Muslims Need to Embrace Education: A Path to Progress and Unity

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 31 December 2024 Muslim-Run Institutions: Promoting Inter-Community Unity Main Points: 1. Muslim-run educational institutions in India serve a diverse student body, including a significant percentage of non-Muslims (52.7% of students are Hindus). 2. These institutions are vital for bridging educational gaps and fostering unity in a diverse society. 3. They help break stereotypes and promote social integration and tolerance. 4. Muslims manage only 16.6% of colleges in India, despite comprising 14% of the population. 5. The Muslim community's involvement in higher education is disproportionately low, especially in prestigious institutions like IITs and IIMs. 6. A significant gap exists in postgraduate and research programs, with only 8% of Muslim students pursuing postgraduate courses. ----- Muslim-run institutions are fostering inter-community collaboration and paving the way for educational advancement, but greater participation and focus on higher education are needed to unlock the full potential of the community. Education has always been a cornerstone of Islamic values. The Quran, in numerous verses, calls upon believers to seek knowledge, for it is through education that individuals can advance in both faith and society. The pursuit of knowledge is not limited to specific subjects but encompasses the development of the intellect, character, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the welfare of society. As Muslims, it is imperative that we continue to uphold this legacy of knowledge, striving to excel in education more than ever before. Recent findings from the Centre for Study and Research (CSR) reveal a vital aspect of the Muslim community's involvement in education—one that should encourage and inspire greater participation. According to a ground-breaking study, Muslim-run educational institutions in India are serving not only Muslim students but also students from other communities, especially Hindus. These institutions are vital in bridging educational gaps and fostering unity in a diverse society. In fact, the study highlights that 52.7% of students in Muslim-run institutions are Hindus, with Muslim students making up only 42.1% of the student body. This statistic is a testament to the inclusive nature of these institutions, challenging the misconception that Muslim educational institutions serve Muslims exclusively. Islamic Guidance: Seeking Knowledge for the Betterment of Society The Quran and Hadith place immense value on acquiring knowledge. One of the most powerful verses in the Quran that emphasizes the importance of education is: "Read! In the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the most generous, who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not." (Quran 96:1-5) These verses were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the early stages of his mission, urging him—and through him, all Muslims—to prioritize learning. Knowledge, both religious and worldly, is seen as the means to improve individual lives, enhance societal development, and create a just world. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said, "Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim." This obligation extends to both men and women, as knowledge is the key to empowerment and societal progress. In light of this, Muslims should see education as an opportunity to serve their community and the wider society. The findings of the CSR study underscore the importance of Muslim-run institutions in fostering inter-community understanding, breaking down stereotypes, and promoting social cohesion. This is especially significant given the current socio-political climate, where education is often a battleground for ideologies. The Role of Muslim-Run Institutions: Education for All The recent reports from CSR, which surveyed over 1,100 universities and colleges managed by Muslim minorities, reveal startling findings: Muslims only manage 16.6% of the total colleges in India, despite comprising 14% of the population. While this number is a sign of progress, it also highlights the need for continued investment in educational infrastructure within the Muslim community. However, the positive takeaway is that Muslim-run institutions are not exclusive but serve a diverse population. The findings show that more than half of the student body in these institutions (55.1%) is non-Muslim—a sign that these institutions are fulfilling a significant educational role in the country. The contributions of Muslim-run institutions to India's educational landscape are not confined to the Muslim community. These institutions provide a valuable opportunity for students from all backgrounds to receive quality education. This inclusive approach goes beyond just academics; it nurtures social integration, fosters tolerance, and helps to erase the prejudices that exist between communities. A Call for Greater Muslim Participation in Education While the report highlights the growth of Muslim-run educational institutions, it also points out areas for improvement. The enrolment of Muslim students in higher education remains disproportionately low, especially in prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), where Muslim representation is just 1.92%. Moreover, the Muslim community's involvement in postgraduate and research programs is alarmingly low, with only 8% of Muslim students pursuing postgraduate courses and less than 1% in research programs like M.Phil. and Ph.D. This gap in participation is not just a challenge but an opportunity. The Muslim community must place greater emphasis on advancing in higher education and research. We need more scholars, researchers, and professionals from within our community who can contribute to society at large and help overcome the barriers that continue to hinder the progress of Muslims in India and beyond. Moreover, institutions must encourage Muslim students to pursue courses in fields like engineering, medicine, law, and business, where representation is low. We must invest in creating avenues for postgraduate studies and research—fields that are crucial for the long-term intellectual and economic upliftment of the community. Moving Forward: A Vision for Muslim Education The CSR reports also shed light on the gender disparity in Muslim education, showing that female students outnumber males in Muslim colleges. This is a positive trend that aligns with Islamic teachings on the importance of female education. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim, male and female.” This obligation has been emphasized throughout history, and today, more than ever, it is vital to ensure that Muslim women have access to quality education, empowering them to become leaders in their communities. In addition, quality assurance remains an area of concern. The reports highlight that a significant percentage of Muslim-run institutions lack accreditation, making it crucial to work towards improving the standards of education, ensuring that Muslim institutions participate more actively in national ranking systems such as the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). Embracing the Call for Knowledge As Muslims, we must heed the call to seek knowledge, not only for personal advancement but for the betterment of society. The CSR report has shown that Muslim-run educational institutions are already serving as beacons of hope and opportunity for students of all backgrounds. It is now time for the Muslim community to step forward, to prioritize education in all aspects, and to ensure that we are not left behind in the pursuit of knowledge. Islamic guidance on education calls us to be active participants in the intellectual, social, and economic spheres. The educational advancements of our community are directly linked to our contributions to the broader society. Therefore, let us take inspiration from these reports, from the Quranic injunctions, and from the rich history of knowledge in Islam, to build a future where education is the foundation of unity, progress, and prosperity for all. May Allah guide us on this path of knowledge, helping us to break barriers, challenge misconceptions, and embrace education as the key to our collective success. Ameen. --- Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam. 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