The Qur’anic Foundation of the Obligation to Learn: An Analysis of Surah Al-‘Alaq (1–5) and Surah At-Tawbah (122)

Abstract

This study explores the concept of the obligation to learn in Islam through the perspective
of Surah Al-‘Alaq verses 1–5 and Surah At-Tawbah verse 122. The aim of this research
is to analyze how these verses articulate the significance of education and its role in
shaping individual and collective responsibility in acquiring knowledge. This study
employs a qualitative descriptive method with a content analysis approach to interpret the
meanings of the selected verses. The findings reveal that Surah Al-‘Alaq emphasizes the
foundational importance of reading and acquiring knowledge as an act of devotion,
positioning God as the ultimate source of knowledge. Surah At-Tawbah verse 122, on the
other hand, highlights the communal responsibility in learning, where some individuals
are encouraged to devote themselves to religious study for the benefit of the wider
community. These results affirm that learning is both an individual and collective
obligation in Islam. The study concludes that education serves as a cornerstone for
building character and advancing civilization. It is recommended that further research
explore the integration of Qur’anic educational values into contemporary learning
frameworks.