Importance of Maktab Education System in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, Maktab education is considered an important medium not only for religious education, but also for the moral, social, and cultural development of children. This mosque-based pre-primary education system in the morning is playing an integral role in building Islamic traditions and a united society in the country. But day by day, this education system is disappearing from society. It is possible to keep this education system running through our cooperation.

In this blog, we will learn in detail about the importance of the Maktab education system, its impact on social and human life. In addition, we will learn in detail about the current status of the Maktab education system and what we can do to prevent its disappearance.

What is a Maktab?

A Maktab (Arabic: مَكتَب) is a traditional Islamic primary education center where children are taught the basics of Islam, including Quran recitation, basic Arabic studies, prayers, supplications, and darood. It is usually conducted in a local mosque or madrasa or in a small classroom, where an average of 10–100 children take regular lessons under one teacher.

Importance of Maktab Education System

Maktab education is essential for a child's early religious education and moral development. It is a fundamental means of teaching children Quran recitation, prayers, supplications, and manners. Maktab awakens religious feelings in children, which plays an important role in shaping their personality. In addition, this education system plays a helpful role in creating ideal citizens in society.

• Spiritual and moral formation: Maktab forms the foundation of a child's faith and a life of faith; the ideals of the Quran and Islamic moral concepts are ingrained in the child's mind.
• Basic Islamic Education: Children are taught about basic worship such as faith, prayer, fasting, etc. from the Maktab.
• Role in Arabic language and script education: By getting acquainted with Arabic letters and words, children can read the Al-Quran and it becomes easier for them to study this subject in the future.
• Establishment of social values: Social qualities such as friendship, politeness, ideals, respect and sense of responsibility are developed in the classroom.

Impact of Maktab education on human life

The biggest feature of Maktab education is that it develops moral and spiritual development in children. Children acquire an idea about prayers and the basics of Islam in a timely manner here; their moral sense is internalized in their real life. Maktab is the first school of moral education for children, where they acquire the strength of faith and righteousness.

Social Reflection of Maktab Education

A Maktab is not just an individual, it is a means of building a society; social cohesion and communal solidarity increase around a mosque in a place. Habits such as respect, honor and closeness are largely established among children. The changes that can be observed in society through Maktab education are as follows:

• Religious values ​​and morality are maintained in society
• Family and social bonds are strengthened
• Tolerance, compassion, and human qualities increase
• Discipline, sense of responsibility,y and sense of respect are developed among children
• Unity and order are established in society due to religious discipline
• Crime rates decrease and help in building a peaceful society
• Current Status of Maktab Education

Currently, the Maktab education system in Bangladesh is facing various challenges. Maktabs are gradually disappearing in many places in urban and rural areas. Parents' excessive inclination towards the modern education system, children's addiction to digital devices, and lack of adequate teachers - all these reasons are reducing the number and effectiveness of maktabs day by day.

Moreover, many maktabs have closed down or are not being managed properly due to lack of proper training and remuneration of teachers. The main reasons for this crisis in the maktab education system at present are highlighted as follows:

Growth of private schools

Parents are preferring kindergarten schools over maktabs, because they find it convenient to give their children time in one place.

Teacher shortage and lack of incentives

Many maktabs do not have teachers or teachers, due to which the quality of education in maktabs is decreasing. Moreover, without proper remuneration of teachers and related materials, it becomes difficult to manage maktabs.

NGO-based organizations

Currently, many NGOs have launched morning school programs for children, which is diverting children from maktabs.

Digital Device Addiction

Mobiles, tablets and the internet are distracting children from school.

Our duty to sustain the Maktab education system

To bring back the old glory of the Maktab education system and to sustain the Maktabs, we need to collectively take some important steps. It is possible to make this sacred education system more effective with the cooperation of parents, society and religious institutions. What we can do is:

• Provide proper honor and training to Maktab teachers.

• Increase awareness among parents about Maktab education.

• Support Maktabs that are in financial crisis.

• Take active initiatives together with local mosques and development organizations.

• Support in providing necessary materials and books for students.

• Ensure regular participation of children in local mosque-based Maktabs.

Finally

The Maktab Foundation is a platform where you can become a member and provide financial support to the Maktabs in your area. Starting from the salary of the Ustad or teacher, you can send support through us for books, training and building development. We have created a list of Maktabs in various divisions, districts and police stations, including your area, on our website, and the work of creating the list is ongoing through our foundation.

Through this far-reaching initiative, we can ensure that the next generation is assured of being raised on the right path. If you want, you can also become a member of our foundation and be a part of this great work.

Become a member todayay

FAG about the Maktab education system

What is a Maktab and where is it conducted?

A Maktab is an Islamic primary education center that is usually conducted in a mosque or a place adjacent to a mosque.

What is the main purpose of Maktab education?

The main goal of Maktab education is to teach children Quran recitation, prayers, supplications and morality.

Why is Maktab education currently facing a crisis?

Maktab education is disappearing due to digital media addiction, pressure from private schools and lack of incentives for teachers.

How can we contribute to preserving Maktab education?

It is possible to make an active contribution to local maktabs through financial support, participation in teacher training, and awareness raising.

What is the Maktab Foundation and how does it work?

The Maktab Foundation is a web platform where, by becoming a member, you can financially support any maktab in your area or on our list.