The Devotion of Life — Page 106
106 In my opinion, a system should have been adopted whereby these children were given extra tuition during vacations to gain knowledge of the Holy Quran and the Ahadith and learn the art of debating through speeches by Maulvi Hakeem Nooruddin Sahib and by Maulvi Syed Muhammad Ahsan Sahib. At least two hours should have been dedicated for this training. I am certain that the system of knowledge verbally was in force in the past and even medicine used to be taught in this manner. With the verbal system of education, children learn to speak with confidence and learn to address the public, especially when the teacher is learned and articulate. Sometimes, the benefits of the verbal system far exceed the publication of thousands of books. Therefore, it is important to organise this. They should be taught during their holiday. The Holy Quran should be recited to them regularly and its meanings and explanations should be given with the support of Ahadith. They should be taught the answers to objections that are raised by the Christians and the facts of Christianity should be explained to them thoroughly so that they are fully aware. Similarly, they should be taught about the objections raised by atheists and the Aryas and their rebuttals. This should be organised systematically; some of it one week and some of it in the next week. I am sure that if this can be organised, they will gain in abundance. Mere acquaintance with Arabic language is not sufficient. When the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was not born, what effect did this language have on the character, habits and religion of the Arabs? And, what benefit has this language given to Syria and Egypt now? It is true that if Arabic is learned well, it will help one to understand the Holy Qur’an and one may understand the esoteric and exoteric realities contained in