The origins of Islamic educational reformations: A qualitative study about Networks of Pakistani Ulema in nineteenth and twentieth centuries

Abstract

Education in Islam is considered as an important and recommended practice ever since the advent of the Quran that took place in the seventh century. The primary aim of achieving Islamic education is to understand the preaching of Quran and spend one’s life most rightiously. The origin of Islamic Education is linked to madrassas where children pursue teachings of Quran. However, after the 9/11 incident Madrassas in Pakistan have come under scrutiny and several allies especially the U.S.has asked the government to re-form the Islamic education system in madrassas since they have been considered as the platform for producing terrorists and extremists. The Ulema in Pakistan have always played their proactive role in providing teachings of Islam to the children. However most of the madrassas have now been transformed into proper schooling system where religious education is integrated with modern education. In this study, Ulemas’ role has been reviewed and their extensive domain from a common man to dignitaries has been reviewed. The study highlights their constructive role in society.

Keywords

• islamic education
• madrassas
• ulema
• religious
• educational reform.