Al-Ghazali’s Aims and Objectives of Islamic Education

• Published in: Journal of education and educational development 2019-06, Vol.6 (1), p.111-125
• Main Authors: Sheikh, Sajid, Ali, Muhammad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Education; Educational Objectives; Educational Policy; Qualitative research; Religious Education
• ISSN: 2310-0869; 2313-3538
• DOI: 10.22555/joeed.v6i1.2033

The Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 and our various educational policies have given clear direction on aims of our education system, which should be based on Islamic principles. However, since independence, Pakistan is still unable to devise a system of education the aims of which are derived from Qur’an and Sunnah as mandated by the constitution. As such a dire need is felt to understand the aims and objectives education from our ideological perspective. It has been generally agreed that Al-Ghazali’s thoughts comply with the Qur’anic principles, he is well accepted by vast strata of Muslims in Pakistan and appreciated by west as well. Accordingly, this qualitative study explored educational aims and objectives from Al-Ghazali’s thoughts and philosophy, using content analysis of various writings of and on Al-Ghazali. Based on this research, we can conclude that aim of Islamic education should be associated with the aim of a person’s life. The aim of a Muslim’s life is the success in the life hereafter. Based on this fundamental assumption and guideline provided by Al-Ghazali, we can develop aims and objectives of Islamic education as directed in the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973.