Education in madrasas deeni vs dunyavi taleem

Abstract

At the time when Islam arrived, India had a rich tradition of learning and education. Ancient universities like Takshashila and Nalanda were centers of advanced knowledge in subjects such as philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and more. In addition to these higher learning institutions, there were smaller local schools that taught basic skills to children. With the spread of Islam in the Indian subcontinent, the existing educational practices began to evolve to incorporate Islamic teachings. As Islam took root in the region, educational institutions adapted to include the teaching of Quranic verses and Islamic values. The existing structures of maktabs were adapted to align with Islamic religious education, leading to the emergence of what we now recognize as madrasas. Over time, madrasas evolved into more formalized institutions specifically focused on Islamic education. They became known for imparting knowledge in Quranic studies, Hadith (Prophet Muhammad's sayings), Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and other aspects of Islamic scholarship. Madrasas gained prominence as places of learning and religious education within the Muslim community. The teachings imparted to students in madrasas evolved over the years under the leadership of different ruling dynasties and the colonial rule.