Mid-Twentieth Century Behavioral Psychologist, B.F. Skinner introduced the concept of behavioral changes in humans based on negative and positive reinforcement. As an educationist who has served in the higher education landscape of Pakistan for over two decades, I have observed how this concept has played out in the classroom and beyond. It is the positive and negative reinforcement by the instructors which predominantly shapes a student’s goals, aspirations, and response to challenges in life.

I strongly believe that the attitudes, behaviors, wants, and desires of people surrounding us in our daily lives are a product of the system of education itself. In the era of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a generation of Arabs experienced a profound transformation, both in their outward conduct and inner character, thanks to a meticulous educational endeavor personally guided by the Prophet (PBUH) himself. We observe how discipline, ethics of communication, trade, commerce, and social relations, apart from the spiritual rejuvenation of each individual, transformed society as a whole.

We find arrogant, materialistic individuals who appeased the society’s degenerative norms and traditions turning into humble, purpose-driven, compassionate Muslims. The sahaba abandoned selfish desires to maximize luxury and wealth in this world and devoted their lives towards earning a blissful afterlife. Such is the model of the first Muslim community, which we must aspire to achieve. Education, I believe, is the fundamental component to capitalize on this model of excellence.

It is our vision at Al-Ghazali University to rethink education as a means of imparting Tarbiyah alongside the tools to navigate and excel through contemporary knowledge and research in the modern world. For this purpose, we chose to name the institution after the distinguished scholar, theologian, philosopher, and mystic, Imam Al-Ghazali (1058–1111) AD.

Imam Al-Ghazali was notably one of the most erudite scholars of his era, but his legacy is more than just producing ground-breaking research and scholarship. It is really about his journey as a scholar who reaches his pinnacle yet finds himself in a complete lack of self-awareness. At this moment, he embarked on a journey of self-realization, which led him to Allah (SWT) as he scraped off every inch of egotism which plagued his soul. During this extraordinary journey, he wrote his Magnum Opus, Ihya Uloom ud Din (The Revival of Religious Sciences). This was a book of self-rectification and a guideline for those treading the same path.

Amongst his numerous contributions to the Islamic intellectual tradition that make him relevant today is his role in ideologically safeguarding the Prophetic commandment. This earned him the title of Hujjat ul Islam (The Proof of Islam), as he comprehensively countered all rational arguments questioning the foundations of the faith.

Today, such a breed of skillful individuals is required who are trained to understand and create sophisticated, world-class technology while espousing an ideologically and spiritually sound character. To take this vision forward, we are establishing Al-Ghazali University, which prepares the ulema (inheritors of knowledge of the Islamic Intellectual Tradition) to counter modern challenges with contemporary knowledge and research.

Our mission is to produce scholars who can meet the challenges of the modern world with a deep understanding of their faith, echoing the legacy of Imam Al-Ghazali himself, who not only defended Islamic foundations but also embarked on a profound journey of self-realization. Our vision is to create individuals who can wield cutting-edge technology while remaining spiritually grounded, contributing to both the intellectual and moral advancement of society.