Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) President Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday strongly defended the role of religious seminaries, saying madrasas are the true guardians of faith and play a vital role in preserving Islamic knowledge.
Addressing a ceremony at Madrasa Talimul Quran in Raja Bazaar, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said global power today may appear to be in the hands of the United States, but it lacks the strength of faith. “This is why we say madrasas safeguard a blessing like faith. Our religious seminaries are protecting the sciences of the Quran and Hadith,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to Maulana Ashraf Ali for inviting him to the ceremony and allowing him to participate in the event. Emphasizing the historical importance of religious schools, Fazlur Rehman said madrasas in the subcontinent carry a legacy of more than 250 years and have consistently contributed to religious education and scholarship.
Criticizing what he described as attempts to interfere in the affairs of madrasas, the JUI chief warned against treating religious institutions like commercial entities. “You are handing over PIA to private companies, but do not even think of taking over madrasas,” he said, adding that seminaries would not be handed over under any circumstances.
Referring to the colonial era, Maulana Fazlur Rehman recalled that prominent scholar Allama Shabbir Usmani was once labeled illiterate by the British. He said similar attitudes are being repeated today, questioning the understanding of knowledge by those who criticize religious education.
Fazlur Rehman said religious scholars are united on the protection of madrasas and stressed that while they believe in dialogue and consultation, any attempt at deception would fail. “We will uphold legislation made through consultation, but cheating will not work,” he warned, adding that the religious community does not place complete trust in outside interference.
He concluded by saying that madrasas do not seek confrontation but will firmly resist any move that threatens their independence, emphasizing that faith and religious education remain their foremost responsibility.