BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
A new educational initiative aimed at blending religious teachings with civic awareness is set to bring a major change in madrasa education across Uttar Pradesh. In an effort to make students more aware of their constitutional rights and social responsibilities, madrasas will now begin teaching the Indian Constitution, legal awareness, and civic duties alongside traditional Islamic studies. The move is being seen as an important step toward connecting students with the country’s democratic framework while preserving the cultural and religious identity of these institutions.
The announcement was made by Maulana Kaab Rashidi, Legal Advisor of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind Uttar Pradesh at a press conference at Gemini Continental Hotel, Lucknow, during the release of his new book focused on the basic understanding of the Constitution and various laws. Speaking at the event, Rashidi emphasized that the role of madrasas has always extended beyond imparting religious knowledge. According to him, these institutions also play an important part in character building, moral development, and social responsibility.
“Madrasas should not only produce good Muslims but also good citizens,” he said, underlining the importance of aligning religious education with the realities and responsibilities of modern democratic life. The initiative comes at a time when debates around madrasa reforms and modernization continue across the country. However, Rashidi made it clear that reform does not mean weakening the identity or traditions of madrasas. Instead, he described the effort as a “positive reform” that seeks to preserve the soul of these institutions while equipping students with practical and constitutional awareness needed in contemporary society.
Under the new educational approach, students will learn about fundamental rights, duties, democratic values, and the functioning of the Constitution. The objective is to ensure that children studying in madrasas understand both their religious obligations and their responsibilities as citizens of India. Rashidi noted that understanding the Constitution is essential in today’s world, especially for young people who will eventually contribute to society in different capacities. He believes that legal and constitutional education can help students become more confident, aware, and socially engaged.
Another important point highlighted during the event was the grassroots nature of madrasa funding and management. Rashidi said madrasas are largely sustained not by wealthy industrialists or powerful corporations, but through small contributions made by ordinary people. He added that madrasas have historically played a valuable role in India’s freedom movement as well as in promoting moral and social awareness within communities. The newly launched book on constitutional and legal education is expected to become an important resource for madrasa students. Rashidi announced that it would soon be translated into ten additional Indian languages and released in fifteen states, allowing a wider audience to benefit from it.
Education experts and social observers see the move as a constructive effort to bridge the gap between religious institutions and mainstream civic understanding. Supporters believe that combining religious teachings with constitutional values can create a balanced educational model that strengthens both identity and national integration. As India continues to evolve socially and educationally, this initiative reflects an emerging effort within traditional institutions to adapt without losing their roots. By introducing constitutional and legal awareness into madrasa classrooms, educators hope to nurture a generation that is both culturally grounded and democratically aware, a step many see as essential for building a more informed, inclusive, and united society.
