: Universities have been traditionally defined as centers for gaining knowledge, teaching and research. Through their teaching activities, universities offer specialized training for different sectors of the society, as well as the education essential for the development of the personality. University education boosts the theoretical knowledge of the different divisions of the society as well as offering practical solutions to the societies’ dilemmas.The importance of knowledge and learning in Islam as the last divined religion is doubtless through numerous references to Quran, Sunnah (sayings and living habits of Prophet Muhammad) and Hadith (narrations originating from the words and deeds of Prophet Muhammad). Having such strong theoretical framework for knowledge and learning, Muslims were pioneers in knowledge and sciences for centuries. Recognizing the role education can play in development of the societies that is more equitable and sustainable, the United Nations has launched a decade of education for sustainable development in 2005. With large pools of disciplinary experts, high quality research facilities, best infrastructure and a cohort of students with varied academic interests, universities have considerable comparative advantage to promote sustainability in the communities they serve. For this matter, universities of the Islamic world have the opportunity to refer to the rich traditions of Islam in creating and disseminating knowledge throughout the history. This paper would argue the framework, concept and approaches in education for sustainable development (EfSD) embedded in social, economical and environmental aspects and will try to answer the above challenges with having the core teachings of Islam and its relation with knowledge in sight. This issue will be further discussed in relation with the core missions of higher education in educating, conducting research and providing services to the community as it has been defined by the Islamic thoughts and also by the UNESCO (1998).
Source: World Journal of Islamic History and Civilization
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