The Origins of Art Education in the Second Step of the Islamic Revolution Statement with Emphasis on the Heritage of Islamic Art

Art education is considered one of the valuable achievements of human civilization. In Islamic civilization—one of the most influential and significant civilizations in history—there exists a profound connection between art, beauty, and artistic education. Within this intellectual tradition, art and beauty, beyond their aesthetic function, serve as instruments for conveying Islamic values, ideas, and ethics, as well as manifestations of divine majesty in human life. Islamic civilization, with its rich treasury of art, literature, architecture, music, and aesthetics, has extended these values throughout Islamic societies and even into the broader sphere of global cultures. This study, adopting an analytical–inferential approach, examines the relationship between art and beauty in Islamic civilization, with particular emphasis on the “domain of aesthetic and artistic education” in the Fundamental Transformation Document of Education and the Second Step of the Islamic Revolution Statement. It also analyzes the foundations of art education within these documents. The findings indicate that strengthening art education in accordance with Islamic principles and values not only enhances the cognitive, emotional, and practical competencies of the younger generation but also clarifies the role of art in Islamic society and contributes to the realization of the lofty ideals of the Islamic Revolution. Accordingly, the development of artistic culture and the deepening of religious values can contribute to the advancement of contemporary Iranian society and the flourishing of the capacities of Islamic civilization.