So most of the students, who speak Urdu and English, barely understand anything they're memorizing.
I had formerly assumed that Arabic language classes were part and parcel of the memorization project, kind of the one benefit that could be expected to accompany the drudgery.
It's pretty amazing to compare this to the Talmudic study that Jews undertake - where comprehension is key and learning at least three languages is standard.
I guess that's why when I have been to two different Islamic wedding receptions, the fathers, in their customary little speech (which everyone of 500 people almost completely ignored and talked through - both times) recited some Koranic verses in Arabic, and then complained that there is not enough understanding of the Koran, and that when it is read they don't even know what it is saying.
I got the feeling that these particular Muslims don't take the religious aspect very seriously and that to them, at least, it appears to be more a cultural thing. Can't say for sure, though.
Cordially,