Revitalization of Medieval Islamic Education: A Study of the Educational Model of the Sholahuddin al-Ayyubi Era
Keywords:
Islamic Education, Educational Model, Medieval Islam, Ayyubi DynastyAbstract
This study explores the educational framework and institutional dynamics that flourished during the reign of Salahuddin al-Ayyubi (Saladin), a pivotal figure in medieval Islamic history known not only for his military leadership but also for his profound contributions to the intellectual and moral revitalization of the Muslim world. Focusing on the late 12th century, this paper examines how Salahuddin strategically promoted education as a means to unify the ummah, counter sectarian divisions, and resist external threats such as the Crusades. Through an analysis of historical texts, madrasa endowments (waqf records), and scholarly biographies from the Ayyubid period, the research highlights the integration of ethics, theology, jurisprudence, and science within the educational curriculum. It emphasizes the role of state-sponsored madrasas—such as the Madrasa al-Sahiriya—in fostering a holistic model of learning grounded in both spiritual development and rational inquiry. The findings reveal that Salahuddin’s educational reforms were instrumental in re-establishing Sunni orthodoxy, reinforcing communal identity, and producing scholars who were not only learned but also socially and politically engaged. This paper argues that the pedagogical principles of his era offer valuable insights for contemporary Islamic education, particularly in addressing issues of extremism, fragmentation, and the disconnection between faith and reason. In conclusion, the study proposes that the educational model of the Salahuddin al-Ayyubi era serves as a compelling paradigm for the modern revitalization of Islamic learning, advocating for a return to integrated, purpose-driven education rooted in ethical integrity and intellectual rigor
Downloads
References
Ad-Damsyiqi, Abdul Qadir bin Muhammad an-Nuaimi, Ad-Daris fi Tarikh al-Madaris, Darul Kutub Ilmiah, Mesir, 1990 M
al-Maqdisi, Abu Sama, Ar-Raudhatain fi Ahbari ad-Dzaulatain an-Nuriyah wa Sholahiyah, Muassah al-Risalah, Beirut. .
Al-Kilani , Majid, Hakadza Dzaharoh Jil Sholahuddin,Al-Ajyal Li Nasr wa Tauzih. 2006
Al-Salabi , Ali Muhammad, Madrasah Nidzamiyah fi Ahdi Saljuk wa Astaruha fi Alamil, Al-Jazeerah,net. Archived from the original on 2022-10-11. Retrieved 2024-11-29.
Al-Safadi, Shalahuddin, Al-Wafi bi al-Wafayat, Darl Iya Turats, Beirut.
Al-Maqrizi , Taqiuddin, al-Mawa`iz wa al-I'tibar bi Dhikr al-Khuthath wa al-Atsar, Dar Kutub Ilmiah, Beirut.
Al-Nabhani, Yusuf bin Ibrahim, Mufarrij Al-Kurub wa Mufarrih Al-Qulub, Mesir, tt.
Asakir , Ibnu, Tarikh Dimasyq, Dar Fikr, Mesir, 1990 M
Al-Safad, Salahuddin Khalil ibn Aybak, Al-Wafi bi al-Wafafyat, Dar Ihya Turats, Beirut, 29/48.
Al-Qalyubi , Syekh Syihabuddin, An-Nawadhir as-Sulthaniyah, Maktabah Khonazi, Kairo, hal. 34.
As-Subki , Tajuddin, Thabaqat asy-Syafi`iyah al-Kubra, Hajara litthobaati wa nashr wa Tauzih, 7/23.
As-Syuyuthi, Jalaluddin, Al-Wasa`il ila Musamarah al-Awail, Maktabah Zaura, p.15.
.......................... Husn al-Muhadharah fi Tarikh Al Mishr wa Al Qahirah, Darul Ihya’ Kitabiyah Mesir.
Badran , Abd Alqader , Manadimah al-Athlal wa Musamaratuh Khoyal, Maktabah Islamiyah, Beirut.
Berkey, Jonathan – The Transmission of Knowledge in Medieval Cairo (1992).
Dodge, Bayard, Muslim Education in Medieval Times; Washington D.C.: The Middle East Institute, 1962
Khallikan , Ibnu , Wafayat al-A’yan, Daru Shodar, Beirut.
Muhibbi, Khulashah al-Atsar Fi A'yan al-Qurun al-'Asyir, Darul Shodr, Beiru.
?Ulaym , Abd al-Ra?m?n ibn Mu?ammad Mudjir al-Din, al-Uns al-jal?l bi-t?r?kh al-Quds wa-al-Khal?l , Al-Madbuah Khidiriyah,Irak.
S. P. Scott: History of the Moorish Empire in Europe; Philadelphia and London: J. B. Lippincott Company, 1904, vol. 3; p. 468.
Katsir, Ibnu, Al Bidayah wa An Nihayah, Madbu’ah Sa’adah, Kairo, Mesir.
