Actress Speaks Out Against Abuse in Religious Institutions
Veteran Pakistani actress and social commentator Bushra Ansari has voiced deep sorrow and concern following the alleged death of a 12-year-old child at the hands of a madrassa teacher in Swat. The incident, involving reported torture by a religious instructor, has sparked national outrage and renewed scrutiny of conditions within many religious seminaries across Pakistan.
Bushra Ansari, known for her candid views on social issues, issued a strong call for urgent reforms, including tighter regulation of madrassas and more active parental involvement.
A Call for State Accountability and Oversight
Speaking on the matter, Ansari emphasized that the state must no longer remain silent. She stressed the importance of mandatory registration and close monitoring of all religious institutions. “The time has come for the state to play its role in these matters,” she said.
Ansari highlighted the fact that in several seminaries, unqualified and inexperienced teachers are assigned the task of imparting religious education through fear rather than understanding. “This is completely against the teachings of Islam,” she asserted, expressing her dismay over the distorted practices being carried out under the guise of religious instruction.
Criticism of Unqualified Religious Instructors
She further elaborated on the lack of qualifications among many madrassa teachers, stating that most are only trained to memorize verses without understanding them. “These individuals memorize verses by rote and become clerics, after which they are given jobs and housing in madrassas,” she explained. “They receive free provisions on Eid and other important days, but they do not embody genuine love for the religion.”
According to her, this system not only fosters ignorance but also promotes a culture of fear, which is in direct contradiction to the spirit of Islam. She passionately questioned the nature of such coercive religious education, adding, “What kind of religious education is this where there is so much oppression?”
Teach Love, Not Fear
Ansari’s remarks were deeply emotional as she described videos showing madrassa students trembling in fear while studying. “For God’s sake, don’t scare children away from Allah; teach them to love Allah,” she urged.
Her criticism extended to prominent scholars and clerics who, according to her, should take responsibility for the current state of religious education. She pointed out that those who regularly appear on television and digital platforms should not merely preach, but also take an active role in regulating madrassas and training teachers.
Parents Also Share Responsibility
In a heartfelt appeal, Ansari did not spare parents from blame. She emphasized that parents must take greater responsibility for their children’s safety and emotional well-being. “Parents are equally at fault,” she said. “Have mercy on your children. Don’t blindly follow what any cleric or teacher tells you. Listen to your children and pay attention to their fears.”
She also shared a personal memory, recalling that her own father refused to send her to a madrassa after witnessing the use of physical punishment in such institutions. Instead, he chose to teach her the Quran in English at home, prioritizing understanding over tradition.
Bushra Ansari’s powerful message has resonated across social media, with many praising her for highlighting an issue that is often shrouded in silence. Her demand for systemic reform, along with a cultural shift toward compassion and proper education, reflects growing concern about the state of religious learning in the country.
