“FreeMuslim” Association Stresses Education as Key to Countering Extremism on International Day of Education

“FreeMuslim” Association Stresses Education as Key to Countering Extremism on International Day of Education
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On the occasion of the International Day of Education, observed on January 24, the Global Nonviolence Organization (FreeMuslim) issued a statement calling for a serious humanitarian reassessment of the state of education in the Islamic world.

The statement by the Nonviolence Organization (FreeMuslim) emphasizes that knowledge is a religious obligation and an ethical responsibility before being a civil right. The organization grounded its position in Islamic values, noting that the message of Islam began with the word “Read.”

In a statement received by Shia Waves Agency, the organization said education goes beyond academic degrees or improving living standards, describing it as the primary foundation for confronting extremist ideology and the most effective tool for promoting a culture of nonviolence and peaceful coexistence, particularly in societies affected by war, ignorance, and prolonged conflict.

The organization expressed deep concern over the major challenges facing the education sector in several Islamic countries, especially those experiencing armed conflict or severe economic crises. It stressed the need to guarantee the right to education for all segments of society without discrimination, stating that denying women or minorities access to education constitutes a clear violation of Islamic principles and contemporary human values.

FreeMuslim also called for a comprehensive review of school curricula in Islamic countries, urging the removal of content that promotes hatred or exclusion and the development of programs that foster critical thinking, acceptance of others, and social peace. It described educational reform as a fundamental step toward building stable and balanced societies.

The organization further condemned attacks on schools and universities in conflict zones, demanding that educational institutions be kept neutral and protected from political and military confrontations, and recognized as safe spaces due to their humanitarian and intellectual significance.

The statement also underscored the importance of combating digital and knowledge illiteracy amid rapid technological change, calling on Islamic countries to bridge the digital divide to prevent younger generations from falling behind global development.

The organization concluded by affirming that investment in education is the safest and most effective form of investment, warning that neglecting the sector creates fertile ground for ignorance, which fuels violence and extremism and undermines prospects for peace and development in Islamic societies.