The Role of Education in Strengthening Democratic Values

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 9 October 2025 Abstract: Education is the foundation and soul of democracy. It helps people understand their rights, duties, and values like justice, equality, and freedom. Without education, democracy becomes weak, and society falls into ignorance and intolerance. True education builds awareness, respect, and unity among citizens, removing discrimination of religion, language, or class. Islam also calls knowledge “light” and ignorance “darkness.” When people gain knowledge with sincerity and good character, they make society peaceful and strong. Therefore, education must be moral, practical, and for public welfare — not just for money or status. Main Points: 1. Education gives awareness, tolerance, and responsibility — the base of democracy. 2. Ignorance weakens democracy and increases social division. 3. Islam values beneficial knowledge that helps humanity. 4. Education must include moral training and character-building. 5. A sincere, educated society ensures justice, equality, and peace. ----- In any democratic system, the existence of diverse human groups, different languages, and multiple cultures is actually a sign of the protection and strength of democratic values, as well as its intellectual and spiritual survival. Similarly, the variety of religions and sects, and the ability of different classes of people to tolerate other ideas and beliefs, strengthen the social, political, and economic pillars of democracy. The beauty and true spirit of democracy demand that we show tolerance and respect towards all human communities. Any kind of discrimination based on religion, race, language, or culture goes against the very spirit of democracy. In this context, it becomes clear that India is a unique example of cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity. However, when we see religious or cultural conflicts in our country, it is painful to realise that those who try to damage this distinct identity are not only attacking India’s great heritage and traditions but are also harming the unity and integrity of the nation. To protect our democratic values, we must bring harmony and consistency between our words, actions, and behaviour. History reminds us that when injustice is done to any particular community in a mixed society, the results are always negative. Democratic and secular societies can only remain strong when the people are satisfied with the behaviour and role of their government. Therefore, governments must focus on public welfare and development programmes, especially in the field of education, which plays the most important role in shaping the future of a nation and its generations. The rise and fall of nations are deeply linked with the preservation or decline of education. If we honestly look at the educational condition of the Muslim community within the democratic system of India, we find that both the quality and quantity of our education are concerning. Even government-formed committees and commissions have confirmed this fact. However, history tells us that our past in the field of education and research was very bright. Great educational and research institutions were established under the patronage of wealthy and learned people. These institutions gave a new direction to knowledge, arts, and sciences. Their research and discoveries once astonished the entire world. Unfortunately, today we only recall those glorious times and express regret, but we fail to create similar educational progress in our own age. How long will our negligence and laziness in the field of education continue? If we want to brighten the future of our community and our coming generations, then scholars, intellectuals, and wealthy members of society must come forward to design such an educational system and curriculum that revives our moral and spiritual traditions while also meeting modern needs and requirements. There was a time when Europe was buried in darkness and had no understanding of civilization, research, or knowledge. But today the situation is the opposite — because they understood the value of education and followed its principles sincerely. On the other hand, our attitude towards learning has become disappointing, which has pushed us backward. There are many reasons for our educational decline. The modern concept and philosophy of education have completely changed its real purpose and spirit. The division between religious and worldly education has created negative effects on the minds of people. But in the Qur’an and Sunnah, knowledge is divided only into beneficial (nafi‘) and non-beneficial (Ghayr Nafi‘) forms. Beneficial knowledge is praised and encouraged in Islamic teachings, while non-beneficial knowledge is described as harmful and useless for humanity. In simple words, knowledge that brings a person closer to the Creator and benefits human society is beneficial knowledge. Knowledge that brings no benefit to humanity is non-beneficial. If a person possesses great religious knowledge but does not use it to serve humanity, then his knowledge has no real value, neither in this world nor in the sight of God. Therefore, we must clearly understand the illogical division of education and its harmful effects on society. This false separation between “modern” and “traditional” learning has created a huge mental gap among people. Many still think that pursuing modern sciences is wrong or shameful. This mindset must be rejected. We need to make people realise that all useful knowledge is valuable and respectable, and any learning that brings no benefit to humankind is not worthy of praise. Another major cause of educational decline is that today talented, sincere, and capable individuals are often ignored. This has deeply damaged the importance and value of education and has destroyed the positive functioning of our academic system. Conferences and seminars are held to improve education, yet the outcomes remain disappointing — because our approach lacks sincerity and practicality. Furthermore, when education became a means of earning money instead of a way of building character and society, its true standard fell sharply. That is why along with education, training (Tarbiyah) and spiritual purification (Tazkiyah) are equally essential. Every institution has a purpose and dignity. If an institution ignores its real aim and only focuses on profit-making, it can never truly serve the cause of education or the nation. Today, many educational institutions exist whose purpose is not reform or moral development, but financial gain. When wealth becomes the main goal, education can never remain pure or beneficial. If these negative forces are not stopped in time, further decline is inevitable. Therefore, to raise the standard of education, we must move forward with sincerity and devotion so that its results may be lasting and far-reaching. The life of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan stands as a great example for us. He struggled tirelessly and sincerely to link the Muslim community with education. His efforts and dedication in this field are unforgettable. As a result, today the Aligarh Muslim University continues to enlighten the world with knowledge and wisdom. It is essential to preserve the spiritual and moral impact of education and to make people aware of its real purpose and philosophy. Only those nations become successful and respected that dedicate their energy and talent to learning, stay connected with both ancient and modern knowledge, and continue their educational journey with balance and harmony. No society can survive without knowledge. Ignorance and illiteracy are diseases that lead to disappointment and darkness. Education does not only affect individuals — it shapes the entire society. When we make education our priority and life’s goal, only then can we build a moral and enlightened community. But to make education truly effective, we must raise its standards and combine it with moral training and character-building. If our education fails to make us aware of the realities and challenges of our time, or if it pushes us towards narrow-mindedness, then it will lose its spiritual power. Therefore, in light of present conditions, we must review our syllabus, teaching methods, and educational system so that society can gain the maximum benefit from education. In conclusion, education is the foundation, spirit, and guarantee of survival for any democratic system. Democracy cannot function effectively unless citizens are aware, tolerant, and responsible. Education not only teaches reading and writing but also develops critical thinking and awareness, enabling individuals to understand their rights and duties. An educated and conscious citizen supports justice, equality, and freedom — the core principles of democracy. In a democratic society, education promotes equality and social justice. When people are enlightened by knowledge, they rise above class, language, and religious prejudices, showing respect and tolerance toward others. Education transforms individuals into a unified nation by nurturing collective consciousness and national unity. The strength of a democracy depends on the quality of education available to its citizens. Ignorance breeds intolerance and weakens democracy, whereas education encourages free thought and respectful disagreement — the true spirit of democracy. From an Islamic perspective, knowledge is described as light, and ignorance as darkness. Education therefore supports democratic values such as equality, justice, and respect for humanity. Ultimately, no democracy can survive without education. It awakens social awareness, strengthens moral values, and protects the state from injustice and oppression, ensuring that an educated and aware nation upholds true democracy. ---- Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi is an author and a New Age Islam Regular Columnist. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/education-strengthening-democratic-values/d/137160 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism