Islamic Pedagogy and Social Integration: Evaluating Its Role in Pakistani Society

Abstract

This paper is a critical analysis of the influence of Islamic education on social cohesion in Pakistan, its ways to examine how religious doctrines, institutional and pedagogic structure determine the collective values and social unity. The Islamic education that is provided by various systems including the public schools, madrassas, and the Islamic studies departments, contributes greatly in shaping the moral conduct, the nation identity, and the social obligation. Although Islamic values are based on justice, peace and unity, the research indicates that differences in curriculum, interpretation and quality of instruction determine the practical results. Islamic education promotes tolerance, ethical behavior and bonding of communities, in certain situations, but in other situations, ideological variance and lack of uniform education standards can add to social disintegration. Through the dissection of these opposite influences, the research paper identifies the possibilities and the obstacles of the Islamic education as the reinforcement of the social cohesion. Policy-based recommendations to the research are recommendations that seek a way to reform the curriculum, training teachers and incorporating homogenous moral values in promoting an integrated more inclusive society in Pakistan.

Keywords: Islamic Education, Social Cohesion, Pakistan, Religious Pedagogy, Curriculum Reform, Social Harmony, Education and Society, Madrassa System