Scientific Progress
Education is another objective of the theocracy. Qur’an says “[God] purified them [unlettered] and taught them the Book.” (Al-Jumu`ah: 2). Education and teaching education as well as sciences that the society needs are among government’s duties. Islam attaches high importance to knowledge and regards obtaining it the religious duty of the public. [1]
Islam does not force anyone to accept religious beliefs, but seeks to remove obstacles on the way of guidance in order to pave grounds for a conscious and voluntary faith. Providing freedom or equality is not the only objective of the Islamic government, happiness-seeking and perfectionism are also among the ultimate values and objectives of the theocracy.
The value that Islam places on knowledge and scholars and encouraging people to learn led to the flourishing of various scientific courses in the main Islamic centers over two centuries. Muslims embarked on a scientific campaign as religious duty and discovered new things in addition to using the knowledge of the past; they did not limit themselves to translating and quoting, they critically reviewed thoughts of their time.
Furthermore, knowledge is valuable in itself. Scientific underdevelopment weakens the Muslims and increases the dominance of non-Muslims. Therefore the Islamic government must strive towards scientific superiority of Muslims. [2]
Therefore, since Islam has described gaining knowledge as the duty of every Muslim and since the spiritual perfection, glory and global authority of Muslims depend on scientific progress, the Islamic government has the duty to provide education for every Muslim.
Particularly since in the contemporary era, maintaining security, providing welfare, protecting health and promoting education requires achieving the latest achievements of the modern science. That is why Imam Ali regards education and eradicating ignorance as one of the duties of the ruler.[3]
Notes:
[1] . Zomar: 9, Mojadele: 53 and Kafi, vol.1, p. 30
[2] . Muhammad Taqi Tustari, Bahj al Sabagha fi Sharh Nahj al-Balagha, vol. 12, P. 383
[3] . Nahj al- Balagha, sermon 34
Ahmad Niazi, graduate of Qom Seminary and Phd student of Al Mustafa international university
Source: political science journal, No. 3
Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi
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