|
It Is Not the Curriculum but the Teachers Who Are the Problem |
|
|
 By the Noble Scholar Saalih Bin Abdul Azeez Aalish Shaikh
Taken and adapted from the Riyaadh Newspaper Issue date 11/8/2001
Translated by Abu ‘Abdis Salaam Siddiq Al Juyaanee
“Focus on the (reasons) for having a corrupt and incorrect understanding of Islaam”
There
are many reasons for having incorrect understandings of Islaam.
However, from the greatest reasons for this are the teachers (and
particular those teachers) who teach grades before the university
level, a good look needs to be taken at them. I am not from those who
say that it is the curriculum which is the problem; rather the problem
is the teachers.
Presently the teacher would be given a summarized curriculum which if properly explained (would take quite some time to get through). However, if we take for example the Middle School Aqeedah curriculum; (due to its size) it is possible to read it from beginning to end in a day. This is because it only consists of about twenty or thirty pages.
At this point the teacher himself must make up lesson plans for the year or (a detailed lesson plan containing the activities) for each hour; outlining the explanation for this and that lesson. (Unfortunately), some teachers (in their lesson teach) false and erroneous (concepts and) meanings. I have personally experienced this with my own children.
(Unfortunately), some teachers (in their lesson teach) false and erroneous (concepts and) meanings. I have personally experienced this with my own children. 
They would come home saying the meaning for this is such and such, and the understanding of this is so and so, and this is implemented in this manner. However, (you would find that what they have been taught) is totally incorrect. Even in some of the affairs of Tawheed and Aqeedah (they would be taught) to implement this or that in an incorrect manner.
This curriculum however, is the same Religious curriculum that all of you have studied and learned from; (with this being the case) why did we not see thirty years ago the likes of this deviation, and extremism in the religion which did not arise until during the past twenty five years or so? During the past twenty five years there has been a (dangerous) eruption from the youth which needs to be remedied. The greatest cause for this eruption is the (misguided) teachers.
During the past twenty five years there has been a (dangerous) eruption from the youth which needs to be remedied. The greatest cause for this eruption is the (misguided) teachers.
I say this out of necessity and urgency so that the teachers of Islaamic studies could be properly prepared. Not everyone graduates from the college of Sharee’ah (Islaamic Jurisprudent Studies) or the college of Islaamic Studies is suitable to teach. The teacher must first be properly trained and prepared. They will also need a detailed teacher’s manual in religious affairs (for each discipline outlining the proper explanation of each lesson) which they would and should not deviate from. In the event that they do they should held accountable (and proper disciplinary measures should be taken). Currently, there does not excise such a manual.
There are books on Fiqh, (Islaamic Jurisprudence), Tawheed, Tafseer and so on, but what explanation would be utilized and who will develop it? (Without such a manual) there would many teachers given various (and in instances contradictory explanations); even to the point that in this time it is possible that you would hear of some teachers even praising (the evil) Usaamah Bin Laadin. This is (clearly) a deficient, corrupt and incorrect understanding of Islaam.
|
Abu Abdis Salaam Al Juyaanee |
| About the author: |
| Abu Abdis Salaam Juyaanee is co-owner of Salafy Ink. " Our focus is to produce and/or translate, da’wah/educational materials which are all taken from the works of well known, and trustworthy Salafy Scholars of both past and present." | |
No Comments.
