Understanding Tarbiyah Islamiyah: Nurturing Faith through Islamic Education

1. Introduction

Tarbiyah Islamiyah refers to the comprehensive Islamic upbringing that nurtures a believer's faith, character, and actions. It involves spiritual growth, ethical conduct, and acquiring beneficial knowledge. In this article, we explore the importance of Islamic education through Quranic and Hadith references.

2. Submission to Allah’s Commands

A believer submits completely to Allah’s will, without question.

"It is not for a believing man or woman—when Allah and His Messenger decree a matter—to have any other choice in that matter. Indeed, whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has clearly gone far astray." (Quran 33:36)

True submission is an essential aspect of Islamic education, leading to contentment and obedience.

3. The Importance of Good Character

Islamic education emphasizes good manners and humility. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Every religion has its distinct characteristic, and the distinct characteristic of Islam is modesty." (Sunan Ibn Majah 4182)

Cultivating good character through Tarbiyah Islamiyah strengthens individual and community ties.

4. Love for Allah and His Messenger

A core aspect of Islamic education is fostering love for Allah and His Messenger.

"Whoever possesses the following three qualities will have the sweetness of faith: 1. The one to whom Allah and His Messenger become dearer than anything else. 2. Who loves a person solely for Allah's sake. 3. Who hates to revert to disbelief as he hates to be thrown into the Fire." (Sahih al-Bukhari 16)

5. Remembering Allah

Frequent remembrance of Allah brings tranquility and strengthens faith.

"Remember Me; I will remember you. And thank Me, and never be ungrateful." (Quran 2:152)

Regular recitation of Dhikr (remembrance) is a key practice taught in Islamic education.

6. Seeking Forgiveness and Repentance

Repentance is a means of purification and renewal of faith.

"O people, seek repentance from Allah. Verily, I seek repentance from Him a hundred times a day." (Sahih Muslim 2702b)

"And turn to Allah in repentance all together, O believers, so that you may be successful." (Quran 24:31)

7. Having Good Thoughts of Allah

Maintaining a positive perception of Allah is encouraged.

"Allah says: 'I am just as My slave thinks I am, and I am with him if he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I remember him in Myself; if he remembers Me in a group, I remember him in a better group. If he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.'" (Sahih al-Bukhari 7405)

Trusting in Allah’s mercy and having hope in His forgiveness are important lessons in Tarbiyah Islamiyah.

8. Conclusion

Islamic education is a lifelong journey of spiritual and moral development. Through sincere submission, good character, love for Allah and His Messenger, remembrance of Allah, repentance, and positive thinking, Muslims nurture their faith and strive for success in this life and the Hereafter.

May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness. Ameen.

Blogpost by Zayd Haji - Student of Islamic Studies & Islamic Finance