So far Islamic schools in Muslim countries were under fire from all groups for teaching radical Islam to students, but there has been a turn over of events. This time a school in New York is being accused of propagating tenets of radical Islam.
New York Public School, where parents gladly admit their children for learning Arabic that would help them in the long run, is running into trouble, afterbeing dubbed as a Madrassa. The entire drama unfolded when the founder of the school was caught defending the use of the word intifada on a T-shirt. As rumors roared high, parents pulled their kids out off the school, demanding its closure because they don’t want their children under the shadow of fundamentalism.
Madrassa breeds Islamic fundamentalism, be it anywhere on the globe. So many instances of Islamic schools breeding hatred and ill will for other religions, castes, creeds have given rise to a plethora of fundamentalists, who have added to the increasing militant force and activity. Is it an example of Western Schools turning into radical madrassas or simple unraveling the western curiosity about Islamic fundamentalism?
The underline fact is mostly publicity rather than knowledge propagation. However, the beginning of knowledge dispersion may bury the turmoil over clash of civilization. Once words like intifada, jihad and the like present their true meaning to the western world, the entire western attitude towards Islam will change. But, for it to happen, madrassas too need to stop preaching and teaching hatred to the students to whatever religion they belong, especially the western students, who have for long been in the cocoon, evading Islam.
Islam never preaches hatred. It is the anti forces eyeing to disrupt peace around the globe that have lent Islam a different meaning, obliterating its image in the eyes of the world. Islam is a story of peace and tranquility, brotherhood and fraternity.
Source: CNN
