Dreams Quote by Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas
![“An Islamic university...structure is different from a Western University; [its] conception of what constitutes knowledge is different from what Western philosophers set forth as knowledge; [its] aims and aspirations are different from Western conceptions. The purpose of higher education is not…” quote by Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/909/syed-muhammad-naquib-al-attas_dreams_an-islamic-university-structure-is-diffe_625141.jpg)
““An Islamic university...structure is different from a Western University; [its] conception of what constitutes knowledge is different from what Western philosophers set forth as knowledge; [its] aims and aspirations are different from Western conceptions. The purpose of higher education is not, like in the West, to produce the complete citizen, but rather, as in Islam, to produce the complete man, or the universal man… A Muslim scholar is a man who is not a specialist in any one branch of knowledge but is universal in his outlook and is authoritative in several branches of related knowledge.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Islamic Thought and Education, Syed Muhammad Naquib al‑Attas, 1973
Islamic higher education seeks to develop a holistic, universal person rather than a narrowly specialized citizen.
In simple terms: Focus on whole human development, not just specialization.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate broad, interdisciplinary knowledge.
Themes
education
holism
Islamic philosophy
identity
knowledge
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- University curricula design
- interfaith dialogue
- personal development
- leadership training
Key Concepts
Universal man
integrative learning
Islamic epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions balance breadth with depth?
- What practices foster true universality?
A Different Perspective
May overlook depth in specific fields, risking superficiality.
