TAKING MADRASAS TO 21^ST 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