Estranged from the Ideal Past: Historical Evolution of Madrassahs in Singapore

Abstract

This article examines the historical evolution of the madrassah in Singapore as against its ideal Islamic past. We argue that a few broad processes have brought the estrangement of the present day madrassah from its ideal concept & practice in the medieval times. First was the nature of Islam that was propagated in the Malay Archipelago. This has to a large extent left certain tendencies in thought, which had stunted reformist movements at a later period. Next was the growing threat of Christian missionary movements which were reinforced by the role of British colonialists in marginalizing & delimiting the development & growth of the madrassah into an integrated educational institution. Last but not least are the secular-based expectations & policies that were implemented by the post-colonial state of Singapore which further relegated the madrassah institution within the mainstream national objectives.