European Journal of Scientific Research - EuroJournals

Islam and Education from Religious Man’s Perspectives 385
example proves our ignorance as a society. For sure, he has a right in saying this. It is really a shame
for our society.
Although education is highly valued by our religious people, when it comes to discuss about
modernization and globalization processes, only half of the Imams are in favor of these process
because they are seen as the admirable creations of God. The other half claimed that modernization and
globalization are diminishing the world because people are imprisoned in their homes sitting all day in
front of their televisions and computers which is quiet true. Furthermore, they suggested that
modernization and globalization are increasing the socialization of people and this in turn increase the
rate of death. The more people social are, the more they drink alcohol. The unacceptability of drinking
alcohol was a continuously repeated topic in the analysis of data. This is an important issue to be
considered because according to the research, the majority of the accidents in 2004, are all caused by
alcohol.
One other interpretation of the data reveals that clean heart is a priority in Islam but
worshipping is the best way to reflect this outside. Just as how a body needs water and soap to be
clean, human soul needs worshipping. However, majority of Imams agree that there is no forcefulness
in our religion and it is not fair to judge a person regarding his/her worship.
Regarding the questions on lost values, it was very interesting to read that all Imams agree that
we are loosing many of our values such as respect, help, love, customs and traditions. They suggested
that it is possible to gain these values back with the help of the families, religious establishments and
government.
One other interpretation of the data reveals that there is an increase within the number of people
who attend their mosques in the recent years and the reason behind this is given as the increase in the
number of workers from Turkey who come to work in construction companies and the number of
university students from Turkey and Arabic countries who are all Muslims. However, still the number
of people who attend to mosques is too low. Only 5 % of the mosques are occupied by Muslims.
Imams relate the lack of interest in religion with the lack in religious education. They all agree
that in past religious education was much better and effective whereas now it is very passive and
insignificant. Too many suggestions are made to improve the religious education in schools such as
increasing contact hours, following information by practice, visiting mosques etc.
Concerning the questions about European Union in which Imams were asked whether European
Union will affect our religious and educational values, it appears that a sizeable majority of Imams
perceive European Union as a very positive improvement for our religion and education. We will be
more religious on observing how Christians adore their religion and we will be more educated as we
will have more observations, experiences, research chances, new horizons and technological
improvements.
Conclusions
To return to the initial question asking for a link between the educational values and religious values, it
might be concluded that there is no apparent effect of education on religion. According to Imams, it is
wrong to say that university and above education cause people to move away from religion because an
educated person is a person who knows how to think. Islam is a religion which emphasizes the
importance of science and logic several times in Koran. For this reason, a university graduate can not
deny Islam which is a logical religion that continuously highlights the importance of science and
goodness for a person. Our Prophet Mohammad who said that science is endless so should be studied
from cradle till grave is a very good indication of the importance of science in Islam. God defines
knowledge as light, ignorance as darkness and education as the end of ignorance.
One must note that the definition of education from Imams perspectives is a very detailed one.
It includes learning the Muslim culture, gaining experience on everything, to read and write, studying
science, to be open to new developments, to follow technology, to love, to respect others, to behave
appropriately, to have self-confidence and to be a useful society member. One other important thing to