Identifying Usable Methods and Trends Through the Comparative Study of Ancient Islamic Education and Contemporary Educational Research

Abstract

The educational system during the Islamic Golden Age laid a strong foundation that continues to influence modern education today. During the Rashidun, Umayyad, and Abbasid periods, significant advancements in education were made, including the establishment of learning centers, the promotion of both religious and secular knowledge, and the translation of foreign texts into Arabic. Key figures like Companions of the Prophet, such as Maaz ibn Jabal and Abdullah ibn Masood, played a pivotal role in spreading education. Institutions like mosques, schools (maktabs), and the Bayt al-Hikma (House of Wisdom) became central hubs for learning. The curriculum encompassed a broad range of subjects, from Islamic sciences to philosophy, mathematics, and medicine. In comparison with modern education systems, there are similarities, such as government and institutional support for education, but the methods and contents have evolved to include diverse subjects such as science, technology, and the arts. Today, while the basic principles of fostering knowledge remain the same, the means of delivering education, including language and curriculum, have become more diversified, especially with the advent of digital learning tools. This comparison highlights the enduring impact of the Islamic educational system and its adaptation to contemporary global demands.