Role of Madrassa Education in Societal Harmony: A Case Study of the Punjab

Abstract

In recent years, Madrassa education has caught the attention of international community; wondering and trying to discover the real motives behind such education system. More importantly, the concern is regarding the character building and development of a peculiar mindset; which the students acquire after graduating from such Madrassas. In Pakistan, the above mentioned concern is equally highlighted as there is a suspicion that Madrassa graduates become extremists or even terrorists. This particular research explores the Madrassa system in the province of the Punjab; looking into a variety of Madrassas and their syllabi. It also explores the ideology and thinking patterns of the Madrassa students; keeping in mind their likely inclination towards the society. The main investigation revolves around the theme that whether these Madrassa graduates contribute positively towards the society or they become agents of destruction. After going into a considerable detail of the literature; as well as over viewing such primary sources as government documents and programmes of the Madrassas; visiting several Madrassas, in various parts of the Punjab, conducting interviews, with the administrators and teachers of Madrassas and collecting responses, from the Madrassa students, through an elaborate questionnaire, the following points have been drawn as conclusion; (i) Madrassa students do not necessarily incline towards militancy. (ii) It was also discovered that there is a deficiency in the training methodology as well as lack of professional guidance; to explore and exploit the real potentials of the students. The recommendations include revision of the Madrassa syllabi, introduction of new disciplines in the curriculum, investment in teacher training, provision of more capable and competent teachers; to bring the Madrassa students at power with the graduates of general/secular education system of the province. Enrichment, of their existing potentials and capabilities, can enable them contribute more significantly and productively; towards the wellbeing and welfare of the society.