- By: Muhammad Adnan Shad
The first verse of the Quran is “IQRA” which means “Read”. This verse is Allah’s first command to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Almighty Allah emphasizes the significance of education in the Holy Quran. Our Holy Prophet has continually highlighted the key role of education. It commemorates the beginning of the Almighty’s guidance delivered to humanity through the Quran.
It implies that education is a fundamental aspect of life. Education is a systematic process for improving a person’s skills and demeanor. Our advancement in life is strongly contingent on education. That’s why acquiring knowledge is essential for every individual. Education is an acquainted and deliberate effort to make an act of instruction and the learning cycle. Learners are effectively developing their potential to have the enormous strength of meticulous, conscious, personal, awareness and intellectual capacity required of themselves and in a community. An individual can obtain knowledge and understanding of higher explicit concepts through education which may be referred to as a learning cycle. Nobody denies the value of education at any level.
In its broadest sense, education is a human right and a public good. Education is always a key to success and guarantees the basis for equity in the community. As education is the foundation for quality education it is not limited to any specific institution.
It commences in the mother’s lap and departs in the burial place. Throughout life, a person learns knowledge through either direct or indirect means.
The following are definitions of education by various authors;
- According to Albert Einstein “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what
one has learned in school.” - According to B.F. Skinner “Education is what survives when what has been learned has
been forgotten.” - According to John Dewey “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”
- According to Nelson Mandela “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
- According to Karl Marx “Education is a weapon, whose effect depends on who holds it in his hands and at whom it is aimed.”
Furthermore, education enhances communication abilities such as the ability to read, write, speak, and listen. Education also imparts knowledge on how to navigate social interactions, distinguish between right and wrong, and resolve disputes and other associated issues. Making decisions, solving problems, improving mental as well as physical abilities, developing morals, thinking critically, and being motivated are all impacted by education.
Education teaches about social justice which is all about having equal access to opportunities and economic, political and social rights. Personal growth and self-actualization tend to be stimulated by education. It can help to accumulate a better awareness of your abilities and shortcomings while also
discovering interests and values. Education teaches us how to manage time effectively, think critically, act responsibly, methodically address problems, and build and retain confidence.
Moreover, education is important in promoting social structure while promoting democratic principles. It informs people about their rights and duties.
As a citizen, the citizen encourages inclusion and promotes respect, tolerance, and equality. Education empowers an individual with an opportunity for social progression that enables them to elevate economic
and social status. Better health outcomes and general well-being are also associated with education.
People who are better educated are more likely to make informed health decisions and lead healthier lifestyles. It promotes awareness of health behavior, disease prevention, and access to health care information.
Additionally, economic development and education are indistinguishably connected. A well-educated team is more adaptive, creative, and productive, and enables growth in the economy.
Education is often seen as a pathway to economic opportunity. It provides individuals with the obligatory skills and certifications to pursue careers and find jobs. Higher education is associated with increased earning potential and better career prospects that can help eliminate poverty.
The key component is career counseling which has a substantial impact on educational diversity. It includes vocational education, technical education, commerce & business education, medical, engineering, and agriculture fields.
In general, education can play a substantial part in advancements and job progression. Individuals with a higher degree of education have more earning potential and can use education to work in global marketplaces to explore international career prospects. Educational institutions provide prospects for networking and professional development.
That’s why; each of us should place a high value on education. Education is incredibly important not only in Pakistan but all over the world. Over and above, education furnishes individuals with knowledge and capabilities in a wide range of areas, which forms the foundation for creativity. Individuals who are educated have the ability and knowledge to develop new concepts and solutions.
The approach to entrepreneurship may be developed because of education. It imparts the skills required to create and manage businesses. Yet it is fostering creativity through the development of new goods,
services, and processes.
As we all know, self-esteem always originates from education. Being confident in oneself has numerous benefits. It contributes to our success in life. In this regard, it supports our ability to manage certain activities, overcome obstacles in life, spirits up, have a positive mindset, and keep an optimistic outlook. Having a good education correlates to self-assurance and professional achievement.
Besides, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an immense effect on education all over the world. These repercussions have both instantaneously and persistently influenced the educational environment in
various manners. COVID-19 has had a substantial impact on education including institution closures, a move to remote learning, inconsistencies in internet and technology access, psychological and
emotional effects on students, and a worldwide impact on educational sectors among other things.
There is also a shortage of resources in our education system; a lack of schools, a negative attitude of the learners toward education, a lack of political will, and a lack of determination.
Education and the educational system have a mutually beneficial connection. Teachers, administrators, and legislators in the education system need to find ways to improve the quality of education. They
should introduce new teaching methods, curricula, and assessment methods to improve student’s educational experiences. Students cannot properly utilize their education until the subject matter
improves their capacity to solve real-world situations. One of the main issues is the incompatibility between education and its practical implications.
- The writer is a PhD. Scholar (Department of Education) at Government College University
Faisalabad, Pakistan.
e-mail: adnanshad207@gmail.com