The Educational Thoughts in Islam and Confucius School

Education has a special place in the perspective of Islam and the school of Confucius. Although there are some differences in various areas in both schools, in terms of goals and motivations of education, the numbers of the audience and the methods of creating motivation, the two schools are significantly similar. It is through the comparison of the education in both schools that the reader will be enlighten to judge about the importance of education and acquire the deeper and reliable knowledge about both schools from the perspective of educational system.

The author first elaborates the different understandings and goals of the term education in both educational systems, then he begins the article with exploring the ways in which these two schools treat the educated audience, in order to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the differences in their educational ideas and goals; Finally, it elaborates the status of morality in the implementation of education. At the end, the following outcomes should be noted. Both schools of thought believe that not any science is not suitable for teaching. While Islam emphasizes that education is obligatory for every man and woman，the Confucian school, which according to history promotes the theory of “education without discrimination” believes that the content and method of education cannot be the same for everyone; but education should be designed based on the talent and interest of learners.

Islam and the school of Confucius consider the study of thoughtless sciences to be worthless and harmful. They see asking questions as the key factor to awareness. However, addressing issues related to education in Islam and the Confucian school will lead to a better understanding of the various dimensions of education and consequently mutual understanding of Islamic civilization and Chinese educational culture.