Why I do not agree with the concept of Islamic schools
Brother Shuaib and I were having an interesting discussion last night related to his kids education.Schooling here in the Middle East is horrendously expensive and many a times companies or employers are not willing to incur the kids education costs. Brother Shuaib's kids go to a multinational school that costs SR36000 per annum. Luckily for him due to his nationality and status in terms of qualification the hospital has given him an education allowance that covers the cost of two kids only.It was interesting to know that he felt the exact same way with regards to the concept of Islamic schools which has become a norm amongst the greater Muslim community of South Africa. For a start,I do not think that there is anything Islamic about Islamic schools.The same issues and problems that many of the other schools face are also found within Islamic schools. The only difference is that these schools cover up everything and throw issues under the carpet.
Through my observation I have found that when kids attend an Islamic school, they find it difficult to cope with the outside world when they enter a tertiary institute or the work place for example where they now have to deal with different types of people hailing from different backgrounds and nationalities. As Muslims residing in a western society we can not be an isolated island. We need to integrate into the broader spectrum of society and through proper Islamic upbringing within our own homes attend secular schools where we interact with other nations and cultures.In so doing, we can allow our kids to become ambassadors of the Islamic religion. I know of numerous cases whereby students originating from homes where both parents were atheist or Christian became Muslims simply through interacting with Muslim kids at school, observing their lifestyle,visiting their homes, partaking in meals together and simply observing the true way of Islam as opposed to what is showcased by propaganda on television.
I have also witnessed incidents whereby kids who attend these Islamic school feel as though they hail from affluent and elitist Muslim homes. The mothers of these kids compete with each other in the kind of vehicles they should pick their kids up with. There was an incident whereby a child was enrolled into an Islamic school in South Africa and because this child was from a poor background, this child was made fun off. There were other incidents reported of kids being bullied due to the colour of their skin.Now are these the kind of schools we wish to place our kids in.The only thing Islamic about Islamic schools is the segregation of the sexes in classes. But after school these same kids are involved in relationships between the sexes and of course whats the point of segregation in school when they are brought up in homes where there is no segregation between the sexes in the first place. Islamic schools are riddled with incidents of drug and alcohol abuse.I know of many incidents that have occurred but were simply wrapped under the carpets due to the status of the family from which the accused child hailed from.I have also noticed that kids attend school in Islamic attire but dress the complete opposite during the weekends. So you create a situation where the child leads a life that is filled with complete hypocrisy.
Islam is a way of life.. It is not something that is taught at a specific Islamic school. It is a religion based on practicality and is of course influenced by the type of home you hail from.Through my observations I have noticed that a child who attends the Islamic school knows less with regards to religious jurisprudence as opposed to a child who attends a normal secular school in the morning and then attends religious school (Madrassah) in the afternoon for two to three hours.
Kids who attend a model C school for example are exposed to numerous extra curricular activities such as sports, horse riding, chess, ballet, arts and crafts, needlework, cookery and various other activities that molds a child into a human being that has been exposed to many facets of life.It is this exposure that can enable the child to decide on a career path further down the line.Numerous Islamic schools would entice parents to place kids in their schools based on a common trend that is present in all Islamic schools which is a 100 % matric pass rate. Now you would be amazed at how this is achieved. Speaking to a teacher a few months ago he informed me that this is usually accomplished when teachers notice that some kids are weak or not performing up to standard, their parents are called in to meet the principle, a meeting ensues between both parties and the usual case is the child is asked to leave and seek admission elsewhere. So naturally if you left with kids who are the cream of the crop your school is bound to obtain a hundred percent pass rate year in and year out.
The latest issue to hit some of the Islamic schools in South Africa is of course lesbianism and homosexuality. Now I have written numerous articles on this and have received many emails criticizing my ethical and moral values. I have said this before and I will reiterate this again. The Muslim community needs to get with the times. The Imaams of our masjids who deliver the Jumua khutba (Friday sermon) need to start addressing these serious issues instead of the youth picking up the wrong information from their friends or observing strange behaviour from television. Issues related to Sex, HIV, Aids, homosexuality and lesbianism needs to be addressed within our schools and communities.Often we would find the Imaam talking about irrelevant issues or issues that the community knows about. We all know that backbiting, jealousy etc is not acceptable as a part of not only Islam but any other religion for that matter. Start talking about pertinent issues that are affecting the society at present.
I do not condone placing kids in an Islamic school.A child should be brought up with a firm Islamic background from birth but grow up to be exposed to the many facets of life. It is a dangerous ideology to bring up kids with one tracked minds. It is an even bigger mistake on the part of the parents to bring a child up with narrow tunnel vision. We should have a firm Islamic background but at the same time we need to embrace other peoples cultures and religions. Learn about Christianity or Judaism or Hinduism so that when questions are thrown at you regarding your own religion, you are equipped and well informed not only about your own religion but at the same time you are well aware of the culture and religious background of your opponent. This is the way of Islam. This is how the pioneers of Islam approached their religion.Call me old fashion but I still prefer the concept of kids attending a normal secular school during the morning and then engaging in Islamic studies during the afternoon.Maintaining a balance in life is undoubtedly the key to success!!!
