Reflection 1

The instance that I have selected for the first essay is from the first
session Contextualization of Education in Muslim Societies. The instance
was the differentiation between the definition of Madrassa that we hold
today and the actual Madrassa that existed in the Golden Period of Islamic
era that was from 750 A.D to 950 A.D. This lecture by Sir Aurangzeb cleared
many of the misconceptions I held about Madrassa.
Madrassas in the Golden Period were proper places of learning just
like we have universities today. Madrassas were a place of learning rather
than a place just for religious learning. Madrassas, unlike today, were not
only confined to Quranic learning and teachings of the fundamental
principles of Islam. They dealt with all the fields like poetry, science,
astrology, astronomy, medicine etcetera. For example: Today, if an individual
wants to do his Masters or get a PhD then he would go to a university,
however, during or after the Golden Period he would go to a Madrassa to
do something equivalent to a Masters degree.
The fact that Madrassa used to be a complete institution holds a great
importance to me. Firstly, because I am a Muslim and secondly a student. To
me, It has now become clear that, Islam not only focuses on religious
teachings but also gives considerable importance to other fields like
medicine, philosophy, literature, mathematics etcetera. Since, Madrassas did
just that so this means that we as LUMS students are living up to the true
definition of a Madrassa.
I have personally experienced studying in a Madrassa for 2 years. And
to no surprise, it was not different then what I had heard since childhood
about a Madrassa. Their main aim is to make you memorize the Holy Quran
without giving any attention to the message in it. Also, they are not reluctant
to use force in order to achieve their aim. No heed is given to anything

except Islam. It feels as if they are isolated from the world around them and
they dont find studies of medicine, science and mathematics useful.
The old definition of a Madrassa is consistent with my point of view on
a Madrassa. A true Madrassa should cover aspects of both Deen and
Dunya. It should not only be about Islamic teachings as it is the case now.
The reason is that Muslms are already behind the West in almost every field,
be it medicine or astronomy or science. Madrassas should incorporate the
study of these fields so that Muslims can compete with the Western scholars.
Muslims are lacking because they are not enlightened with study of these
fields in a Madrassa . They can only excel in Islamic teachings and there is no
hope for them in the professional world.
The whole instance leads me into the belief that Madrassa graduates of
today could be much more than just students who had a beard and could
lead the prayers. They are not the real Madrassa graduates. They could
have been experts in literature, philosophy and law apart from being a
practicing Muslim. The separation of Deen and Dunya was never meant
to occur. They were to be treated with somewhat equal importance. Science
is progressing every day and new discoveries are being made, hence
Muslims should embrace these developments in order to prosper in this
world. Also, there is a need to bring the education system together if Muslims
are to succeed in this life and the Hereafter.
Previously, I thought that the only necessary education that was
required was Islamic education. However, looking at the Madrassas in the
Golden Period I was wrong and Muslims need to focus on other things as
well in order to compete in the professional world. If Madrassas of today
change their style of teaching and adopt the curriculum that was followed in
the true Madrassas, then maybe I will not hesitate in sending my children to
a Madrassa.

In conclusion, a Madrassa should be a complete institution. There

should not be any difference between institutions that excel in fields of
medicine, law, mathematics and those that excel in Islamic teachings and
way of life. There should be a link between the two as there was during and
after the Golden Period. This lecture changed my mind about Islam. There
is a hope for development in Muslim society by sticking to the path of Islam.
Brining the Manqulat and Maaqulat together can play vital role in uplifting
the Muslim society.