Pakistani Molvis

[Ghost14]

Re: Pakistani Molvis

@hareem01

Wonderful insight on the topic Ghost14.

It’s interesting that you mentioned education. I have two nephews (my cousins’ kids) and they both were raised in a similar environment, the only difference is that one went to a high profiled college and the other went to a Governmental institution which is sort of ruled by Jamiat students.

Now they’re on FB and I often get to read their views on politics and religion, the one in the private and very expensive college has very balanced views but the other one has the tendencies of an extremist. I think again it comes down to the huge gap between working class and elitists’ understanding of the world around them that you mentioned in your post.

I also think people in general have lost the basic ability of questioning and critical thinking.

This example is perfect. By education I don’t mean PhD vs undergrad. I mean critical thinking. Questioning what you hear and considering both sides of the argument before forming your own opinion.

@Afshi

Allah SWT gives wisdom to whom He pleases. He gives certain people more wisdom and insight more than others. For examples, al-Ghazali. He is said to be the Proof of Islam. That is, all the work that he had did for Islam, proves that Islam is the correct path.

Allah SWT also guides whom he pleases as well. If someone wants to educate themselves and become a student of 'ilm that do so. Read the books from these scholars and shaykhs. Be in the company of scholars and shaykhs that they respect and honour.

Its up to the person themselves to walk on the Straight Path. They can do it blindly without having any trust in the person leading them by a string, or with their eyes open and by having complete trust and faith in 'learned person" while holding their hand.

I’m sorry but this is exactly the problem. Why does someone else have to lead you? I’m sure you have access to the Quran yourself. I think you should read the books of both, people you tend to agree with, and disagree with, to get a whole sided view of religion. Read some writings by atheists as well, what makes them adamant in their beliefs? Then decide for yourself. While some people are in the “religion business” just to make money, most people take years to arrive at their conclusion and you can read their books to see if you arrive at the same conclusion. And your beliefs should never be set. You will gain a broader view of your life as you grow and your views should grow with you.

As others have mentioned, not all molvis are bad. But the “bad outweighs the good”, to quote the Quran.

And to the person who mentioned economics, I think economics is a part of it but economics causes a lack of, or misleading, education which keeps the public ignorant to broader issues and views. I agree that living conditions need to improve but until you fix the education, you will just create better fed, and still angry, people.

Since 9/11 the entire culture of susceptible people in Pakistan has changed. That’s the worst thing Bush has done: he has blown a fuse and turned some moderates into extremists. What needs to be done is to capture the moderates and dry up the talent pool of the terrorists. If they have no one to influence, then they are just old men sitting in their caves and houses. Economics addresses some of this, but you really have to engage the people and empower them to make their own decisions without the bias of external issues such as Palestine and Iraq.

I also think the country needs to be secular. Someone mentioned that there are religious nuts in other countries as well but separation of church and state assures that other religions are respected. When the crazy pastor wanted to burn the Quran, the majority of people in America condemned is actions. Sadly, I don’t think nearly as many people would even care in Pakistan.