Darul Uloom, the primary centre of Islamic education in Deoband, finds itself at the centre of controversy once again. This time, the institution has issued an order that has left many in a state of disbelief. The new decree stipulates that no student will be allowed to acquire knowledge of English or any other foreign language while studying at Darul Uloom. Any student who disobeys the order will face immediate expulsion.
The directive, issued by the head of the education department at the Islamic educational institution Darul Uloom, Maulana Hussein Haridwari, states that students will not be permitted to learn English or any other foreign language while enrolled at Darul Uloom. If a student is found not complying with the order, or secretly learning another language, they will be expelled from the institution. The order also warns of strict action against students found in their rooms during class hours or leaving the classroom before the end of the session. The new directive has caused unrest among students who are not only studying at Darul Uloom for a better future but are also enrolled in courses such as English or Computer Science.
In a council meeting held at the Masjid Rasheedia two days ago, the chief instructor of Darul Uloom and the national president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Maulana Arshad Madani, advised the students on this matter. He made it clear that while the madrasa is a place for religious education, it is not a stepping stone for secular pursuits.
He urged students to first become well-versed religious scholars and then consider professions such as doctor, engineer, or lawyer.
He emphasised that trying to ride two boats at once often leads to disastrous outcomes.
This unexpected language policy has sparked debate, particularly among students aiming for a diverse educational experience and a competitive edge in the global job market. As the matter continues to unfold, the overall impact of this decision remains to be seen.
