INTEGRATED EDUCATION IN KERALA: THE PIONEERING ROLE OF SAYYED ISMAIL SHIHABUDDIN POOKKOYA THANGAL OF PANOOR (1936-2010)

Abstract

This paper aims at analysing the concept of integrated education and its implementation by Sayyed Ismail Shihabuddin Pookkoya Thangal of Panoor (d. 2010) in Kerala, India. The scholar ardently advocated the importance of integrated education. He established educational institutions and spearheaded them till the end of his life. He believed that integrated education is instrumental in fulfilling the duties of a Mu’min (true believer) in this world, i.e., Khilāfah (vicegerency), ʿubūdiyah (servitude) and amānah (trust). Furthermore, he believed that Islam is misunderstood and misrepresented in the modern world for a variety of causes, which could only be addressed via good da’wah activities filled with al-ikmah (wisdom). These works can only be done after Muslims have a thorough understanding of both Islamic and human sciences. This paper uses textual analysis of Sayyed Ismail’s relevant literature, followed by a discussion of its social implications. This paper found that Sayyed Ismail could be regarded among the first in Kerala who put forth the idea of education that integrates the Islamic sciences (Naqli knowledge) and the rational sciences (Aqli knowledge) with an aim to produce Muslims who can efficiently deal with the needs and challenges of the modern world.