Observations on madrasas
It is assumed by the British media that madrasas, where young people study Islam, are more dominant in Pakistan's education system than anywhere else in the world. My experience shows otherwise. My school in Saudi Arabia wasn't run by religious militants, as is perhaps the case with Pakistani madrasas. It was, like all Saudi schools, run by the government.
I was ten years old when, in 1985, I arrived in Saudi Arabia from a refugee camp in Sudan. For the next five years, I experienced mind slavery to an education system devised to instil hatred and fear. It mainly comprised religious studies and subjects that upheld Arab supremacy. We studied the Koran and its interpretation. History was dedicated to the Islamic state, and everything about the royal family of Saud. Science was confined to the periphery, and the curriculum was made compatible with the strict interpretation of the religious teachings of Wahhabism, commonly also known as Salafism.
Each year we had to cover these subjects in even greater depth. Our contribution was to repeat after the teachers: no debate; just memorise what you have been told. We never studied music, art or modern philosophy that questions the existence of God, or modern literature with its seductive themes of romance and sexuality. Great civilisations were mentioned only in a religious context, not for the wonders they had contributed to our world.
We were taught an extremist version of Islam. All ideologies, except Wahhabism, were to be despised. The only subject that religion didn't intrude into was maths. When I left, I could count up to a million, but had been taught to hate Jews, Christians, Shias and Sufi Muslims infinitely.
A close friend of mine told me that if he hadn't lived in Saudi Arabia, he would have been a brilliant artist. I believe him. The lack of access to non-religious knowledge has, with hindsight, frustrated us and maybe even depressed our potential.
I still remember a piece I once wrote on Ibn Sina, the great Muslim physician, scientist and philosopher who used music to treat some of his patients. After read-ing the piece, the teacher moved slowly towards me, his expression stern. Had my writing offended him? In an education system where physical punishment is routinely practised, the fear of being hurt looms large. He scolded my writing, shouting how sinful it was to praise music: "Music is all about passion that dissuades and distracts the soul from attaining its purpose in life: sacrificing every second to the worship of God."
When I arrived in Saudi Arabia, I couldn't have been happier - I still treasure memories of the change to my life. But I wish I'd never had to endure the schools. Psychological pain can take a long time to heal.
Post this article to
We want to encourage people to comment on our content and to exchange views with other readers and hope this will be done on a courteous basis. However, if you encounter posts which are offensive please let us know by emailing comments@newstatesman.co.uk and we will take swift action where necessary.
