseph), Yusus (Job), Zakariyyah (Zachariah), Isa (Jesus) (Alayhimus Salam - May the peace of God be upon them) and etc. Another very important aspect where the writer thinks there should be a clarification is on the belief in some quarters that Islam does not support learning or knowledge, other than the knowledge of the Qur’an or Arabic language. The Hadith which is the collection of authentic sayings of the Prophets provides several instances and events where learning and knowledge, of the Qur’an and Hadith were encouraged and strongly advocated
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