Meaning of Tarbiyah
It is an Arabic word that means increase, nurture, rear, growth, or loftiness. Tarbiyah means the development and the training of people in various aspects. In this regard, the word tarbiyah refers to the systematic development and the training of children.
So Tarbiyah has to do with nurturing, fostering and developing. It is like Tazkiyeh (purification), which is also about growth and development.
The word Tarbiyah and its derivatives are mentioned in several verses of the Quran.
One is in Verse 5 of Surah Al-Hajj:
“And you see the earth dry; but no sooner do We send down rain upon it than it begins to quiver and swell, putting forth every fine variety (of herbage).”
Another example is Verse 24 of Surah Al-Isra:
“Say: O my Lord! have compassion on them (parents), as they brought me up (when I was) little”
According to some scholars, Tarbiyah also means guiding to perfection and salvation.
So the word generally means preparing the ground for growth and development. It has also been used to mean Tahzeeb, which refers to removing unacceptable moral traits.
In this meaning, it highlights the fact that Tahzeeb leads to an increase and development in one’s spiritual status.
