Growth of Madrasas and Islamic Education in Pakistan: Historical Analysis and Prospects

Author(s) : Dr. Fakhar Bilal

Abstract:

The word “madrassa” does generate a huge complexity, negative propaganda, and curiosity among scholars of regional, national, and international communities since 9/11. It is considered an institution of preaching hatred and breeding violence and extremism. Madrassa as a unit of study also remainsless focused by academics and came to the forefront since 9/11. Ilm, Talib, Maktab, all terms have been denoted as negative but never understood in a concrete term to their original sense. No heed has been paid to the mushroom growth of these madrassas across Pakistan at any level. This increase in numerical strength itself is an alarming situation not only for national or regional peace and stability but for the international community as well. Post 9/11 Government of Pakistan has tried to reform madrassa system but could not achieve much success due to a shallow approach and non-compliance of various madrassa establishments. Therefore, the fundamental objective of the study is to understand the changing pattern of madrassa with a focus on patron-client case study of Sindh and the role of local chieftains and government to modernize these institutions. This paper is an initial and early attempt to highlight major causes responsible for the mushroom development of patron-client relationship and to highlight the conundrum of a gap between state and society in the province of Sindh.