Reclaiming a Forgotten Legacy: Historical Contributions of Islamic Civilization to Special Needs Education and Overcoming Challenges to Realize Inclusive Education in Muslim Communities

While contemporary discussions on special needs education often appear novel and developed country-centric, Islamic civilization has historically prioritized care, education and training for individuals with diverse needs. Rooted in Qur’anic principles, this paper explores the contributions of classical Islamic scholars, institutions, and endowments in supporting learners with special needs, such as the visually and hearing impaired, learning disabilities as well as other diverse needs. Anchored in Qur’anic values of fitrah (natural disposition), diversity, rahmah (mercy), ‘adl (justice), equity, ‘ilm (knowledge), amanah (trust), karamah (principles of human dignity), ihsan (excellence), and the recognition of individual potential that reflect a deep commitment to inclusive learning and practices in the Islamic civilization. This legacy deeply rooted in the intellectual and spiritual heritage of the Islamic world can inspire contemporary practices, encouraging a revival of Muslim societal attitudes that align with modern approaches to promote accessibility and inclusivity in education. By reclaiming this rich intellectual and ethical heritage, the paper advocates for a reconceptualization of inclusion not merely as a social obligation, but as a Quranic imperativeone that models compassionate, dignified, and accessible education for all learners.