New Delhi: Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani has strongly condemned the reported remarks of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, in which madrasas were allegedly described as “hubs of terrorism.” Calling the statement “the height of communalism and prejudice,” Maulana Madani said such remarks were irresponsible, provocative, and unbecoming of a person holding a constitutional office.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Maulana Madani said that branding madrasas as centres of terrorism was not only an affront to India’s religious and scholarly heritage but also contrary to the spirit of the Constitution of India, which guarantees equality before law, equal rights for all citizens, and respect for all religions and traditions.
He said that only a person “unaware of the history of India and its madrasas, and whose thinking is clouded by prejudice,” could make such allegations. Labelling millions of educational institutions, along with their students, teachers, and graduates, as terrorists was highly condemnable and amounted to an attempt to disturb social harmony, he added.
Highlights role of madrasa scholars in freedom struggle
Referring to the historical contribution of madrasas, Maulana Madani said that scholars trained in these institutions were among the earliest participants in India’s freedom movement and made immense sacrifices for the country. He said they endured imprisonment, exile, and oppression under British colonial rule but refused to compromise on the cause of national freedom.
He particularly highlighted the role of Darul Uloom Deoband, saying its scholars and students played a significant part in the struggle against British rule. He described their sacrifices as “a glorious chapter in India’s history that can never be forgotten.”
Maulana Madani also referred to what he termed a “dark chapter” in history, alleging that while Deobandi scholars were fighting colonial rule, certain communal and pro-British leaders of that period had submitted mercy petitions to the British authorities seeking clemency and offering cooperation. He said these petitions were part of the historical record and contrasted them with the sacrifices made by scholars such as Maulana Mahmud Hasan Deobandi, Maulana Hussain Ahmad Madani, and Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi, who, he said, chose imprisonment and exile rather than submission to British rule.
Says madrasas are being targeted for political reasons
The Jamiat chief alleged that madrasas were being repeatedly targeted for electoral and communal considerations. According to him, objections were raised at different times regarding their curriculum, patriotism, and now their alleged links with terrorism. Such actions, he said, reflected a political mindset aimed at promoting hatred, division, and mistrust within society.
He further stated that the office of the Deputy Chief Minister was a constitutional post representing all citizens, irrespective of religion or political affiliation. Public officials, he said, had a responsibility to strengthen unity, trust, and mutual respect rather than make statements that could hurt the sentiments of millions of people and weaken social harmony.
Calls for unity and constitutional values
Concluding his statement, Maulana Madani said that hatred should not be answered with hatred, but that attempts to “distort history, defame madrasas, and spread hatred against Muslims” would continue to be challenged through democratic and constitutional means.
He asserted that India’s strength lay not in “hatred, division, or baseless allegations,” but in its Constitution, justice, democratic values, religious freedom, brotherhood, and the shared legacy of the freedom struggle. Those principles, he said, formed the country’s true national identity and the foundation of its future.
Courtesy: India Tomorrow
