Marry Islam and modern education

Why is terrorism being associated with Muslims? How should madarsas be reformed At Peace: A solution for Humanity, a global meet for imams and Muslim intellectuals, prominent leaders of the community tell Neeta Kolhatkar how they’re trying to protect themselves from attacks on all sides, while also preserving their identity

Follow Koran’s instructions
Muslims are being attacked from all sides and so it’s good that we now have this conference which will help non-Muslims better understand the true message of Islam. This must happen not through hearsay or the media, but from authentic sources. To be global citizens, Muslims must follow the key instruction contained in the Koran, which is Iqra and literally means “to read”. Education is of utmost importance and if a Muslim adheres to the teachings of the Koran, may peace be upon him.
— Shaikh Muhammad Ayoub,
former Imam of Masjid Al Nabawi-Madinah

New ideas must take root
The western media has perpetuated misconceptions about the madarsas. While students are taught the Koran here, the problems arises when those whose exposure is limited to traditional teachings enter modern society and land up becoming misfits. The community has scholars of high calibre around the world and if our teachers become aware of  new information and trends, their perspectives will change. However, I caution that these changes should be allowed to take place gradually.

Any forced intervention will be seen as suspicious. The government should, therefore, encourage Muslims to start their own schools.  Above all, Indian Muslims leaders should be open to ideas, travel and interaction with international scholars to widen their worldly perspective. Our efforts should not be seen as a threat to the main curriculum as it will create a sense of  isolation.
— Dr Mamdouh Mohamed,
Consultant, American Open University

Elders can show the way
It is important to identify influential elders who can be appraised of  school reforms, moderate views and who can take this message back to the people. There is a constant need for re-orientation for religious leaders and teachers. Moreover, parents must stop their children from following the herd mentality. The need is for a balance — to take the middle path between religious and modern education.
— Mahroof Haj Mhideen,
President Islamic Research Foundation (International)

Indian realities are important
We have begun the reforms process in India to impart modern education along with Islamic studies. We must, however, take Indian realities into account. Our Madrasas cater to the poorest children in our community and often these institutions are crippled by a lack of  resources, funds and trained people.

A combination of Islamic education and modern formal education is the ideal way forward. While all Muslims want change, it is important to dispel the fear that westernisation is harmful to our children. Learning English doesn’t make your child bad.
— Dr Zakir Abdul-Karim Naik,
President  Islamic Research Foundation, India

We must change ourselves
I do not know much about the Taslima issue but clearly what she has said has nothing to do with her being a woman. India is a democracy but that is no excuse to say what she wants. No one, man or woman, has the right to abuse the prophet.

Muslim religious leaders in this part of the world appear to be cut off; they tend to speak only the local language and are not aware of events around them. Therefore, are they qualified to really lead?  The prophet himself was never isolated from his people. He interacted with them and also performed various tasks. Leave it to  Muslims to change their system in a peaceful way. You can’t have contradictions in your society, where you let Taslima say anything she wants and then you want to intervene in our education. 
— Dr Jaafar Idris,
Islamic scholar from Sudan

Moderates must speak out
Western media has helped propagate misconceptions about Muslims. While there have been terrorist acts for decades in other parts of the world where Christians have been involved,  they are never identified by religion. Unfortunately, thanks to some misled Muslims who have been involved in some terror activities, the whole community is branded as terrorists.

The prophet did not speak about Jihad or ever encourage such activities in the name of the holy war. No Muslim leader has ever supported terror. Moderate Muslims in Asia need to come out and speak; they should be given a platform to speak out their mind so that the world is made aware of the real, peaceful  face of Muslims.
— Dr Mamdouh Mohamed,
Consultant American Open University

Terror is not part of Islam
Terrorist acts have taken place for decades and people of all communities have been involved. Terrorist activities in Ireland were never termed Catholic terror war or given a religious identity. Why are some Muslims’ acts labelled Islamic terror?

Islam is a moderate and progressive religion. Just because some have turned away from Islamic ideals, it is unfair to label  them as Muslim terrorists. Take, for example, the  LTTE. They aren’t called Hindu terrorists; just Tigers or LTTE.
— Mahroof Haj Mhideen,
President Islamic Research Foundation (International)