Analysis of Sheikh Az-Zarnuji's Thoughts on the Ethics of Seeking Knowledge from the Perspective of Modern Education

Abstract

Modern education faces a serious challenge in the form of a decline in the ethical and spiritual dimensions of the learning process. An educational orientation that tends to emphasize cognitive aspects and academic achievement has marginalized the values of morality and character of students. In this context, classical Islamic educational thought, particularly the concept of the ethics of seeking knowledge put forward by Sheikh Az-Zarnuji in his book Ta'lim al-Muta'allim Thariq al-Ta'allum, is crucial for reexamination. This study aims to analyze Sheikh Az-Zarnuji's thoughts on the ethics of seeking knowledge and examine their relevance from a modern educational perspective. This study employed a qualitative approach with library research. Data were obtained from primary sources, including Sheikh Az-Zarnuji's book Ta'lim al-Muta'allim, as well as secondary sources, including books, journal articles, and scholarly works relevant to Islamic and modern education. Data collection was conducted through documentation, while data analysis employed content analysis with a descriptive-analytical approach. The research results show that Sheikh Az-Zarnuji's thought places the ethics of seeking knowledge as the primary foundation of education. Principles such as sincere intention, sincerity in learning, respect for teachers, discipline, time management, and maintaining good morals and avoiding sin are the primary requirements for blessings and success in seeking knowledge. These values have strong relevance to modern education, particularly in the development of character education, values- based education, and the holistic formation of student personalities. Thus, Sheikh Az-Zarnuji's thought can serve as a normative and inspirational foundation for building a modern education system that focuses not only on intellectual competence but also on the development of students' character and morals.