We will not accept any initiative to change the nature of madrasas: Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani

New Delhi, April 16 – Against the backdrop of recent rulings of Allahabad High Court affecting the UP Madarsa Board and governmental actions in Assam targeting Islamic Madarsas, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind convened a crucial conference in New Delhi. The gathering brought together hundreds of vice-chancellors and rectors from influential Islamic Madarsas across Uttar Pradesh.

Presiding over the conference on 'Protection of Madarsas,' Jamiat Ulam-i-Hind President Maulana Mahmood Asa'd Madani underscored the steadfast resistance against any attempts to alter the core identity of Madrasas. Leaders from over 100 prominent Madarsas, including Darul Uloom Deoband, Darul Uloom Waqf Deoband, and Mazahir Uloom, Saharanpur, participated in this significant event held at the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind's headquarters in New Delhi.

In his presidential address, Maulana Madani highlighted the indispensable role of Madrasas in preserving religious traditions and nurturing spiritual leaders. He emphasized the need for a unified strategy to counter the current adversarial stance of various governmental bodies, while advocating for the preservation of Madrasas' integrity alongside adaptation to contemporary educational standards. He also proposed the establishment of an independent education board akin to ICSE to elevate educational quality.

Various speakers, including Maulana Muhammad Sufian Qasmi, Rector of Darul Uloom Waqf, emphasized financial transparency and the establishment of primary schools alongside Madrasas. They praised Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind's leadership and urged collaborative efforts with institutions like Darul Uloom Deoband to formulate pragmatic solutions.

Maulana Mufti Muhammad Rashid Azmi, Vice Rector of Darul Uloom Deoband, stressed the pivotal role of Madrasas in preserving Islamic teachings, cautioning against reliance on government financial assistance. Members of Darul Uloom Deoband and other esteemed personalities echoed similar sentiments, invoking the historical contributions of religious scholars like Maulana Qasim Nanotawi and Hazrat Sheikh Al Hind in advancing modern education.

After extensive deliberations, the conference unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the hostile behavior of government institutions towards Madarsas and calling for concerted efforts to uphold their dignity and importance.

Furthermore, the formation of a committee to explore the establishment of an independent education board and a permanent committee to oversee Madrasa affairs was announced. Attendees, representing a diverse spectrum of religious scholars, reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the autonomy and integrity of Madrasas.

Key suggestions included prioritizing fundamental contemporary education for children aged 6 to 14, adherence to hostel regulations, meticulous documentation of property ownership, and operating under the auspices of a trust or society. Additionally Maulana Rahmtaullah Meer, Maulana Niaz Ahmad Farooqui, Maulana Afzalur Rahman Sheikh Al Hadith Madrasa Ashraf Al Madaris Hardoi, Maulana Shah Abdul Rahim, Rector of Madrasa Riaz Uloom Gureni Jaunpur, and other prominent figures offered their insights. The proceedings were conducted by General Secretary Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi.