tarbiya

Tarbiya (also transliterated tarbiyah) is a term originating from Arabic that broadly denotes upbringing, education, and cultivation of character. It conveys a process of nurturing that includes intellectual, moral, emotional and sometimes spiritual development rather than simply the transmission of information.

In Islamic discourse, tarbiya commonly refers to the formation of a person's character and religious sensibilities within family and community contexts. It emphasizes habits, manners, ethical conduct and internalization of values alongside formal instruction. Tarbiya is often discussed in relation to pedagogy, parenting, religious schooling and community programs that aim to shape behavior and identity over time.

The word appears across several languages spoken in Muslim-majority regions — including Arabic, Persian, Urdu and languages of Southeast Asia — and is used both in everyday speech and in educational theory. In nonreligious contexts it can denote general upbringing or cultivation, such as early childhood care and moral education in schools.

Tarbiya is conceptually related to other terms like adab (manners), tazkiyah (purification of the self) and tarbiyah’s focus on holistic development distinguishes it from narrower notions of schooling or vocational training. Contemporary discussions of tarbiya often address methods, curricula and the roles of family and institutions in supporting lifelong personal growth.