The NRDF facilitates the task of arranging workshops to...

The NRDF facilitates the task of arranging workshops to prepare a draft reformatory package for the religious institutions with the objectives of analyzing the present educational system of din-i-madaris , prepare a draft reformatory package for din-i-madaris in the light of all these discussions so that they can play their roles in maintaining peace and harmony in the society, devise strategies for enforcing this reformatory package in these religious institutions and arrange conferences for ulema in which they preach the real teachings of Islam.

The NRDF plays the role of host facilitator in all these workshops.[^268] Workshops were held in the NWFP(=Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Islamabad at the same time in which prominent scholars and ulema participated from the surrounding areas in large number. The participants included ulema, muhtamimin (administrators) from prominent religious institutions, teachers, scholars, intellectuals, serving university professors, and political leaders.

After thorough deliberation the participants of the workshops strongly recommended changes in the curriculum of din-i-madaris in the light of the point of views of the ulema of the country to modernize and upgrade it to the present times. The participants agreed that the following changes in the curriculum of din-i-madaris should be made to bring them in conformity with the present age.[^269] The curricula of din-i-madaris “ Dars-i-Nizami ” were according to the standards of that age.

But now the needs and requirements of the time have changed. At that time the Muslims were under the imperialist control of the British. The main goal at that time for Muslims was to save Islamic values and teaching. But today Islam needs to be presented in its true form as a religion of peace and harmony. It was possible to live in isolation from the world in the past but today no country or society should survive completely cut off from the world.

Therefore, it is appropriate to upgrade the curricula, keeping in mind modern needs and requirements. The modern day unsolved issues are permanent threats to the status of Islam as a religion of peace and harmony. It has created confusion and disappointment in Muslim society. Therefore, this perception should be changed through reforming the system of din-i-madaris .

There are a number of economical, social and cultural issues that cannot be solved with the outdated curriculum in vogue in religious institutions.