Theological education in modern Russian society: state and problems (on the example of a school at mosque)

Abstract

The Islamic revival naturally actualized the issue of Muslim education in the post-Soviet space. Moreover, its activation was facilitated by complex and contradictory processes in the religious sphere, in this context, among the followers of the Islamic faith. The growth and strengthening of the ideology of radical Islamism in the public consciousness, especially of the younger generation, the designation of the dominant following of religious precepts in everyday life as opposed to secular laws, destructive actions under the slogans of protecting the "purity" of faith made it necessary to spread religious knowledge that would not threaten the secular foundations of the Russian state. Therefore, the process of developing religious Muslim education in the territories of the historical spread of Islam has acquired special significance, because it was intended to give those who want to receive religious education such knowledge that would not preach inter-religious tolerance, and would not spread radical ideas in Russian society. Empirical data show that the surveyed population positively assesses the quality of education in a school at the mosque, with the argument that they get a good knowledge of the basics of Islam, have the opportunity to learn how to read the Holy text, as well as certain ritual actions that are quite significant for respondents in their daily lives. As well as secular education, religious education also has drawbacks and to improve the state of Islamic education, according to the interviewed expert community, it is necessary to hold Republican conferences, round tables, which will discuss the issues of improving the skills of teachers, organize training courses for teachers of maktabs, provide schools at the mosques with unified educational and methodological literature.