English Language Teaching in the eyes of Islamic Religious Scholar in the Present day
Now in present times if a person learns English language and literature; So no bad job; Rather, it is an important need of the time and it is expedient to learn it at present; But in this era, there are also some people who, consider learning it as anti-Islamic teachings and criticize the person who teaches learning;
While God’s command is: “And of His verses, the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the differences between your traditions and your colors, indeed in this are verses for the wise.” (Surah Rum: 22) Translation: “And among His signs are the creations of the heavens and the earth and your speech of various kinds, and colors in it are many signs for those who understand.” In the Ayat Karima, the difference of languages is also described as the charisma of nature. All the languages spoken in the world are a miracle of God’s power.
Whether Arabic or Persian, Hindi or Urdu, English or French: all are among the signs of Allah; therefore, learning, reading, writing and speaking any language is not against Sharia; rather, it is the blessing of God.
1. Inclusion of logic and philosophy in the curriculum:
There was a time when logic and philosophy were the source of intellectual and rational errors. The anti-Islamic forces used to raise unreasonable objections to Islam in the light of the sciences of logic and philosophy. Then our forefathers and elders learned, read and understood these arts, and then in the adaptation of Islam, they provided such arguments that they shut down the arguments of the objectors, answered every question in a mushy way and forced them to pick their noses.
Our nobles did not remain silent after learning these sciences; On the contrary, he worked so hard on these sciences that he became the “Imam of Time”, he also wrote and compiled in these arts, which is a valuable asset for consumers today. These arts became an integral part of the curriculum, which is still taught today and is considered as the best means of sharpening the mind.
Therefore, there is a requirement of the present time that English language and literature should be learned, for this the scholars who are ready should take time after leisure, pay attention to it and remove the misunderstandings spread regarding this language. Then we can properly represent and interpret Islam to those people who are unable to understand any language other than English and can also respond appropriately to anti-Islamic writings and speeches.
Great Religious Scholar (Akbar Ulama) and the English Language:
Some people say that “Our elders did not like this language; therefore we do not like it, we do not consider the need for it and we have no place for this language in our hearts.” However, there is nothing like that, the fact is that our scholars advised the scholars to learn this language; it is useful for scholars to study and enroll in colleges and universities, and to teach the learning of this language and literature. In this regard, we quote below the impressions of Great Religious scholars so that their writings come before the eyes:
Hajjat-ul-Islam Maulana Muhammad Qasim Nanotowi Founder: Darul Uloom, Deoband said in a gathering of clerics: “After that (i.e. after completing the educational curriculum of Darul Uloom, Deoband) if the madrasah students go to government madrasas and learn modern sciences. Get it; then it will be more convincing in their perfection.” (Biography of Ghasmi: 2/281)
Raees Tahrir Maulana Mubarak Ahsan Geelani writes a few lines after quoting the above text: “But in this poisonous atmosphere and an environment full of misunderstandings, Sayyiduna Imamul Kabir is not the only one who gave a fatwa on the justification of entering English Madrasahs and getting education. Rather, without any hesitation, they are declaring in the full assembly of clerics that the education of modern sciences by participating in government madrasas will be useful for clerics in shining and advancing scientific excellence.” (Biography of Ghasmi: 2/282)
Maulana Geelani narrates an incident of Hazrat Nanotwi’s Hajj journey as follows: “During the Hajj journey, a European captain of the ship asked religious questions to Sayyiduna Imamul Kabir, which were answered by the “interpreter”. Moderately impressed.. Maulana Nanotwi had then decided that he would try to learn English on his own after reaching India after completing the Hajj; Hazrat Nanotwi felt that direct speech without an interpreter would make the captain Could have been more affected.” (Biography of Qasimi: 2/299)
Hazrat Maulana Rasheed Ahmad Ganguhi (May God blesses him and grant him peace) says about learning the English language: “Learning the English language is right, provided one does not commit a sin and does not harm the religion.” (Fatawa Rashidiyyah 1/64)
Regarding the English language and literature, Hazrat Maulana Abdul Hai Lakhnavi of Farangi Mahal, Lucknow said: “Learning to read the English dictionary or to learn to write English is prohibited if it is for the sake of analogy and if it is for the purpose of being able to read letters written in English and If you can be aware of the subjects of the books, then there is no harm in it. In Mishkaat Sharif, it is said that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ordered Hazrat Zayd bin Thabit (RA) to learn the letter of the Jews (Hebrew) and he did so in a few days.” (Collection of Fatawi Maulana Abdul Hai 2/20)
