Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind opposes co-education, says "Muslim girls are being targeted"

New Delhi, Jan 10: Sparking a controversy, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has claimed that Muslim girls are being targeted with the temptation of apostasy being strengthened due to the co-education system. Claiming that "the temptation of apostasy is spreading rapidly in the country", Maulana Arshad Madani of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind stated that it is aimed at Muslims in a planned manner, under which women and girls from the community are being "targeted".

 

 

The president of the prominent Muslim body, Maulana Arshad Madani, has also claimed that religious extremism is being encouraged in the country to divert people's attention from economic problems.

 

"This game of dividing people on the basis of religious hatred and sectarianism will destroy the country. One cannot be led astray from the real issues for a long time. Instead of politics, if employment resources are not created, jobs are not given to educated youngsters, then the day is not far when these youngsters will be seen on the streets protesting," Madani said while addressing a meeting of the Jamiat's working committee on Sunday.

 

 

"If immediate and effective measures are not taken to prevent this temptation, the situation may become explosive in the coming days", Madani said. "This temptation is being strengthened due to the co-education system and that is why we are opposed to it. The media presented our point in a negative way and advertised that Maulana Madani is against education for girls. While we are against co-education, we are not against education for girls," he was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Jamiat.

 

Noting that the country is at a critical juncture, the Jamiat president said on one hand, Muslims are being entangled in various problems, while on the other, the channels for economic, social, political and educational development are being blocked for them. "If we have to defeat this conspiracy and achieve the zenith of success, we have to establish separate educational institutions for our boys and girls," he said.

 

He also asserted that it is against co-education and not education for women. "Whatever we can do, we have to do now for the welfare of the country and its educational development," Madani said.

 

 

In August 2021, the Jamiat had advocated setting up separate schools and colleges for women and girls and said non-Muslims should also refrain from opting for the co-education system for their daughters to "keep them away from immorality and misbehaviour".

 

At Sunday's meeting, an appeal was also made to all secular-minded people to unite and fight against the extremist and fascist forces at the political and social levels, instead of reacting emotionally. It called on people to make every effort to spread brotherhood, harmony, mutual tolerance and justice in the country.

 

"If the fascist parties and their supporters think that Muslims will become victims of their oppression and will be caught in the chains of their slavery and oppression in their own beloved country, then this is their vain hope," Madani said.

 

"India is our country, we were born in this country.... Our forefathers have not only made this country strong and stable but have even sacrificed their lives for its protection and freedom. Therefore, we cannot tolerate injustice and discrimination against Muslims or any other group in the country," he said.