Arab Educational Information Network

"Istikhlaf" concept educational dimensions in Saudi development plans in the light of education policy in Saudi. The study aimed to look at the concepts of development and "Istikhlaf" and their inception and the most important targets. It also aimed to reveal the extent to which the educational dimensions of the "Istikhlaf" were taken in account in Saudi education policy and its development plans. To achieve this goal document of Saudi education policy and its development plans were analyses. Results showed that the "Istikhlaf" is the Islamic perspective of development which is consistent with the overall concept of man and the universe and life. The study showed a clear variation between education policy and the national development plans in including educational dimensions of the "Istikhlaf" where the two dimensions appeared more balanced in education policy than development plans which focus on the urban dimension. The study recommended achieving a balance between Istikhlaf educational dimensions in national development plans and paying more attention in directing educational efforts to enable generations to achieve duties of “Istikhlaf” and link learner responsibility towards his religion and homeland and nation. (Published abstract)