Science to spirituality: Modern subjects taught in madrasa

Hyderabad: It is a madrasa with a difference. It is not the run-of-the-mill seminary where just Islamic studies and the teachings of the Quran and Hadith are imparted. Along with these basic subjects, the Al Mahad Al Aali Al Islami keeps its pupils abreast with the latest developments in different fields. They know all about micro-blogging, zero finance, digital currency, banking, genetic engineering, finance, and stock exchange. They may not be thorough in these subjects but they have sufficient knowledge about them.

In its 23rd year of establishment, this institute of higher Islamic studies situated at Shaheennagar beyond Barkas is breaking new ground. In keeping with its motto of offering ‘deen with duniya’ (benefits of religion and the material world), Mahad is empowering its students with both religious and modern education. “We want our students to develop well-rounded personalities and emerge as confident and responsible citizens", says Moulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, Mahad founder and also general secretary of All India Muslim Personal Law Board.

Modern subjects are not taboo here. Students are even told about surrogacy and LGBT concepts, something strictly no-no in the conventional madrasas. A fine blend of Islamic and modern education is on display here. Interestingly, students here are encouraged to gain knowledge of other religions like Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Sikhism. The sprawling library of Mahad is home to sacred books of other faiths also.

A strong votary of the English language, Moulana Rahmani believes in adopting a holistic approach to knowledge and is all for the acquisition of ‘Ilm-e-Nafe’ (useful education). He wants the madrasa pupils to have enough modern-day knowledge to face present-day challenges.

Apart from routine studies, Mahad holds workshops, extension lectures, and curricular and co-curricular activities to help students attain intellectual and social growth. Unlike other madrasas, students here are encouraged to explore and clarify their own beliefs and values, speak for themselves, and be in a position to respond to individual and institutional prejudice, both overt and covert, based on gender, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. And in tune with the present times, the institute offers a both on-site and offline mode of learning.

This is not all. The Mahad authorities are doing their best to bridge the gap between ulemas and intellectuals. They plan to have a dialogue with members of the judiciary and civil services. As such from time to time people from different walks of life are invited to the madrasa to see and interact with the Mahad students.

At its 20th graduation ceremony held the other day, invitees were pleasantly surprised by the activities of Mahad and the expertise gained by the students in different spheres of life. Moulana Salahuddin Saifi, a motivational speaker from Gujarat, who was the chief guest, was taken aback by the knowledge and skills of the oratory displayed by the Mahad students.

Alumni who have made a name in other fields were facilitated on the occasion. Syed Mustafa Hashmi, the Hyderabad student who cracked the civil services exam, was honored along with a couple of journalists and doctors. Later in the evening, more than a hundred students were given away certificates at the 20th convocation ceremony.