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Draft:Ishaq Farhan

From Wikivahdat
Ishaq Farhan
Personal Details
Birth PlaceJordan
Death PlaceJordan
ReligionIslam

Ishaq Farhan was born in 1934 CE in the town of "Ain Karim" in Palestine. In 1953 CE, he was sent to the American University of Beirut to study chemistry, where he completed his master's degree in the same field. He engaged in political and legal activities, drawing upon his knowledge of chemistry, the Arabic language, and education, which contributed to the development of his intellectual character. In 1960 CE, the government of Jordan dispatched him to Columbia University to obtain a master's degree in Arabic, and subsequently, in 1964, he pursued studies in education.


From Ministry to the Muslim Brotherhood

He attained a high academic rank, which enabled him to advance within educational positions at the Ministry of Education, until October 1970 CE, when he assumed the role of minister in the cabinet of Wasfi al-Tal, the Prime Minister of Jordan. He was among the first Islamists to emerge prominently during that period.

This involvement led to his membership in the Muslim Brotherhood, an organization for which he had developed a strong interest during his student years. Subsequently, in 1973 CE, he joined the government of Zaid al-Rifai, and in 1975 CE, he became the head of the association, later serving as the President of the University of Jordan.

He is regarded as one of the most influential Ministers of Education, particularly through his reforms of curricula and his efforts toward the Arabization of instruction during his tenure as President of the University of Jordan. Over six decades of political activity, he established himself as a moderate, conciliatory, and rational religious figure. Since his return to the Islamic movement in 1980 CE, he guided the moderate current within the movement toward engagement with the government.

Activities

In addition to his political role, he emerged through his participation in the Arab Library by authoring more than twenty books in Islamic sciences, which were entirely focused on education and development. Ishaq Farhan received numerous honors, including: the Medal of Higher Education and Training (Ministry of Education in Jordan) and the First-Class Medal of Independence of Jordan (Royal Court of Jordan). He taught at elementary and secondary levels at Al-Salt Secondary School during the years (1958–1960 CE) and served as a teacher of general science and chemistry at the Teachers' Institute in Amman in 1960 CE. Among his other activities, the following can be listed:

  1. He served as Head of the Teacher Preparation and Rehabilitation Department at the Ministry of Education during the years (1964–1965 CE) and as a part-time lecturer at the College of Sharia and the College of Education at the University of Jordan during the years (1964–1970 CE).
  2. He supervised the process of developing curricula and textbooks in Jordan between 1964 and 1973 CE, which included approximately three hundred textbooks and teacher guides for general education.
  3. In 1965 CE, he was appointed as Head of the Curricula and Textbooks Department at the Ministry of Education, Director of Educational Services, and later as Director General of the Curricula and Textbooks Department at the Ministry of Education, serving until 1970 CE.
  4. In 1978 CE, he was appointed as Minister of Education and Minister of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs, and Holy Shrines in the cabinet of Wasfi al-Tal, and subsequently as Minister of Education and Awqaf in the first cabinet of Mr. Ahmad al-Lawzi. Later, in 1973 CE, he was appointed as Minister of Awqaf, Holy Shrines, and Islamic Affairs in the cabinet of Zaid al-Rifai, resigning after five months.
  5. During the year (1975–1976 CE), he served as an advisor and then as President of the Royal Scientific Society.
  6. He worked as a Professor of Education and President of the University of Jordan from 1976 to 1978 CE.
  7. He served as a full-time Professor of Education and Curriculum Planning at Yarmouk University (1978–1989 CE).
  8. He was Chairman of the Supreme Committee for the Development of Curricula and Textbooks for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from 1978 to 1987 CE, covering all levels of primary, secondary, and community college education, which included approximately three hundred textbooks and teacher guides.
  9. He was appointed as a member of the first Consultative Council, but resigned after five months to return to teaching at the university. He was subsequently appointed as a member of the Senate for four years.
  10. He provided expertise in educational programs in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates during the 1960s.
  11. He was an active member of several educational and scientific councils, particularly on the boards of trustees of universities and social colleges in Jordan, the Arab world, and the Islamic world, such as the Board of Trustees of the Islamic Community College, the Board of Trustees of the University of Jordan, Yarmouk University in Jordan, the Islamic University in Saudi Arabia, and the International Islamic University in Pakistan.
  12. He was one of the founders of the Islamic Action Front party in Jordan, serving as its Secretary-General from its establishment in 1992 until 1998 CE, and as Chairman of its Shura Council from 1998 to 2002 CE. He was President of Zarqa National University and has been a member of its Board of Trustees since its establishment.
  13. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Zarqa Education and Investment Company and served as its Chairman.
  14. He has been President of the Association for Islamic Studies and Research since its establishment in 1979 CE. He also chaired the Scientific Council of the International Institute of Islamic Thought, Amman Office, starting from 1980 CE.
  15. Since 1980 CE, he has served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Islamic Community College, and since the establishment of the Jordan Academy of Arabic in 1976 CE, he has been a member of its Board of Directors.
  16. He has held editorial and advisory memberships in peer-reviewed scientific journals, supervised the translation of numerous books, participated in hundreds of scientific conferences, and published dozens of research papers in peer-reviewed journals, along with hundreds of educational, Islamic, political, and social articles. He also edited numerous statements in Jordanian and Arab newspapers, contributed to scientific and artistic works, literature, research, technical reports, scientific and translated articles, and supervised many master's and doctoral theses in the field of education.

Farhan in the Words of Others

  • The leader of the Islamic Movement, Dr. Abdul Latif Arayyat, stated that the deceased was one of the loyal symbols of the country, who devoted all his thoughts to the development of the nation and his enthusiasm for continuing Islamic defensive work, noting: He participated in the construction of many mosques, particularly at the University of Jordan.
  • Abdul Majeed Al-Thunibat, former General Supervisor of the Muslim Brotherhood Association, recalled the continuous meetings held in the 1990s with a group of Islamic Movement leaders in the presence of Farhan to establish the Islamic Action Front Party, of which he later became Secretary-General. Abdul Majeed Al-Thunibat, referring to his role in founding the University of Jordan and Zarqa Private University, said: He was like a statesman and an enlightened preacher who was able to present all his respectable ideas.
  • Dr. Sharaf Al-Qudsa, General Supervisor of the Muslim Brotherhood, said: Ishaq Farhan was the best Muslim, the best thinker, the best brother in understanding and application, the best preacher with noble Islamic conduct and morals preceding his speech, an educator with knowledge and wisdom, responsible and the best servant for Islam in many fields of work in Jordan and the world. I considered him sincere to religion, homeland, and his call, embodying moderation in understanding Islam and inviting others to it; he was among the most prominent leaders of Islamic thought and advocacy.

He viewed political participation as essential, whether in parliament or government, and practically served in several ministries; for this reason, he faced accusations, hostilities, and distortions from some radicals within the Islamic Movement.

  • Dr. Qaddah confirms that he had no personal interest in the political or academic positions he held; rather, his goal was to serve his country, Jordan, and he resigned from important positions more than once because they did not align with certain government policies in the country. He left excellent and positive impacts in every time and situation.
  • Dr. Jamil Al-Dhuyust, head of the Islamic Charitable Center Association, believes that he was one of the consensus leaders of the Islamic Movement who guided the nation with his thought and conscience...
  • Dr. Ghuraybah says: He is among the prominent figures possessing brilliant characteristics, including: sharp intelligence, scientific courage, excellent etiquette, and noble morals.


Among the Founders and Active Members of the Brotherhood

He was among the founders and active members of the Muslim Brotherhood. After the death of the founding Secretary-General, he became Secretary-General of the Islamic Action Front Party. His approach to the relationship between the Islamic Movement and the government, without being a government man himself, as well as his participation in domestic and international forums, stemmed from his personal commitment to dialogue; he treated opponents with respect and calmness and, free from any ulterior motives, was devoted to the interests of the country.


Works

a. General Books

  • Toward a Contemporary Islamic Discourse, 2002 AD.
  • Islam and the World, 2003 AD.
  • The Islamic Dimension of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Cause, 2003 AD.
  • Youth and Cultural Challenges (Prevention and Treatment), 2003 AD.
  • Political Stances and Views on Arab and Islamic Issues, 1999 AD.
  • Political Stances and Views on Arab and Islamic Issues, 2000 AD.
  • The Islamic Stance on Political Participation, 1st ed., 1991 AD.
  • Palestine and the True Promise, 1994 AD.
  • The Islamic Action Front: Justifications, Foundations, and Projects, 1994 AD.
  • The Crisis of Education and Teaching in the Arab World from an Islamic Perspective, 1986 AD.
  • Islamic Education Between Authenticity and Modernity, 1986 AD.
  • Problems of Youth in Light of Islam, 1979 AD.
  • Toward an Islamic Formula for Education and Teaching Curricula, 1st ed., 1979 AD, 2nd ed., 1980 AD.
  • Science and Faith, 1972 AD.
  • Islamic Education: Its Objectives, Characteristics, and Contemporary Challenges, 1968 AD.

b. Academic Books

  • The Reference in Principles of Education, 1993 AD.
  • The Educational Curriculum, co-authored with Tawfiq Mara'i, 1990 AD.
  • The Concept of the Educational Curriculum Between Authenticity and Modernity, 1984 AD.
  • Teaching the Educational Curriculum: Contemporary Teaching Patterns, 1984 AD.
  • Curriculum Planning and Development, 1985 AD.
  • Methods of Teaching Science, co-authored with others.

c. Textbooks

  • Introductory Chemistry, Third Year of Preparatory School.
  • Fundamentals of Chemistry, Second Year of Secondary School Science.
  • Fundamentals of Chemistry, Third Year of Secondary School.
  • Physics, Second Year of Secondary School.
  • Physics, Third Year of Secondary School.
  • Fundamentals of Chemistry, First Cycle of Secondary School.
  • General Science, Third Year of Literary Secondary School.


Death

He passed away on the morning of Friday, July 6, 2018 / 22 Shawwal 1439 AH. The Muslim Brotherhood movement mourned with profound sorrow the loss of a prominent leader of the Islamic Movement in Jordan.


References