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Misconstrued notions

Are madrassas a breeding ground of terrorism?

A few days ago, we stood at the same juncture where we were just a year ago. Once again, some were weeping over the loss of their infants while others were praying profusely for the protection of theirs. Schools were shut down at the pretense of “cold” — a cold murderous heart, perhaps.

While other South Asian countries are getting international recognition for economic progress, boom in the tourism industry and educational initiatives, Pakistan is considered to be an exponent of Islamic fundamentalism in the global arena. Whether it is political anarchy or religious backlash, Pakistan quintessentially has become an epicentre of violence and turmoil much of which is owed to the resurgence of radical movements and the ubiquitous presence of terrorist groups. Their heinous designs and bigoted methods to upend the rule of law and an effort to exercise only selective, mostly fanatical, conservative form of religion, is the most integral reason for lawlessness, massive loss of life and the rising anarchy within the state.

From negotiations to militant action, while different initiatives continue to unfold, the question that remains is: When is this ever going to end? Although, as a dejected citizen of Pakistan, I reside great hope in every step that the government or the military undertakes, I strongly feel that the result is going to be temporary. It is absolutely imperative to accept, acknowledge and understand that this is no longer a war against terrorist groups; rather it is a battle against a formidable ideological force which has deeply penetrated the minds of those propagating it. Thereby, the issue must be chucked out from the grass-roots level.

The onslaught of global terrorist activity and an unprecedented rise in religious fundamentalism has, in essence, spurred a multitude of arguments as to how dominant is the role of madrassas in promulgating violence. Quite similarly, it is a commonly held perception that madrassas, which imparted Islamic religious teachings in the past, have now become a breeding ground of terrorism due to its unregulated and questionable educational system. Despite their great historical significance in Islam, they have now deviated from their original role and provide a misinterpretation of Islam, encouraging sectarian conflicts, providing sanctuary to terrorist organisations and brainwashing children from illiterate, low-income families. Moreover, the inability of madrassas to adopt a common curriculum and methods of teaching also causes a rift amongst the followers. Consequently, there’s an urgent and a dire need to institutionalise madrassas.

Moreover, madrassas preach distorted Islamic interpretations and misconstrue the notion of jihad, which is by far the most important reason for terrorism. Students belonging to madrassas are noted to be hostile towards non-Muslims and western ideologies. Similarly, madrassas tend to brainwash their students and induce fundamental ideas in them which becomes easy due the fact that they belong to illiterate, low-income families and do not possess any exposure to modern education. Besides, they are oblivious to actual motives with which most madrassas are operating and have a blind faith in the ‘Islamic teachings’ which they claim to offer. Neither the students nor their families question or ponder over the teachings acquired here as they cleverly concealed and branded “Islamic”.

Consequently, it is mandatory to make scrupulous efforts in order to remove the stigma associated with a madrassa. The implementation of checks and balances and regulation would restore the original glory of Islamic education and prevent madrassas from becoming a breeding ground of terrorism, eliminating the rise of the ideological force that Islamic fundamentalism has become.

Needless to say, the answer lies in education and institutionalisation.

Hijab Hassan

The writer heads Content Department at Bramerz, Pakistan. She is a passionate writer and takes keen interest in world politics and international relations.


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