No need to fuss over hadith module

Updated 2 years ago · Published on 29 Aug 2023 9:43AM · 5 Comments

THERE was recently some controversy about the plan to teach “Imam Al-Nawawi 40 Hadith” in schools nationwide.

As a mother of three children in Year 5, as well as Forms 2 and 5, I was naturally concerned. Why is the Education Ministry teaching this in schools? Will my children be affected?

But upon closer examination, I think we are just making a mountain out of a molehill. Frankly, I don’t see what the fuss is all about. More likely than not, it’s just politicians trying to stir up sentiments to score political points.

First of all, the teaching will only involve Muslim students and have nothing at all to do with non-Muslims. Even then, it does not involve all Muslim students. The education minister said this only affects selected national religious schools nationwide.

Why should non-Muslims worry about what’s taught to a small group of students? As it is, all Muslim students must take Islam as a subject in schools. Why should we as non-Muslims get overly worked up over the teaching of “Imam Al-Nawawi 40 Hadith”?

And let’s look at the optics of this. If we oppose what Muslims can learn or not learn about their own religion, then wouldn’t this invite them to do the same? It will only lead to an endless tit-for-tat. Do we want that?

Let’s not forget that we have freedom of religion in Malaysia, subject to the provisions of the Federal Constitution. If what is taught to students of a particular religious group is beneficial and does not promote division, we should not oppose it.

Similarly, schools also allow students and teachers to take part in non-Islamic activities. Surely we do not want others to tell us how to run these activities, as long as these activities do not adversely impact others. Back in the day, Bible Knowledge was a Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia subject and I didn’t see non-Christians kicking up a fuss about it.

Let’s live and let live. There is no need to get excessively worried about the teaching of “Imam Al-Nawawi 40 Hadith” in schools to a small group of Muslim students. Similarly, Christians in this country do not like to be told how they should practise their faith, much less have the government clamp down on their freedom.

In the spirit of Merdeka, let’s all embrace our diversity and not allow politicians to drive a wedge between us. – August 29, 2023.

* Mary Wong Siew Leng reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.

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Comments

  • Non Muslims should be pro-active and look into the module seriously. If there are elements that condemn non-Muslims, the module should be criticised. For example, we do not want the module to condemn non Muslims as non believers and have no place in heaven. Who has the right to say this? Not even the Muslims as this is the prerogative of God.

    Posted 2 years ago by T E · Reply

  • Keep Islamic related studies out of normal schools as there already a Agama and other related Islamic study related schools. Keep National schools free from all religious studies....it should be pure subject related and languages.....

    Posted 2 years ago by Crishan Veera · Reply

    • ..... and they were perplexed why Malays study in vernacular schools ....

      Posted 2 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply

  • Ever wondered why the "Golden Age of Islamic Science" came to an end?

    Because the later caliphs promoted the study of theology and elevated the status of the "ulamas" and discouraged the study of "falsafah".

    Even the muslims realized there is no hope as many quit tertiary education to become gig workers.

    Posted 2 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply

  • Instead, go and control and revisit all these Agama schools syllables and teachings as of late, the opposition has risen due to the fact of their teachings towards their weaker audience. National type school MUST be for ALL and not inclusive....this includes revisiting higher educations as well. This is just the tip of the bigger iceberg.....

    Posted 2 years ago by Crishan Veera · Reply