In another study by Stern, principals of Madrassas were interviewed. At one school, the Jamia Manzoor ul Islamyia – with an enrolment of about 550 students – the principal was asked if he had a favourite book. His response was the “Koran.” When asked about a popular Sufi singer – Nusrat Fatah Ali Khan – his response was “I don’t need music. Music is for those who have an addiction within them.” Questioned about Albert Einstein, the principal remarked “that he saw no need for science.” Stern met two children who wanted to become doctors. Embarrassed, the principal remarked “by the time I've worked on them for a year, they will want to be Mujahideen too.”
After being indoctrinated at a Madrassa, many students go on to further their fundamentalist education at militant training camps. A typical day at these camps begins at 4:00 am, with prayers and a small breakfast consisting of bread and tea. This is followed by a full day of rigorous drills teaching the manufacturing of bombs, and the use of sniper rifles, rocket launchers, and communications equipment. This daily process is interrupted for only a single meal – consisting of rice – and daily prayers. Sports, music, and literature are forbidden, and only pre-screened newspapers are allowed to be read. The final exam for this programme consists of a three-day hike through rugged mountainous terrain with no food or sleep. The best of these graduates are selected for ‘martyrdom’.
The implications of this systematic indoctrination are vast and dangerous. As stated by one Mujahid, “A person addicted to heroin can get off it if he really tries, but a Mujahid cannot leave the jihad. I am spiritually addicted to the jihad.” Another Mujahid stated that “we won’t stop – even if India gave us Kashmir… we’ll also bring jihad here. There is already a movement here to make Pakistan a pure Islamic state. Many preach Islam, but most of them don’t know what it means. We want to see a Taliban-style regime here.”
http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/publication/faultlines/volume16/Article3.htm
Cults and Terrorism, Part 1 – The Problem of Definition
The is the first article of a six-part series on Cults and Terrorism. Throughout the week, the remaining articles will be published; Cults and Terrorism – Lessons of History will follow.
http://brainblogger.com/2010/05/23/cults-and-terrorism-part-1-the-problem-of-definition/