A Comparison

the single exception of Sir Syed), opposed this system of education. They began giving speeches against it. Some called it a “slaughterhouse.” Others attached mocking verses to it, such as: “Pharaoh was never disgraced by killing children, Alas, he never thought of building colleges.” Most Muslims did not take part in this system of education. Those who enrolled often left midway. The result of this opposition was that Muslims fell at least two hundred years behind other communities in education. Today, the root of nearly all the problems Muslims face lies in this backwardness. Lack of education leaves people unaware, and a community without awareness can expect nothing but ruin in this world. Now consider another example. After the Second World War in 1945, Japan was defeated. America then took complete control of Japan—politically, militarily, and administratively. After this defeat, Japan found itself entirely under American authority. The U.S. forcibly disarmed Japan and brought sweeping changes to its education system. In December 1945, Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) issued key directives about education, with the specific aim of eliminating militarism and weakening the nationalist spirit of the Japanese people. Many wartime teachers were removed from service. Religion and politics were completely separated. Shinto