International Teacher Education Conference 2014 1

International Teacher Education Conference 2014
Principles of IKRAM-MUSLEH Teacher’s Training
Admittedly, training our teachers to be murabbic in character is not an easy task. A huge amount of effort,
expenditure and expertise need to be used in such efforts. Nevertheless, the training program will is based on the
basic principle as stated by said Hassan Al-Banna
“O Ikhwan! .. Prepare yourself and be focused on the appropriate tarbiah processes and assess its
effectiveness and efficiency via your actions and deeds. Truly, the most difficult tasks upon you are those which
are detested by the lustful mind; it is of utmost importance that you divorce your actions from lustful minds and
blind rituals” (Hasan al-Banna. 1983. Pg 37).
Based on the above suggestions, IKRAM-MUSLEH Teacher’s training success is based on 3 main tarbiah
principles; as follows: (IKRAM-MUSLEH, 2013a).
The pillars of tarbiah are murabbi (mentor), mutarabbi (mentee), manhaj (curriculum) and biah
(environment).
The process of tarbiah must be effective and efficient. It must be varied, simple and enjoyable. Topics, depth
of knowledge and lingo must be suitable to mentees. Achievements must be appreciated and encouragement
given such that mentees are left eager to come back for more learning experience.
The characteristics of tarbiah process are as follows:-
Rabbaniah (Godly).
It is about purifying the soul to enhance strong iman (faith) to Allah s.w.t., done based on the teachings of al-
Quran, as shown by as-sunnah of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and human nature. Seeking the pleasure of Allah
s.w.t. is the ultimate. Love for Akhirat (Herafter) must be solid. Cleansing the soul from sins must be based on
the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Ridding the person’s character of mazmumah (negative attributes) must
be continuous. Supplications, basmalah (in the name of Allah), tadarus (recitation of Al-Quran), hafazan
(memorisation of Al-Quran), istighfar (seeking forgiveness), tazkirah (spiritual reminders), ikhlas (sincere),
wudhu (ablution), ihsan (submissiveness), reading stories from muslim greats and congregational prayers as
daily rituals are a must. Evidently, they have great influence on the mentee’s affections, emotions and frame of
mind which are then translated into beneficial actions and deeds to the society. The heart must be hopeful of the
rahmah (blessing) from Allah s.w.t., fearful of His punishment s.w.t. and believe that, one day, every soul will
return to Al-Mighty Allah s.w.t.
Syumul (comprehensive).
It is a complete, holistic and well balanced system which fulfils every aspect of a person’s life based on
syahadatain (the Islamic ideology). It covers aspects of cognitive, affective and psychomotor which includes
knowledge, outlook, point of view, feelings, work, deeds, actions, mind, heart, limbs, quality, quantity,
horizontal and vertical progress. The person which undergoes the process of tarbiah therefore must always be
humble and never arrogant. Existing circumstances and situations, however, is a major factor which determines
the final details of programmes and activities.
Tajmiah wa tazimiah (gather and organise).
Lessons learnt from the historical occasion of Baiatul Aqabah, shows that new recruits must be gathered,
organised, managed, assigned, inspired and disciplined. During Baiatul Aqabah, there were 72 men and 2
women whereby Rasulullah s.a.w. selected 12 naqib (leader) from amongst them. In fact, Rasulullah s.a.w. once
said that 3 persons is enough to be considered a group and that a leader from amongst them must be elected
without delay.
Harakiah (Movement)
A key forte of Rasulullah s.a.w. was his ability, by the will of Allah s.w.t., to move men into action towards
reforming the society, establising the Islamic State in seeking the pleasure of Allah s.w.t. He successfully
reformed individuals into men of outstanding calibre and consequently through them, managed to change society
which accepted Islam as way of life based on Al-Quranul karim wa sunnah Rasulullah s.a.w. Efforts to reform
society will not work until and unless the muslims themselves interact, intermingle and interrelate (muayasyah)
every individual in society, inviting them to Islam, enjoining that is good, forbidding that is evil and believe in
Allah s.w.t. They display abundant love and respect, get to know more on each and everyone of them, the
positives and negatives and afterwards make improvements and reforms. Individually, they make visits,
exchange gifts, send messages, participates in programmes, accepts invitations, make personal calls, offers
financial help and tuitions, make personal notes and appointments, celebrate birthdays, confides on personal
issues, giving trust and sharing common interest. Collectively, they perform jamaah prayers, katibah (night
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