One of the significant milestones for students is their graduation and receiving the diploma they tirelessly worked towards. While some may only prioritize completing their Western or English education, they often overlook the significance of their Arabic education. However, I believe that Arabic education is equally important.
The most memorable moment for me is my graduation, which was both a milestone and a day full of surprises. However, there was an obstacle to this event: I had a significant humanities class activity scheduled on the same day. Fortunately, my professor granted me permission to skip it. Graduating from this level is an experience that only happens once in a lifetime. My professor described it as her gift and the class’s gift as well. Her congratulations during the class were a delightful present. In fact, all of my classmates also greeted me, which was surprisingly my first gift and truly amazing.
Despite my initial reluctance, I agreed to have a modest lunch with my family to celebrate my graduation. I didn’t think it was necessary and even asked my father not to go through with it. On the day of the ceremony, feeling somewhat down, I rode a motorcycle alone to the nearby Madrasah. However, much to my delight, my family pleasantly surprised me by showing up. That was all I had wished for. As for pictures, I chose not to take any since I don’t think they truly capture who I am.
Upon my return home, I was overcome with endless tears. A celebration had been arranged in my honor and the thought of others witnessing my emotional state brought me deep shame. However, it turned out that the celebration was actually a gift from my father all along. The gratitude I felt towards my relatives for not forgetting this special day and their presence reassured me of how important I am to them. Truly, my family is remarkable.
Before concluding, it is important to emphasize that studying both educations is not as difficult as one may think if they have determination. In fact, it can even be an enjoyable experience! It’s never too late to give it a try. Madrasah education will provide valuable insights into your religion so considering studying Arabic education can further enhance your awareness.
During the transition of the Arabic Empire to the Ottoman Empire, science lost its significance due to the continuous conquests and wars. The Ottomans were not entirely responsible for willingly disregarding science; they were rather compelled to do so. As the Ottoman Empire emerged, Westerners became better educated due to the influx of Arabic knowledge flowing into the West. Meanwhile, in Arabia, warfare took precedence over advancements in science. Nevertheless, the Arabic world made significant strides in scientific development, which should always be acknowledged and appreciated.
The Arabs were the first ones to acknowledge the significance of science and demonstrated their tolerance towards other cultures. They not only welcomed the science of other cultures but actively sought it out.
Despite acknowledging and appreciating the valuable contributions and extensive knowledge acquired, the introduction of Hindu numbers stands out as the most significant improvement. It greatly facilitated and streamlined various processes. During their dominant era, the Arabs made remarkable strides in compiling an immense volume of scientific advancements, which remained unparalleled until recently. However, as ambitious as their achievements were, there is still much more to accomplish. Just like the Arabs’ devotion to science, we should also strive for progress. In the words of Nobel laureate Herbert Simon, one can only discover limitations by surpassing them.
