Why Has Islamic Seminary Darul Uloom Banned Entry Of Women?

One of the most important Islamic seminaries in India is now banning women from entering it. Darul Uloom, the Uttar Pradesh-based seminary, has reasoned that women often come in groups to make reels, distracting students. This action comes after months of people complaining about women being allowed inside the seminary. 

Why Are Women Banned From Entry?

Darul Uloom is where the Sunni Deobandi Islamic Movement, a revivalist movement for the Sunni faction, originated, making Daul Uloom one of the most important religious institutions in the country. Established in 1866 with Mahmud Deobandi as its first teacher, the seminary has historically released several controversial fatwas. In 2005, they released a religious order banning Salman Rushdie from entering India for a literary festival, stating that he had hurt Muslim sentiments. In 2010, they released a fatwa saying that men and women cannot work together in public offices and in 2013, banning photography and called it 'un-Islamic'. The seminary has also been criticised for its views on democracy, secularism and interfaith dialogues. 

The recent banning of women comes after the administration said that women often come in to make reels and other types of content, which causes crowds and distraction for students. "Darul Uloom is a seminary, and such acts are not acceptable in any school." said the administrator, Mohtamim Maulana Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani. "Not only this, but a new session has started in Darul Uloom. Due to overcrowding, students' studies are also being affected. We received several complaints in this regard." 

The administrator has also said that the type of short-form content that is being shot around campus hurts religious sentiments as well as those of its admirers. "We didn't stop the entry of anyone till the admission process was underway, but classes have started now. Therefore, we cannot have outsiders enter the premises."

Several activists have come to the forefront to criticise the new rule, stating how many religious premises prohibit people from making social media content. Many also called out the hypocrisy of banning only women under such a flimsy excuse. Social activist and lawyer Farha Faiz told the Hindustan Times how they cannot say that only women make reels. "The order should have been against making reels inside the premises or to ban mobile phones." Many also pointed out that women used to enter the seminary to meet teachers and discuss issues, all of which would no longer be possible.