Life strategies and plans of young Muslims who receive religious education (Results from the field-study in the madrasah of the Republic of Tatarstan)

Abstract

The paper offers an analysis of phenomenon of Islamic education. There is argued that the theoretical and historical analysis of this phenomenon prevails in comparison to the practical field studies. The author analyzed the present state of religious education in the Republic of Tatarstan as well as the problems, which arise in this context. It has been identified the role of religious education in the young Muslims formation. The author also traces the influences of madrasas on their students’ family values as well as employment prospects. The rich field material was collected from the 10 interviews given by the full-time students (shakirds) of 4th and 5th academic years. The answers received made clear the basic differences between the males and females in their view on the life values and career. Young females appear to be more family-centered and plan to use the religious education they have received to facilitate in the future the upbringing and education of children. They set family values above educational and professional goals. However, the life strategies of young males vary to a significant extent. Some have already clear plans to continue their religious education and see their future employment in various spheres of Islamic worship. On the contrary others still do not have clearly shaped plans for future and do not plan to continue religious education. The system of Muslim religious education has some disadvantages in comparison to the secular education. The goals of religious education are not always clearly set, there are no prospects for further education and career, which is often reflected in unwillingness of the students to stick to the professional career in religious sphere.