FROM A MAKTAB TO THE UNIVERSITY
Muzamil Jaleel (G.K.)
Bandipora, a township with peculiar scenic beauty is located in the foothills of the snow clad peaks of Harmukh overlooking the shores of Wular has produced hundreds, of scholars and intellectuals. Before 1947, this town was a big trade and literary centre of Kashmir. But after 47s episode this township was continuously neglected and thus turned into a far-flung, backward area, still this township retained its literary tastes and the literary rate of this township is the highest in the J&K State.
Bandipora, the birthplace of great Historian Hassan Khoehami, has been out of news for decades together but now this township is coming in the limelight because of the activities of the Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah. It is being upgraded into a full-fledged Islamic University on the pattern of Darul Uloom Deoband in the heart of the township.
The Nazim (Admistrator) of Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah, claims that this Islamic University, will be the first of its kind in Jammu and Kashmir.
Maulana Rahmatullah says that this University will consist of three main wings, that is, Hadees college, (Hadees-sayings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) Tafseer college (Tafseer- interpretation of Quran) and Fiqah college (Jurisprudence).
There will be hostel facilities for one thousand students, a mosque where at a time one thousand people can offer Nemaz and if a congregation is held at least five thousand people can easily sit there.
There will also be one hundred family quarters and some one room sets, a beautiful guest house, a fully equipped library and a reading room attached to it.
When Maulana Rahmatullah was asked how he would shape the plans about the launching of a full-fledged Islamic university and what were his financial sources, he maintained that the donation from the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir was the sole financial sources of this institution. As for the other question of launching an Islamic University on the Deoband pattern he has a surprising story to tell. He says that the prime need for such a big plan was the availability of land, which is not even sufficient to cater to the present needs while it cannot be extended from any side, because there is a graveyard and government hospital on one side where a stream and army barracks on the other side.
The management of Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah has estimated that at least fifty canals or 6 acres of land were needed, so they published an appeal in the Al-Noor, (July, 1993) a monthly magazine published from Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah, for the same. Moulana Rahmatullah reveals that I was expecting that if people donated land, 50 canals can never come at a single site because there are only few families in the whole of area who have such a quantity of land situated at one place. But Allah is the Greatest. He knows how to deliver goods, only a couple of days after our appeal for donation of land, a pious widow approached us with a good news that she had decided to donate her 48 canals (6 acres) for the purpose. So this problem was solved. This fortunate pious lady was Aziz-u-Nisa widow of late Bashir Ahmad Baba. This pious lady who was in her eighties stressed upon us to complete the formalities of handing over of the orchard to us as early as possible and when these formalities were over, this good lady passed away on August 13, 1993, just after a few weeks later when she donated the land. Aziz-u-Nisa was buried in the corner of this orchard as per her testimony. She was a pious Muslim and had taught Quran to hundreds of boys and girls of Nusu and adjacent villages of Bandipora.
The site plan of the Islamic University has been drafted by the leading architects of Kashmir and has been sent to Deoband for suggestions, after which this plan will be approved. For the time being, the management has started collecting the material for construction of the mosque, water tank and guest house in the first phase. A few temporary sheds have also been erected in the orchard where the educational activists have been started.
Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah, as Moulana Mohammad Rahmatullah Qasmi recalls was launched in September, 1979, under the name of “Madrassah Islamia Arabia” after changing the name of Islamic Public School.
Moulana Mohammad Rahmatullah, speaking of the days when he completed his studies at Darul Uloom Deoband, in 1979 said, “I was not even imaging that an Islamic Darasgah (School) can be launched so immediately, because whenever such a question arose, we used to prefer to work in any pre-established Darasgah to make it grow on the pattern of Darul Uloom Deoband.” He further said that it was quite disheartening to see that not even a single Islamic educational school (especially of high education) in Jammu and Kashmir springing up, although it was predominantly a Muslim state. “In Bandipora, people used to stop me on road side and ask me to recite any Quranic verse as they were not believing me really to be a Hafiz-e-Quran,” says Moulana Rahmatullah adding that ignorance of Islamic teachings was at its peak, so it was right and rather much needed step to launch an Islamic Institution.
Moulana Rahmatullah made it clear that Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah is an independent institution with no links directly or indirectly with any political or non-political organization.
In the institution much stress is laid on the Islamic studies. The subjects are Tafseer (interpretation of Quran), Hadees (Saying of Prophet Mohammad Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) Fiqah (Islamic Jurisprudence) and Tajweed-u-Kiraat (Right recitation of Quran)
It is reported that when this institution was launched in 1979, the total number of students admitted was 11 and there were three teachers while the total annual budget was of the order of Rs 11,000. However, now I.e. in 1994, there are 225 students on roll and the strength of the staff is 37. The annual amount earmarked for the budget of the institution is Rs 13 lakh.
The institution has so far produced 73 Hafizi Quran, 22 students who are Fareg-u-Tehseeel Arabi (i.e. completed 20 subjects of Arabic course) that are Tafseer, Hadees, Asooli Tafseer, Asooli Hadees, Fiqa (all the four), Assoli Fiqa, Philosophy, Mantiq, literature, Sarf-u-Nahave (Mani Bayan), Seerat, History of Islam, Tajweed and Qirat, etc, 226 girls and 208 boys have qualified middle class with Denniyat (theology) as one of their subjects. Apart from this, thousands of pupil of various age groups have been taught how to read Quran her during these fifteen years. It may be stated that not limit of age is placed on those who wish to be imparted education in Quran.
The present library is no doubt insufficient for an Islamic University but still it is one among the best Islamic libraries of the valley. There are several manuscripts of the Holy Quran housed in the library along with centuries old other manuscripts like.
1 Mantak-i-Tayer by Shiekh Fareed-ud-Din. Attar and the calligraphist is Moulvi Noor-u-Din.
2 Fiqa-i-Akbar by Hazrat Imami Abu Hanifah (RA) and the calligraphist is Mir Fatullah s/o Mir Mazoor. This manuscript has been calligraphed in 1268 Hijrah.
3 Virdul Muredeen a manuscript from Hazrati Baba Dawood-i-Khaki (RA), the known disciple of Hazrat Sultan ul Arifeen Makhdoom Saheb (RA)
A Quran in manuscript from written in golden ink.
Fatehi Baree published in Egypt.
Umdatul Qari published in Pakistan.
Qastallani published in Egypt.
Kirmani by Abdul Razaq published in Beruit.
Musand-i-Ahmad Ibin Hanbal published in Lahore.
Musand-i-Ibni Abi Lulee by Ibni Abi Sheeba published in Pakistan.
Byhaqi published in Beeruit.
Majmu-ah-Zavayid, published in Beeruit.
Fathi-i-Mulhem published in Pakistan,
Tahzeebul tahzeeb published in Lahore.
Al-Araba published in Beeruit.
Books on Tafseer (Interpretation of Quran).
Tafseer-Kabeer published in Egypy.
Tafseer-Ibni Qaseer published in Beruit.
Dur-i-Munsoor published in Iran.
Rohul-Ma-Aami published in Pakistan.
Fi Zulali Quran published in Egypt.
Zawahirul Quran published in Egypt.
Tafseri-Kashan published in Egypt.
Books on Fiqa (Islamic Jurisprudence).
Fathel-Taqdeer published in Pakistan.
Alamgeeri published in Pakistan
Al-Bahral-Raiq published in Pakistan.
Al-Risala by Imam Shafi (RA) published in Bombay.
Al-Um by Imam Shafi (RA) published in Bombay.
Al-Mugnai (Hambli Fiqa) published in Beruit.
Fatawa-i-Tatar Khania published in Pakistan.
Shahnamai Islam by Allama Firdosi,
Dairatul-Muarif-i-Islamia (Encyclopedia) in Arabic and its urdu translation.
Complete file about important decision on Mirzayees (Ahamadies.)
Tareekh Nam-ia-Harat and History of Kashmir by Hassan Khoihami.
This section of Darul Uloom is headed by Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi, a renowned Islamic scholar, who judges on to the questions about different problems in accordance with the Islamic laws and principles.
Hundreds of Muslims throughout Jammu and Kashmir are benefited by issuing Fatawas every day. The locals attend the court personally. However, people from far-flung areas seek guidance through mail.
Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi head of this court has qualified from Deoband in 1985 and has completed M.A. Urdu from Rampur University UP in 1987. Hailing from Bonjwa, Kishtwar Mufti Sahib is highly respected throughout the valley for this scholarship and intellectual integrity.
To cater to the needs of the general public regarding the day to day religious problems, the institution informs them through Pamphlets, Newspapers and Posters. In this connection a monthly Urdu magazine, “Al-Noor” has also been launched in 1986.
Nazim-i-Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah, Moulana Mohammad Rahmatullah Qasmi has also framed the accurate sunrise and sunset chart for all the regions of Kashmir including Muzzafarabad and excluding Ladakh. This chart is known as “Meeqa-ti-Salaat” and gives timing for observance or non observance of prayers in the light of Shariah popular.
This article was published in the daily news paper “Greater Kashmir” on August 5, 1994 (Srinagar Kashmir, India.)
GK Correspondent
Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah Bandipora today achieved a milestone by reviving the centuries old tradition of teaching Hadith in the valley.
Six students completed the course today as Moulana Anzar Shah the renowned scholar and son of Anwar Shah Lolabi (RA) delivered the concluding lecture at the Darul Uloom today.
Thousands of people attended the function. The six students who completed the course today are the first to learn Hadith in the valley after more than two hundred years.
Later talking to Greater Kashmir Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi who teaches at the Darul Uloom expressed satisfaction over the function of the institution.
Giving a brief history of Alem-e-Hadees (teaching of Hadith) in the valley, Mufti said, Jamal-ud-Din Bukhari (RA) was the first teacher of Hadith who visited the valley. “Most probably he came along with Shah-e-Hamdan (RA) or his disciples.” He said.
The Mufti said Sheikh Yaqoub Sarfi (RA) and Shamsud-din Paul (RA) interpreting and teaching the excellence in the art interpreting and teaching the Hadith. “They were taught by the best scholar of those times, Ibn Hajjar Makki”, he said adding Srinagar became a seat of Hadith learning by untiring efforts of these two scholars.
“A university was set up at Arwath (Fateh Kadal). It was named Madrasa Urwa Wusqa”, He said.
The Mufti said Kashmir could not sustain the glorious tradition after the Sikh and Dogra rule. “But, we have viewed the tradition after the hundred years,” the Mufti claimed.
The students from the valley had to go outside the state to learn Hadith till date. However the feat can be accomplished here in the valley now.
This story was published in the daily news paper Greater Kashmir on November 15, 2000 (Srinagar Kashmir, India)
Emm Eff Ahmad
At a simple but impressive function, five students were admitted to the coveted degree of Mufti and 11 others were declared to have successfully completed their Moulvi Fazil degree at the Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah here today.
At the well-attended second convocation of the Darul Uloom, the Rector, Moulana Mohammad Rahmatullah, presented Javeed Ahmad Malik, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, Nisar Ahmad Mir, Naseer-ud-Din and Abdul Rashid Gurezi for the award of the prestigious Mufti degree. They had successfully cleared all the tests leading to the award. They had successfully cleared all the tests leading to the award. Mufti Abul Qasim, member, Board of management of South Asia’s oldest seat of learning in Islamiat, Darul Uloom Deoband, who presided over the Convocation, admitted them to the degree.
Thus awarded the degree of Moulvi Fazil on having Successfully completed the course were Mohammad Sharief Lone, Abdul Rashid Mir, Aashiq Hussain Lone, Mohammad Ramzan Rather, Mushtaq Ahmad Qadri, Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Mohammad Yousuf, Manzoor Ahmad Wani, Mushtaq Ahmd Peer, Mohammad Amin Bhat and Farooq Ahmad Ahanger.
While the Mufti course comprises intensive research in Hadith and allied subjects spanning over a year, the Moulvi Fazil course runs for 8 years studied in Islamiat.
In his introductory speech, Moulana Mohammad Rahmatullah Dwelt at length on the teaching learning process carried at the Darul Uloom. He said during the current year, about 1250 students were registered with the Darul Uloom. Six others were imparted training in computer applications and thirty-seven others completed “Tajweed-o-Qirat.”
Among the notable achievements of the Darul Uloom during the year were that 119 students memorized the Holy Quran while 220 others completed Qur’anic recitation and 11 had intensive studies in Hadith.
Among the beneficiaries were 149 female children who had educated from Madrasatul Banat, (Women’s wing)
Darul Uloom has been home to more than 500 children, mostly orphans and poor, for whom Boarding and lodging is provided totally free of costs by the management. The institution has been doing a wonderful work not only to impart education in Islamiat but also to generate awareness about human values as enshrined in Islam.
Besides, Darul Uloom has also published hundreds of booklets on different topics. Its monthly Al-Noor published regularly for the past 15 years has earned a name in the country for its richness in content. Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah is dependent on donations and contributions from philanthropists and its growth is mainly dependent on such charities. Despite resource constraints, its management, comprising a dedicated team of scholars, spares no effort in moving ahead with a missionary Zeal.
Acknowledging the achievements made by Darul Uloom, Mufti Abul Qasim of Deoband appealed the people to be generous towards the Institutions so that its noble objectives were achieved.
The awardees were later decorated with traditional turbans. The recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by young students and some learned scholars kept the audience spell bound.
This article was published in the daily news paper “Greater Kashmir” on October 26, 2002 (Srinagar Kashmir, India)
For centuries together Kashmir has the distinction of being a centre of excellence for learning philosophy and several subjects. If it was a centre of learning for Hindu/Buddhist philosophy in ancient times, the advent of Islam made it a centre of excellence for teaching. Learning Islamic Fiqah and Hadith. However, the successive or oppressive rulers after indulging in large-scale loot and plunder enslaved the population in totality. Their urge for academic and religious pursuits was suppressed. It is heartening to note that Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah Bandipra in very short span of time has come to be recognized as a centre of excellence for teaching/learning Islamiyat. Credit goes to the people whose sincere efforts, hard works and dedication made the dream of recreating an institution for teaching Hadith, Fiqah and Islamic laws in Kashmir get realized God bless the people who contributed their mite in establishing the institution. The sincere, purely humanist, God fearing people like Moulana Rahmatullah, Mufti Nazir Ahmad and their co-workers shall go down in the history of Kashmir as the harbingers of change and as the front ranking revivalists, who revived the Islamic teachings. Bereft of any political learning’s the dedicated team of teachers at the Darul Uloom has successfully carried on the work even through the most tumultuous period of Kashmir’s history. Today the Darul Uloom is on the threshold of becoming a full-fledged Islamic University. The achievements of the budding institution so far have been highly commendable and satiating for those who craved for knowledge. Six boys graduating in Hadith is definitely a milestone in the academic history of the institution with it the glorious tradition started a few centuries back by the learned Islamic scholar and author of seven books, Hazrat Sheikh Yaqoub Sarafi (RA) has been revived. The glorious and voluntary contributions made by a handful of people have helped in realizing the dream to a great extent. Till recent past Kashmiri Muslims had to utilize the services of Imams from outside the state to lead them in congregational prayers. Today the situation has changed. Thanks to the hard work, sincere efforts of devoted and selfless Ulama, who by establishing several Darul Ulooms have made it possible to have hundreds of Huffaz from amongst local youth. It is the pleasing to find young children and young adults reciting verse from Holy Quran with fluence in Mosques and even leading prayers. These are definitely the indications of revival of faith. Darul Uloom need popular support so that it becomes a full-fledged Islamic University. Keeping in view the increasing western influence on the Kashmir society and a host of evils afflicting it, there is an urgent need for having institutions like Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah. The degenerations set in the society is eating into its vitals. The drift needs to be arrested at all costs. Should the social evils afflicting Kashmiris go unnoticed, there is every apprehension of a total disaster. It is high time that the conscientious people rise to the occasion and contribute their bit to the noble cause.
This article was published in the daily news paper “Greater Kashmir” on November 16, 2000. (Srinagar Kashmir, India)
Fayaz Ahmad Zarro
Writes on the developments in the science of Hadith in Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah
In the state J&K, there are many Darul Ulooms in contemporary times which are teaching the Science of Hadith and the books of Hadith to their students and are upgrading their courses and methods of teaching systematically. Among such Darul Ulooms, there is Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah Bandipora Kashmir, which excelled in teaching the Science of Hadith, the book of Hadith, the books of exegesis (Tafseer) and the memorizing of the Holy Quran in a short span of 25 years. Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah was established in 1979 (1399 A.H.) and the history of Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah is a witness to the fact that by the Grace of Allah Ta’ala Raheemiyyah has advanced by leaps and bounds in the education of Hadith and Fiqah progress perfectly corresponding to the wishes of the righteous religious scholars and religious circles following this development, and those at the helm of affairs in the Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah are enlarging their institute in reasonable working plan in their minds and the ways to achieve it is just and straight.
Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah introduced the Science of Hadith and the books of Hadith in to curriculum in 1414 A.H. first of all, the famous book of Ahaadith “Mishkaat Masaabeeh” was introduced to the students of Raheemiyyah. After Six years, that is, in 1420 A.H. a complete course in the Science of Hadith and the books of Hadith called “Dawrah Al-Hadith” was introduced to the students of Raheemiyyah under the care and supervision of the group of highly expert scholars of Hadith, which was headed by none other than the most eminent Shaikhul Hadith, Faqih and Mufti of the State, Hazrat Mufti Nazir Ahmaad Qasmi. At that time when the said complete Hadith course was introduced in the Raheemiyyah, all the responsible personalities of Deeni Madaaris of the state of J & K, some executive members from the administration of Darul Uloom Deoband (U.P.) and some reputed scholars of Islam from New Delhi were invited to grace this historic occasion. They all participated and lauded the efforts and hard work of the rector of Raheemiyyah Institution Hazrat Moulana Mohammad Rahmatullah Mir Qasmi and wished for more development in the curriculum of Raheemiyyah Institution. At present Raheemiyyah Institution runs comprehensive courses in the Science of Hadith and teaches all the famous Books of Ahaadith Al-Nabawiyyah to its senior students.
Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah organizes a special Hadith Class known as “Darse-Musalsalaat” annually, in which the high rank of renowned scholar of Ahaadith delivers some important lectures on the Science of Hadith and teaches the Hadith book known as “Musasalaat”. This year the said special class of “Darse-Musalsalaat” was organized on April 08, 2004 and the administration of Raheemiyyah invited a limited number of scholars and students from al the districts of the J & K State to attend the said Hadith Class of “Musalsalaat”. When I asked to the rector of Raheemiyyah about this limited invitations to the special class of Musalsalaat, he replied that the announcement of holding election in April and May has been made inasmuch the election process is going on in the State and it is not concealed from anybody that Darul Uloom raheemiyah is such a non-political institution which has always remained Aloof from the politics and will remain aloof from it, therefore, a limited number of scholars were invited to this annual Hadith class and a big congregation has been avoided so that the opportunists may not twist it in any political hue.
The special occasion of Hadith Class of Musalsalaat of this year was held in the newly constructed grand Masjid of Raheemiyyah Institution at Mahmood Aabad Bandipora after offering the Salaatul-Eshaa. Many celebrated Muftis, esteemed scholars of Islam and senior students of Hadith courses form the J & K state participated in the said Darse-Musalsalaat. The guest scholar of Hadith who delivered the lectures and read the Ahaadith of Musalsalaat was Hazrat Moulana Mufti Mohmood Isma’eel Kacholwi from Brad Ford England. Moulana Kacholwi was the president of Jamia Islamia Dabhil and at present he is a renowned Mufti of Darul Iftaa in England. Moulana Kacholwi was accompanied by Moulana Mohammad Ismaa’eel Badaat from Madinah Munawwrah from the past twenty years and is spending his maximum time in the Riyaaz Al Jannah of Masjid-e-Nabawi (SAW). Moulana Mohammad Ali Manyaar Surati from Makkah Al-Mukarammah was also with them. The special occasion of Hadith Class of Musalsalaat was concluded at midnight. All the participants of this sacred occasion expressed their profound gratitude to the rector of Raheemiyyah Institution Hazrat Moulana Mohammad Rahmatullah Mir Qasmi for organizing Darse-Musalsalaat under the guidance and supervision of such three great scholars of Islam from aboard.
This article was published in the daily news paper “Greater Kashmir” on May 8, 2004. (Srinagar Kashmir, India)
Fayaz Ahmad Zarroo
In the contemporary times when Muslims find it very difficult to hold onto their Imaan, it is the Darul Uloom (Madrassas), which struggle to re-establish their links with Imaan, which are otherwise doomed to the darkness of Kufr and Irtidaad. These Madaaris have such a kind of curriculum in practice which ensures for a Muslim, a successful and harmonious living in this world and peace and happiness in the hereafter.
Recently I visited Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah Bandipora Kashmir for a conducted tour. The present shape and status of Madrasa Raheemiyyah is a witness to the fact that by the Grace of Allah Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah has advanced by leaps and bounds in every field of Islamic knowledge and mysticism perfectly corresponding to the wishes of our righteous religious scholars and religious circles. It is anticipated that the Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah Bandipra will be the first Islamic University of J & K State Inn Sha Allah.
“Darul Uloom is established for the teaching of Deen (Islam), for attaining praiseworthy qualities and subduing despicable qualities to a point of non-existence”, says Moulana Mohammad Rahmatullah Mir Qasmi, the administrator (Mohtamim) and the grand Murabbi (Doctor of diseases of nafs) of Madrasa Raheemiyyah. “Indeed the patience, the fear of Allah and total belief in and submission to Allah is the real and unconquerable strength of Muslims”, says Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi, the Grand Mufti of Madrasa Raheemiyyah, who also happens to be first Shaikhul-Hadith of the J & K State at present.
Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi is the high ranking and renowned religious scholar and his ad-lib speeches are highly liked by young Muslim Generation. In an exclusive chat with me, Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi said, “Our deprivation from progress and our present decline is the result of our neglect towards Islam, otherwise Islam and progress are inseparable”. The esteemed Mufti added that the religious scholars never opposed Science and Technology as the Poet did but they had always being inducing the Muslims to attain them. While rejecting the Western style of dressing, the esteemed Mufti quoted the views of Philosopher-Poet, Iqbaal, who said: “wisdom does not lie in how your clothes are tailored, and the turban is not an obstruction for Science and Technology.”
Khanqah is a room or a place where the students of Deen spend some time to purify the soul, (nafs) from despicable qualities, to cure the nafs of the illnesses affecting it, to embellish the heart with spiritual effulgence and to be a man of piety and devotion (Taqwa). A good character is impossible without proper purification (Tazkiyah) of the nafs, and the Tazkiyah is not possible unless the person does not attach himself to the Mashaaikh and the Khanqah. In other words, academic knowledge will be acquired in the Madrasa, but the practical application of that knowledge will take place in the Khanqah. This is what the Khanqah is meant for. The Khanqah of Darul Uloom Raheemiyyah is named as Khanqahi- Mahmoodiyah.
Below is the brief list of such extra-curricular activities which are in usual schedule for the students of Madrasa raheemiyah to nourish their mental and physical faculties.
To learn personal Hygiene, to appreciate the health, to put on modest dress, to keep the stomach healthy, to learn when to sleep and how to sleep and when to get up, to learn walking on the road, to learn the importance of serving one’s parents, elders and teachers, to learn business through Halaal sources, to learn writing and compiling articles (Journalism).
Al-Noor is the monthly magazine of Madrasa Raheemiyyah containing editorial, Islamic articles, interpretation and reports cum analysis on current affairs regarding the Muslim world. This esteemed magazine is in Urdu and English and Moulana Rahmatullah is its editor-in-Chief.
A bride from Srinagar has donated her dower (Mahr) immediately after her marriage was consummated to Madrasa Raheemiyyah and there is a water tank in the primises of Madrasa Raheemiyyah, which has been built with dower money donated by the bride aforementioned.
The land (garden) in which the Madrasa Raheemiyyah is situated has been donated by a noble lady of Bandipora who is now no more and is buried in the vicinity of Madrasa. Everyone who visits Madrasa Raheemiyyah offers prayer at her grave. Muslims of our valley from all walks of life give Zakat, Sadaqaat and other voluntary funds to this esteemed Madrasa.
Everyone who visits Madrasa Raheemiyyah is delighted by the wonderful hospitality of the administration cum staff of Madrasa Raheemiyyah. The person who comes or arrives first time at an inconvenient time in Madrasa enjoys also an impressive hospitality from the host Madrasa. I was delighted to see the dutiful students of the Madrasa dressed in very clean and tidy white suits. They remain busy in their studies and never waste their time.
The Darul Ulooms have evoked much criticism and some people have even suggested their closure. These institutions produce humans, or to put it rightly bring out the best out of a student and raise him to the level of Ashraful Makhlooqat.
Rejecting criticism against the Darul Uloom as mere propaganda, a local said, “A time comes when the throat of the propagandist turns dry. It is here that the truth over comes with full force.”
This article was published in news paper “sensor” [Greater Kashmir] on july 27, 2003. (Srinagar Kashmir, India)
Save as PDF