Education System of Ismaili Community of Pakistan

Abstract

This paper attempts to explore the education system of the Ismaili community of Pakistan, its historical evolution and influence on the community within the social setup of Pakistan.
The Ismaili community is one of the branches of Shia Islam, headed by the hereditary Imam – the Aga Khan. It adheres to its own interpretation of Islam but shares the Islamic value system with other segments of Muslim Ummah. Education is considered to be one of the most important fundamental values of Islam. The purpose of acquiring education in the Islamic context, as mentioned by the Aga Khan,1 is not only for material improvement, but also to better understand Allah’s creation. It has a role in developing humankind, helping them to live fully as rational beings. Further, it enables the community to differentiate the right from wrong. Education is also supposed to inculcate critical faculty among learners in order to enable them to think freely and challenge some of the negative stereotypes.