CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION SYSTEM AND ISLAMIC STATE: REFLECTIONS FROM INDO-PAKISTAN

Abstract

Purpose of the study: This paper will discuss the gaps in the current and Islamic education systems, focusing on Indo-Pakistan. Islamic education aims to bring attitudinal changes and build a value system among humans that should transform society by promoting love, peace, equality, purity, integrity, forgiveness, and justice. Methodology: This is descriptive research where Islamic education and Contemporary education have been analyzed. Emphasis has been placed on Indo-Pakistan, the Western education system, and the Islamization of education in Pakistan and its future. Principal Findings: As a state, Pakistan comprises politically, geographically, culturally, linguistically, and educationally diverse people. They cannot trace their origins by calling themselves Arabs or Indians. That conflict is reflected in Pakistan's education system – which has lost its identity to be called either religious or contemporary. The moral and ethical standards to bring any positive behavior change are hardly maintained to groom the graduates in the current education system. The Western education left by the British in the Subcontinent, including Pakistan, has its colonial drawbacks, which need to be addressed. Application of this study: In Pakistan and other Islamic states, it is essential to instill Islamic values within the current education system. One of the viable solutions that could make the Muslim world, including Pakistan, move forward is to accept modern-day learning practices and introduce a hybrid education system. A system that safeguards Islam's values and principles and has rich content of research and development in various fields carried out by the West, irrespective of religious affiliation. This study would benefit researchers and policymakers in framing such an education system. The novelty of this study: The paper frames some recommendations to tailor the existing education system according to the Islamic education system.