TRADITIONAL MUSLIM CLASSES IN MAINSTREAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS A Descriptive Study of the Madrasah Education Program Implemented in Selected Public Elementary Schools in Quezon City

Abstract

In a predominantly non-Muslim community, how is the Muslim culture being preserved? A mainstream non-Islamic area like Quezon City preserves Muslim culture through the implementation of madrasah classes where Muslim youth are taught Arabic language and Islamic values in addition to the secular classes in public elementary schools. Madrasah is an Arabic word for school. In this paper, madrasah is not used in its literal Arabic meaning, but as a system of education with the main emphasis on the Arabic language and Islamic values. This study is an attempt to find out how the madrasah education program is being implemented, as well as the significant role it provide and its impact among the Muslim youth. To explore the effectiveness of the madrasah education program, this researcher surveyed 71 madrasah students out of the 86 sample size in selected schools in District 2 Quezon City. Based on this study, the institution of madrasah transmits culture that reflects religion, language and values. Also, the importance of this program lies in its goal to foster a greater understanding between Muslims and Christian Filipinos and to reinforce a Filipino national identity. This study recommends continuing this program because it is the right of every child to be given a quality education irrespective of religion or culture.