The religious scholars (Ulama) never shirked their role of reminding the kings of their social duty. Most of the scholars refrained from accepting any government post so that they might not have to yield to any undue pressure. They thought that by remaining independent they would be able to play their role of censuring the policies of the government and of reminding the rulers of their duties.
That is why in later periods of Islamic history, when dynastic rule had become the order of the day among the Muslims, the rulers, more or less, could not deviate far from the Islamic principles of justice. For instance, the ruler had to come to the mosque to pray with the public; he had to spend the money of the treasury to fulfil the requirements of the public; he had to discharge his religious responsibilities and see to it that the public had no difficulty in discharging religious rites. Anyone could approach the king to register his or her complaint. And there was a proper arrangement by the government for the free religious education of the people, etc.
I don’t believe in the concept of changing the curriculum. If someone believes in it, he should give proof to show why such people are not there today. All the top people were produced by studying the British curriculum. The present-day curriculum is only resulting in mediocre people. This is why, I don’t believe in this. Those who create so much noise about changing the curriculum cannot show that any result has been brought about. If there had been results at the universities, they would have sought change of curriculum in madrasa as well. But when there are no positive results in schools, colleges and universities, then they are demanding change in madrasa with what reference? There will be no benefit of changing the curriculum of madrasas. We must think then what else is required. According to my finding, there is formal education and informal education. A human being is made by his informal education and not by his formal education. Many people create a lot of noise thinking that education can bring about great changes.
I believe that character building and profession are two different areas. Education is for acquiring professional skills and services in the job market. Education is undoubtedly beneficial for acquiring professional skills. But to form a certain mindset in a human being, informal education is necessary. I have realized this after long-term experience.
