Character: The Trophy of Education

Education, be it sacred or secular, is everything but itself if it does not culminate in higher character.

Narration 1: “I have been sent to perfect good character.”

Narration 2: “…Verily I have been sent as a teacher.”

The relationship between Education and Character is as old as the Faith itself. The desired end result of education is excellence in character. Education, be it sacred or secular, is everything but itself if it does not culminate in higher character.

The Final Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has admitted the twin goals of his Prophetic career in the two simple yet straightforward narrations mentioned above. For convenience purposes, we may refer to the former as the vision and the latter as the mission. Education is the mission in the path to the vision of better character.

Honorary suffixes of titles and designations, framed after one’s qualifications or institutions, carries no weight in the educational philosophy until the knowledge elevates or excels the candidate’s character.

The ultimate graduation ceremony takes place not in an auditorium, but in the subtle theaters of everyday life, where character is tested and revealed.