The American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences Vol. 7, No. l, 1990 103 

Conference Information 

Towards Developing Contemporary Education Theory 

The International Institute of Islamic Thought (Washington) 

and 

The Islamic Studies and Research Association (Amman) 

Amman, Jordan 

Mu�arram J.6; J411July 24-26, l990 

With the increased interest in Islamic countries to adopt a way of life 

based on Islamic law, the need has intensified for practical and scientific 

Islamic alternatives to social and economic problems facing the world in 

general and the Islamic nations in particular. 

Most countries of the world are undergoing severe education crises and 

reform is especially needed in education. The education systems in many 

countries have failed to develop the individual in relation to social and 

humanistic goals. Educational systems in the Islamic countries have been 

mostly modeled on those of Western countries. As a result, these Islamic 

countries are undergoing dual crises. First, the adopted education systems 
have had a severe impact on many aspects of daily life in the Islamic countries. 

Second, the adopted education systems frequently counter Islamic goals and 

ideals. 

Numerous thinkers and intellectuals in Muslim countries have emphasized 

the role of education in building a balanced and integrated individual personality 

in society. Hundreds of books were written discussing these issues. Various 
conferences were held to restore educational thought from the Islamic heritage. 

The effects of these efforts has resulted in emphasizing the successful role 

of Islamic education in shaping the person, rebuilding society, and contributing 

to civilization. 

Education in modern society plays an important role in training human 

resources to bridge the economic gap between the developed and developing 

countries. Therefore, there is an intense need to form a clear method for