Parable Of The Computer[Slideshare]2

Our process of learning, from the
perspective of traditional Islamic
worldview (Tasawwur Islam).
All Rights Reserved©Zhulkeflee 2006 1
By: Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj IsmailBy: Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail
“Say (O Muhammad):
Are those who know
equal with those who
know not?
But only men of
understanding will
pay heed.”
(Qur’an: az-Zumar: 39: 9)
TASAWWUR ISLAMTASAWWUR ISLAM
( Adapted & further developed from an article which( Adapted & further developed from an article which
he wrote in a newsletter In August ’93 / Safar 1414 -he wrote in a newsletter In August ’93 / Safar 1414 -
as well as class notes for a Course “as well as class notes for a Course “Tasawwur IslamTasawwur Islam””
he had conducted in Al-Falah mosque & PERGAS )he had conducted in Al-Falah mosque & PERGAS )

(Allah) Most Gracious! It is He Who has taught the Qur'an.(Allah) Most Gracious! It is He Who has taught the Qur'an.
He has created man: He has taught him speech (and He has created man: He has taught him speech (and
Intelligence)Intelligence)
((Qur’an: ar-Rahman: 55: 1-4Qur’an: ar-Rahman: 55: 1-4) )
2All Rights Reserved©Zhulkeflee 2006

Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has createdRead! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created
(all that exists), He has created man from a clot(all that exists), He has created man from a clot
(a piece of thick coagulated blood); Read! And(a piece of thick coagulated blood); Read! And
your Lord is the Most Generous, Who has taughtyour Lord is the Most Generous, Who has taught
(the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that(the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that
which he knew not.which he knew not.
((Qur’an:al-’Alaq: 96: 1-5Qur’an:al-’Alaq: 96: 1-5) )

Has there not been over Man a long period ofHas there not been over Man a long period of
Time, when he was nothing--(not even)Time, when he was nothing--(not even)
mentioned?― Verily We created Man from a dropmentioned?― Verily We created Man from a drop
of mingled sperm, in order to try him: so Weof mingled sperm, in order to try him: so We
gave him (the gifts), of Hearing and Sight. Wegave him (the gifts), of Hearing and Sight. We
showed him the Way: whether he be grateful orshowed him the Way: whether he be grateful or
ungrateful (rests on his will).ungrateful (rests on his will).
((Qur’an: al-Insan: 76:1-3Qur’an: al-Insan: 76:1-3) )

• To understand how we as human learn,To understand how we as human learn,
let us analyse the computer (an attemptlet us analyse the computer (an attempt
by man to create an imitation or artificialby man to create an imitation or artificial
intelligence)intelligence)
•Computerization is a total systemComputerization is a total system
comprising of:comprising of:
[1] INPUT[1] INPUT
[2] PROCESSING[2] PROCESSING
[3] OUTPUT[3] OUTPUT

INPUT - PROCESSING - OUTPUTINPUT - PROCESSING - OUTPUT
All Rights Reserved©Zhulkeflee2006 8

KEYBOARD
THUMB-DISK-DRIVES
SCANNER
MOUSE
FEED TO CPU TO BE PROCESSED

COMPUTER HUMANHUMAN
 KEYBOARD
 MOUSE
 THUMB/DISK DRIVE
 SCANNER
 THE FIVE SENSES:
SIGHT, SOUND, TOUCH,
SMELL, TASTE.
 TRUE REPORT
 THOUGHT PROCESS:
INDUCTIVE, DEDUCTIVE,
 EXTRA-SENSORY
-INSPIRATION, DREAM,
INTUITION, BURST OF
BRILLIANCE

OUTPUT
(FEEDBACK)
INPUT
PROCESSING TAKESPROCESSING TAKES
PLACE HEREPLACE HERE

COMPUTER HUMANHUMAN
 Control unit – storage,
speed
 ROM – Read only memory
 RAM – Random access
memory
 BIOS – Basic input-output
System
 DOS – Disk operating
System; Drivers etc.
 ALU – Arithmetic logic unit
 Memory
 Linguistic & literacy
 Logic & music
 Deductive - inductive
 Speculative
extrapolation
 Emotive - empathy
 Contemplative -
intuition
 Extraneous linkage

SCREEN MONITOR
PRINTER - SCANNER
THUMB-DISK-DRIVES
FROM CPU TO OUTPUT
OR BE SAVED, PRINTED

COMPUTER HUMANHUMAN
 Monitor – screen
 Printer – scanner
 Thumb-drive
 Disk-drive
 Sound-system
 Projector
 Other devices
 Speech
 Actions
 Creativity
 Behaviour
 Disposition (akhlaq)

Our Prophet Muhammad’s role and processOur Prophet Muhammad’s role and process
which he was sent to do in Educating thewhich he was sent to do in Educating the
UmmahUmmah:

UmmahUmmah:
It is He Who has sent amongst the Unlettered a messengerIt is He Who has sent amongst the Unlettered a messenger
from among themselves, tofrom among themselves, to rehearse to them His Signsrehearse to them His Signs,,
toto sanctify themsanctify them, and to, and to instruct theminstruct them in Scripture andin Scripture and
Wisdom― although they had been, before, in manifestWisdom― although they had been, before, in manifest
error―error―
((Qur’an: Jumu’ah:62: 2Qur’an: Jumu’ah:62: 2))

UmmahUmmah:

UmmahUmmah:
As well as (As well as (to confer all these benefits uponto confer all these benefits upon) others of) others of
them, who have not already joined them: and He isthem, who have not already joined them: and He is
Exalted in Might, Wise. Such is the Bounty of Allah,Exalted in Might, Wise. Such is the Bounty of Allah,
which He bestows on whom He will: and Allah is thewhich He bestows on whom He will: and Allah is the
Lord of the highest bounty.Lord of the highest bounty.
((Qur’an: Jumu’ah: 63: 3-4Qur’an: Jumu’ah: 63: 3-4) )

 If the keyboard represents the input, orIf the keyboard represents the input, or
collection of data/information - similarly ourcollection of data/information - similarly our
senses etc. are sources in us from which wesenses etc. are sources in us from which we
are constantly receiving inputs, data orare constantly receiving inputs, data or
information.information.
 Just as the keyboard is not independent orJust as the keyboard is not independent or
detached, because it must be linked to thedetached, because it must be linked to the
CPU (the mother-board), so too are the inputsCPU (the mother-board), so too are the inputs
which we received, it must be connected towhich we received, it must be connected to
our inner-self. We receive mere informationour inner-self. We receive mere information
that must be processed in our (God-given) CPUthat must be processed in our (God-given) CPU
or “mother-board”.or “mother-board”.

What is our CPU?

““We have indeed created man in the best of moulds”We have indeed created man in the best of moulds”
((Qur’an: at-Tin: 95:4Qur’an: at-Tin: 95:4))
Understanding our nature
as a Human (INSAN) :
Nafs - self
Qolb - heart
Ruh - spirit
‘Aql - intellect

What is our CPU?

““By the Soul (Self), and the proportion and order given toBy the Soul (Self), and the proportion and order given to
it; And its enlightenment as to its wrong and its right;―it; And its enlightenment as to its wrong and its right;―
Truly he succeeds that purifies it, And he fails thatTruly he succeeds that purifies it, And he fails that
corrupts it!corrupts it!
((Qur’an: ash-Shams: 91: 7-10Qur’an: ash-Shams: 91: 7-10))

 If the CPU represents the brain of theIf the CPU represents the brain of the
computer system, for us Muslim we refer tocomputer system, for us Muslim we refer to
the Qalb “heart” – your Self, Soul, mind;the Qalb “heart” – your Self, Soul, mind;
 The CPU represents the worth of the computerThe CPU represents the worth of the computer
– for it is here that input is being evaluated,– for it is here that input is being evaluated,
processed and systematically stored and madeprocessed and systematically stored and made
potentially useful – its inherent parts viz. BIOS,potentially useful – its inherent parts viz. BIOS,
RAM, ROM, drivers, browsers etc. must haveRAM, ROM, drivers, browsers etc. must have
the correct configurations. This may requirethe correct configurations. This may require
technical assistance from “those who know.”technical assistance from “those who know.”
 Thus, for us human, configuration of our innerThus, for us human, configuration of our inner
preparedness in learning is vital – whichpreparedness in learning is vital – which
requires mentoring & guidance of a teacherrequires mentoring & guidance of a teacher
( ).( ).

“The pursuit of knowledge is not carried out without six
things; which I shall inform you of through words that are
clear;
[1] ingenious acumen[1] ingenious acumen,,
[2] fervent desire[2] fervent desire,,
[3] patient perseverance[3] patient perseverance,,
[4] sufficient sustenance[4] sufficient sustenance,,
[5] guidance of a teacher[5] guidance of a teacher, and, and
[6] length of time[6] length of time..””
(Imam ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib a.s. – quoted by Imam Zarnuji in
Ta’lim muta’allim tariq al-ta’allum)

 Also, the maintenance of a clean system is crucialAlso, the maintenance of a clean system is crucial
requiring regular “cleaning & housekeeping”- and,requiring regular “cleaning & housekeeping”- and,
more importantly, preventive measures must alwaysmore importantly, preventive measures must always
be in place against the system being corrupted bybe in place against the system being corrupted by
virus, spams, malwares, hackers etc.virus, spams, malwares, hackers etc.
 Thus in Islam, part of the process of educationThus in Islam, part of the process of education
requires priority in equipping ourselves with therequires priority in equipping ourselves with the
basic (basic (muqaddimatmuqaddimat) introductory pre-requisite) introductory pre-requisite
knowledge, as well the constant need for “knowledge, as well the constant need for “Tazkiyat-Tazkiyat-
un-Nafsun-Nafs” – purification of the Self or Soul.” – purification of the Self or Soul.
 Un-learning may even be required as: “Knowledge, isUn-learning may even be required as: “Knowledge, is
(i.e. It can even be) the thickest of veil (to further(i.e. It can even be) the thickest of veil (to further
knowledge)” –knowledge)” –
[from a Hadith or a saying – ref: Kitab “[from a Hadith or a saying – ref: Kitab “Jam’iyat-as-sa’adahJam’iyat-as-sa’adah”]”]

ImamImam Ash-Shafi’eAsh-Shafi’e (rh.a.) wrote a poem, which(rh.a.) wrote a poem, which
contains an important lesson derived from hiscontains an important lesson derived from his
own experience as student with his teacher:own experience as student with his teacher:

ImamImam Ash-Shafi’eAsh-Shafi’e (rh.a.) wrote a poem, which(rh.a.) wrote a poem, which
contains an important lesson derived from hiscontains an important lesson derived from his
own experience as student with his teacher:own experience as student with his teacher:
“I complained to Wakii’ (my teacher Sheikh Wakii’)
regarding the deficiency of my memorization (of the
knowledge that I had learnt),
For which he gave me guidance, that I (must
henceforth) leave every forms of disobedience
(ma’siat).
And he further informed me that knowledge (from
Allah) is Light,
and the Light of Allah shall never be given to (nor
guides) the disobedient.”

Imam Muhammad ibnu Sirrin (rh.a)Imam Muhammad ibnu Sirrin (rh.a)
advices and warns us Muslims:advices and warns us Muslims:
””Verily this is knowledge (contains the rules)Verily this is knowledge (contains the rules)
of the DEEN (Religion), so look thoroughlyof the DEEN (Religion), so look thoroughly
into the person from whom you acquireinto the person from whom you acquire
(the knowledge of) your DEEN Religion.”(the knowledge of) your DEEN Religion.”

 The output of a computer system, representedThe output of a computer system, represented
by the monitor, printer etc. completes theby the monitor, printer etc. completes the
system and is inseparable from the CPU &system and is inseparable from the CPU &
input.input.
 The worth of the data is demonstrated in theThe worth of the data is demonstrated in the
output – as a processed data, and also to beoutput – as a processed data, and also to be
continuously verified and checked as tocontinuously verified and checked as to
whether it is working properly & free of errorswhether it is working properly & free of errors
lest it be “lest it be “GIGOGIGO” (garbage-in-garbage-out).” (garbage-in-garbage-out).

 Just like the computer system, thus a student’sJust like the computer system, thus a student’s
knowledge would be ascertained by traditionalknowledge would be ascertained by traditional
Islamic teacher, through appraising his:Islamic teacher, through appraising his:
- ‘‘amalamal (practice & outward signs) &(practice & outward signs) & Akhlaq/AdabAkhlaq/Adab
(Disposition/mannerism).(Disposition/mannerism).
- Ahwal /maqomAhwal /maqom – (spiritual states)– (spiritual states)
 Mere obsession with acquiring information,Mere obsession with acquiring information,
without processing or internalizing it within ourwithout processing or internalizing it within our
soul to arrive at its meaning and beingsoul to arrive at its meaning and being
convinced of it; and without implementation ofconvinced of it; and without implementation of
its effect in practice and in our disposition andits effect in practice and in our disposition and
AdabAdab, etc. - is a delusion & sheer heedlessness., etc. - is a delusion & sheer heedlessness.

ALLAH’S WARNING IN THE QUR’ANALLAH’S WARNING IN THE QUR’AN

““Many are the Jinns and men We have madeMany are the Jinns and men We have made
for Hell: they have hearts wherewith theyfor Hell: they have hearts wherewith they
understand not, eyes wherewith they seeunderstand not, eyes wherewith they see
not, and ears wherewith they hear not.not, and ears wherewith they hear not.
They are like cattle nay more misguided:They are like cattle nay more misguided:
for they are heedless (of warning).”for they are heedless (of warning).”
((Qur’an: A’raf: 7: 179Qur’an: A’raf: 7: 179))

“ “O ye who believe! why say ye thatO ye who believe! why say ye that
which ye do not? Grievously odious iswhich ye do not? Grievously odious is
it in the sight of Allah that ye sayit in the sight of Allah that ye say
that which ye do not. “that which ye do not. “
((Qur’an: Saff: 61: 2-3Qur’an: Saff: 61: 2-3))

A PARABLE FROM THE QUR’AN :A PARABLE FROM THE QUR’AN :

A PARABLE FROM THE QUR’AN :A PARABLE FROM THE QUR’AN :
““The similitude of those who were charged withThe similitude of those who were charged with
the (obligations of the) Mosaic Law, but whothe (obligations of the) Mosaic Law, but who
subsequently failed in those (obligations), issubsequently failed in those (obligations), is
that of a donkey which carries huge tomesthat of a donkey which carries huge tomes
(but understands them not). Evil is the(but understands them not). Evil is the
similitude of people who falsify the Signs ofsimilitude of people who falsify the Signs of
Allah: and Allah guides not people who doAllah: and Allah guides not people who do
wrong.”wrong.”
((Qur’an: 62: 5Qur’an: 62: 5) )

NOTENOTE: Although such people: Although such people
(e.g. Orientalists, academician,(e.g. Orientalists, academician,
researchers, etc.) may produceresearchers, etc.) may produce
much works or books on Islammuch works or books on Islam
which can be useful as data andwhich can be useful as data and
information for us Muslims andinformation for us Muslims and
for others, yet, due to their notfor others, yet, due to their not
adhering to the teachingsadhering to the teachings
contained within these workscontained within these works
themselves, they are likened (bythemselves, they are likened (by
Allah s.w.t.) as donkeys.Allah s.w.t.) as donkeys.
Therefore, they are not andTherefore, they are not and
cannot be regarded as ourcannot be regarded as our
ulama’ (Islamic scholars)ulama’ (Islamic scholars)..
37
All Rights Reserved©Zhulkeflee 2006

38

Amongst the definitions:Amongst the definitions:
““... Knowledge is the arrival (... Knowledge is the arrival (husulhusul) of the) of the
meaning (meaning (ma’nama’na) of a thing or object of) of a thing or object of
knowledge in the soul of the subject; andknowledge in the soul of the subject; and
simultaneously,..... Knowledge is the soul’ssimultaneously,..... Knowledge is the soul’s
arrival (arrival (wusulwusul) at the meaning of that thing) at the meaning of that thing
or the object of knowledge.”or the object of knowledge.”
By “By “meaningmeaning” (” (ma’nama’na) is:) is: “the recognition of“the recognition of
the proper place of anything in athe proper place of anything in a
system ...”system ...”

INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE
 Whatever is outside ofWhatever is outside of
person – to be regarded asperson – to be regarded as
information ( ) – notinformation ( ) – not
knowledge (knowledge ( ).).
 Information may notInformation may not
necessarily convey anynecessarily convey any
meanings, but can bemeanings, but can be
subjected to process orsubjected to process or
interpretation – by a humaninterpretation – by a human
- to arriving at meaning.- to arriving at meaning.
 Every one may have equalEvery one may have equal
access to a givenaccess to a given
information.information.
 Knowledge resides in theKnowledge resides in the
person – and is also anperson – and is also an
attribute (attribute (sifatsifat) of himself.) of himself.
 Knowledge has to do withKnowledge has to do with
“meanings” – which may“meanings” – which may
include abstract conceptsinclude abstract concepts
and construct beyond theand construct beyond the
material forms.material forms.
 Yet, there can be differenceYet, there can be difference
in levels and depths ofin levels and depths of
knowledge to a givenknowledge to a given
information, dependinginformation, depending
upon who contemplatesupon who contemplates
upon it.upon it.

INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE
 Just as raw data input areJust as raw data input are
meant to be processed bymeant to be processed by
the computer; observations,the computer; observations,
news, data and informationnews, data and information
etc. are objects to beetc. are objects to be
understood and possibleunderstood and possible
meanings from it to bemeanings from it to be
comprehended by man.comprehended by man.
 THUS the Qur’an categorizeTHUS the Qur’an categorize
these (information) as:these (information) as:
“Signs” –“Signs” – aayataayat ( )( )
Al-Qur’an –Al-Qur’an – aayat Qawliyyahaayat Qawliyyah
Universe –Universe – aayat Kauniyahaayat Kauniyah
 It is when cognition of man areIt is when cognition of man are
applied to process theseapplied to process these
information, that he may beinformation, that he may be
said to arrive at knowledgesaid to arrive at knowledge
(i.e. when it becomes(i.e. when it becomes
meaningful).meaningful).
 THUS the Qur’anic approachTHUS the Qur’anic approach
for man’s education enjoinsfor man’s education enjoins
him to “Read” (him to “Read” ( ) these) these
signs to arrive at thesigns to arrive at the
“meanings” – the REALITY.“meanings” – the REALITY.
NoteNote: Arabic word “universe”: Arabic word “universe”
and “a scholar; one who isand “a scholar; one who is
knowledgeable” is spelt:knowledgeable” is spelt:
(( ))

Thus, perspective of Education in Islam can be
defined:
““... Recognition and acknowledgement,... Recognition and acknowledgement,
progressively instilled into man, of theprogressively instilled into man, of the
proper places of things in the order ofproper places of things in the order of
creation, such that it leads to thecreation, such that it leads to the
recognition and acknowledgement of therecognition and acknowledgement of the
proper place of God in the order of beingproper place of God in the order of being
and existence.”and existence.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quoted from: “The Educational Philosophy and Practice of SyedQuoted from: “The Educational Philosophy and Practice of Syed
Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas” by Wan Mohd Nor Wan Daud (ISTACMuhammad Naquib Al-Attas” by Wan Mohd Nor Wan Daud (ISTAC
publication).publication).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

””Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, andBehold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and
the alternation of Night and Day,― there are indeed Signsthe alternation of Night and Day,― there are indeed Signs
for men of understanding.― Men who celebrate the praisesfor men of understanding.― Men who celebrate the praises
of Allah standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides,of Allah standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides,
and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavensand contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens
and the earth, (with the thought): "Our Lord! not forand the earth, (with the thought): "Our Lord! not for
naught hast Thou created (all) this! Glory to Thee! Give usnaught hast Thou created (all) this! Glory to Thee! Give us
salvation from the penalty of the Fire. “salvation from the penalty of the Fire. “
((Qur’an: Aali’Imran: 3: 190-191Qur’an: Aali’Imran: 3: 190-191))

"Glory to Thee (Allah): of knowledge we"Glory to Thee (Allah): of knowledge we
have none, save that Thou hast taught us:have none, save that Thou hast taught us:
in truth it is Thou who art perfect inin truth it is Thou who art perfect in
knowledge and wisdom."knowledge and wisdom."
45

http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/
http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/
http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/
 http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/
 http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/
http://criteriaforaholybook-
quran.blogspot.com/
 http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/
http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/
46
E-mail:E-mail:
zhulkeflee@gmail.comzhulkeflee@gmail.com

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