Factors Affecting Transition from School to Madrassa Education: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

Madrassa, a religious educational institution, holds a prominent position in the socialization of religious values, and moral teachings in various academic disciplines. These institutions are products of the socio-cultural and geographical realities of the societies. Growing number in enrollment of students in the Madrassa education system has been noticed in the recent past across the country, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A significant proportion of students are transitioning from contemporary education schools to the Madrassa education system. This transition has provoked the scholarly community to investigate the potential factors behind it. The study employed a qualitative research design; the sample of the study included 30 research respondents consisting of heads of Madrassa, heads of school, students enrolled in Madrassa, and their parents in district Mohmand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Data was collected from the participants through semi-structured interviews and then analyzed thematically according to the qualitative research traditions. The findings of this study revealed a variety of causes behind the phenomenon of transition from school to the Madrassa education system. Among them, the geographical location served as a breeding ground for the mushrooming growth of Madrassas. Similarly, the historical religious tradition that has assimilated into the social and cultural life of the people is identified as another cause. The perception of parents, especially mothers was also identified as another important determinant of the growing number of enrolments in the Madrassa education system.