How will the Islamic State differ in the education of your child? Will your child grow to know his/her deen without corruption?
Firstly, your child’s education would be free since it is the State’s duty to provide, as a basic necessity, free education for every male and female at primary and secondary levels. Every citizen of the State must be provided with education of that which is needed in all aspects of life. There would exist an Islamic curriculum with the objective of building the Islamic mentality and Islamic disposition (i.e. inclinations) in your child. So not only would your child’s actions be shaped by Islam but also their likes and dislikes would be in accordance with Islam. They should as a result of school understand the halal and the haram and follow them with enthusiasm.
Let us consider a similar scenario as above. Your child arrives at a school in the Islamic State, and begins the day by greeting his/her colleagues and teachers with the greeting of Islam. Your child has the first lesson, perhaps a science subject. It could be a selection of the experimental or pure sciences. It would be taught with the Islamic ‘aqeedah (belief) as the basis and an overriding guide. You as the parent, could rest assured that ideas such as the Theory of Evolution would not be taught; humans would not be considered as advanced animals; the Big Bang Theory would not be taught as fact. Allah (swt) says, “But most of them follow nothing but conjecture. Truly conjecture can be of no avail.” [TMQ 10:37].
Whereas science in the West is seen as a contradiction to belief in God, within the Islamic State science would be a confirmation of the existence of Allah. Your child would come home and explain that he/ she learnt about the water cycle : how Allah (swt) causes water to rise as vapour from the seas by evaporation and form clouds; then Allah (swt) would cause these clouds to give rain once they were over the lands; and Allah (swt) would cause the rain-water to gather and return back to the seas to once again start the cycle. Nothing that is taught would be in contradiction to Islam. Allah (swt) says,. “Lo in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of night and day, and the ships which run upon the sea with that which is of use to men, and the water which Allah sends down from the sky, thereby reviving the earth after its death, and dispersing all kinds of beasts therein, and in the ordinance of the winds, and the clouds obedient between heaven and earth, these are signs (of Allah’s sovereignty) for people who have sense.” [TMQ 2:164].
Your child’s next lesson may be a cultural subject such as languages, geography, history or fiqh. In geography, your child would be familiar with the Islamic atlas. He/she would learn about the vastness of the Islamic State; how the Muslims are unified in one land under one leader. How its resources are managed according to Islam; its citizens, whether Muslim or non-Muslims working together under one system. Your child would learn to be proud of being part of the leading nation.
In languages your child would learn the language of the Qur’an, not French or German (these could be studied in higher or further education). Your child would not have to go to additional out of school Arabic lessons. He/she could read and understand the Qur’an, or refer to books in Arabic.
In history, your child would be exposed to the rich Islamic history. He/she would study the different Khulafa‘a and their achievements; the famous scholars and the roles they played; the discoveries and inventions that were made; the conspirators against Islam and how they were dealt with; the positive influence of the Khilafah upon the world. Your child could show how the achievements of the Muslims of the Islamic State placed them hundreds of years ahead of their contemporaries (who were in the Dark Ages). They could give accurate accounts of the battle between Salah al-Deen and the Crusaders, or the life stories of the Sahabah (ra).
Your child would gain a sound knowledge of the fiqh (jurisprudence). They would be able to provide detailed evidences for rules in Islam. They may even be able to correct your own actions as advice to the parents. They would understand the respect and obedience that Allah (swt) requires from the child to the parent. Allah (swt) says,.
“Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not “oof” to them, nor repel them but address them in terms of honour.” [TMQ 17:23].
School break times and lunch times would be a time to enjoy the company of other Muslims with good etiquettes, filled with conversations about famous Muslims: leaders, scholars, mathematicians, scientists and others who would be excellent role models. They would not learn to swear or learn of ill practices, and would possess the most pleasing mannerisms.
In the bigger school - society, there would be also a consistent education of Islam through the State’s media. Through television, radio and children’s magazines only Islamic ideals and values would be passed.
All these measures would guarantee the nurturing of a fine generation that could be the leaders of the Khilafah. And your child could contribute to this.