TEACHERS' ROLE IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROMOTION AT SECONDARY LEVEL: A SURVEY STUDY OF TEHSIL KALLAR SYEDAN

Abstract

Religious education fosters tolerance and contributes to a better human society, yet students are growing more modern and religious instruction is becoming less important. This study investigated the role of teachers in promoting religious education among secondary school students in Tehsil Kallar Syedan, District Rawalpindi, Punjab, focusing on five dimensions: basic concepts of Islam, ethics and beliefs, moral values, religious events, and religious leaders. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. The population comprised secondary school teachers in Tehsil Kallar Syedan. Using simple random sampling, teachers were selected as the sample. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was developed and validated by educational experts. Reliability was established through Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.78). Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and mean scores. Results showed that 64% teach Tawhid (M=3.91); 86% teach belief in Prophets and finality of Muhammad (PBUH) (M=4.23); 84% teach truth as base of good life (M=4.91); 97% teach about Eid-ul-Fitr (M=4.58); and 97% teach about Hazrat Umar Farooq (M=4.54). The study concludes that secondary school teachers in Tehsil Kallar Syedan play a significant and comprehensive role in promoting religious education across all five dimensions. Recommendations include emphasizing practical implications of Islamic concepts, reinforcing essential beliefs, promoting good character, and teaching about religious leaders as role models.