by Madeeha Ansari
Religion was meant to set out a way of life. When they started out, madrassas were not only meant to provide a sanctuary for underprivileged children, but also presented a retreat for those seeking a sense of purpose. This BBC story illustrates what the madrassa as an institution was meant to represent, and also what it came to be. It tells the story of a former drug addict who found salvation in the mountains of the NWFP, while learning how to assemble an AK-47.
For many, the discipline involved in observing religious rituals comes to play an important role in regulating every day life. At some point in their lives, people craving stability and meaning seek them through different channels. Hence the rise of "The Art of Living", and renewed interest in yoga and mysticism. Those pulling the strings behind the politicised madrassas obviously had a keen sense of their own power, and an awareness of the needs and vulnerability of those who trusted them.
The person in the news story did his own research and came to his own conclusions. Thank God for that.
Photo: Flickr user StuffEye See (used under Creative Commons license)
No comments:
Post a Comment