The Impact of Sectarianism on Academic Freedom

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 8 October 2025 Abstract: The article discusses the decline of knowledge and research in religious institutions. He says that while science and technology have advanced human life, many Muslims still divide education into “religious” and “worldly,” which harms progress. Sectarian control and narrow thinking have stopped free research and open discussion. Scholars often defend their own views instead of seeking truth. The author believes that true learning comes from balanced, critical, and open-minded thinking. To rebuild strength, Muslims must end this division, promote honest research, and combine religious and modern knowledge for real intellectual growth. Main Points: 1. Religious institutions are facing serious intellectual decline. 2. Knowledge should not be divided into “religious” and “worldly”. 3. Sectarian control limits free and honest research. 4. True scholarship requires open and critical thinking. 5. Reviving research culture is essential for Muslim progress. ----- It is an undeniable fact that scientific inventions and modern technology have brought countless benefits to humanity. At the same time, these discoveries and experiments have also introduced many intellectual and ideological challenges. Various new branches of knowledge and understanding have opened up, awakening a sense of curiosity, awareness, and research spirit — especially among young people. This movement, which began in modern universities, has now reached religious seminaries as well. Today, students from madrasas are entering universities in large numbers, showing great achievements in fields like sociology, science, medicine, engineering, and other sensitive areas. This shows that a good section of the Muslim community recognises the importance of knowledge and is actively striving to acquire it. However, a serious problem arises when some people in our community divide knowledge into “religious” and “worldly” categories. They often present modern education — taught in universities, colleges, and schools — as something inferior or even harmful to faith. As a result, people lose interest in pursuing these fields. Sometimes, we even hear extreme views such as “this science was invented by non-believers, therefore studying it will corrupt one’s faith.” We must remember that success always depends on a balanced and thoughtful approach. If we wish to progress and face the intellectual and ideological challenges of our time, we must abolish this artificial division between religious and worldly knowledge. The only valid distinction is between beneficial and non-beneficial knowledge. Similarly, we should not ignore the negative effects of modern inventions, but rather focus on their positive aspects and use them wisely. Unfortunately, today some groups reject every new idea, considering it a threat to faith and tradition. Instead of understanding the nature and benefits of new developments, they rush to issue fatwas against them. This attitude creates confusion, unrest, and division in society. This mindset leads to intellectual decay. When people lose the ability or willingness to analyse situations objectively, or when bias replaces fairness, the damage spreads to every area of life. In contrast, nations and societies that have cultivated critical thinking and have learned to benefit from new developments are the ones remembered in history for their great achievements. In the past, Muslims made invaluable contributions in every field of knowledge, but we ourselves have neglected that heritage for short-term interests. Merely remembering our past glories is not enough — we must think deeply about how to rebuild our intellectual strength. If we look closely at the Muslim community today, we see that we are not only lagging behind in modern education and sciences but are also suffering from a serious decline in Islamic learning and scholarship. The causes behind this must be carefully studied by all religious, intellectual, and academic institutions. The decline of research and critical thinking in our seminaries is particularly worrying. The condition of Islamic scholarship has become increasingly alarming, and it is essential to analyse the situation and identify its true causes. According to my observation, the first and most fundamental problem is that our religious institutions, research academies, and Islamic think-tanks are not truly independent. Most of them are controlled or influenced by specific sects, ideologies, or groups. As a result, their intellectual output is often limited to defending their own sectarian positions or glorifying particular personalities, instead of promoting genuine research. Even more concerning is that some institutions openly state that research can only be carried out if it supports their ideological stance. In such a restricted and narrow atmosphere, how can genuine intellectual and academic progress take place? Sadly, this narrow-minded approach has now spread from seminaries to modern universities as well. Those who move from sectarian religious backgrounds to universities often carry their biases with them, contaminating the academic environment there too. This is a clear sign of intellectual stagnation and sectarian bias, in which almost all schools of thought are, knowingly or unknowingly, involved. This attitude has prevented many valuable ideas and discoveries from emerging. True research cannot be conducted when one begins with a fixed belief or predetermined conclusion. The basic rule of genuine research is that one should not form an opinion in advance; instead, one should examine all evidence and then accept whatever conclusion emerges — even if it goes against one’s personal beliefs. Such research-based conclusions have real intellectual value and credibility. This narrow-mindedness has also led to another unfortunate trend: many scholars refuse to read or learn from researchers of other sects. Some even consider it sinful if someone benefits from a scholar of a different school of thought. If we truly wish to earn respect and dignity in the world, we must take serious and practical steps towards promoting learning, research, and open-minded thinking. Before declaring something forbidden or harmful, we must examine all its aspects — both positive and negative. Only then can we hope to continue our intellectual journey successfully. We must also reflect deeply on the reasons behind the decline of Islamic scholarship and prevent it from worsening. If we want our religious institutions and organisations to produce great thinkers, critics, and visionaries, we must abandon all traditions and practices that hinder intellectual progress. When our institutions adopt a balanced and moderate approach, the positive and far-reaching effects will become evident — not only within the Muslim community but also in the wider world. ----- Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi is an author and a New Age Islam Regular Columnist. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/sectarianism-academic-freedom/d/137146 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