First Maktab in Makkah Mukarramah

Most of you are aware of the incident that led to Hadhrat Umar’s RA conversion to Islam. The story in brief is Hadhrat Umar RA set off with the intention of assassinating the Holy Prophet. On his way he met Hadhrat Sa’ad RA, who tried to obstruct him from executing his vicious intention. During their conversation a quarrel broke out, and both of them unsheathed their swords. Just as the swords were about to meet, Hadhrat Sa’ad RA proclaimed, “First, see to your own household, your own sister has embraced Islam.”

Umar RA was shocked and diverted his attention immediately. He turned towards his sister’s house and knocked on the door. At the time the occupants were busy studying verses of the Holy Qur’aan from their teacher Khabbab Ibn Aratt RA. Upon hearing the voice of Umar RA, Hadhrat Khabbab RA hid himself. Sayyidina Umar RA, in his rage, launched himself upon his sister and brother-in-law (Saeed Ibn Zayd RA) until they began to bleed. In this condition the sister called out, “You can do whatever you like, we have already accepted the new faith.”

When Umar’s anger abated, and he saw the state his sister was in as a result of the attack, he asked to be shown the parchments they were studying. Upon hearing this request, Hadhrat Khabbab RA re-appeared and made Umar RA perform Ghusl (bath). Umar RA then read from the parchments, on which were written some verses of Surah Tahaa. Thereafter, he went to the HoIy Prophet, and embraced Islam.

This was the very first Maktab established in Makkah Mukarramah. It was in the house of Saeed Ibn Zayd RA, the brother-in-law of Umar RA. The teachers there were Khabbab RA and another Sahabi (may Allah be pleased with all of them).

The second Maktab of Makkah Mukarramah

A second Maktab came to be established when the Muslims increased and the former premises became insufficient. It was set up at Darul Arqam, which was near Mount Safa. Here, approximately forty Sahabah RA, would reside on a permanent basis. The Holy Prophet would also stay there for many days. According to some traditions, once the Holy Prophet spent an entire month here. During the whole month he would teach the Holy Qur’aan and other religious instructions.

The third Maktab of Makkah Mukarramah

A third Maktab was set up in the Sha’ab (glen) of Abu Taalib where the Holy Prophet and his family were exiled for three and a half years. During this period, the Prophet would teach the Holy Qur’aan to his family and to those who secretly came to visit him.

From the traditions of Makkah Mukarramah, it is clear that these three locations were the main Maktabs in the early days of Islam. There may have been more.

Establishment of Makaatib in Madinah Munawwarah

Similarly, when the Noble Prophet came to Madinah, efforts to set up Maktabs were made from the outset. The sole purpose being that the teachings of the Holy Qur’aan should also be made known to the people of Madina Munawwarah. In fact this happened before the Prophet’s migration to the holy city. He dispatched Mus’ab bin Umair RA and Abdullah Ibn Umm Maktoom RA. The latter was also a maternal cousin of the Prophet, due to his marriage with Hadhrat Khadijah RA.

The first Maktab of Madinah Munawwarah

The Holy Prophet selected these two companions and sent them to Madina with As’ad bin Zurarah RA. As’ad bin Zurarah RA was the first person from the Ansar (helpers) to embrace Islam at the hands of the Prophet. He undertook the responsibility of taking Mus’ab bin Umair and Abdullah ibn Umme Maktoom RA, to Madina Munawwarah for the purpose of teaching the Holy Qur’aan.

The second Maktab of Madina Munawwarah

The second Maktab of Madina was established by Rafe’ ibn Malik RA for the people of his tribe. This Maktab was located outside a large house. Here he started to teach the Holy Qur’an. This is the very place where later a Mosque named Masjide-Banu Zuraiq was erected. This place is located directly opposite Masjid Gamamah. Surah Yusuf was the first Surah to be taught at this Maktab.

The third Maktab of Madina Munawwarah

A third place was Masjid Quba. Here the freed slave of Abu Huzaifah namely, Salim RA was Imam as well as teacher of the Holy Qur’aan. Some companions also memorised the Qur’aan under him. This was the biggest Maktab in Madina, the reason being that it was directly enroute from Makkah. Whoever from the Muslims did Hijrah (migrated) would reside here. This place was also known as Baitul Uzzab (house of the lonely ones) for the reason that the Sahabah RA who made Hijrah arrived there alone for the sake of helping the Prophet and left their wives and children in Makkah in the hands of Allah. At this place there was accommodation and food for all those people who would arrive. The responsibility of their Taleem and the Taleem of the local Ansar was upon Salim RA.

The significance of Makatib

Respected reader, our manner of Taleem is exactly the same as it was in the early days of Islam. The Sahabah RA would learn the Holy Qur’aan directly from the Holy Prophet both Naazirah (reciting by looking inside the Qur’aan) and Hifz (memorisation of the Qur’aan). This manner of teaching the Holy Qur’aan is so significant and important, that the Holy Prophet himself initiated it. In other words the foundation of our whole Deen is based upon this Taleem. This is why the Prophet formally established these Maktabs and sent senior Sahabah RA to teach at these places.

This is, in brief, an account of how the first Maktabs of Islam were established during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet. If you study and ponder over the history of Muslims who came after the Prophet, you will no doubt find numerous examples and incidents which will clearly testify that this method of Taleem i.e. establishment of Maktabs, has remained the most vital and effective way of retaining and preserving our Deen in its original pristine state. This is also the reason why the children of those people who established Maktabs maintained their Islamic identity. A community which fails to do this will retain its Islamic identity only with difficulty, if at all.

Famous Maktab teachers

• Abu Ali Shaqraan Bin Ali Hamadaani (died 168 H) was a jurist in Tunisia and was known as a great worshipper.
• Asad Bin Al-Furaat conquerer of Sicily, Italy (martyred 213H), was a maktab teacher at the beginning of his career.
• Hasnoon Ad-Dabbaagh lived in the 3rd century of Islam.
• Mihriz Bin Khalf Ibn Abi Razeen (died 413H) used to teach children principles of Deen, Arabic, Akhlaaq and virtues.
• Others famous teachers of children were Salih Kalbi, Abu Abdur Rahman Salmi, Ma’bad al Juhani, Qays Bin Saad, Ataa Bin Abi Rabaah, Al-Kumait Ash-Shaair, Abdul Hameed (scribe of Bani Umayyah), Abu Ubaid Qasim Bin Salaam, Az-Zuhri, AlA’amash ……

Famous Female Maktab Teachers

• The sahaabiyyah Shifaa Bint Abdullah Al-‘Adawiyyah RA.
• Aabidaa Al-Jujaniyyah (d.348H in Baghdad).
• Aaighur Bin Abdullah Turkiyyah (d. 540H in Daahistaan).
• Shams Ud Duhaa Bint Muhammad Al-Waaidh (d. 583H in Makkah).
• Aisha the wife of Shujaa Ud Deen Bin Al-Maagh (d. 655H in Damascus),.

There are many more mentioned in the book Taraajim Aa’laam un Nisaa (Arabic).

Subjects taught in the Maktabs

The main subjects taught in a Maktab were:

1. At elementary level:
i. Reading the Qur’aan and its related sciences such as Tajweed and Tafseer in a simple manner.
ii. ii. Fiqh of the most essential worship that is repeatedly performed such as Tahaarah, Salaat and Fasting.

2. The second phase:
To learn basic Arabic grammar, memorisation of poetry and various Islamic and linguistic sciences in verse form, literature related to Ahkaam (Shariah rulings) and Aadaab (etiquettes) of Deen, society and Akhlaaq (character).

Importance of Maktabs in this era

To dispel this darkness of Jaahiliyyah (ignorance) the Ummah is going through today, many efforts of Deen are taking place. The Maktab has become more important and vital than ever before. In numerous countries of the world, the Makaatib have become a means of saving the Imaan of thousands and reversing the tide of Irtidaad (renegading from Islam). It is not possible to fully appreciate the role fulfilled by these Makaatib in watering the seeds of Imaan, which will later flourish, Insha Allah.

The global onslaught upon the Ummah is on many fronts. However, the most dangerous and unfortunately the most effective, is the silent battle that is waged on the hearts and minds of the Ummah, especially our children. The battle is waged with smiling faces, alluring fashions, deceptive articles and even "exciting" toys, which leave subtle messages in the hearts of our children.

Eventually, Muslim children, with Muslim names but un-Islamic hearts and minds grow up without any spirit of Islam in their lives. Apart from a few practices, which they perform in a ritualistic manner, their lives centre on materialism and chasing "fun." The true purpose of our existence on this earth is then completely lost. Even when some of these youth do want to turn back to Deen, they fall prey to foreign un-Islamic and extreme ideas dressed up as Islam on the internet or through extreme fringe groups.

It is indeed, only by inculcating the awareness of Allah Ta'ala together with a sound knowledge of at least the fundamentals of Deen, that will serve as a protection for our children. Allah Ta'ala declares in the glorious Qur’aan: "Verily We have revealed the Qur'aan and We indeed are its Protectors".

The promise of Allah Ta'ala to protect the Qur’aan-al-Kareem is in fact a promise to protect Deen. It is a promise to protect the efforts whereby the Qur'aan is taught and its message established on the face of this earth. Thus, despite the utmost efforts of the forces of baatil (falsehood) to destroy Deen throughout the annals of Islamic history, Allah Ta'ala alone protected His Deen in its pristine purity.

While Allah Ta'ala the Almighty, the All-Powerful, is not in need of any assistance to protect His Deen, however, He selected fortunate souls in every era who were used as a means for the protection of the Deen of Allah Ta'ala. They presented all their resources, physical energies, time and wealth, and thousands even presented their lives. Allah Ta'ala accepted their sincere efforts and sacrifice and made it a means of guidance for millions of people.

In the present era, there is a renewed fervour among the forces of baatil to annihilate Islam and the Muslims. However, there is no need for despondency or even fear. There is only a need for us to sincerely apply ourselves with increased vigour, determination and dedication. There is a need for us to present ourselves and beg Allah Ta'ala to accept us as the means for the protection of His Deen. Allah Ta'ala alone will protect His Deen. It will be our good fortune if we are accepted.

Why is the institution of the Maktab important?

Maktabs are an easy way for 100% of the Ummah to learn the main aspects of Deen (the orders of Allah Ta’ala and way of the Prophet).

Along with reciting Qur'aan, learning of Aqaaid (doctrine), I'baadaat, Mu'amaalaat, Akhlaaq, essential Islamic knowledge can be made common among the Ummah.

If a child gives more time than the minumum class time then arrangements can be made to make them a Haafidh or Aa'lim.

Why is Islamic knowledge important?

The first word revealed of the Qur’aan is “Iqra” or Read! And the Ulama have equated this with the seeking of ‘Ilm (knowledge). The Qur’aan attaches great importance to ‘Ilm and the acquisition thereof. In Islam the acquisition of ‘Ilm is valued from amongst the many benefits and the following reasons stand out:

• It is the best means by which to attain Tazkiyah (spiritual reformation of individuals and communities).
• It is the foundation for any successful meaningful and successful worldly life.
• It is the successful route to winning the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and easy entry into the hereafter.
• In the Qur’aan many Ayaat (verses) encourage Muslims to apply themselves diligently to seeking of knowledge.
• Children are invaluable assets of the future generations. Islam has given particular attention to their education and moral training (Tarbiyaah) as well as for their respect, love, and affection.
• A major portion of the life of Prophet was spent in teaching and guidance.
• The best inheritance that we provide for our children in this life is Islamic Education. We always worry about the standard of education in schools, but why not about Islamic education. Islamic education is essential to protect children from evils and to bring them up as Allah fearing.
• By virtue of the role of the Maktab, generations will InshaAllah become the torchbearers of Islamic values. Today more than ever we need to empower the educational system (the Maktab).
• It is proven over the centuries that this approach of sending children to the Makaatib is amongst the most important tools in preserving the Deen of Allah.

It is said, “No man becomes truly a Muslim without knowing the meaning of Islam, because he becomes a Muslim not through birth but through knowledge.”

It is essential to understand that the greatest gift of Allah Ta’ala, for which we are to be eternally grateful, depends primarily on knowledge. Without knowledge, one cannot truly appreciate Allah Ta’ala’s gift of Islam. If our knowledge is limited, then we will always run the risk of losing this wonderful gift of Imaan, which Allah Ta’ala has bestowed upon us. Thus we need to remain on our guard in our fight against ignorance.

Providing children with an atmosphere as close to the Islamic ideal as possible, strengthens them to meet and deal effectively with the challenges of living in a highly secularised environment, and in most instances this being a multi-cultural, multi ethnic society, to instil in them a sense of belonging, by equipping them with Islamic knowledge to live in our ever changing world.

It is our responsibility as an Ummah (parents, Mu’allims/ahs) to give them, the learners, the education they need in order not to be trapped by this worldly life. There are ongoing challenges, but it is our responsibility to build-up ourselves and our children to achieve Islamic excellence, to be successful in both here and the hereafter.

Our Children

If we are not going to equip our children with Islamic knowledge, they will be sucked up into this world and forget who their Creator is. Remember that Prophet said that after a person passes away nothing will avail him except 3 things:
1. Sadaqah Jaariyyah.
2. Beneficial knowledge.
3. Pious children, who will make dua for him after his death.
If we give our children, the correct and proper Islamic knowledge by sending them to the Maktab, Insha Allah these very children will be the ones who will assist us even whilst we are in our graves.

The Maktab Legacy

The Maktab is not an insignificant institute. It is from the fraternity of the people of “Suffah” who would sit and learn from our Beloved Prophet. The flame of Iman (faith) is first kindled in the Maktab. The light of Iman first permeates the heart of a Muslim child in this environment. It teaches our young children moral values. It is in the Maktab where we learned that we should always speak the truth and that lying was a great evil.

It warned us against the use of bad language and that stealing, cheating and oppressing people are wrong. The Maktab taught us to look after and respect our parents and to care for our elderly, orphans and widows.

It was in the Maktab that we learned that we should be kind to our neighbours, be they Muslims or non-Muslims.

It was in the Maktab that we were taught to respect the rights of all people and were warned against the harms of drugs, alcohol, theft, vandalism and all types of anti-social behaviour.

The Maktab is of crucial importance within our society and the Muslim community. Nearly every child will study at a Maktab.

This fact is enough for us to understand the primary importance of the Maktab system in providing the platform for our children to become good law-abiding Muslims who will serve as role models for our society and future generations to come.

Our beloved Prophet came into this world as a mercy and all his teachings are full of mercy. What is taught in the Maktab is what the Prophet taught. His life, his character, his dealings – they all form the basis of what our children will learn and are equipped to then practice and propagate to others in life.