The Concept of Tarbiyah in Islamic Education and Its Role in English Language Teaching (ELT) in Iran: A Post-Revolution Case Study

This chapter explores the main philosophical principles of key Islamic educational concepts, mainly Tarbiyah (meaning to increase and grow), in English language teaching (ELT) in Postrevolutionary Iran. It examines the philosophical foundations of Tarbiyah, highlighting its shared similarities with holistic learning, values pedagogy, and al-Ghazali’s educational philosophy. Central to these frameworks is the goal of fostering intellectual, ethical, and spiritual growth, with al-Ghazali identifying happiness—based on spiritual fulfillment and character development—as the ultimate aim of education. Finally, it seeks to determine whether ELT in Postrevolutionary Iran is in accord with Tarbiyah and related principles of Ta’lim and Ta’dib.