The function of mosques for education
In Islamic civilization, mosques have always been more than mere spaces for ritual prayer. They have been the soul of Muslim society — religiously, socially and intellectually. Ever since the era of The Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H), mosques have been a focal point in nurturing knowledge, moral standards and community development. Their most important role, certainly in modern times but probably as well historically over the centuries, has been that of educational institutions: with little ordered education before them and none at all after except from Christendom’s offspring who learned far more outside than inside its classroom walls.
The Prophetic Beginning of Education
The practice of teaching deen in masaajid dates back to the era of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). In Masjid al-Nabawi (the Prophet’s mosque) in Madinah, a pulpit named the al-Suffah was established where poor and zealous companions (named as Ashab-e-Suffa) used to live at and they were directly taught by The Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). Here, they studied the Qur'an and Hadiths besides ethics and principles of Islam. This was the first model for an Islamic education institution and it encouraged, educated students thinly.
And these teachings did not only apply to men. For women used to visit mosque also in order to listen the Prophet (PBUH) and inquire, this reflects how inclusive was education environment during early Islam.
The Expansion of Mosque-Based Learning
As Islam traveled throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond, mosques took on an educational function. In Rashidun, Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates they could serve as a center of learning in the cities. Respected academicians such as Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik and Qadi Ayyadat gave lectures in mosques that were attended by students who came from lands across the Muslim world.
In these mosques, pupils learned Qur’anic exegesis (tafsir), Hadith studies, jurisprudence (fiqh) and science as well. The mosques of Baghdad, Cairo, Kufa, Cordoba and Damascus were global universities with extraordinary caliber teachers who imparted knowledge to thousands upon thousands.
Among the most well-known examples are Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo, whose foundations date from the 10th century. It grew to become one of the oldest and most famous universities on earth, as well as a leading center of Islamic learning.
Community-Based Learning and Moral Training
The masjid was not only space for education, but also a space of learning in humanism and spirituality. Imams and scholars offered advice for daily life, familial problems, ethical practices in commerce, spiritual cleansing (tazkiyah). "Friday sermons (khutbahs) functioned as general lectures which taught all of the community, whether rich or poor, literate or not.
Notes 1Mosques commonly functioned as libraries, where handwritten copies of the Qur’an and manuscripts containing classical texts along with some scientific works were kept. Mosques in a number of Muslim areas gave free education to the poor and orphans, their concern for universal access to knowledge evidenced here.
The function of the mosque Modern education in Islam.
Despite the proliferation of secular schools and universities in contemporary times, many students receive religious instruction within mosques. Mosques around the Muslim world and in Western countries where Muslims are a minority, also provide Qur’an lessons for children; weekend schools to teach Islamic subjects as well study circles on various aspects of knowledge, adult public lectures—both educational alternating with more motivational issues such as dealing with others outside one’s faith tradition—and classes tailored particularly towards potential married couples.
In numerous Western communities, a mosque is the only institution available for children and converts to learn about Islam. Even mosques have adapted technology and formal teaching curricula to cater for wider audiences in the modern society.
Conclusion
With Islam’s advent even until today, mosques have played a key role as bearers of education in Muslim society. They offered not only religious training, but also moral, ethical and scientific education. The mosque was — and is still today — a place where hearts are purified, minds are nurtured and communities are formed.
Today, in an age of education and identity challenges we must revitalize the role of mosques as houses of learning. In the process, we reestablish a heritage that respects learning as both means of self-formation and instrument for social improvement.
