Abu Al-Kalam Qasimi: Shams-ul-Huda Must Be Made a Living Educational Institution, Not Just a Historical Heritage

Pattana (ABN): The historic and government-run Madrasa Islamia Shams-ul-Hadi, Pattana, once again finds its educational identity under scrutiny. This institution, over a century old, was once regarded as a prominent center for knowledge, literature, and both religious and contemporary education, but a shortage of teachers and administrative complexities have severely impacted its teaching activities. The most alarming situation concerns the junior section. Despite approved teaching positions, there has been a severe shortage of teachers, and enrollment has also been affected since 2020. At one point, only four teachers were reported to be present out of the madrasa’s 21 approved teaching positions. Later, some teachers were brought in through outsourcing, but the educational situation remains dire. If the government talks about equipping the historic institution with modern resources, when will the responsibility of filling vacant teaching positions, restoring student enrollment, and ensuring quality education in the classroom be fulfilled?

In the background of these concerns, a meeting was held on Sunday at the conference hall of Madrasa Islamia Shams-ul-Hadi, Pattana, organized by the All-Bahar Madrasa Old Boys Association, regarding the convening of the Madrasa Convention. Hundreds of alumni of the historic Madrasa Islamia Shams-ul-Hadi, Pattana, participated.

During the meeting, while discussing the issues of madrasas, former principal of Madrasa Islamia Shams-ul-Hadi, Maulana Abul Kalam Qasmi Shamsi, stated that the establishment of the Bahar State Madrasa Education Board and affiliated madrasas is the legacy of Madrasa Islamia Shams-ul-Hadi. However, the current situation is that its educational standards have deteriorated. A major reason for this is the severe shortage of teachers in madrasas. He said that the notification No. 395, 396, 397 issued by the state government on 19 April 2022 has blocked the appointment of teachers in madrasas. This notification attacks the minority status of madrasas and their autonomy, which is a systematic conspiracy. He described this notification as extremely flawed and said that teachers of madrasas must take a firm stand against it and convince the government, otherwise madrasas will be lost from our hands. This is a key agenda of the Shams-ul-Hadi convention, under which an attempt will be made to raise awareness by contacting the administrative committees of madrasas. The government must be convinced that the appointment of teachers in madrasas follows a different procedure than that of schools and colleges. The imposition of school rules on madrasas is harming them and creating difficulties. The government must understand that appointments in madrasas are made under the principles and regulations of madrasas. Pressure must be applied to the government so that the appointment of teachers and other staff in madrasas can be expedited.

Principal of Madrasa Islamia Shams-ul-Hadi, Maulana Mashhuda Ahmed Qadri Nadwi, said that the shortage of teachers in madrasas is affecting the teaching process. The secondary education director is responsible for this. The government wants to solve the problems of madrasas, but due to the turnover of government officials, the problems of madrasas are not solved quickly. For this, we must put pressure on the government.

Abdul Qudus, president of the Old Boys Association, highlighted several points related to madrasas and the madrasa board for future action, emphasizing the improvement of administrative affairs, educational standards, the board system, and the resolution of practical problems faced by madrasas, and preparing a roadmap for future action. Muḥafẓ al‑‘Alam said that many meetings are held regarding madrasas, but there is no follow‑up, which prevents the problems of madrasas from being solved. Therefore, he held teachers accountable, saying that they go out on the roads for salaries, but they do not come out for solving the problems of madrasas. Maulana Muḥẓar al‑Ḥaq, a development officer at the Arabic and Persian University, mentioned the formation of a committee for the publication of a special issue of the commemorative magazine “Al‑Shams” on the occasion of the affiliated madrasa convention. In addition, a proposal was made for the formation of a reception committee. The names of those who spoke at the meeting include Arje D‑Leader Syed Mohib al‑Hasan, Zia al‑Hasan, Maulana Aftab Alam, Maulana Michael, and Maulana Kaleem Akhtar. The meeting was chaired by Maulana Abul Kalam Shamsi, while Nizam Jamal al‑Hasan presided.