Religious education department is being hampered in our country

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barkatuhu.

Dear friends, I hope you are all well, and I am also well and healthy with your prayers and the endless mercy of Allah Almighty.

Religious education department is being hampered in our country

Religious education plays an essential role in shaping people's lives, building society and laying the foundation of morality. Especially in our country as a Muslim majority country, religious education is not just a subject, but it is an integral part of faith, culture and social order. But it is sad but true that at present the religious education department is being hampered for various reasons. On the one hand, this is creating obstacles in the formation of personal character, and on the other hand, it is also having an adverse effect on social values. The matter is discussed in detail below—

1. Significance of Religious Education

Religious education does not only teach people the rules of prayer, fasting, supplication or worship, but also teaches morality, truthfulness, kindness, charity, justice, hard work and honesty in every aspect of life. The main purpose of religious education is to develop people into good characters and strengthen faith in Allah. If a nation lags behind in religious and moral education, then social degradation, corruption and crime increase in that nation.

2. Brief overview of the religious education system in our country

There are currently three types of education systems in Bangladesh—

1. General education system (primary, secondary, higher secondary and university)

2. Madrasa education system (Qawmi and Aliya)

3. Technical education system

Among these, religious education is also taught to some extent as part of general education (Islamic education or moral education), while it predominates in madrasa education. However, it is sad to say that in many cases religious education is not given sufficient importance. It is seen as a marginal subject in the general education system and the madrasa education system is often criticized as incompatible with modern life.

3. Reasons for obstacles in the religious education department

(a) Lack of policy and planning

Religious education has not been given much space as a mainstream subject in government education policy. As a result, it is often taught to fulfill formalities, but in reality its depth or application cannot be seen.

(b) Problem of social attitude

Many students and parents consider religious education "unnecessary" or "ineffective in the job market". As a result, they focus their children on science or technical education, while religious education is neglected.

(c) Skilled teacher shortage

The number of qualified, modern and creative teachers to provide religious education is not sufficient. Many times, teachers are limited to rote learning, as a result of which religious consciousness and moral practice are not developed among students.

(d) Weaknesses in the curriculum

The curriculum of religious education often contains more theoretical knowledge, but less practical aspects. As a result, even if students learn, their reflection in life is not seen.

(e) Political and institutional impact

Madrasa education and religious education often become part of political discussions. Sometimes it is presented as against modernity, and sometimes it is used as a tool of religious politics. This diverts education from its main goal.

(f) Impact of technology and modern education

Today's generation is growing up with technology. Due to the influence of the Internet, mobile, social media, etc., the importance of religious education is decreasing. Students are becoming more addicted to technology than reading religious books.

4. Results of hindering religious education

(a) Moral degradation

Where religious education is weak, there is an increase in untruth, corruption, lies and criminal tendencies in society. Because religion is the main means of controlling people.

(b) Breakdown in the family

Due to the lack of religious education, the younger generation does not respect their parents, family ties are weakened. As a result, social unrest occurs.

(c) Confusion of youth

If the youth are deprived of religious education, they are easily confused, get involved in immoral activities or are incited to extremism.

(d) Social inequality

If religious education is neglected, class division, injustice, exploitation and discrimination increase in society. Religious education teaches people equality and brotherhood, and if it is lost, the bonds of society weaken.

5. Solution to the problem

(a) Ensuring the right place of religious education in education policy

Religious education is not just an incidental subject, but it is the foundation of building moral and human character. Therefore, it must be mandatory and deeply included in education policy.

(b) Curriculum modernization

Religious education should not be just based on memorization, but should be applied in real life. For example, ethical business, honesty in the workplace, proper use of technology, etc. should be taught through religious discussions.

(c) Creating skilled teachers

It is necessary to appoint and train teachers who are capable of imparting religious education not only with knowledge, but also with creativity and lifestyle.

(d) Raising awareness in society

Parents and society should understand that religious education is not for jobs, but is essential for shaping a person's character and life.

(e) Proper use of technology

Religious education should be promoted on digital platforms. Religious knowledge can be made easily available to the younger generation through online classes, videos, audios, apps.

(f) Education free from political influence

Religious education should never be a political tool. It should only be for the pleasure of Allah, morality