FROM THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

• The commandment of Iqra has been linked with the name of God (Read in the name of your Sustainer). This connection has provided at the very outset the Islamic concept of education, that is, knowledge should not be sought for the sake of knowledge, but for the sublime purpose of the realization of God and the welfare of man. • This two-fold purpose of life naturally calls for Muslims to strive hard in seeking knowledge both related to their religion and to the progress and development of the human condition in general. Since the Quran and Hadith have made no discrimination between men and women concerning their rights and duties, the commandment of Iqra is equally inspiring and motivating to womenfolk. Consequently, they also did their best and contributed to this noble cause with the same spirit, fervour and dedication. • The Quranic paradigm based on the concept of Tawhid has changed the traditional approach to the universe and human life. An intellectual revolution took place; superstitious thinking was replaced by rationalistic, realistic and objective analysis. Thus in the words of Henri Pirenne, Islam changed the face of the globe. The traditional order of human history was overthrown. o Dr. Farida Khanam hub@thespiritofislam.org