The importance and necessity of establishing a Maktab

A maktab is a mosque-based primary Islamic education center where children are taught Quran recitation, prayer, supplications, and basic Islamic subjects. In Bangladesh, maktab education is considered not only for religious education, but also as an important means of children's moral, social, and cultural development.

In this blog, we will discuss in detail the importance and necessity of establishing a maktab.

Become a member of the Maktab Foundation

The importance of establishing maktabs in religious education and moral development

Maktab education is essential for the primary religious education and moral development of children. It is a fundamental means for children to learn 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. The importance of establishing Maktab in religious education and moral development is highlighted as follows:

• Foundation of Godliness and Morality: Maktab instills the fear of God, emotions, and moral values ​​in children.

• Basic Islamic teachings: Children are taught about basic acts of worship, such as faith, prayer, fasting, etc., right from the Maktab.

• Arabic Language Learning: By becoming familiar with Arabic letters and words, children can read the Quran and it becomes easier for them to study this subject in the future.

• Teaching moral behavior: It plays an important role in instilling discipline, respect, affection for younger siblings, and social values ​​in children.

Main aspects and functions of the Maktab

Maktab is not just a religious school, but it is also a primary institution for the overall character development of children. In addition to teaching children to recite the Quran, it also teaches them moral education, daily worship rules, social behavior, and a sense of discipline.

Basic education

Correct pronunciation of Quran recitation.

Moral behavior, greetings, respect for elders, sense of discipline.

Basic worship such as daily prayers, ablution, rules of prayer, fasting, etc.

Social and emotional development

Social bonds with classmates are strengthened.

Universality and inclusion

Even with financial constraints, attending a maktab is easy and free, which benefits underprivileged children.

Challenges and solutions in establishing Maktabs

Currently, the Maktab education system in Bangladesh is facing various challenges. Maktabs are gradually disappearing in many places in urban and rural areas. Due to the inclination of parents towards the modern education system and the lack of sufficient teachers, the number and effectiveness of Maktabs are decreasing day by day. The main reasons for this crisis are highlighted:

• Growth of private schools: Parents are preferring kindergarten schools over maktabs.

• Teacher shortage and lack of incentives: Many maktabs do not have teachers, and many maktabs do not pay teachers a monthly salary or proper remuneration, due to which the quality of education in maktabs is declining day by day and many maktabs have closed down.

• Lack of management: Without proper remuneration and related resources for the teachers, it becomes difficult to manage the maktabs.

• NGO-based organizations: Currently, many NGOs have launched morning school programs for children, which are diverting children from the Maktab.

• Addiction to digital devices: Mobiles, tablets, and the internet are distracting children from school.

What can we do to solve the crisis

This could be what we do:

• Reopening Maktabs: It is important to reactivate local mosque Maktabs. It can be managed in a modern manner in keeping with the times.

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

• Training and remuneration of teachers: Arrangements should be made to provide proper training to teachers/masters and to pay them their proper remuneration (salary) on time.

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

• Utilization of modern technology: Teaching can be made interesting by using smartboards and audio-visual content.

• Organizing competitions and attractive prizes: Various competitions and attractive prizes can be arranged among children to motivate them to study.

Last words

Maktabs can set the new generation on the right moral path—so it is our moral responsibility to preserve this tradition with dignity. Maktab Foundation is a platform where you can become a member of the foundation and provide financial support for the maktabs in your area, starting from the salaries of the teachers/masters, to books, training, and building development.

If you want, you can also become a member of our foundation and be a partner in this noble cause.

Become a member of the Maktab Foundation

FAQs about the Importance of Establishing a Maktab

Does the maktab only teach the Quran?

No, it is helpful in forming prayers, supplications, morals, and moral values ​​along with the Quran.

How to start establishing a Maktab?

It can be easily started at a local mosque with the help of teachers, essential materials, and guardians.

What is the main benefit of a maktab?

Freedom of choice, shaping ideal behavior, and maintaining the continuity of the Quran and Sunnah.

What is the importance of teacher training?

Skilled teachers are needed because, through them, the moral and religious habits of the child are developed.

Why is Maktab relevant today?

This is essential in protecting the moral foundation of children in the digital age and is helpful in adopting Islamic values.