al_etidaal_gn

h. Further (concerning these disagreements between student groups and students and
teachers) the results become even worse and more painful. You will find that the teacher
becomes the object of discussion and controversy. In the eyes of the supporters he
appears as an angel, so much so that even his faults are considered to be virtues and his
every action is put forth as a proof and argument of correctness. On the other hand, in the
eyes of his critics and opponents, he is looked upon as not being worthy of being an
ustad, not fit even to teach. Neither has he the required capability and qualifications, nor
are his lectures logical and understood. Even his virtues and good points are resented, and
every action worthy of criticism. They even stoop so low as to search for his faults and
defects and, where none exists, defects and vices are fabricated against him. Then these
are advertised all over in an organised manner according to plan.
Now, I ask of you: Are not these the true state of affairs about which those connected
with Madrasas are aware? Can those in charge of Madrasas deny it?
i). Here is a recent incident of a certain Madrasa. A group of students while having their
meals in their room were discussing the question whether the decision of the majority
was binding upon all at all times and under all circumstances or not. At first, it was
merely a discussion. Later it developed into a hill-fledged debate which led to a vehement
quarrel. The result was that soon a fight took place with sticks and shoes as weapons. Is
there a Madrasa where a warden can stay with the students twenty-four hours of the day
like a shadow in order to oversee that conversations remain within bounds at all times?
j. Here is a similar incident of recent times of a certain Madrasa. Some Madrasa students
attended a function. Later it so happened that they expressed their opinions about the
events of the function. Again it resulted in a debate, with two parties holding opposite
views. One group started to threaten the other. Then one day the one group locked a
student from the opposite party in a room and beat him to such an extent that he almost
died. These are daily occurances - not merely fairy tales or what may probably happen in
the distant future.
k. Another point to bear in mind is that the purpose for which the guardians had handed
over their children - the students - to the authorities of the Madaaris is solely for the
acquisition of knowledge. Even though many of the parents themselves belong to some
party or other, they lodge complaints when they are informed that their children at the
Madrasa are involved in the same. Many letters expressing concern about this are in the
possession of Madrasa authorities. Some of them even state emphatically: “It is true that
politics and political discussions are part and parcel of our family’s life. If they remain
with us for just a short while they will quickly come to know all the ins and outs, pros
and cons of it. However at this stage, our objective in keeping them in the Madrasa is
only for them to acquire a strong background of knowledge.”
Next we come to the question of whether such monies that were given for the
propagation of knowledge can be utilized on such students, who take part in activities
outside their planned program of study. The donors provide these money as scholarships
for those who seek knowledge. I admit that there are surely some who have no objection
to such scholarships and bursaries being granted to politically-active students as well. On
Al- Eti’daal Fi Maraatibur- Rijaal 36