Mufti Aziz-ur-Rehman’s video scandal has exposed the ugly culture of the madrassa system on many levels. Whatever aspect has been exposed was already known to all, but what the critics used point earlier, now stands correct. The first thing to talk about is sexual abuse of children.
(1) Sexual and physical violence in madrassas
Even before sexual violence, there is a need to talk about physical violence against children in the madrassa system. Physical violence usually begins before sexual violence. In the form of physical violence, the child is made so weak psychologically that he cannot even ‘resist’ the sexual violence (to tell the parents or bring it to the notice of others). In a way, sexual violence becomes an extension of physical violence.
Proponents of the Maulvis will immediately point out that physical and sexual violence against children occurs in schools, and even at their homes. This objection may be true, but the following must be kept in mind:
1. The more insecure a child is in a madrassa environment (usually he lives in a madrassa), the less likely he is in a school or home environment.
2. Incidents of sexual violence against children have also occurred in schools in Lahore that are considered to be very safe but such incidents cannot be thrown under the carpet with ease. The media can report matters there without fear. It is no longer possible to do research on the madrassa. Even if one does research, he will not be able to stay in Pakistan after publishing the results of his work.
3. The madrassa establishment immediately begins exploiting religion to cover up physical and sexual violence in the madrassa. The situation in the country is such that even the government does not dare to put its hand in this hive of bees (by the way, no government has any worries because the child of the poor goes to the madrassa). If a child is mistreated in any way at school or at home, the state has the right to intervene legally, practically and morally, and it will not turn in to a matter of religion. (In the light of these petitions, it is imperative that the society not only discuss the physical and sexual violence in the madrassa but also the state establish its writ).
(2) The shameful role of madrassa federation
It is now clear that these videos are about two years old. This shameful game was brought to the notice of the Federation of Madrassas. The madrassa administration was also aware but an attempt was made to cover up this heinous game. The victim, who was blackmailed and raped, was allegedly threatened with death.
The Federation of Madrassas should have reported the case to the police immediately. It was a serious crime but the Federation of Madrassas considers itself superior to the state. On top this is a routine madrassa culture, why to brag about it?
(3) Business of madrassas
In an explanatory statement released by Mufti Aziz-ur-Rehman in the form of a video, he said that the management of the madrassa was afraid that the Mufti and his son could take over the madrassa, therefore they used the student for their own gain. This is a ‘conspiracy’ (interestingly, Maulana did not accuse Jews and Hindus this time around). Occupying mosques and madrassas is an old custom.
The mosque is a source of valuable donations. A madrassa is more profitable than a mosque (thanks to petrodollars). Even if it is assumed that Maulana was deceived, it is certain that there was a battle for control of the madrassa. The truth is that after the Afghan jihad and petrodollars, the political mullahs and the madrassa establishment are now a million dollar entity. This is a new wing of the Pakistani bourgeoisie. Under the guise of madrassas, Islamic banking, clothing brands, school chains, universities, NGOs and what not are being run. Pakistani economists should do research on this ‘Valley of faith’ kind of economy.
(4) Madrassas are an abominable form of neoliberalism
The only crime of madrassa students is the poverty of their parents. It is true that sometimes business class or middle class people send their children to madrassas due to religious tendencies but the majority of the students living in the madrassas belong to very poor
families.
The state’s neoliberal turn means that health, education and employment will now go to those who can afford it. The only thing left for the rulers to do is squeeze the blood of the people in the form of taxes, pocket their share and send the rest to imperialists in the form of debts. Borrow more loans from them, put the loans in your Swiss accounts. Impose a new tax. Pocket your share of the new tax and send the rest to imperialists and proudly say that we have repaid 12 billion in debt. Send your children to grammar school, Beacon House or Aitcheson with these full pockets and also take away the facility of government school from the child of the poor.
Beg Prince Salman for dollars for these Maulvis. These dollars then will be used to build madrassas for the poor children to study there (which is why ten madrassas are opening in response to one elite school). When needed, strap a bomb to the stomachs of these children. Give them a gun whenever required. Until the child is able to wear an explosives jacket or carry a gun, keep calling him to your cell for entertainment on Fridays. Thus, these poor students are punished for poverty in many ways. They themselves live in hell and are bent on making the world a hell for others. The Taliban are the best (or worst) example.
This stinking system needs to be replaced with madrassas and private schools being nationalized, there is a need to make education compulsory until the age of 18. In addition to books, sports facilities, library facilities, treatment facilities, breakfast and meals should be provided in the school and a stipend of at least Rs. 2,000 should be fixed for every child below the age of 18 years by following in the footsteps of welfare states.
Not only children but also parents should be taught how to protect their children from sexual and physical violence. The state should set up child protection help centers where children can report sexual and physical abuse.
Note: This article was first published in Urdu in Jeddojehad.com
