Like other occupations (doctors, engineers, technicians etc.), becoming an imam has to be subjected to high standards in their discipline. As a member of Pakistani society, we feel obliged to ensure that Imams and religious teachers, who are community leaders in many instances are focusing on the? positive? Islam.
The government should introduce measures like:
Mandatory course that emphasize on the message of tolerance, peace, equality, forgiveness, and general humanity.
Mandatory exam on Islamic ethics.
An oath of allegiance to Islamic Republic of Pakistan, recognizing the laws of the country and upholding the constitution.
A system for licensing and registration. And enforcement of violations and fines.
hope we have more focus on peaceful teachings of Islam.
As much as I understand where you are coming from and kinda agree with what you are saying, but wouldnt it differ from the some democracies or secular stand that the state should be completely seperate from religious institutions? Plz help me understand.
Like in US, church and govt are separate. In UK, its not.
Regularisation is important but the fundamental part is
(a) Audit the finances of these institutions.
(b) A minimum criterio or qualification for the teachers that includes a interview with the ministry.
I dont know I just think its very tough to regulate them keeping in view the mushroom growth of such institutions specially in very deep rural areas.
@ SID - Thanks for you feedback. I am not going that far where state start controlling the content of the Khutba. What i meant that there should be some checks to avoid a "wild wild west" scenario. Just as we need a license to drive, the person behind the mic should deliver a message of positive Islam. And a person of high morale and standards.
The kind of freedom the khateebs enjoy in Pakistan is one of a kind. No where else in the world an imam can speak so openly and clearly. And that?s how it should be. Sure, some people abuse it but in order to stop abuse of that freedom there are already many mechanisms in place with various Islamic organizations such as Wafaq-ul-Madaris, etc. And they are always open to suggestions for improving those mechanisms further. Government should facilitate.
As far as oath of allegiance/law/constitution stuff is concerned, that is an unnecessary requirement. If a law or clause in constitution is unislamic then imams should be able to openly criticize as they do.
@ decent guy. Thanks for your input. My point is to raise the level of teaching which includes a message of positive and peaceful Islam. Is good to hear there are mechanism to enforce that however we all have seen enough jahalat coming from people in the name of religion.
An example: One time a young guy telling my 70 year old dad not to wear "pant / shirt", because it is "Un-Islamic". What knda islam is that where we don't even respect elders. And there are many more examples out there. IMO and you can correct me, we lack tolerance especially in the name of religion. I am singling out imams because people do pay attention to them.
You don't have to agree. At least give a thought that can we do better in this area? ...Analogy from cricket... When a match is at crucial stage, our hopes are on a batsman or bowler to do miracles. But in the background alot of hard work required in becoming a polish player that shines in these situations. One need to know his craft allaround. Hope i am making some sense.