MUMBAI – In a heartening development for the Muslim community, 178 students from over ten madrasas in Mumbai and its surrounding areas have excelled in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations this year. These students have not only completed intensive Islamic education, including Hifz (memorization of the Qur’an) and Alimiyat (Islamic scholarship), but have also simultaneously pursued mainstream academic studies, exemplifying the possibility of integrating religious devotion with modern knowledge, reported the Clarion.
Among the standout institutions is Jamia Arabia Meraj-ul-Uloom in Cheeta Camp, which saw 75 students succeed in the SSC exams. Maulana Muhammad Zahid Qasmi, a senior scholar from the madrasa, revealed that the successful students included 33 Huffaz, 18 in advanced Arabic studies, and 24 who had memorised 15 to 20 paras of the Qur’an. These students also attended Ideal High School and Azad High School. “Their success proves that Islamic education and modern academics can coexist,” he said.
Darul Uloom Mehboob Subhani in Kurla contributed 28 students who successfully cleared the SSC. All of them are engaged in Hifz and Alimiyat courses, with academic support from night schools run by the Workers Educational Service League in Nagpara.
Darul Uloom Imdadiya in Chuna Bhatti reported six successful SSC candidates. Trustee Maulana Mahmood Khan Daryabadi lauded the commitment of the students to their dual curriculum. Similarly, three students from Darul Uloom Muhammadiya, also attending Nagpara’s night school, passed with distinction.
Madrasa Khadijatul Kubra celebrated the success of 23 students — 17 boys and 6 girls. Maulana Altaf Rahmani emphasized the importance of inclusive education regardless of gender.
Under the supervision of former Deputy Mayor Saghir Dange, Madrasa Ashraf Uloom in Nalasopara saw 22 students clear the SSC exams, including 8 Hifz students and 14 Alimiyat students. Dange explained that the students also study at the Zilla Parishad High School located in the same premises, gaining both scientific and spiritual knowledge. This is the madrasa’s fourth batch appearing for the SSC, continuing a strong tradition of academic excellence.
Jamiatul Abrar in Wasai also marked its third successful batch, with eight students clearing the exams. Superintendent Maulana Shamim Akhtar Nadvi expressed pride and commitment to further progress.
The leaders of these institutions expressed deep satisfaction over the outcome and stressed the importance of continuing this balanced educational model. “This success is the result of dedication from students and unwavering support from teachers,” said Maulana Zahid Qasmi. “It dispels the misconceptions surrounding madrasas and shows the potential of Muslim students when given equal opportunities.”
A student from Madrasa Ashraf Uloom summed it up best: “We learn the Qur’an and also science. It’s vital to keep our faith strong and prepare for the world ahead.”
This remarkable academic performance stands as a rebuttal to widespread stereotypes about madrasas, highlighting a growing trend of progress, empowerment, and educational excellence in the Indian Muslim community.
