‘Terrorism increasing because children are not taught Arabic’ - PML-N MNA

[Syed1]

ISLAMABAD: Members of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, while debating the Compulsory Education of Arabic Bill 2015, discussed whether the lack of Arabic as a subject in the curriculum was the cause of terrorism in Pakistan.

The bill was moved by MNA Naeema Kishwar Khan, and debate on it began even though the mover of the bill was not in attendance.

PML-N MNA Parveen Masood Bhatti expressed support for the bill, saying terrorism was increasing because students were not studying Arabic.

“We have started focusing on the English language, and parents put their children in English-medium schools and do not bother teaching their children the Arabic language. It is because of this attitude that terrorism is increasing,” she claimed.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) MNA Syed Ali Raza Abidi, however, argued that even people who speak Arabic can be terrorists and spread terrorism.

Committee member Nafeesa Khattak from the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supported the bill, saying introducing Arabic as a compulsory language from “the start of education” would allow children to learn and understand the Quran and help a large number of people get jobs.

Committee chairman Rana Mohammad Hayat Khan responded that the inclusion of Arabic would not increase job opportunities, and paraphrased Allama Iqbal, saying those who study Arabic would only get jobs selling oil.

“Students who are serious about studying the Quran, they go to mosques early in the morning and after that they go to school,” he added.

However, PTI’s Asad Umer argued that the language of the Quran and its translation should be taught to students, claiming that “85pc of mosques in the federal capital are run by those who do not preach what is mentioned in the Quran”.

The Ministry of Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) has decided to oppose the bill, Secretary Nargis Ghalo said, because there are not enough teachers to teach Arabic as a compulsory subject.

“In provinces such as Sindh, where local languages are also taught, the inclusion of Arabic as a compulsory subject will put an extra burden on the children,” she added. “Arabic is introduced from the sixth standard as an elective subject, but it is observed that the majority of students do not opt [for it].”

Mr Abidi also suggested the opinion of the Wafaqul Madaris be sought, but Mr Hayat Khan directed the CADD ministry to bring concrete suggestions for the bill, or it would be finalised according to the committee members’ opinions.

http://www.dawn.com/news/1314975/terrorism-increasing-because-children-are-not-taught-arabic?preview

 

[Syed1]

Ladies and gentlemen please witness the level of intellect of the ruling party's parliamentarians.


This is now an established fact that you need to have the IQ of a wooden spoon to support Nawaz Sharif.

 

[troodon]

Ladies and gentlemen please witness the level of intellect of the ruling party's parliamentarians.


This is now an established fact that you need to have the IQ of a wooden spoon to support Nawaz Sharif.

Committee member Nafeesa Khattak from the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supported the bill, saying introducing Arabic as a compulsory language from “the start of education” would allow children to learn and understand the Quran and help a large number of people get jobs.

Even PTI is also supporting.

 

[Syed1]

Committee member Nafeesa Khattak from the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) supported the bill, saying introducing Arabic as a compulsory language from “the start of education” would allow children to learn and understand the Quran and help a large number of people get jobs.

Even PTI is also supporting.

A lot of people support teaching of the Arabic language. I do not agree with it, however, claiming that a lack of fluency in Arabic is leading to terrorism is some absurd level of stupidity.

 

[Madplayer]

Ladies and gentlemen please witness the level of intellect of the ruling party's parliamentarians.


This is now an established fact that you need to have the IQ of a wooden spoon to support Nawaz Sharif.

Regardless of whether it increases terrorism or not, i think basic arabic should be made compulsory in muslim societies so that we get a better understanding of our religion.

 

[StreetSmart]

what an Idiotic statement it is instead of saying our level of teaching is going downwards he is claiming Arabic is the cause wow they one day he will say Pashto and afghan is the main reason wonder how they get elected such incompetent people. As this stupid person how many Govt schools in whole Pakistan are ACTUALLY teaching kids and he will get the answer.

 

[troodon]

A lot of people support teaching of the Arabic language. I do not agree with it, however, claiming that a lack of fluency in Arabic is leading to terrorism is some absurd level of stupidity.

If you understand Arabic, Mullahs cannot fool Awam/Janata with their twisted meaning of words in Quran.

I always felt that if you follow a certain religion where the holy texts are not translated to local languages, then better learn the language of God (In this case Arabic). Helps people understand the true meaning of the Words of God.

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

I hate to say this and it may sound extremely condescending but 90% of the blokes I meet, in general from back home, seem to be living in a massive massive fictional bubble which quite frankly makes them lot look like dumb rocks when it comes to common sense and intellect.

These parliamentarians are just a reflection of our society in general hence statements and drivel like these are the talk of town in our assemblies. Sad state of affairs to be honest

 

[DW44]

Remind me what language AL Qaeda and IS' top brass speak? Also remind me what language is spoken in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar who account for the bulk of funding for terrorist organizations?

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

It's a stupid premise to assume a language can cause or prevent terrorism. That obviously goes whichever side of the spectrum you stand on.

 

[Mamoon]

If you understand Arabic, Mullahs cannot fool Awam/Janata with their twisted meaning of words in Quran.

I always felt that if you follow a certain religion where the holy texts are not translated to local languages, then better learn the language of God (In this case Arabic). Helps people understand the true meaning of the Words of God.

It is not that simple. The Arabic of the Quran is not your everyday Arabic spoken in the Middle East, it is ancient and difficult to comprehend. A weak analogy, but a bit like modern English and Shakespeare's English. It is something I discovered recently after interacting with a few people from the Middle East, most of whom who have trouble understanding the Arabic of the Quran with help from a Mullah, which means there will still be plenty of room for misinterpretation and context-twisting.

 

[Hail-Akram]

With all due respect, how can someone even believe that the Koran that has guided thousands of Muslims and may be even some non-muslims across the globe has a dependency on any particular language!!
The teachings have been well understood by many through translated versions, and misunderstood or rather misinterpreted by many who claim to be masters of Arabic.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Arabic culture has caused this mess.

We need to back to our own history and culture rather than others.

 

[Yossarian]

Regardless of whether it increases terrorism or not, i think basic arabic should be made compulsory in muslim societies so that we get a better understanding of our religion.

Don't see the Western world's devout Catholics and other Christian sects saying similar about The Bible & Latin. Doesn't seem to be a factor in the West's levels of development.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

Ladies and gentlemen please witness the level of intellect of the ruling party's parliamentarians.


This is now an established fact that you need to have the IQ of a wooden spoon to support Nawaz Sharif.

i am a wooden spoon and i take offence at this statement.

 

[troodon]

It is not that simple. The Arabic of the Quran is not your everyday Arabic spoken in the Middle East, it is ancient and difficult to comprehend. A weak analogy, but a bit like modern English and Shakespeare's English. It is something I discovered recently after interacting with a few people from the Middle East, most of whom who have trouble understanding the Arabic of the Quran with help from a Mullah, which means there will still be plenty of room for misinterpretation and context-twisting.

Then in that case, poor Awam are the mercy of Preachers who can interpret the verses according to their convenience.

May be some knowledgeble person can translate the Holy book to Pashto/Punjabi/Sindhi etc?

I once heard a guy on Telugu DoorDarshan(Indian TV), reading Quran in Telugu and explaining its meaning. It was more than 20 years ago.

 

[Mamoon]

Then in that case, poor Awam are the mercy of Preachers who can interpret the verses according to their convenience.

May be some knowledgeble person can translate the Holy book to Pashto/Punjabi/Sindhi etc?

I once heard a guy on Telugu DoorDarshan(Indian TV), reading Quran in Telugu and explaining its meaning. It was more than 20 years ago.

Yes, but the problem is that it is open to interpretations that will be at the discretion of the scholar. You will have ten scholars translating the Quran to Pashto, which means you will have about 6-7 different interpretations. It is very complicated.

 

[PakLFC]

Compete rubbish. Terrorism is increasing because there are to many extreme groups supported by the likes of Saudi. Most Pakistanis don't even understand Quranic Arabic that all the madrassa's teach them. Extreme mullah's teach them what to think taking advantage of their ignorance and naivety. They are brainwashed in to believing that even Muslims who disagree with their interpretation of Islam are the enemy.

 

[Gilly]

Regardless of whether it increases terrorism or not, i think basic arabic should be made compulsory in muslim societies so that we get a better understanding of our religion.

Religion is important to religious people and they do have the choice to study arabic if they choose, that is fair and reasonable. If it is compulsory then those that don't want to study arabic will be made to do something they don't want to. Is it fair and reasonable to force someone to do something they don't want to do?.

 

[blackanhyellow]

This is the dumbest thing ever.

Did the Pakistanis of the 60s and 70s know Arabic? Why were they not radicalized then?

How can you expect someone who has to learn Pashto, Urdu, and English to also learn another language?

Or same case with Punjabi, Urdu, and English,

Or Baloch, urdu, and english

or sindhi, urdu, and english

These things are poor excuses to avoid making the hard choices and meaningful reforms. Maybe stop the Saudi funding of madrassahs and get your people into mainstream schooling!

But alas, expecting Pakistani politicians to do their jobs is too much.

 

[Black Zero]

This is just another diversion.

It would be painful to acknowledge that their religion is going through it's dark age.