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.
