India: Patna Imams Call for Protection of Religious Schools Amid Growing Concerns

India: Patna Imams Call for Protection of Religious Schools Amid Growing Concerns
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Muslim imams and scholars in Patna, the capital of Bihar, have called for unified efforts to protect Islamic schools and religious institutions, warning of challenges that could threaten their educational and social roles.

The meeting, held on October 20 at the Emirate of Sharia Conference Hall, focused on the future of Islamic education and freedom of religious practice. Participants voiced concerns about campaigns targeting religious schools and government measures affecting religious institutions.

Mufti Muhammad Sohrab Nadwi, acting head of the Emirate of Sharia, highlighted the historical contributions of religious schools and Muslim scholars to India’s educational, social and national life, including during the struggle for independence from British rule. He called for greater public awareness and coordinated action to address what he described as propaganda against Islamic schools.

Nadwi also announced plans for a major conference on the future of religious schools on November 11, 2026, at Babu Auditorium near Gandhi Square in Patna. The event, to be held under the patronage of Maulana Ahmad Wali Faisal Rahmani, is expected to bring together representatives of Islamic educational institutions from Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal, alongside scholars and education experts.

He urged imams to use Friday sermons and other religious platforms to raise awareness about the importance of Islamic schools, Quranic learning centres, mosques and Sufi lodges. He emphasized combining public education with organized community efforts.

Other participants also called for stronger cooperation among Islamic institutions and a greater role for imams in community awareness and the protection of religious education.

The meeting concluded with a call for closer coordination among Islamic institutions across several Indian states and a shared strategy to safeguard religious schools, preserve Muslim educational traditions and ensure their continuation for future generations.