Religious seminaries stand as guardians of faith, holding centuries of sacred knowledge against the tide of political control
The JUI-F chief declared that Islamic seminaries stand as the last strongholds of sacred knowledge, safeguarding and transmitting the timeless sciences of the Holy Quran and Hadith that shape faith, identity, and moral conscience across generations
JUI-F Chief’s Statement
Maulana Fazlur Rehman said religious seminaries are the guardians of Islam.
They protect the teachings of the Quran and Hadith.
They are custodians of faith, and will not be handed over to the government under any circumstances.
Event Context
Fazl spoke at a turban-tying ceremony at Jamia Taleem-ul-Quran in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.
He highlighted that global power largely rests with the United States, but faith cannot be measured in material strength.
He said seminaries are fulfilling the responsibility of safeguarding faith worldwide.
Defense of Seminaries
Fazl emphasized that Islamic seminaries preserve the sciences of the Quran and Hadith.
He criticized a “dual approach”: privatizing the PIA while trying to take control of madrasas.
He said such government interference would never be accepted.
Historical Reference
Referring to Allama Shabbir Usmani, he noted that even the British once dismissed him as uneducated.
The same mindset persists today, where religious knowledge is often undervalued.
Trust in Institutions
“There is no trust in state institutions,” he said.
Scholars from all schools of thought are united to protect madrasas.
Dialogue and Politics
Fazl affirmed the importance of dialogue and respecting laws made through consultation.
He warned, however, that deception or manipulation would not be tolerated.
Message to Students
Addressing chanting students, he remarked that focusing on work instead of slogans could have led them to win the most seats in Punjab.
He stressed that the politics of seminaries is a legacy of the prophets.
Religious institutions are rightful heirs to this tradition.
Critical Analysis: Madrassa Culture in Pakistan
1. Role in Education and Faith
Madrassas in Pakistan serve as centers of religious education.
They preserve Islamic teachings, Quranic sciences, and Hadith knowledge.
They provide identity, moral guidance, and social cohesion for students from all backgrounds.
2. Political Influence
Madrassas often intersect with politics, as parties seek influence through these institutions.
Political mobilization via seminaries has shaped election strategies in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
This influence can reinforce traditional authority but sometimes fosters partisanship over educational objectives.
3. Governance and Autonomy
Fazl’s opposition to government control highlights the tension between state oversight and religious autonomy.
Attempts to regulate seminaries risk creating distrust among scholars and students.
However, a lack of oversight can also limit modernization and accountability in education standards.
4. Social and National Impact
Madrassas contribute to literacy and religious literacy in underprivileged areas.
They are influential in shaping youth political consciousness.
Their autonomy can either stabilize society or, if politicized excessively, deepen divides.