Educational administration: An Islamic perspective. By Ali Mohammad Jubran Saleh, Publisher: A. S. Noordeen, Published: 1423 AH/ 2002CE, Kuala Lumpur, 1st Edition: 2002, ISBN: 983-065-146-0, Pages: 156.

It is recognized all over the world that education is the most important tool for the development of society and the state.  The importance of education has been highlighted in many declarations and conventions of the local, regional and international organizations. Realizing that education is a tool to facilitate communication and bring cooperation among communities and societies, Islam greatly emphasizes education. The first verse of the Qur’an revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) started with the word “Iqr’a” indicating the importance of education. Verse 20:114 teaches the believers to ask "My Lord! Increase me in knowledge."  Therefore, a Muslim should constantly be seeking knowledge (ilm) because Allah (SWT) asks: “Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know? It is those who are endowed with understanding that receive admonition.” (Al-Qur’an, 39:9).