Isolation is a two way process. People, who are not associated with the Madrasas, never visit these institutions to understand the aims and objectives and the kind of education that is imparted there. On the other hand people who run or manage the Madrasas do not make their activities public on account of mistrust (also hatred). For example, the annual passing out ceremony is held in most Madrasas. It is called ‘Dastaar-bandi’ (meaning: to tie the turban). Successful students who pass out are presented with new turbans. It is just like a convocation ceremony in any other institution. The name is not English. So, generally people think that it has something to do with the religion (Islam). But it is as good (or bad) as a convocation held in any other institution. I understand that turbans are given in Sikh institutions too, as a mark of respect. As far as the people managing the affairs of Madrasas are concerned, on such occasions they invite only those whom they consider to be of their ‘type’. As a result, anyone who is not of their type is excluded. That includes members of other communities and also majority of Muslims who are not of their type. A strong reason behind this kind of seclusion, (self) imposed, is that they are not well conversant with the developments in the fields of science, politics, economics etc.
Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance. Through promotion of free debate on our website, New Age Islam encourages people to rethink Islam.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Madrasas: How They Survive and Why These Institutions are Proliferating?, Islamic Society, NewAgeIslam.com
Friday, June 8, 2012
The Rise of Arranged Marriage in America
By Amy Williams and Amy DePaul, AlterNet
Posted August 9, 2008.
ews are not alone in upholding the practice of arranged or 'assisted' marriage in America. Along with communities more commonly associated with this tradition, such as Hindu Indians, the fast-growing immigrant population of Muslims from the Middle East and South Asia are bringing this age-old practice to contemporary American settings -- in the name of religious doctrine. Even some Evangelical Christians are taking an interest in assisted marriage and have embraced courtship practices similar to those of devout American Muslims.
http://www.newageislam.com/the-rise-of-arranged-marriage-in-america/islamic-society/d/487