In addition...

In addition, Malik’s study reveals that the ulema of different schools lack a unanimous approach toward this issue, and that these differences are deeply rooted in society because students and teachers of madrasahs represent different segments of society.

Moreover, Malik thinks that some madaris preach militant views and are openly involved in politics contrary to their purely educational roles.[^1] The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), an Islamabad-based organization, has several publications to its credit regarding the issue of madrasah reforms.

One such study, Din-i-Madaris may Taalim (Urdu) by Saleem Mansoor Khalid, offers the in-depth information on the din-i-madaris in Pakistan together with an impartial analysis of various reform initiatives. The study contains details of problems faced by din-i-madaris and honest suggestions to address them.[^2] Several other publications and seminars organized by the IPS are aimed at creating motivation among scholars, intellectuals, and ulema for reforming religious education. Dr.

Tariq Rehman in his book Denizens of an Alien World: A Study in Education Inequality and Polarization in Pakistan opines that the present curriculum of din-i-madaris is mostly based on a centuries-old syllabus known as the Dars-i-Nizami . He writes that madrasahs belonging to different schools of thought teach books which refute each other’s beliefs. This promotes sectarianism in the society. He believes that rising militancy in madaris is the result of the Afghan war.

The book also contains information regarding the socio-economic background of students of din-i-madaris .[^3] Mohammad Qasim Zaman in his book The Ulema in Contemporary Islam , has discussed the reform plans and their failures also. He argued that opposition to the government agenda of reforms exists to varying degrees among the ulema.

The study contains the dissenting views regarding the issue and the motives behind them.[^4] A leading book on the subject in India by Yoginder Sikand is an invaluable contribution and perhaps unrivalled among the contemporary works. In his book Bastions of Believers: Madrasah and Islamic Education in India , he has discussed madrasah reforms in historical perspective. This study has valuable information regarding different aspects of reforms.