Sunni Barelvi Jama'at Madrasas and Modern Education in India

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 3 September 2024 Time for Sunni Barelvi Muslims to Work for Modern Education Main Points: 1. The representation of Muslim voices, from the Waqf board to Muslim personal law board, on religious and theological matters often lacks input from the Barelvi Muslim community. 2. Despite accusations of exacerbating sectarian discord, the writer believes that Barelvi Muslims should establish educational institutions embodying inclusivity, modern education, and progressiveness. 3. These institutions should serve as beacons of unity, welcoming students from all backgrounds, irrespective of their religious beliefs, cultural background, or ethnicity. 4. Advocating for religious instruction is not enough; modern education also is crucial. 5. Barelvi Muslims can contribute significantly to the nation's advancement by establishing and nurturing such educational institutions. ----- (File Photo/Madrasa) ----- In India, the Madrasas affiliated with the Sunni Barelvi Jama'at are relatively scarce compared to those belonging to other Muslim sects. This observation changes when examining the educational landscape specifically focused on secular and modern schooling. Within this realm, it becomes apparent that the Sunni Barelvi Muslim community is noticeably trailing behind its counterparts. Despite the historical significance and presence of Sunni Barelvi Madrasas, their initiatives for imparting contemporary education have not been as robust. This disparity raises questions about the Sunni Barelvi community's approach and investment in providing education that aligns with the evolving needs of society. While Barelvis may have established few schools catering to modern education needs, the quantity and quality of such institutions fall significantly short when juxtaposed with others within the Indian Muslim community. This discrepancy prompts a deeper inquiry into the reasons behind this discrepancy and the potential implications for the community's educational development and future prospects. The underrepresentation of Sunni Barelvi-affiliated educational institutions in the secular modern education sector underscores a broader challenge that the community may need to address to bridge the existing gap and ensure a more equitable distribution of educational resources and opportunities. Fostering a stronger emphasis on modern education within the Barelvi community could potentially lead to enhanced educational outcomes and empower its members to navigate contemporary societal challenges more effectively. It is not solely incumbent upon Indian non-Muslims to bear the burden of advancing the nation's development through education; this charge also falls upon the Muslim community, requiring them to actively engage in the educational sector. Specifically, among Muslims, it is imperative for the Barelvi faction to step up and assume this essential responsibility. They must recognize that simply advocating for religious instruction is not adequate to fulfil their duties as responsible citizens of India. Emphasizing the importance of modern education alongside religious teachings is crucial for them to contribute meaningfully to the progress and prosperity of the country. By embracing a holistic approach to education that encompasses both traditional and contemporary knowledge, Barelvi Muslims can make a significant impact on the educational landscape of India. This dual focus not only enriches their own lives but also benefits the larger society by producing well-rounded individuals equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the Barelvi Muslims, along with all members of the Muslim community, to actively participate in and promote a balanced educational system that integrates religious teachings with modern knowledge. This inclusive approach will not only empower individuals within the community but also foster a more informed and progressive society at large. In India, the representation of Muslim voices on religious and theological matters often lacks input from the Barelvi Muslim community. It is noticeable that various influential bodies such as the Waqf board and Muslim personal law board predominantly consist of members from non-Barelvi Muslim backgrounds. Furthermore, the important role played by Sufi shrines in shaping Muslim representation seems to be diminished in recent times. When it comes to crucial areas like education, healthcare, embracing modern scientific advancements, and advocating for the principles of national unity and harmony, the involvement and contribution of Barelvi Muslims in these spheres appear notably limited. This disconnect in representation raises questions about the inclusivity and diversity of perspectives within the Muslim community in India, highlighting a need for greater participation and visibility of Barelvi Muslims in discussions and decision-making processes. Efforts to bridge these gaps and ensure a more comprehensive and representative portrayal of the diverse Muslim population can foster a stronger sense of unity and cohesion within the community, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Despite the ongoing accusations directed at Barelvi Muslims for allegedly exacerbating sectarian discord within the Indian Muslim community, I firmly stand in my decision to not denounce them along this line. Instead, I firmly believe that it is essential for Barelvi Muslims to take a proactive approach now more than ever. They should seize the opportunity to assume the crucial role of establishing educational institutions that embody inclusivity, secularism, and progressiveness. These institutions would serve as beacons of unity, welcoming students from all walks of life, irrespective of their religious beliefs, cultural background, or ethnicity. By nurturing an environment that celebrates diversity, Barelvi Muslims can pave the way for unity and cooperation among different groups. The core mission of these educational establishments must revolve around upholding universal rights and responsibilities. It is imperative to instil in the young minds of their students a profound sense of collective duty towards society at large. Through this initiative, Barelvi Muslims stand poised to make significant contributions to the nation's advancement, playing a pivotal role in steering the country towards a more promising and harmonious future. Their visionary steps in this domain could serve as a glimmer of hope, guiding the way towards enhanced comprehension, acceptance, and communal progress. By establishing and nurturing such educational institutions, Barelvi Muslims can effectively counteract narratives of division, effectively bridging gaps between communities and fostering a culture of collaboration and togetherness for the greater good of society. This endeavour holds the potential to create a ripple effect of positive change, setting the stage for a brighter and more harmonious future for all individuals and communities involved. For Barelvi Muslims, it is highly essential that they prioritize the establishment of a wide network of secular schools across various regions rather than focusing solely on traditional Madrasas. These schools should aim to provide education to all members of the community, fostering inclusivity and diversity within educational settings. By promoting the development of secular schools, Barelvi Muslims can contribute significantly to the overall enhancement of educational opportunities for both children and adults. Emphasizing the importance of secular education can help bridge gaps and promote mutual understanding among diverse groups within society. Furthermore, by expanding the availability of secular schools, Barelvi Muslims can actively participate in shaping a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape that benefits individuals from all walks of life. Encouraging the establishment of secular schools alongside Madrasas can lead to a more comprehensive and well-rounded educational experience for students, broadening their perspectives and knowledge base. Ultimately, the promotion of secular education among Barelvi Muslims can pave the way for a more open-minded and harmonious society, where education serves as a unifying force that transcends cultural and religious boundaries. ------- A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a Classical Islamic scholar with a rich Sufi Madrasa background and expertise in English-Arabic-Urdu translation. Throughout his career, he has emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of Islamic scholarship, consistently contributing valuable insights and analysis on a wide range of crucial topics. Through his regular writings, he has delved into multifaceted subjects, including but not limited to deradicalization strategies, the promotion of moderation within Islamic teachings, counter-terrorism efforts, and the vital mission of combating Islamophobia. Moreover, he extensively addresses the urgent need to challenge radical ideologies through well-reasoned arguments and scholarly discourse. Beyond these critical issues, his work also encompasses in-depth discussions on human rights principles, the significance of safeguarding religious rights, and the profound exploration of Islamic mysticism. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/sunni-barelvi-jamaat-madrasas-modern-education-india/d/133109 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism