The Islamic Model Institute’s struggle highlights the need for collective vision and support amidst financial constraints and personal grudges

The emphasis Islam places on education remains a distinct feature in the history of humankind. From the Islamic perspective, man’s journey in this world didn’t begin in darkness or ignorance but under full light and guidance from the Creator. Knowledge was the first quality bestowed upon man, distinguishing him from and, in the light of the Holy Quran, making him superior to all other creations.
Education is among those fundamental qualities indispensable for the healthy progress and development of any civilization. While other systems and ideologies may consider education as one of the various needs of man, Islam prioritized it as the first requirement. However, education is not just about teaching and learning processes; it is a divine process through which nations attain self-realization, nourishing and polishing the thoughts of individuals who constitute a nation.
Education helps in handing down civilizations and cultural heritage to posterity, instilling in them respect and admiration for life’s divine objectives. It is for this reason that the very first verses revealed upon Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) begin with the word “Iqra,” meaning “read.” Quran and Sunnah have given education a special preference, bestowing many blessings upon man.
There are two types of people: some are ‘educated,’ while others are ‘civilized.’ In our society, those who have passed different courses from colleges and universities are known as educated. It doesn’t matter whether they have become civilized through education or not; they get the tag of ‘civilized people’ free of cost. However, ‘civilized people’ are those with an understanding of things and situations, those with vision regardless of whether they are college or university graduates. Civilized people are those who do more than futile oppositions and useless criticism.
To substantiate this point, let me share a story about my school in Pathan, Pulwama, where I studied up to 8th standard. Islamic Model Institute came into existence when there was no school in our area. Students had to travel ten kilometres to attend school. It was a long distance, with no transport service available at that time. During that time, some individuals established a school in our village where both religious and modern education was imparted. They did not establish it for personal benefit but for the people’s benefit. They worked day and night, even doing manual labour to build walls and carrying construction materials on their shoulders from a long distance. They were visionaries, and I call them civilized people.
In the complex interplay of education and civilization, the story of the Islamic Model Institute in Pathan, Pulwama, unfolds as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by educational institutions. Today, as this school stands at a crucial juncture, its plea is not just for financial support but for a united front against adversity.
The Urgent Call for Unity: A School’s Plea
The Islamic Model Institute, a beacon of education in a region with limited access, finds itself in a precarious situation. While its historical contributions are lauded, the present demands a collective response from the community it served. The school’s plea is clear: unity over personal grudges. Despite producing doctors, engineers, teachers, and administrators, the Institute faces a formidable challenge. Government requirements for registration, coupled with financial constraints, endanger its continuity. This moment demands not only financial assistance but a collective understanding of the school’s historical significance.
As the institute calls for support, the response from some educated individuals is not one of unity but criticism, rooted in personal issues with the school management. The essence of being ‘civilized’ is questioned as personal grudges overshadow the collective cause of sustaining an institution that has been a lifeline for education. The prevailing narrative raises profound questions about the priorities of the ‘educated.’ In a time when the Institute needs support, the emphasis should be on unity and understanding, transcending personal grievances. The only thing needed for its survival is the people’s support.
Instead of providing a helping hand, many of the educated people of the village started criticizing the school authorities for their management. I have come to know that these people have personal problems with the school management who, despite many hurdles, are trying hard to impart religious education along with modern education. Now these ‘educated people’ are working to sort out their personal issues rather than joining hands for a larger cause. These are the people who, despite being ‘educated,’ are ‘uncivilized.’ For these people, degrees and certificates matter, not intellect and development.
A Plea for Collective Vision: Unite for the Future
In conclusion, the plight of the Islamic Model Institute extends beyond its immediate challenges. It becomes a symbolic plea for a collective vision of unity, transcending personal grudges for the sake of a brighter educational future. Today, the demand is not just for financial aid but for a united community that values education as a shared responsibility. This narrative encourages a reflection on the role of education in society and emphasizes that, in the face of challenges, unity is the key to preserving the invaluable legacy of institutions like the Islamic Model Institute.
The writer is a Junior Resident SKIMS MCH and can be reached at [email protected]. Views expressed are the writer’s own.

Dr Fazal ul Haq Wani