Lecture Notes on Secularism in Education

Introduction

• Presenter: Suapin Holiday
• Topic: Secularism, focusing on education
• Definition of Secularism:
  • An ideology separating religion from worldly matters.
  • The term 'secular' originates from Latin, meaning non-religious or worldly.
  • Contrasts with 'Adzim': A comprehensive view accepting religion only as a practice.

Secularism in Education

• Education Definition:
  • Process of giving or receiving knowledge.
  • Originated from the Latin term "educare," meaning to lead or bring up knowledge.
• Secular Education:
  • Focuses solely on worldly knowledge.
  • Separates religious teachings from mainstream education.

Historical Background

• Dark Ages:
  • Europe lagged behind in various sectors, including education.
  • Churches controlled education, focusing on religious teachings only.
• Renaissance:
  • Revival of knowledge in Europe, influenced by Islamic Spain.
  • Movement accelerated by the Church's influential role, leading to suppression of religious freedom.
• French Revolution (1789):
  • Shift from absolute monarchy to republican democracy.
  • Emergence of secular governance, separating religion from state affairs.

Characteristics of Secularism in Education

• Separation of Education and Spirituality:
  • Removing religious values from educational systems.
  • Focus on material achievements over spiritual growth.
• Indifference to Afterlife:
  • Emphasis on materialism.
• Creation of Social Divides:
  • Differences in perspectives between religious and secular educational achievements.

Methods of Disseminating Secularism through Education

• Modern Education Systems:
  • Favor secular subjects over religious studies.
  • Limited opportunities for religious education growth.
• Western Influence in Curriculum:
  • Use of English as a medium of instruction.
  • Neglect of traditional languages like Jawi.
• Mixing of Genders in Classes:
  • Viewed as progress but may lead to social issues.

Impacts of Secularism in Malaysian Education

• On Individuals:
  • Promotes questioning of religious systems.
  • Emphasizes materialistic and logical thinking over spiritual development.
• On Society:
  • Moral and ethical degradation.
  • Rise in social issues due to lack of religious guidance.
• On the State:
  • Separation of religion from politics and other sectors.
  • Undermines the role of Islamic principles in governance.

Factors of Secularism in Malaysian Education

• Non-Formal Education:
  • Promotion of secular values over religious teachings.
• Colonial Influence:
  • Education systems favor secular over religious teachings.
  • Restrictive job opportunities based on secular education backgrounds.

Comparison: Islamic vs. Secular Education

• Islamic Education:
  • Based on Quran and Sunnah.
  • Integrates spiritual and worldly knowledge.
  • Aims to develop morally upright and God-conscious individuals.
• Secular Education:
  • Centered on reason and material knowledge.
  • Focus on materialism and worldly success.

Recommendations to Counter Secularism

• Awareness and Education:
  • Educating Muslims about the dangers of secularism.
• Curriculum Reforms:
  • Integrating religious values in education.
  • Encouraging Islamic-based curriculum development.

Conclusion

• Education should balance academic and religious teachings.
• Secularism is a western agenda to undermine Islamic values.
• Emphasis on living a life in accordance with Islamic teachings is crucial.