Even as madressahs have increasingly come under fire for inculcating students with intolerant attitudes and preaching hatred, Dawn spoke to seminary students and asked them to define their idea of modern education, as well as asking students from three different madressahs what their views were on modern education, jihad and democracy.

Jihad: “Jihad is taught as a separate chapter in the final year of an eight-year long course. Persian, Arabic and Urdu are compulsory subjects but we are also taught basics of English, mathematics and computers.”

Modern education: “Students memorising the Quran are instructed to avoid watching television and reading newspapers as these are distractions.”

Democracy: “Our teachers are in the favour of a democracy which is governed, in accordance with Quran and Sunnah, by a Muslim ruler.”

-Mohammad Akbar, 24, Madrassah Jamia Islamia, Saddar (Deoband)

Modern Education: “There is no ban on watching television or reading newspapers but students are encouraged to read books written by saints and read their poetry instead. We come here to receive Islamic education not learn lessons of the West. Persian and Arabic are taught at my seminary but not English. Some students learn English after the completion of their course at the seminary.”

Jihad: “Jihad is necessary but should only be launched by a Muslim leader. Moreover, Jihad is a very critical topic and only scholars should discuss it, not ordinary people,”

-Habibur Rehman, 22, Ghosia Mosque seminary, Aliabad (Barelvi)

Modern education: “During the eight-year long course students learn Islamic studies, Fiqah, Arabic and Persian. After the completion of this course, students can learn English and computer science as well. English is necessary as those well versed in English can preach Islam abroad.”

Jihad: “It is not a primary duty. First priority should be given to prayer, love for humanity and spreading the message of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him),”

-Suhail Khan, 21, Zikria Mosque, Westridge (Tableeghi Jamaat)

Published in Dawn January 19th , 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play