Ghaus Siwani/New Delhi

As the Islamic madrasa (seminary) move away from religion only studies and embrace modern education, the study of Hindu religion as part of comparative religion and Sanskrit has become part of the new curriculum for the Muslim students of these seminaries.

Right now, the number of madrasas that have introduced comparative religion in the curriculum is small but many more are preparing for this major shift in curriculum.

Jamia Makiya Khazain-ul-Irfan, located in moholla Chandpur Garhi of Qasba Qadri Nagar, Muradabad, is one such Madrasa in Uttar Pradesh where students study Bhagwad Gita and Sanskrit along with Quran. This and many other Madrasas that are teaching all subjects apart from islam, have got affiliated to the UP board of school education.

A class with students studying Hindu epics Hadith Fiqh in progress

Bhagwad Gita is the book in which Lord Krishnaji gives sermons to his friend-warrior Arjuna in the battlefield. The book is known for the words of wisdom of Sri Krishna and oneness of the divinity.

Likewise, Yoga is opposed by some sections of Muslims as they call it Shirkia Warsh, (Kind of blasphemy) but the University of Makkah has left such things behind and also introduced yoga to children so that they can stay mentally and physically healthy.

In this madrasa, yoga classes are held in the morning. This routine is showing impact on the health and agility of the students.

Sanskrit is the ancient language of India and the world. Now Muslim children are also being taught this language of Vedas. The aim is to increase the awareness among Muslims of the Indian philosophy and culture that will eventually strengthen the relationship between Hindus and Muslims.

In the Madrasa that obviously has only Muslims students, the day begins with the Fajr prayers followed by a session of Yoga. In the day there is a period on the Quran and also on Bhagwad Gita. The teachers in the madrasa also teach them about the Vedas and their history and about Sanskrit rituals.

A student studying the Gita

Muslim teachers, Fahim and Muhammad Irfan, teach Hindu religious books in the Madrasa.

In addition, Maharashtra College Professor Ahmad Raza is teaching Sanskrit to children online. He also visits the Madrsa occasionally.

For the convenience of the children, separate chapters of the Gita have been made, so that Sanskrit can be easily understood.

Madrasa students Mohammad Nadeem, Faizan and Rehan have become very fluent in Sanskrit.

Teachers say that students are learning fast about the Hindu Dharma. This will make the children aware of the good things of other religions and avoid misunderstandings.

Mekkah University has tried to introduce different curricula from ordinary madrasas and is preparing a textbook for teaching Vedas in Urdu and Persian. The madrasa was started in 2011.

A Muslim teacher reciting the Gita

Sufi Zaheer Alam Qadri, president of the madrasa, said there was not much difference between Hindu and Muslim culture, which has widened due to human thinking. It has been a great mistake that Sanskrit was kept away from madrasas. Sanskrit is the language of Vedas, if you want to understand your country, then Muslim children should be taught Sanskrit. This includes the teachings of the Gita.

Madrasa’s chief administrator Irshad Qadri says small modules have been developed to make  the understand the meaning of the Gita easier for the students. He further said that along with The stories of Mahabharata and Ramayana, the students are also taught about the lives of Lord Rama and Krishna are also told.

Mekkah University has tried to introduce different curricula from ordinary madrassas and is preparing a textbook for teaching Vedas in Urdu and Persian.

Uttar Pradesh has 19,000 recognised and 560 aided madrasas. Many other madrasa are also in the process of widening the scope of their curriculum.