Faith, education go hand in hand at madrasas

Madrasas have a long history — evolving from mosque-based teachings to becoming formal institutions of learning and playing a significant role in cultural preservation.

These schools of the Muslim community are built inside mosques. Earlier, Islamic theology and religious law were taught in the madrasas, but now these have become centres of education.

In Ludhiana, there are 22 madrasas operating from mosques in different localities. Children attend madrasa for 2-3 years before joining formal schooling. Madrasa is a traditional form of school where both teacher and students sit on the floor either in a courtyard or a hall.

The basic aim of the madrasa is to make children understand the Quran and its teachings. The translation of the Quran is done in a simple language for easy understanding. Besides, students are taught three different languages — English, Hindi and Punjabi, so that they do not face difficulty after joining a formal school.

Shahi Imam of Punjab Maulana Muhammad Usman Rehmani Ludhianvi said the madrasa was preserving and transmitting Islamic culture, beliefs and values, along with, imparting primary education to the children. Kids generally spend two years at a madrasa before joining the formal school. Teachers of these madrasa are generally hail from Lucknow, who are well versed with Urdu and the Quran.

The madrasa at city’s Jama Masjid also has a vocational training centre where computer education is given free of cost. “We believe in moving with the times. Our children need to keep pace with the changing world and this is the reason we have a computer training centre at Jama Masjid. Besides, at some places traditional skills like sewing are taught,” said the Shahi Imam.

A maulvi at a madrasa said, “Madrasa is as an invaluable instrument of traditional education. It has played a vital role in spreading literacy among the children from downtrodden segments of the Muslim society, who are unable to go to school.”

A four-year-old boy dressed up in crisp white kurta-pyjama and a cap was all excited to attend his class. “I have seen my siblings going to this school inside the mosque and even I wanted to study here. Apart from the ‘ABC’, we also learn Urdu and teachings of the Quran here,” he said excitedly.