The Educational Strategy Used in the Umayyad State (A Study in the Light of Historical Sources)

Abstract

This research aims to explore the educational landscape in the Umayyad state, through an analysis of educational institutions, curricula, and the human resources involved in the educational process. The strategy for developing education in the Umayyad state was based on foundational and developmental principles. Initially, it relied on mosques and kuttabs (traditional Quranic schools), and then added something new: the role of scholars and the palaces of the caliphs. This was the beginning of a new concept that emerged in the Abbasid state: the House of Wisdom, which was founded by Khalid ibn Yazid ibn Muawiyah. He was passionate about chemistry and took great care in collecting books and establishing a library called the Library of Books. He then developed its work by appointing a number of scholars to translate these books from foreign languages ​​into Arabic, especially in medicine and chemistry. As for Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik, he was interested in the science of medicine. The study relied on historical sources to clarify the pivotal role played by kuttabs, mosques, and the houses of scholars as the main places of education The research also examined teaching methods, such as the use of a "correspondent" (a bright student to assist the teacher) and the organization of study and review times. The study highlighted the Umayyad interest in education through the directives and encouragement of governors, which led to the emergence of prominent teachers who established renowned schools (kuttabs) in various regions. The research also discussed the financial aspects of education (low wages or free education), and the social and professional standing enjoyed by teachers, which qualified some of them for high-ranking administrative positions in the state.