| This qualitative, phenomenological research was conducted to study the causes of increased intolerance in the politically and religiously volatile environment of Pakistan, and if they can be linked to an education system that is rooted in the incumbent madrassah culture, particularly in rural Pakistan. Religious seminaries known as madrassahs have received heavy funding from oil-rich kingdoms such as Saudi Arabia, raising the concern that perhaps a strict Wahabi interpretation of Islam is being propagated in Pakistan through these seminaries (Ali, 2009). Wahabi Islam has been indicted in the spread of intolerant attitudes among Muslims across the world because of its elitist ideology (Ali, 2009). It is a puritanical movement within Islam that started in the 18th century in the Eastern Arabian territories that are now part of Saudi Arabia. Wahabi Islam is characterized by dogmatism and intolerance of divergent views (Eittriem, 2006). Increased incidents of intolerance as manifested in acts of violence have been noted in Pakistan's recent political history (Hoodbhoy, 2009). Sectarian conflict also appears to be linked to madrassah culture (Ali, 2009). This study focuses on the curricula of the madrassahs as educational institutions and attempts to throw light on the potential causes of increased violence and intolerance. |
