Zafar Darik Qasmi

Madrasa plays a pivotal role in the educational development of Muslims. However, it is often said that Madrasas need to bring changes to its curriculum to make education relevant. For that, the study of comparative religions must be introduced in its syllabi. This in due course will address a lot of issues including communal Violence and hate and enhance respect for each other's religion, beliefs, and thoughts.

In India, we live in a plural society where different religious and ethnic groups coexist in peace and harmony. We share happiness and sorrows. If we do not study each other religions, faiths, customs, and thoughts then social distances and misunderstandings will only rise. No big effort has been made in this regard and we do not even realize how many misunderstandings we have in our hearts and minds for others.

Besides, academic research works should be carried out on this subject. Today, the world has become a global village, and doors to research are open more than ever before.  Madrasas should avail of this facility in order to come close to other religions.

They should conduct academic research to enhance their reach to the world religions. Working on such topics will definitely promote balanced thinking and views in society. The impact of positive and balanced thinking is not limited to just one time and space, it’s timeless. 

It’s a fact that Madrasa passouts are stereotyped by other religions. Islam is listed at the top by researchers of comparative religions. These researchers advocate sectarianism in their writings. Everyone can guess how unhelpful this attitude and character is for Muslim society.

There is a greater need to present a picture of real Islam. However, we should never forget that we should also increase our knowledge and research activities regarding our fellow countrymen and their religion to address misunderstandings about other religions and people.

Madrasas must work on social unity and communal integrity. For this, the organizers of Madrasa should invite religious experts to deliver lectures to students. Also, while discussing Hinduism an expert in Sanskrit language should be invited as scriptures are mostly available in this language.

We should also keep in mind that the New Education Policy (2020) has been implemented. This policy does not explicitly mention religious education. However, it has been clearly stated in this policy that at the time of appointment of teachers, preference should be given to candidates familiar with Indology i.e. Indian civilization and its religious diversity.

In this context, the madrasa Ulemas seriously thinks of introducing the study of religions into the curriculum.

Likewise, the civilization of India and its diverse and pluralistic society demands that we should live amid dialogues and tolerance for a better understanding of religions. It is necessary to study different civilizations, religions, customs, and traditions from a broad perspective and ensure their respect.

ALSO READ:  Indian Muslims must join environmental campaigns as these are in sync with Islam

India is known as the abode of sages, saints, Sufis who have made every effort to ensure peace and harmony and goodwill. Even today, their spiritual thoughts and ideas are giving a message of unity and tolerance to India. If Madrasas pave the way for dialogue and study of religions it will be a major step in bringing and cementing harmony and peace.

Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi is a Aligarh-based, author and columnist