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Will Safeguard Madrasa at any Cost: Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind

UP Govt attempt to Survey Madrasa Smacks of Evil Intention

Two hundreds madarsa rectors from UP gather at Jamiat’s ‘protect Madaris’ conference at Delhi

New Delhi September 6, 2022: The largest socio-religious group, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, declared on Tuesday that they will defend Islamic seminaries at all costs, feeling the UP government's forthcoming survey of madrassas as a malicious attempt to disparage the madrasa education system. It also announced the opening of a helpline for madrassas that encounter any issues and constituted a steering committee to look into the matter.
The UP government's announcement to examine "unrecognised" madrassas prompted Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind to call a meeting of madrasa rectors to assess the implications. More than 200 madrasa representatives, including those from prestigious seminaries like Darul Uloom at Deoband, Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow, Mazahir Uloom, Saharanpur, and others, attended the meeting under the banner of “protecting Madrassas”. They denounced the UP government's attempt to demonise the madrasa, saying it is the country's greatest asset because it was instrumental in the liberation movement and made immeasurable sacrifices.
The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday announced a survey of unrecognized madrassas in the state to gather information about the number of teachers, curriculum, and basic facilities available there, among others. The 12-point survey questionnaire that would be used by the UP government was discussed at the meeting. A power point presentation gave a thorough explanation of the purpose and scope of the survey. In the discussion, it was agreed that the madrasa system's laws and regulations needed internal revision.
The meeting also raises concerns about the government's retrograde mindset, which by adopting a combative approach causes confusion and fear among the populace and builds a barrier of mistrust between the communities. This government's behavior is completely unacceptable. Governments ought to stop this sort of conduct. It pointed out that because madrassas have played a significant historical role in this nation and have consistently made sacrifices for the country. Even today, madrassas continue to benefit the nation by educating youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds and advancing efforts to achieve national literacy rates of 100 percent. Madrassa graduates become sincere and patriotic citizens of their nation.
Actually, it is malicious to refer to madrasa as not adhering to the government system. It is essential to respond with a reasonable approach. Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani, the meeting's organiser and the president of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, voiced these views. Madrasas, according to Maulana Mahmood Madani, are very beneficial. This system, which was provided to us by our elders, is unparalleled worldwide, so it will be safeguarded at all costs. He told the media that a steering committee has been formed for further action.
The steering committee comprising of Maulana Syed Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind; Maulana Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani rector Darul Uloom Deoband; Maulana Muhammad Sufyan Qasmi, rector Darul Uloom Waqf Deoband; Maulana Mufti Muhammad Rashid Azmi, Deputy Mohtmim Darul Uloom Deoband; Maulana Syed Ashhad Rashidi, Mohtamim Jamia Qasmiya Shahi Moradabad; Maualna Ateeq Ahmad Bastawi Lucknow, Maulana Hakimuddin Qasmi, General Secretary of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind; Maulana Niaz Ahmad Farooqui, Secretary Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Maulana Mufti Ashfaq Ahmad Azmi; Mr. Kamal Farooqui, Member, All India Muslim Personal Law Board; Mr. Mujtabi Farooq, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Maulana Syed Azhar Madani, Gangoh and Mahmood Asad Madani, President, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind.
In today's meeting, a three-point plan was also accepted following mutual consultation.
(1) Madrassas' internal systems should have any legal flaws fixed as quickly as possible.
(2) The Jamiat Ulama-i- Hind should set up a helpline and have a team ready to assist the Madrassas in fixing the paperwork.
(3) Madrassas ought to begin offering modern education in NIOS or another format.
Religious seminaries are a sore spot for communal forces, according to Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President Maulana Syed Arshad Madani, thus we should be aware of their motivations. He remarked that while changing the system has its place, we must work hard to ensure that our Madrassas survive. Although we have always made an effort to ensure that our religious institutions operate in peace and cooperation, divisive forces seek to put an end to us and something we won't ever permit.He asserted that the existence of Madrasas is necessary for the country's survival, not for its opposition. Its 1200 year old history attests to the fact that this is where the country has always been built.
According to Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, rector of Darul Uloom Deoband, we should think about improving the internal structure of madrassas, particularly the structure connected to Dar al-Iqama, (hostel), etc. However, one must be cautious of the oppressor's intentions.
The rector of Darul Uloom Waqf Deoband, Maulana Muhammad Sufyan Qasmi, stated that the 100-year history of Jamiat Ulama-i- Hind is proof that it has consistently guided both the country and the community. We anticipate that the Jamiat will guide madrassa through this challenging period. He also advocated creating a helpline in this regard.
Maulana Atiq Ahmad Bastavi, representing the Nazeem-e-Ala of Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama, Maulana Syed Muhammad Rabi Hasni Nadvi, argued that the survey's questionnaire had been included for mischief rather than reform. Therefore, a suitable response should be made to this new evil of communal forces. In this context, he suggested getting in touch with government representatives.
Mufti Muhammad Saleh Naib Nazim Jamia Mazahir Uloom Saharanpur, Maulana Syed Habib Ahmed Bandwi, Mohtamim Jamia Arabia Hathora Banda, Maulana Abdul Rahim Nazim Ala Madrasa Arabia Riaz Uloom Gurini, Mr. Mujtaba Farooq Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Mr. Kamal Farooqui Member of All India Muslim Personnel Law Board, Maulana Mushtaq Ahmed Anfar Assam, Maulana Abdul Qadir Assam, Maulana Ashraf Madrasah Noorul Uloom Partabgarh, Prof. Muhammad Nauman Shah Jahanpuri, Maulana Muhammad Yameen, Preacher from Darul Uloom Deoband, Maulana Asjad Qasmi Lakhimpur, Maulana Sharif Qasmi Deoband, Maulana Aminul Haque Abdullah Kanpur and others also expressed their views and offered suggestions.
In the meeting, Maulana Niaz Ahmad Farooqui, advocate, Supreme Court and the secretary of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, gave a crucial presentation on the current attacks on madrassas in many states and their solutions. General Secretary of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi and Mufti Muhammad Affan Mansoorpuri jointly conducted the meeting's proceedings.
Issued by
Niaz Ahmad Farooqi
Secretary, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind