In educational institutions, only worldly education
is imparted to the children, and its result is that the intellect is develop,
and the more important part of man, the spirit, is neglected. This purely
intellectual education makes man an atheist, and his ideas are confined to the
material world only. The higher world of the spirit -- and there is no doubt
even in this materialistic age, that such a world does exist -- is entirely
shut to them.
Religion is very important for our souls. So
without religion, there can be no secure foundation for morals, either, Religion
raises and ennobles man, and it should form an essential part of a Young men education. In Pakistan, unfortunately, the circumstances are very peculiar.
There are so many religions here that it is not possible to teach them all in
our schools. The government has wisely adopted the policy of non-interference in
the religious of the people, -and hence it is neutral in the matter of religious instruction. But all the same, the need of religious instruction is being
greatly felt. It should to hand in hand with training in material science. Some
moral instruction -is given in material sciences. Some moral instruction is
given is schools by means of readers and lectures, but that is not enough. In
order to be of practical use it must be based on religion.
In denominational schools, started and maintained
by the various religious communities, the Brelvis, the Shias, the Ahl-i-Hadith,
and the Christians, religious education is given according to the tents of the
particular faith of that community which supports it. But this training is
unfortunately imparted on narrow sectarian lines, and has not succeeded in its
object.
All religious training worth the name must be broad
based on a spirit of toleration., The first principle which should be taught to
every child is to respect the religious susceptibilities of others, and to honor
the prophets of other religions. Mutual toleration and a broad-minded sympathy
and respect for other faiths should be an essential part of religious
instruction. Without it, it will degenerate into narrow sectarianism and foster
bitterness and fanaticism. Let us teach young men the doctrines and practice of
their religion, but let them imbibe the truly religious spirit which inculcates
universal love, and removes all hatred and narrow bigotry from the mind.
'T is religion that can give
Sweetest pleasures
while we live;
T is religion must supply
Solid comforts when we die.