Legal and Administrative Framework
Pakistan is still in the same place from where it has started its beginning, regarding corporal punishments in Schools and Madrassas. Where the world is entering into a whole new era of scientific discoveries and a hybrid of technology; Pakistan's traditional academic system (including both Schools and Madrasas) is at the front borders to keep its youth intact by closing all the doors of innovations.
Although the term corporal punishments refer to the infliction of physical pain and agony it has rather more to do with psychological traumas.
Corporal punishments in Schools and Madrassas
In Pakistan Corporal punishments are common in schools and madrassas and that's the main problem. The issues which need to be addressed, are stifled by normalizing them in the name of tradition or a custom while the problem that is related to us by no means is highlighted, not only by the society but also by our so-called media. This is the dilemma of our society.
Schoolchildren are punished in different ways to compensate for their misbehavior. Some of the common modes of punishment include slapping, spanking, hitting, twisting, stabbing, and sometimes even kicking especially in government schools.
When it comes to madrassas situation is even worst here. Children here are not considered as a subject of kindness but rather brutality. Besides the other corporal punishments, whipping is the most common way to punish.
In comparison to madrassas, this ratio is lower in school because of some degree of check and balance, although it is negligible.
Among the schools worst are the government schools. Besides the poor quality of teaching, these punishments are one of the sources of why more people are biased towards private schools although the expenditures are high and unaffordable
Islam and Corporal Punishment
Islam is a religion of peace and humanity. No other religion has given the rights to slaves and minorities which Islam has bestowed upon humanity. Various campaigns and movements based on human rights are running all over the world especially in the Western states. The rights for which today’s humanity is struggling, its foundation was placed 1400 years ago by our Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
Islam has roots in humanity, then how could it be harsh when it comes to children? There is no decree in Islam promoting corporal punishments. It discourages such practices of humiliation.
But at the same, time we cannot deny that more of our children are victims of corporal punishments in madrassas and masjids. These issues arise because of improper knowledge of the frustrated molvis or the teachers here and as well because of no check and balance over them and lack of professional knowledge.
Good and bad people are everywhere but that doesn’t mean to criticize one’s religion.
Here is a Hadith of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) showing his love and compassion for children.
“Fear Allah and treat your children (either small or grown) fairly (with equal justice).”
Source : Al-Bukhari and Muslim
Causes driving corporal punishments
- The top and foremost cause of these violations against human dignity is the lack of law enforcement. Various legislations are formulated but they are of no use until they are enforced upon the people with proper check and balance.
- The corrupt education system itself is another cause. It employs ineligible candidates, for such a high stature profession, by any means. When such nonprofessionals gain authorities then consequences become unbearable, leading to the destruction of society.
- Another dark side of our education system is its limited access. It has no policy regarding the madrassas and masjids. These are the main areas of concern because it here where most of the population banks on for religious education. At the same time, it is the same place where violations are at the pinnacle because of no legal authorization.
Being a developing country Pakistan is not only lacking quality education but also awareness. Neither the parents nor teachers are aware of the outcomes of corporal punishments.
Consequences of Corporal Punishments
As I mentioned earlier at the beginning that corporal punishments are more psychological. Such punishments are a source of mental disorders, devastating our future generations. According to a survey, 50 million population of Pakistan is suffering from mental ailments. Out of these 20 million are children while the rest of 30 million are adults. This survey was conducted four years back at the Agha Khan University Karachi by Dr. Ayesha.
In severe cases, it may lead to depression, anxiety, and despair, etc.
Such kind of punishments is one of the sources of the diminishing willingness of children to attend schools and especially madrassas. In these environments students study but not to learn, not to get the required knowledge and wisdom but to escape punishment and get grades only.
Our education system is locking the doors of prospects by blocking the minds of the youth. In fearful environments, the growth of minds is always retarded not flourished.
This circle will continue to exist until it is properly addressed by the government and society itself.
What are the solutions?
When you know the cause of a problem then the solutions are always ready, they just need to be highlighted. Here are some solutions that I would give prominence to...
- The enforcement of the law is the first and significant tool in tackling corporal punishment in educational institutions including schools, madrassas, and masjids. Execution of law should be such that whoever breaks the law should be penalized at the instant without any delay by the administrations of the institutes or other higher responsible authorities. Illegible and well-qualified candidates should be employed based on merit. No comprise should be made in providing good quality education and discrepancies must be avoided.
- The other important thing that should be done on urgent bases is that the government should make educational policies for madrassas and masjids. Including Madrassas and masjids in the education system would be the best option. Both kinds of education that are religious and as well as professional should be made compulsory.
- Teachers from both backgrounds must be trained to make them aware of the psychological aspects of our children. This will help them to create a healthy and friendly atmosphere. In this way, good Communication between a student and teacher can inspire learning, creativity, and much more.
- Awareness is a fundamental human right. The government can run various campaigns to create awareness among the parents and teachers especially in the localities where there is a low literacy ratio.
Positive outcomes come from positives attitudes. Therefore, the positive attitude of both society and government is important in safeguarding our future generations and to educate them to explore knowledge and wisdom.
