Weaving the Learning Concept in Islamic Higher Learning Institution

 

Learning Organization concept has been in spotlight recently in the realm organization development and human resource development. Focus of this writing is specific to whether the idea of the learning organization is applicable in the Islamic environment especially Islamic based higher learning institution, and how harmony is the concept with the Islamic culture.

The idea can be further elaborated by examining Islam and management in general, the Islamic view on learning and learning organization ideas. Critical review also made by identifying some discrepancies between the learning organization and Islam.

In general, Islamic values appears to be sharing more common values with the more mature Western management ideas and issues, particularly those related to learning organization concept. Far more, Islamic values system, absolute truth for the benefit of the entire human race, unchanging, and should be acceptable to all societies and has universal applicability.

 Islamic view on learning

One of the important Islamic teachings is to take lessons from what happens: ‘So We made it an example to their own time and to their posterity, and a lesson to those who fear Allah’ (Qur’an 2:66)-There are two concepts that can be integrated into the learning organization that are muhasabah and ‘ibar. The concept of muhasabah is compelling and has the potential to promote a culture of evaluation within an organization Another concept is ‘ibar, which means lesson or exemplar. The concept of ‘ibar or ‘ibra is used in the Khaldunian philosophy of history where he uses the term in one of his works, the Kitab al-‘ Ibar. History in his view is not only narratives of events but ‘the educational element of [exemplars]and lessons’ (Ahmad 2005, p. 107).

 In the Qur’an, the term ‘ibra implies a lesson to be taken from historical events of the past: ‘Verily in this is an instructive warning for whosoever feared [Allah]’ (Qur’an 79:26). ‘Ibar in the Qur’an implies a lesson to be learned, warnings to be heeded: ‘ibar in organization implies that events and activities in the organization should be recorded, stored and may be referred to at any time by all members as lesson learned. ‘Ibar will affect not only individuals but also the group and the organization as a whole.

In another Islamic concept, Shura is made up of specialized groups, is highly interactive, realistic, and contributes to special knowledge and experience. This is in line with collaborative learning which suggested in the learning organization concept. Another important aspect that uphold Islamic value that is not mentioned in the learning organization concept is the public interest and welfare

 Islamic principles propose the ultimate vision for organizations as well as individuals in the organization. It must be integrated with the real purpose of life as stipulated in its fundamental teaching. Since Islam holds moral principles, the spiritual dimension and sense of purpose to be of utmost importance, some aspects of the learning organization might not fit very well compare to the westernised concept. It is understood that in the first place, the learning organization in Islamic view is not intended to be a spiritual model, but the issue becomes essential when the discussion involves adaptation in a different context especially Islamic tradition.

In summary,  the idea of the learning organization in general concurs very well with Islamicprinciples that are supposed to be practised and extensively developed in Islam based organizations specifically Islamic Higher Learning Institutions.