Educational Equality in Islam: A Study of Social Justice and Inclusion

Abstract

This paper critical analyses the Islamic education as a model of enhancing social justice and inclusive education in both the past and present. Based on the principles of the Quran, traditions of Prophetic, and classical Islamic scholarship, the article develops the idea that education in Islam is perceived as universal right and ethical duty and it is based on the principle of justice (adl), mercy (rahmah) and human dignity. It examines historical examples of inclusive education in early Islamic civilization and the role of mosques, madrasas, and informal learning circles in ensuring that different social groups, such as women, orphans and those with disabilities, can access education. The paper also examines the difference between equality and equity in the Islamic thought and how the need-based distribution of resources is significant towards attaining substantive inclusion. By critically assessing some of the modern issues that are faced by Muslim-majority societies such as socioeconomic inequalities, governance restrictions and cultural constraints, the study shows that there is a huge discrepancy between the Islamic principles and the existing educational practices. Based on the empirical analysis of the chosen case studies, both advances and the existing inequities can be explained, which means that context-specific changes are urgently required. Metaphorical analysis of essential Islamic educational concepts identified in the paper including light and path and garden are also used to show how language and discourse construct inclusive pedagogical visions. The study suggests an inclusive framework of Islamic education in the 21^st century grounded on these observations and suggests that learning institutions should have the freedom to combine doctrinal authenticity and modern policy innovation. It ends by providing viable solutions to be taken by teachers, policy makers and communities to implement the Islamic principles in solving the modern educational inequalities so that they can provide their part in making the education system more just, equitable and holistic.