Education solution to poverty & terrorism

Some quarters have expressed the fear the Madaris or Muslim learning institutions in Mindanao may have been penetrated by Islamic terrorist groups. To begin with, we want to make it clear that the problem with terrorism in the Philippines is not an exclusively Muslim problem. There are terrorist groups in the Christian parts of the country. It just so happened that the kidnapping activities of the Abu Sayyaf got world attention because the victims were kidnapped from Malaysia and the victims were foreigners. But there is kidnapping even in Metro Manila.

There is now a world war against terrorists but all are agreed that ignorance and poverty are the real causes of terrorism. For this reason, we are deeply concerned with the state of education in Muslim Mindanao. And here we would like to begin by again quoting our favorite statement of the Prophet Mohammed: "The ink of the scholar is more precious than the blood of the martyrs." It clearly shows the utmost respect that the Islamic religion has for learning.

It is also for this reason that we see the Madaris schools in Mindanao as a great part of the solution to the current Mindanao problem. It is not enough to beat the kidnappers and terrorists in military battle. Most important is to educate the neglected sectors of Mindanao, first, by providing them with the necessary education that they will need so that they can help themselves improve their lot. A Muslim who practices the tenets of Islam and a Christian who truly follows the teachings of Christ will have absolutely no problems getting along with one another. Both religions preach that all men are brothers.

The Abu Sayyaf happens to be composed of Muslims. But they are plain bandits. Their banditry is not condoned by their own religion. The same thing can be said for terrorist groups in the Christian parts of our archipelago.

It is possible that the al-Queda may be trying to infiltrate the Madaris schools in Mindanao. The most important thing is to determine the institutions that are financing and supervising these schools. It is a truism that who pays for the orchestra calls the tune.

We see schools as the prime solution to the problem of poverty and terrorism. Some quarters are apprehensive that the Mindanao Madaris schools may become part of the problem. We feel confident that the truth will prevail in these Islamic schools. Islam condemns terrorism. When we meet we say, "Hello." They say, "Assalamu Alaikoom," which means "Peace!"