Wittingly or unwittingly, Vastanvi has become a metaphor for change.
Less than four per cent Indian Muslim children go to madrasas. So logically, it should make no difference whether Maulana Ghulam Mohammed Vastanvi stays on at Darul Uloom Deoband or is sacked. Yet there is something about the current mohtamim (Vice-Chancellor) that has got the country talking — that has got the country's Muslims talking. The VC's troubled presence at the Islamic seminary has triggered a “tradition versus modern” debate that some have audaciously compared to the exploding Arab unrest. The suggestion is that Indian Muslim society is in aspirational churn and Mr. Vastanvi is a surface symptom.
Consider the questions: Why has the Maulana become a hate figure for some in his community and a sign of hope and uplift for countless others? Why has a Facebook fan club, “Fans of Mo. Ghulam Vastanvi,” sprung up for this cleric, when going by his recent record, he ought to have no Muslim supporters, much less an entire fan club? Indeed, what explains the Muslim crowds that gathered to receive this alleged Narendra Modi supporter when he touched down at the Ahmedabad airport recently?
Up until two months ago, not many knew or recognised the Maulana from Gujarat who ran colleges and institutions in the border areas between Maharashtra and Gujarat. Mr. Vastanvi was certainly not among the who's who in New Delhi. In the Capital's theatre of competitive Muslim politics, where a leader's worth was measured by the VIP attendance at his iftaars, the rousing statements he issued, the photo-ops he managed and the crowds he mustered at his rallies, Mr. Vastanvi simply did not count.
Yet the Maulana hit the national stage like a storm. Barely did one digest the information that the new Vice-Chancellor at possibly the world's most influential Islamic seminary was a forward-looking educator and MBA degree-holder, when he turned into a veritable disaster, chased by controversies, hounded by opponents, and forced into a situation where the end seemed imminent. On January 10, 2011, Mr. Vastanvi won the post of rector defeating his nearest rival Arshad Madani, theologist, leader of one faction of the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, and a member of the powerful Madani clan whose history of association with the Darul Uloom Deoband was part of folklore. The import of the election was not lost on observers: Mr. Vastanvi had, in effect, challenged the entrenched forces at the seminary. Would he survive the backlash?
Less than two months later, on February 23, the same Majlis-e-Shura (the seminary's governing council), which had declared Mr. Vastanvi elected, reconvened to decide his fate. Would the wise men of the council judge him guilty as charged? Or would the embattled VC convince them that the institution stood damaged — not by anything he was perceived to have done but by the wily machinations and politics of his opponents? The Shura put him on hold — the verdict would come from a three-member committee appointed to probe the disturbances that had followed his appointment.
Vicious commentaries
Many sins had been laid at the door of the Maulana, among them his perceived tilt towards Mr. Modi. For the head priest of the uber-orthodox Darul Uloom Deoband to take the wildly unpopular position that Gujarat's Muslims were not badly off, was incredible in itself. If nothing else, Mr. Vastanvi ought to have known that the wounds of the 2002 anti-Muslim pogrom ran deep. The VC subsequently clarified that he could never have condoned the pogrom; he also issued an unconditional apology in the event the perception remained.
But important sections of the Urdu press were not so easily cajoled. They skewered him: stinging editorials, vicious commentaries and full-page advertisements filled up the newspaper pages even as reporters dug up more dirt: At an October 2010 Eid Milan function in Beed in Maharashtra, Mr. Vastanvi had presented a Radha-Krishna figure to a Hindu Minister. Idolatory was sacrilege in Islam and the papers called for statements and fatwas to be issued against the rector. Chain e-mails transmitted the Radha-Krishna image to millions of Muslims across the world.
Just as the drum beats reached a crescendo, Mr. Vastanvi, quite unexpectedly, began to get support — three Urdu newspapers, Hindustan Express, Jadid Khabar and Nai Duniya dissented. The Hindustan Express systematically uncovered the plot against the Maulana. News Editor Shahidul Islam argued that Islam did not permit flogging a controversy when an apology had been offered. He also showed that the alleged Radha-Krishna image was a small, insignificant picture. In the hands of Mr. Vastanvi's opponents, it had morphed into a life-size deity. The English newspapers picked up the cue, and the theme slowly changed from the indiscretions of Mr. Vastanvi to the gang-up against him.
Support for Vastanvi
But the bigger surprise was still to come. At a gathering at Delhi's Ghalib Academy on February 21, some 300 Muslim clerics, skull cap, flowing beards and all, lined up behind Mr. Vastanvi. They were mainly from western Uttar Pradesh, some among them from Deoband, the cradle of conservative Muslim thought. But here they were, defying the stereotype of the obscurantist Mullah and raising their collective voice against rudiwadi soch (regressive thinking). Nai Duniya editor Shahid Siddiqui used the occasion for some inspired oratory: “This is a revolution not unlike what is happening on the Arab streets,” he thundered to background chants of Allah-ho-Akbar. Mr. Vastanvi derived his significance from being able to bridge the gap between “deen” (religion) and “duniya” (worldly affairs), Mr. Siddiqui said, adding, “Let not people say, there goes the Maulvi who is a terrorist. Let them say, there goes the Maulvi, who is a doctor, who is heart-surgeon.” Later, Maqsood ul Hasan Qasmi, president of the Imam Council of India and the organiser of the meet, would tell me: “As a graduate from Darul Uloom Deoband, I know that students there are thirsting for democracy, reform and modern education. Vastanvi is their hope, and if he is removed, it will send out a bad signal.” None of the speakers gave any credence to the Modi controversy.
This was puzzling. A few years ago, no Muslim, much less a Maulana schooled in Deoband or an Imam offering prayers at a masjid, could have and would have dared publicly defend a person seen as Mr. Modi's friend — whether or not the charge was true, whether or not an apology had been offered. Mr. Vastanvi himself would have been summarily sacked. Obviously, some of the clues for this change were to be found in Deoband.
On the day of the February 23 Shura meet at Darul Uloom, all eyes were on the Mehman Khana (guest house), where Mr. Vastanvi was being grilled. But away from the glare, and in a packed room in a nearby building, a group of Muslim citizens, among them politicians, Deoband scholars, and a sprinkling of Muslim reporters, were in a heated discussion over the place of education in Islam.
When expelled Samajwadi Party leader Naseem Usmani argued that modern education had no place in Darul Uloom, he was roundly rebuffed by the rest: “Do you even know that ilm [knowledge] is the third most recurring word in the Koran? Find us the passage in the holy book that tells Muslims not to broaden their horizon.” I raised the Modi issue and was instantly put down: “We are not saying that Muslims should forgive Modi or forget 2002. But all of you in the secular media want the Gujarati Muslim never to get out of his grieving. Hindu or Muslim, the Gujarati is a businessperson, and that is what Vastanvi was trying to say.”
The words stung but they were true. The Congress and the secular media wanted the Gujarati Muslim forever to fight Mr. Modi but neither was there to protect him. In any case, unbeknown to most of us, the debate seemed to have progressed beyond the rights and wrongs of supporting Mr. Modi. I had a long chat with young Shahnawaz, a student at the Deoband seminary.
Mr. Shahnawaz worshipped the new mohtamim, who even without announcing major reforms, had shown that some things could easily be done, such as building a dining room for the talaba (students). Plate in hand, and waiting in serpentine lines, they currently made a pathetic picture. A brand new filtering system would provide clean drinking water. In time, and given the space he needs, Mr. Vastanvi would also introduce vocational courses.
There are some student firebrands who make a lot of noise, but “most of us have tired of the jalsa-jaloos [procession-protest] politics of the Muslim leadership,” Mr. Shahnawaz said. He was awfully proud of his cousin Saba Karim, who was training to be a pilot in Patna — the first to do so in two decades. “There is no disputing that deeni taleem [religious education] is the foundation of Darul Uloom. But being computer illiterate or not knowing English is not the solution. Right now we cannot even fill up a form,” said the young man, who made a stunning parting remark: “Do you know the Islamic revelation started with the word, iqra, which means to read?”
Muslims have long given up on government. On the plus side, the terrorism label has started to come off, and the sense of siege over identity and security has given way to aspirational hopes and dreams. Naturally there is anger with the old Muslim leadership and its crass opportunistic politics. Time will tell whether Mr. Vastanvi is just another political player or a reformer. For now, an unlikely mohtamim seems to have become a metaphor for change.
Very good one
Well i can only say that both religious and worldly knowledge and its application is the only solution for the deteriorated condition of Muslim community in our country.And if some people are playing their part in betterment of community they should be encouraged rather than degraded.
This is indeed a very encouraging & enlightening sign. Feel all pro advancement, freedom loving people & organisations need to back Mr. Vastanvi.
This is a welcome change for all in India & maybe world over. We all support this great change he is bringing.
It is now high time that Indian polititians recognise leaders like Maulana Vastanvi instead of promoting vote-bank politics or reservation dogmas. Indian Muslims have all the wherwithal to educate themselves and come up in any field of their choice, instead of having a victim mind-set.
Hats off to you Sir, may your breed come out in large numbers!!!
ILM in arabic means science and this ILM is reported to have been made compulsory by the Messenger to Worlds(PBUH), here there is no boundary that we only learn spirituality to be used in daily life but it has a broden and unlimited field of learnig. Actually regarding Madrasaa education in india is how i have not authority to say but i have met and seen many madrasa graduates who can not talk to the even some indians let alone world. In general Madrasas give emphasis on Islamic education with Arabic and Urdu as a medium of instruction. When one passes out from madrasa after an eight years of rigorous study he is left with only arabic and urdu. In india only Urdu is understood and only by muslim in general, means the he can preach or talk to only muslims...Is Islam meant to be taught to muslims only?
Why madrsas do not teach them foreing language like english, french, russian, tagalok and many more.......so that they can convey the message of islam to the complete world...One More thing for madrasa to pay attention towards is that their degrees are not recognized by UGC which block career of many of its passed outs. An active Madrasa board is required and recognition or equivalence should be provided to every passed out.
The majority of Muslims happen to be a harmless innocents who spend life struggling for existence, sometimes in horror thrust upon it by the social ills. Their innocence has been exploited by the rulers and their own people for their gains. Modern education alone can change their fate. By embracing this fact, muslims will be feeling the warmth of the world's embrace to them. Vastanvi Saheb deserves the highest order of honour for his work in this direction. Let there be a thousand protests; the right will stand and win. Forgetting Modi and Gujarat as bad dreams, Vastanvi Saheb, keep moving forward. The nation needs the true leaders like you. God bless this country with many more of Vastanvis.
The most important thing which came out of Vastanvi controversy is that the Muslim community started debating and discussing. This is the fact that a community will not change unless it desires the change from within. The lack of true and inspiring leader in Muslim community has left the situation in tatters. Such a debate will surely engage the Muslim masses and ignite their intellects. The thinking and debating on the issue is more important than the issue sacking or reinstation of Maulan Vastanvi. I hope this fire continues to spread.
Outstanding article. This is about Mr. Vastanvi, and not about Modi. It brings forth the efforts of Mr. Vastanvi to embrace the modern mainstream while following one's religion at home. This means focus on education, developing soft skills, getting jobs, while adhering to one's faith. And it is clear that in truly Islamic traditions the quest for kmowledge or Ilm, is deeply ingrained. It is clear that a talibanized Islam is a recent and isolated phenomenon which goes against the grain. The article also highlights the broad support he enjoys from the Mulsim community. Wish him and his followers the best.
What a wonderful article. And it brings home the point of politics exploiting human suffering and extending it indefinitely by forcing them to relive it, and relieve only that. And I must say that I am extremely proud of Indian society in general - we have largely moved beyond communal strife except for fringe elements and political games. I had written post 26/11 about how I was happy that the Muslim woman in our building was chatting happily with all the aunties like always, even as the Taj encounter was going on. All of them scandalized, all of them criticizing the terrorists. Neither felt awkward with the other. Yet, these stereotyped subjects have such inflated emphasis, that not being indignant brands you a traitor. Its really wonderful to see leaders like this address this head on. I can only hope that Hindu leaders follow suit as well.
Excellent Article. Vidya Keep writting of this kind. People like you in the media are important to the meaningful dialogue.
Mr Vastanvi is like a breath of fresh air from the Himalayas. When all we hear is scams, rapes and corruption this is something the whole country hungers for. Our society has got itself into very deep ruts, it takes tremendous courage to break away from what the majority perceives as right. The majority knows what is wrong but no one has the courage of conviction to speak his mind. I do not care whether a leader is a Hindu or a Muslim, a leader's job is to guide the population, let us choose those who can fulfill this responsibility and who can take up the cause of the people. Mr Abdul Kalam is one of the most popular leaders of our country, that he is a Muslim has not been an issue with anyone, people of all religions love him, people only look for competence and commitment. That India is home to people of all religions is our greatest wealth, we need more leaders like Mr Vastanvi who will help us break away from our stereotypes. We need to realise that Madrassas are schools of education, they are available to the country, we need to modernise them and use them for the national good. The first school I went to was a madrassa; my father and grandfather too attended madrassas, and we are devout Hindus. I wish Mr Vastanvi all the best.
I have spent 3 years in Deoband I completed my graduation in 2005, I know well the view of Students and mentality of Administrations, I thinks 90 percent students support for Vastanvi's vision and Mission. Vastanwi is a hope of Deoband. I believe right now whole country stands behind Vastanvi. If he no longer remains Mohtamim, he should announce to open a university; he will get full support. He might be second Sir Sayyed Ahmad Khan for Muslim community.
Excellent article. This is definitely not an opinion of a biased critic as some Muslims might interpret.Ancient Islamic traditions have many references to the importance of acquiring worldly knowledge and education. As has been the case, opportunists and traditionalists have hijacked the interpretations of Islamic traditions to suit their political needs. Rituals and rites cannot be changed as these are the essence of any religion. The methods in which religions interact and relate with the external world must change with times.
LOOK BEYOND MADRASSAS:: I am all for modern education, but i don't understand one thing why is it that the civil society and the government across the spectrum focus only on madrassas, when the fact is as also rightly pointed out in the article that less than 4% of children from the community enroll for madrassa education. Why isn't the government thinking about the 96% muslim youth many of whom can't continue with their education beyond schools due to lack of competitivness since the quality of education at their schools was below average with high cost of education only aggravating the situation. The best way to deal with the illiteracy among muslims is by implementing the recommendations of the Sachar Committee report and which has not happened till now as the Congress government inspite of the thumping victory it got in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections believes only in providing lip service to Muslims. For those who think Islamic education is holding back the development of madrassa students they should remember that Dr Waseemur Rahman, a Darul Uloom Deoband graduate had cleared UPSC by securing 404 Rank and this happened in the absence of Maulana Vastanavi. I think Darul Uloom should continue with Islamic Education as the heart and soul at the same time teaching other subjects like science, maths, history and also providing other vocational training like computer and so on.
The article is worth reading. For long, Muslims in our country have been seen from only one angle--vote bank. The idea seemed to be to keep them oppressed, so that one has a reason to ask for their upliftment. Just talk about upliftment, get the votes and once elected forget till next elections. It's high time we all realize it and thwart the evil designs of politicians. Person like Mr. Vastanavi will serve as flag-bearer of such a change.
Way to go Mr. Vastanvi. I love the idea of Muslims embracing modernity. Good luck to you, as you face the forces of rigidity and backwardness. Muslims need leaders like you. You are a breath of fresh air.
Great article; the Maulana is truly bringing hope to all in India but especially to the Muslim youth who will benefit from participating in the broad economic, scientific and social progress that India is experiencing. We need to support these forward thinking people who have demonstrated the capability to successfully challenge status quo.Good luck Sir and best wishes; may God bless and guide you.
There are many many Indians Muslims who are willing to do this but there are just as many Indians who do not want them to succeed (minority in Muslim community and a significant proportion of Hindu's from the North and especially western states).Commendable not to have a victim mentality but justice not served is something else. The policy of fascists in Western India prevents the ability of these thoughts to be realised. Yes move on from the 2002 genocide but never forget and seek justice but the mainstream has been very slow to support this. Only noticing when the Muslim complains to say he has a victim mentality without ensuring all citizens of the country have the same justice.
This is not only what it seems to our eyes. For sure they are against Maulana Ghulam Mohammed Vastanvi. But it is not only for the reasons they are portraying. As said prior to this episode he is not known figure. Except for fact that he was holding the post of VC. Going by the steps, he has taken while being on the chair of VC are not miraculous in nature but basic for students welfare. They appreciated this fact. As it is mentioned, since inception of his tenure as VC some forces are trying their best to nail him down. This is because of the fear that his outlook may change the very perception; they were banking on being for years to be in power. There is obviously dearth of people in the community who dare to speak on the important issues in holistic manner. It would have brought before the masses not only the real problem for there stagnant present condition but also means to overcome it. As known to all, a few people are very much interested not only to cash the hostility existing between the two major communities in the country, but also willing to go to any extent to maintain the status quo if not increasing the existing rift. So, the need of the hour is not only to rally behind Maulana Vastanvi for his just cause, but also to have more people with progressive thinking in both communities.
Being born and brought up in Pakistan I see a sea change in Muslim mindset.. and a positive one. To me this gentleman is an avatar of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.... May Lord bless him.
At last! There is a sizeable recognition of how warped the stereotype of the Indian Muslim is. Most Indian Muslims are quite forward in their thinking and habits. Hardly any of them will prevent their children from getting educated or becoming aware of their surroundings and realities. No Indian, whether Hindu or Muslim or Christian, will want to miss the bus of progress. Our country has not progressed without all of us somehow collectively subscribing to knowledge and a society based on knowing more. Mr. Vastnavi is closer to the real Indian Muslims today and the stereotype is the fake.
It tries to project a rational view of the events around Mr. Maulana Ghulam Mohammed Vastanvi. Interestingly it asks the readers to use their own brains to judge.All he tried to do was help things get better, more over he is aquainted with both traditional and Modern education. Breaking the stereotype is a nice way of defining it.
Thank you Vidya for this article. I always believed that the uplift of Muslims in India can be achieved only when they ask for the change. Time has come for the community to join the main stream of India and get their fair share. When a child is hungry and crying, no insane person wants to know the religion, but likes to help the child by providing food and water. In India, unfortunately, a large part of society has slipped between the decks and no one has cared. Political parties, have used these communities Dalits, OBCs, Muslims for their game. I hope the wind of change brings good to all. If Muslims in India can work and live happily, it is good for all other communities as well.
Nice article. Welcome change. Hope the number of people having such pragmatic thoughts increases in India. Hopefully, the 'courts' will take care of the deeds of the miscreants of 2002 or all other riots...but at the same time the time has come up to move in forward direction for education and prosperity of all the communities in India.
I felt so happy reading the article..as a forward looking country India needs people who take the masses forward instead trying to achieve political mileages for one self..If only all the Muslims can have mainstream education, it would not only help themselves it also helps the country by weeding out the unwanted elements in the society..This should br the tipping point from which we should never go back..
I commend you for making the first honest statements on this issue: "But all of you in the secular media want the Gujarati Muslim never to get out of his grieving.The words stung but they were true. The Congress and the secular media wanted the Gujarati Muslim forever to fight Mr. Modi but neither was there to protect him." The media would love to hang NModi - doesnt matter that no court can hold him guilty. But the developments in Deoband are indeed very welcome... and long overdue!
Iqra (reading) and ilm (knowledge ) are the oars of the journey of life. These need to be refurbished and reinterpreted from time to time to make them suit the changing political ,social, economical ,and spiritual perception. Change and evolution are the laws of nature. The person or any institution who does not change becomes either irrelevant or problem for the whole society. Their social, educational, economical progress retards. Thus the progressive attitude taken by mohatavi (vice chancellor) must be supported. Problems are solved not by creating hiatus in society but by devising new ways to bring people together. Reading (iqra) and knowledge(ilm) are important irrespective of the religious beliefs and station of life.
The Muslim stereotype must be broken. All the discussion in this regard must be welcomed wholeheartedly. Forgiving Modi and Gujarat riot is another issue; change must be started from the Muslim mindset. Education, Dress code all have to be changed (not clergy, ordinary people). The Muslims also to be dressed and participate in the mainstream like other community
An article about touches upon a number of sensitive issues, but nimbly. Passing them by to focus on what is really important. Reading this article created a warm glow.
Outstanding!! No more politics please, let us all live and enjoy together.
Culture and existence are disparate aspects of human condition. With his compulsive erudition Mr Vastanvi could not but introduce in good faith certain innovative principles of existence wherever possible.It augurs well that his views are received by the younger generation with enthusiasm and faith. To be sure,Muslim culture has nothing to lose in following Mr Vastanvi without reservations.
Anything, any event, person, mohtamin, hakim, fakir, catalyst that brings about this long awaited changed in Indian Muslims' mind set is welcome.
I come from Hassan, and studied there till engineering degree. I had a number of Muslim classmates in school, all either coming from the poor or bordering middle class. I am sorry to say that not a single one of these even completed schooling. This was 45 years ago and I realised that secular education and gainful employment were the keys to the progress of our Muslims. If a Muslim scholar and educationist - Moulana Vastanvi - becomes the VC of Deoband - it is actually a progressive development. As a Gujarathi who has lived and functioned and established educational institutions there, he has a better knowledge of the ground situation there. If after the mass murder of Sikhs in Delhi in 1984, via state of Delhi could move on, why shouldn't Muslims of Gujarath move on. This was the view that Vastanvi held, according to our newspapers. He has surely not given a clean chit to the ruling government there. The culpability or otherwise will be determined by the highest courts. But the issue of meaningful, secular, career oriented education for Muslims, including of those pursuing religious studies is the fundamental task that resolution. It is as a small step in this direction that secular and religious scholars like Vastanvi assume seminal importance.
Interesting article! It is no secret that the secular establishment in India have no stake in fusing a pan-Indian identity fusing Indian Muslim characteristics with that of the already developing mainstream. Rather, they seek to have the Muslims forever as a separate entity for whom they can run campaigns and seek redress from time to time. This is not to deny or devalue the pain inflicted on Indian muslims by fundamentalist Hindus, but it is only through the forces of education and commerce that they can claim their rights, not through the pipe-dream of entitlement politics that some politicians thrive on. Kudos to Maulana Vastanvi for his pragmatism. All power to this view!
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