TAKING MADRASAS TO 21ST CENTURY
SARASIJ MAJUMDER
In the aftermath of the 9/11 terror
attacks in the United States (US) in 2001, researchers, analysts, and
policymakers trained their eyes on Madrasas. Their initial investigations at
the time found that many Taliban leaders and Al-Qaeda members had been
radicalized in these Islamic educational institutions. In July 2004, a report
prepared by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United Sates
(or the 9-11 Commission) described madrasas as “incubators of violent
extremism.”
According
to information provided by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, India
has 24,010 madrasas, of which 4,878 were unrecognized, AS OF 2018-19.
Unofficially it is claimed that only one organisation, Jamaat Ulema-e-Hind has
over 20,000 Deobandi madrasas in north India.
The
medium of education is Arabic, and Urdu.
Madrasas
in India typically teach a curriculum that consists of mainly Islamic studies,
such as the Quran, Hadith, and Islamic law. They also teach subjects such as
Arabic language and religious literature, highly biased Islamic History,
including Islamic War History, and orthodox Islamic culture; mathematics and
science developed by Islam. Few Madrasas also offer some exposure in secular subjects such as English and
computer science. However, the curriculum varies depending on the specific
Madrasa.
- Arabic:
Arabic language - vocabulary, grammar and all that.
- Belief
(Aqaid): The study of Islamic beliefs.
- Character
(Akhlaq): How Muslims are supposed to behave. Essentially some kind of
moral science. Aqaid and Akhlaq were a single exam paper.
- History
(Tariq): Should have been called mythology instead. In the lower classes,
this dealt with the myths about Islamic prophets from the time of Muhammad
and so on. Later, there was stuff about the crusades and later Islamic
history. But all in all, it was just a mix of mythology and heavily biased
history.
- Practice
(Fiqh): Islamic rituals and law
- Memorization
(Hifdh): Memorize parts of the Quran. Fiqh and Hifdh were a single exam
paper.
- Recitation
(Tajweed): Recitation of the Quran in Arabic and learning the rules for
the same.
- Interpretation
(Tafsir): Translation and explanation of the Quran.
- Hadith:
Statements from and about Muhammad. If I remember correctly, Tafsir and
Hadith formed a single exam paper and were present only in the higher
classes.
The duration of Madrasa education in India can vary
depending on the type of Madrasa and the level of education being pursued. In
general, Madrasas offer different levels of education, including primary,
middle, and higher education.
For primary education, the duration is typically around five
years. This level focuses on basic Islamic teachings, including the
memorization and recitation of the Quran.
For middle education, the duration is usually around three
to four years. This level builds upon the primary education and delves deeper
into Islamic studies, including the study of Hadith, Tafsir (Quranic exegesis),
Islamic jurisprudence, and the Arabic language.
For higher education, the duration can vary significantly
depending on the program and the individual's goals. It can range from several
years to more than a decade. Higher education in Madrasas is typically focused
on advanced Islamic studies, including specialization in specific Islamic
sciences, such as Islamic theology, Islamic law, or Islamic philosophy.
It's important to note that these durations are general
estimates, and the actual duration may vary depending on individual Madrasas
and their specific programs.
The qualifications required to teach in Madrasas in India
can vary depending on the specific Madrasa and its educational policies.
However, there are some general qualifications that are often sought after:
Knowledge of Islamic Studies: Teachers in Madrasas are
expected to have a strong understanding of Islamic theology, Quranic studies,
Hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence. They should be well-versed in Islamic
teachings and principles.
Arabic Language Proficiency: Since Arabic is the language of
the Quran and many Islamic texts, proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable for
Madrasa teachers. They should have a good command of spoken and written Arabic
to effectively teach Islamic subjects.
Educational Qualifications: While there may not be specific educational
requirements mandated by all Madrasas, having a relevant educational background
can be beneficial. A degree in Islamic studies, Arabic language, or a related
field can enhance a teacher's qualifications.
Teaching Experience: Prior teaching experience, especially
in Islamic studies or related subjects, is often valued. It demonstrates the
teacher's ability to effectively convey knowledge and engage with students.
The complete education system is free to the student. Free
Hostel facilities are available also, if required.
WHAT EMERGE:
- From the above, you can conclude that existing madrasas are keeping the young
Muslims isolated from main stream: and a very narrow, Orthodox Islamic Mind, prejudiced
about other religions and mostly rooted in the time and period of Prophet, get
cultivated, and groomed, in a complete Islamic Environment, and Association.
With a little push, and some training—they can be easily
recruited, and converted to jihadis, at an organized camp, for the purpose.
India can’t risk that anymore.
Madrasas shall be upgraded to NORMAL MODERN SCHOOLS,
with standard curriculum in INDIA, to integrate Muslims with the main stream.
Source: --
1.0 Most of the information
are available in the Internet, and Ministry of Minority Affairs.
2.0 Content Read, and
Vetted by a person employed with the Minority Affairs Ministry, on condition of
Anonymity.
3.0 The 9/11 commission report: -- 585 pages.
4.0 ORF—Issue No. 455—April, 2021.
5.0 PHOTO-- THE PRINT
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