Samasta's centennial: marking six phases of Islamic education in Kerala

Muhsin, Sayyed Mohamed (2024) Samasta's centennial: marking six phases of Islamic education in Kerala. Islam on Web: The Window to Islam, 26 Jan 2024. pp. 1-9.

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Abstract

When it comes to the status of Indian Muslims, they enjoy the liberty to uphold, follow, and propagate their religious doctrines, despite being a minority. Furthermore, they benefit from a multitude of well-established Islamic institutions and organizations actively engaged in a diverse range of programs. Of particular significance is the Samasta Kerala Jam'iyyat al-Ulama (S.K.J.U, commonly known as ‘Samasta’), which has played a pivotal role in guiding the majority of Kerala Muslims for the past century. It holds considerable importance in matters of Islamic education, Islamic jurisprudence and serves as a trusted source for fatwas and various other religious and social concerns. As a cornerstone objective outlined in its constitution, Samasta has consistently prioritized the advancement of education, both Islamic and human sciences, in alignment with Islamic principles and identity. An in-depth look at Samasta's efforts shows that in its first twenty-five years, it concentrated on protecting genuine Islamic teachings from distortions spread by modern education and pseudo-spiritual movements. Later, it prioritized reinforcing Islamic education, recognizing knowledge as the cornerstone of any society and its identity. Presently, Samasta's educational advance has culminated in a comprehensive framework spanning six distinct levels. This framework is designed to enrich students with a blend of Islamic teachings, human sciences, and professional courses. At the outset, the initial level comprises primary madarsas, followed by colleges of Islamic sciences at the second level. Progressing further, the third level encompasses colleges offering post-graduate studies in Islamic sciences. Following that, the fourth tier comprised colleges offering integrated education, blending revealed knowledge with human sciences through distinct currculams. A major milestone for Samasta is the opening of its fifth tier, which includes material and professional colleges in an Islamic setting. The MEA Engineering College, for instance, aims to provide high-quality education to the community, producing skilled engineers with integrity and social responsibility. The most recent advancement in this journey is the establishment of the Samastha National Educational Council (SNEC) in 2023. This forward-looking initiative is designed to cultivate professionals knowledgeable in both Islamic and secular subjects, encouraging a deeper integration of Islamic education and expertise.

Item Type:	Article (Electronic Media)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Samasta Kerala South India Islamic education Madrasa Darul Huda Islamic University SNEC
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc BPL Islamic education B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BV Practical Theology > BV1460 Religious Education
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences
Depositing User:	Dr. Sayyed Mohamed Muhsin
Date Deposited:	30 Jan 2024 14:35
Last Modified:	30 Jan 2024 14:36
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/110595

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