The golden tradition of Maktab education is being lost

There was a time when the dawn in the village meant the sweet sound of children reciting the Quran on the veranda of the mosque. That sound was part of our cultural and religious life, a symbol of a golden tradition. But today, we see that tradition slowly fading away. Maktab education is losing its importance, and we are losing a valuable social foundation.

This blog discusses in detail the history of Maktab, why the golden tradition of Maktab education is being lost, and what we can do about it.

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Maktab: The foundation of our Islamic education

A maktab is an Islamic primary education center where children learn the fundamentals of Islam, including Quran recitation, basic Arabic studies, prayer, supplications, and Durood. A maktab is essentially a primary institution providing religious education.

This teaching usually began in the early morning for children in a small room in or near the mosque. Here, they were taught Quran recitation, prayers, supplications, Islamic ideals and manners. This not only provided religious education, but also initiated moral, polite and spiritual development in the children.

History of the Maktab

Maktab is the oldest foundation of Islamic education, originating from the early days of Islam. Derived from the Arabic word مَكتَب, "maktab" means a place of writing, where children were taught the Arabic alphabet, the Quran, prayers and supplications. In ancient times, it was also known as 'kuttab'.

In the early days of Islam, when the formal education system was not fully developed, the mosque was the main center of knowledge. It was during the time of Caliph Harun-ur-Rashid (8th century) that the Maktab took an organizational form. It was during his reign that Qutubkhanas, Maktabs, and Madrasas began to be established on a large scale.

Maktab education began in India soon after Muhammad bin Qasim's conquest of Sindh in 711. Following that tradition, the mosques of Bangladesh have also been holding Maktabs for children in the morning to teach them religious teachings for centuries.

The role of Maktab education in society

Maktab is not just a religious institution, it is a social learning center. Here, children first learn how to respect elders, love younger ones, and how to observe religious rituals. In Maktab, children are taught the mantra of humanity, tolerance, and honest living. The changes that can be observed in society through Maktab education:

• Religious values ​​and morality are maintained in society
• Tolerance, compassion, and human qualities increase
• Unity and order are established in society due to religious discipline
• The crime rate is reduced, which helps in building a peaceful society

The seeds of becoming an ideal Muslim are planted in this maktab. Children learn the fear of God, patience, and responsibility, which will guide them on the right path in later life.

Why is the golden tradition of Maktab education being lost?

Currently, the Maktab education system in Bangladesh is facing various challenges. Maktabs are gradually disappearing in many places in urban and rural areas. Many Maktabs have closed due to lack of respect for teachers. Reasons for the decline in interest in Maktab education:

• Changing parental preferences: Many parents now give importance to kindergarten or English medium schools, due to which Maktab education remains out of their sight.
• Teacher crisis: Maktabs are not being run properly due to the lack of trained teachers/teachers in many places.
• Mismanagement: Teachers are not given proper respect in many Maktabs.
• Technology-dependent lifestyle: Children are becoming addicted to smartphones, tabs, and the internet at a very young age these days. As a result, their attention is diverted from religious lessons.
• Lack of awareness: Many of the current generation do not know what Maktab is, its importance or how it affects individuals and society.

How can the tradition of Maktab education be brought back?

To bring back the golden tradition of the Maktab education system and to sustain the Maktabs, we need to collectively take some important steps. To bring back the lost tradition of the Maktab, the first thing that is needed is awareness and collective initiative. What we can do is:

• Reopening of morning Maktabs: It is important to reactivate local mosque Maktabs. It can be run in a modern manner in keeping with the times. Regular participation of children in Maktabs must be ensured.

• Raising awareness among parents: Parents need to be made aware that Maktab is not just a religion; it is the foundation for shaping the lives of their children. They need to be made aware of the importance of the Maktab education system.

• Training and remuneration of teachers: Creating trained teachers/masters and providing them with appropriate remuneration is one of the conditions for sustaining the Maktab system.

• Provision of necessary materials: Assistance in providing necessary materials and books for students.

• Utilization of modern technology: Using smartboards and audio-visual content can make teaching more engaging.

• Organizing competitions and attractive prizes: To motivate children to study, various competitions can be organized among them and attractive prizes can be arranged.

Conclusion

Maktab is a tradition that is closely linked to our society and culture. Its decline means weakening the moral foundation of a generation. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all of us to protect this tradition. Even in the era of technology and modernity, if we plan properly, it is possible to modernize Maktab education and establish it in society in a new way.

Maktab Foundation is a platform where you can become a member of the foundation and provide financial support to the maktabs in your area, starting from the salaries of the teachers/masters, to books, training, and building development. Let's all work together to rebuild that golden morning—where children will be enlightened by the light of the Quran, and our future society will be rich in morality.

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FAQs about Maktab

What is Maktab and why is it important?

A maktab is an Islamic primary educational institution where children are taught the Quran, prayers, supplications, and morality. This serves as the foundation for shaping their personality.

Why is Maktab education so less popular today?

The use of technology, lack of awareness among parents, and the dominance of the modern education system are the reasons for the decline in the popularity of Maktab education.

What kind of impact does the lack of schools have on society?

Without a maktab, children's morality, religious consciousness, and social values ​​are weakened, which has a negative impact on society.

How can Maktab education be presented in a modern way?

It is possible to make Maktab education more attractive and effective through digital materials, audio-visual methods, and child-friendly curricula.

How can I personally contribute to the development of Maktab education?

At Maktab Foundation, you can contribute to the development of Maktabs by providing financial support to any Maktab in your area or in Bangladesh on our list.