Taking a more modern approach to teaching methods & techniques used in Islamic Education Centres and Mosques– Open Discussion Topic.

Salaams Everyone,

Apologies for my absence. Thank you to everyone for the lovely messages, I feel honoured with all the appreciation and support shown. Alhamdulillah. New Blog Post is up, enjoy! It’s an open discussion, so share your thoughts and let me know what your opinions are on this important topic. 🙂

Throughout the Quran it clearly states, time after time the importance and value of one’s Parents and Grandparents. For example:

• “Thy Lord hath decreed, that ye worship none save Him, and (that ye show) kindness to parents. If one of them or both of them to attain old age with thee, say not ‘Fie’ unto them nor repulse them, but speak unto them a gracious word. (23) And lower unto them the wing of submission through mercy, and say: My Lord! Have mercy on them both as they did care for me when I was little.” (Quran- Al-Isra, 17:23-24)
• “And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning: (hear the command), show gratitude to Me and to thy parents: to Me is thy final Goal and Destination.” (Quran- Luqman, 31:14)

Here’s some food for thought… I often see that in today’s society there is a lack of respect for one’s elders. It is absolutely disgusting to see this. I strongly believe that upbringing somewhat determines this. However, just as one’s upbringing is extremely important, I also believe it is extremely important for the youngsters of today to have a proper understanding of the Quran. It is okay to be taught the Quran in Arabic, but taking into account that most people are taught only to read the Quran in Arabic and their first language is English. It is therefore important that they are taught the meaning of the words of the Quran in English. This will allow them to understand what Allah (SWT) has commanded in the Holy book and it would make them more God fearing. For this to occur, in my opinion- the old methods and techniques still used in many Islamic Education Centres and Mosques need to be re-evaluated and the youngsters of today need to be guided.

I will give you a real example: My mum works in a prestigious Islamic Education Centre and she has set an amazing example and has implemented more modern techniques; those which meet the needs of today’s society and are in accordance with the teachings of Islam. She has taught the entire Islamic and Quranic studies course to over a hundred young girls, this includes: Tajweed (elocution- referring to the rules governing pronunciation during recitation of the Quran), translation and interpretation of the Quran, Fiqh studies and Hadith studies. Furthermore, she teaches just as many adults and elders who want to correct their Tajweed and almost 50 of these students have already successfully completed recitation of the Quran with full Tajweed, mashaAllah. I have given this example to illustrate the points I mentioned earlier and to show that with correct teachings and correct methods/techniques, individuals of today’s society can learn, gain a sound knowledge of and inshaAllah practice Islam; a peaceful and obedient religion properly.

Whilst in this article I have brought to your attention the lack of respect shown for elders in today’s society, there are also other issues that today’s society is facing. To tackle such issues, it is important to go about it in the correct manner. I believe that when people within a local community start to work together with the younger generation, listen to each other and compromise (within reason), they can tackle any issue that they are faced with. It’s all about having a positive attitude and taking action towards dealing with important issues properly. But, first of all people should be willing to reach out to the society. What better place to start than the Islamic Education Centres and Mosques, for these are the places which form the foundations of a Muslim society. I respect the old, traditional methods and techniques which have been used for many years. I was taught the Quran via the traditional methods and I have a lot of respect for not only those involved in teaching me the Quran, but also for the institution (my local Mosque) that I attended. However, ten/fifteen years on, society has changed and we need to work with this rather than against it. Therefore, by Islamic Education Centres and Mosques adapting the traditional teaching methods and taking a more modern approach to the teaching methods/techniques, it will allow for a better understanding. Furthermore, in my opinion- as well as this benefiting today’s society, it will also allow us to be better prepared for future generations too.

Reminder: Whatever the situation- it is how you go about it that matters.