PUNISHMENT AS AN EDUCATIONAL TOOL

Abstract

Both Muslim and non-Muslim authors are of the differing opinions regarding a corporal punishment as an educational tool. Some consider it acceptable, pulling forward a maxim on "heavenly origins of spanking", while others hold that students should never be beaten since this is against their dignity. This difference in understanding is noticeable among our people too. Generally speaking, for previous generations the corporal punish.men twas most often used form ofupbringing tool and, very often, they've considered it lo be a form of the religious rule of conduct, while younger generations have great reservations towards this practice. There is a wide range of different means that could be used to deter a child from engaging in unacceptable and harmful practices, but we too easily just reach for a stick. Having this in mind, we are than not to be surptised by the high rate of delinquent behavior, crime and immorality because violence can only result in more violence. On the other hand, only patient and tenacious upbringing can mould boys and girls into stable, resolute, capable and good-natured individuals. Islam, as we have seen, does recognize and allow corporal punishment. However, among different tools, corporal punishment is the last resort in the upbringing process. As long as other tools b1ing results, punishment, especially corporal one, is not to be used. However, once all other possibilities are exhausted with no results, only then one can resort to punishment, but, again, with caution and st1ict adherence to the conditions set up by the Islamic scholars. And with bearing in mind that, the God's Messenger (a.s.), the best of educators, has never beaten a single child, wife or a servant!