Below is a summary of what students learn under the
subject of History in Malaysian schools. This was brought up in a recent NECF
conference.
SUMMARY OF
SEJARAH TEXTBOOK FOR FORM 4 (A SUBJECT MADE COMPULSORY FOR ALL STUDENTS, MUSLIMS
AND NON MUSLIMS ALIKE)
1.
There are 10 chapters to
be covered in Form 4, out of which 5 bulky chapters are devoted to Islamic
history and civilization. These chapters are categorized as
follows:-
(a) The rise of Islamic Civilization and its spread in
Makkah;
(b) The Islamic Government in
Madinah;
(c)
The Formation of the
Islamic Government and Its Contribution;
(d) Islam in
South East Asia;
(e) The Development and Influence of Islam Before the
Arrival of the West
These 5 chapters would easily represent half a year of study for the
students.
2.
There is detailed study of
the life of Muhammad (pg 102 107). Muhammad is repeatedly extolled throughout for his
brilliance, strategic thinking great leadership, consideration, lovingness,
patience, perseverance, integrity, high morale courage etc. Students are
repeatedly exhorted to EMULATE Muhammad as a role model in life (pg 106, 111,
124, 133, 137, 138). Muhammad’s struggle should be extolled because it resulted
in the spread of Islam (pg 110)
The formation of a successful community by Muhammad
should be emulated by the Malaysian society.
3.
Many Islamic viewpoints
and beliefs are written as FACTS.
(a) Islam is the gift of Allah to the human race (page
99);
(b) The revelations Muhammad received are from Allah (pg
107);
(c)
Mohammad received orders
from Allah to propagate the Islamic faith, at first secretly and subsequently,
openly and to go to war against the Quraisy Arabs i e. each strategy being
directed by Allah (pg 109).
4.
Islam is painted as an
attractive religion which appeals to many people thereby resulting in many
converting in confidence (even at risk of torture). The textbook is not merely
written as a matter of historical events (as a history text should be) but as a
literature premised on the beliefs of the Muslims about the truth and the
greatness of Islam:-
(a) Islam gives equal treatment to all people (pg 110
128);
(b) Islam can be
accepted by many people because of the purity of its teaching (pg
110),
(c)
The struggles of Islam are
described as “pure” (pg 112);
(d) Islam’s economic principles are described as
emphasizing fairness, integrity, consideration and generosity (pg
l28);
(e) There is social justice under Islam (pg
128);
(f)
Syariah law is just,
complete and perfect and can be followed by all communities (pg
128);
(g) The conversion of Arab
leaders (Khalid bin al Walid, Amru bin al As and Uthman bin Talhah) to Islam in
629 AD is described as an act done after rational investigation into the truth
of Islam (pg 133);
(h)
Many
Christians in Europe were described as being attracted to the uniqueness of
Islam against the background of a weak Greek Orthodox Church during the
Byzantine
Government (pg 162-163);
(i)
Islamic
social policies based on individual excellence described as being attractive
to European Christians resulting in many Christians converting to Islam
during the
Ottoman Empire (pg 163);
(j)
Islam is described as a
religion that is easily acceptable and not confined to any race, nation or
geography. Islam does not destroy the local culture and way of life (pg 165
);
(k)
The uniqueness of Islam
is being emphasized (pg 185) - the purity of Islamic teaching encompasses all
areas of life thereby attracting many people to embrace Islam
5.
Islam is advocated as a
religion suitable as the basis for a multi-racial nation.
(a) The elements of Islam are
practical for a multi racial nation. The multi racial community in Madinah
governed by the Madinah Charter is cited as an example of this
success;
(b) The
formation of an Islamic government in Madinah shows that Islam can be
practiced in
a wholesome daily living.
6.
Teachings
on Islamic beliefs are included in many places although this should not be
made part of
a historical text!!
(a) Circumstances when war is
allowed in Islam (pg 129 - 130) and principles of warfare in Islam (pg
130);
(b) Islam encourages its
followers to be hard working, find halal occupation, not to beg, to enter business and practice halal
elements in business e.g. no charging of interest, exploitation,
cheating, to be prudent, persevere
(c)
Islamic
concepts in a paragraph "The Uniqueness of Islam" - concept of God Almighty, fairness,
individual rights and community rights, harmonious living, moral purity, concept
of happiness in this life and thereafter. These are stated as the factors Islam spread widely in South East
Asia. Islam requires rational thinking and therefore is accepted by all
levels of society. (pg 185)
Historical
Reliability?
(a)
Islam spread because of
Muhammad's brilliant way of propagating the faith - by persuasion, not by force,
by explanation and showing good example. (pg 110);
(b)
Muhammad
used diplomacy and positive values in spreading the religion (pg 129);
(c) Islam does not spread by force but by tolerance and
on voluntary basis(pg 131, 133, 136);
(d)
World history concerning
spread of Islam to Europe written from Islamic point of view,
(e)
Islamic civilization &
knowledge contributed towards Renaissance and Industrial Revolution in
Europe.
So...who is telling the story here? History....Whose-story?
| 
