Mufeed Feroke

The antiquity of the Makhtutat (Islamic manuscripts) in the Malabar region of Kerala has been a topic of scholarly debate. Historical records from the Madayi Mosque suggest that Islam reached Kerala as early as the 5th century Hijri. However, historian William Logan interprets these records as referring to the "500s," implying a less precise timeframe. Scholars like Dr. Zakir Hussain have criticized such interpretations, arguing for a more nuanced reading of these historical accounts. Notably, it is acknowledged that the settlers associated with the Madayi Mosque predate those who later migrated to regions like Pullikkal, where evidence of Makhtutat is found on the walls of their homes.

The Madrasa system in Kerala is a well-established and effective educational institution that plays a crucial role in imparting basic religious education to the younger generation. With its clearly defined aims and objectives, structured curriculum, syllabus, and necessary tools, it ensures a smooth and comprehensive educational experience. Notably, this system is designed to allow students to pursue religious studies alongside their modern education in mainstream schools. As a result, nearly every Muslim child in Kerala undergoes madrasa education by the time they reach adolescence, highlighting its significance in the community.One of the fundamental principles of Islam is acquiring and sharing knowledge, which forms the core of Islamic civilization. Muslims across the globe have established various educational institutions at primary and higher levels to educate their communities on the essential principles of the religion and produce knowledgeable scholars. Education, according to Islam, is a powerful tool for resulting positive social change and dispelling ignorance and superstitions. The advent of Islam revolutionized the world and laid the foundation for a glorious civilization and culture. In Kerala, the Madrasa education system brought about significant social change. While the structural form of Madrasas we see today did not exist during the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a strong tradition of learning and teaching was already present.