Adab as the Epistemological Foundation of Islamic Education: A Study of Syed Naquib al-Attas

Abstract

Objective: To address the moral, intellectual, and spiritual dilemmas faced by modern Muslim cultures, this study examines adab as the cornerstone of Islamic education, as outlined by Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas. Theoretical framework: Al-Attas's Islamic educational philosophy, namely his ideas of taʾdīb, the Islamization of knowledge, and the Islamic worldview (ruʾyat al-Islām li al-wujūd), which combine revelation, reason, and moral order, serve as the foundation for the study. Literature review: In addition to comparative studies on contemporary educational paradigms, the research draws from Al-Attas's foundational writings, such as Islam and Secularism, The Concept of Education in Islam, and related scholarly assessments on Islamic education, ethics, and epistemology. Methods: Al-Attas' source texts and pertinent secondary literature are methodically examined using a qualitative and philosophical content-analysis technique in order to discover important themes pertaining to adab, knowledge, justice, and educational objectives. Results: The results show that Al- Attas views adab as the fundamental goal of education, wherein a correct understanding of the hierarchy of being and knowledge leads to justice for both individuals and society. Therefore, education is more than just imparting knowledge; it's also about developing morally sound, intellectually disciplined, and spiritually aware people. Implications: This study provides a comprehensive alternative to secular educational approaches that place more emphasis on technical proficiency than ethical and spiritual formation by restoring adab as the primary goal of education. Novelty: This study emphasizes adab as a comprehensive and unifying educational principle in Al-Attas's philosophy, proving its applicability for reorienting modern Islamic education toward the development of responsible and balanced individuals.