A Basic Principle of Deeni Madaris

The present system of religious schools (Deeni Madaris) is based on a continuous process of mutual aid and public cooperation. It began after the failure of the Muslims in the Freedom-Jihad of 1857, driven by the passion to establish a collective way to preserve the faith, civilization, and education system of the Muslims from the invasion of political, cultural, ideological, and educational domains by the British government. The British, having completely crushed the freedom struggle, were in the ecstasy of victory.

For this purpose, Madrasa Arabia in Deoband, Mazahir Uloom in Saharanpur, and Madrasa Shahi in Moradabad were first established. Soon, a network of these schools spread across Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Afghanistan.

As a basic principle for these schools, it was decided that their system would be run on donations from ordinary Muslims without any government or semi-government aid. History bears witness that with utmost simplicity and contentment, these madrasas provided immense religious and academic services to the Muslims of the subcontinent.

Many of the administrators and teachers of these madrasas were unassuming men who, had they decided to keep up with the pace of time, could have easily enjoyed the comforts and luxuries of worldly life. However, this group of zealous and courageous individuals not only gave up these comforts and conveniences for the noble mission of keeping Muslims true to their faith but also humbled themselves to ask for charity, Zakat, Ushr, and a loaf of bread from every door, at the cost of their personal ego and self-respect.

Facing all kinds of scorn, ridicule, and mockery with a smile on their faces, they laid the foundation of an educational system with utmost patience and steadfastness. This system shattered the British desire and conspiracy to repeat the history of Spain in the subcontinent. Eventually, the British rulers were forced to pack up and leave in 1947, with this regret in their hearts.

Excerpt from: https://zahidrashdi.org/2125