Science literacy has been introduced early in the Islamic world. Various educational institutions were born to fulfill this interest. One of them is maktab or often also known as kuttab. Through maktab, a number of disciplines are taught to their students, such as grammar and the Qur'an.
The term maktab or kuttab is also scattered in various Islamic literature. This shows that maktab has existed since the first century of Islam. Students who study in this institution come from the free and slave. A history confirms the existence of the institution.
The history is related to Ummu Sulayman, the mother of the hadith expert Annas bin Malik, who died in 93 Hijriyah, who once asked the maktab teachers to send some male students to help him make wool. In later times, this maktab spread throughout the Islamic world.
The existence of maktab penetrates to Spain and Sicily. A Muslim traveler, Ibn Hawqal, who died in 977 AD, revealed, there are about 300 maktab in Palermo. Teachers who teach in maktab are valued and regarded as respected citizens.
In addition, there is also Nuaymi, author of history books of educational institutions in Damascus, Syria, entitled Daris which reveals also this maktab problem. He, for example, recounts the maktab founded by Prince Fakhr al-Din ibn Qazal. The Maktab stands on the ground of wakaf.
Maktab is known as elementary school because many Muslim children start their education there. They get an introduction to the science of religion and the public. However, according to Arab and Islamic world expert George A Makdisi, the science taught is higher than that of today's primary school.
Students also receive strict instruction and training. Then, maktab has students and alumni who enter the ranks of intellectuals who can be relied upon.