Outstanding results were reported as students pursue both religious and formal schooling, showcasing a blend of faith and modern knowledge
MUMBAI – In a significant achievement for the Muslim community in the city and its suburbs, 178 students from over ten religious madrasas have achieved brilliant success in the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations this year. These students not only completed their religious studies, including Hifz (memorising the Qur’an) and Alimiyat (advanced Islamic studies), but also pursued modern secular education, demonstrating a harmonious balance between faith and contemporary knowledge.
The madrasas represented include prominent institutions such as Jamia Arabia Meraj-ul-Uloom in Cheeta Camp, Darul Uloom Mehboob Subhani in Kurla, Darul Uloom Imdadiya in Chuna Bhatti, Madrasa Ashraf Uloom in Nalasopara, and others, each contributing to this outstanding collective success.
Jamia Arabia Meraj-ul-Uloom Cheeta Camp leads the success chart with 75 students passing the SSC exam. Maulana Muhammad Zahid Qasmi, a respected figure from the institution, said, “Among those who succeeded are 33 students who are Huffaz, 18 studying in Arabic grades, and 24 who have memorised 15 to 20 paras of the Qur’an. These students also attended Ideal High School and Azad High School.” He expressed his happiness at this integrated approach, saying, “It shows that religious education and modern schooling can go hand in hand.”
Darul Uloom Mehboob Subhani, Kurla, saw 28 students pass the SSC, all engaged in Hifz and Alimiyat studies. These students benefited from night schools run by the Workers Educational Service League in Nagpara, helping them maintain both religious and academic pursuits.
Maulana Mahmood Khan Daryabadi, trustee of Darul Uloom Imdadiya in Chuna Bhatti, stated, “Six of our students have succeeded in the SSC this year. Their dedication to both religious and modern education is commendable.” Likewise, Darul Uloom Muhammadiya’s three students attending the Nagpara night school also passed with flying colours.
From Madrasa Khadijatul Kubra, Maulana Altaf Rahmani proudly announced, “Seventeen male and six female students have achieved outstanding success in their SSC exams.” He emphasised the importance of supporting education for all students, regardless of gender.
Madrasa Ashraf Uloom in Nalasopara, under the supervision of former Deputy Mayor Saghir Dange, celebrated the success of 22 students, including eight from the Hifz department and 14 Alimiyat students. “Our students also attend Zilla Parishad High School in the same building, which helps them gain modern scientific knowledge alongside their religious education,” said Mr Dange. This marks the fourth batch of students from the madrasa to take the SSC examination, setting a consistent standard of achievement.
Maulana Shamim Akhtar Nadvi, superintendent of Jamiatul Abrar in Wasai, noted with pride, “Eight students from our institution have passed the SSC. This was the third batch from our madrasa, and we are committed to continuing this trend of success.”
The heads of these religious institutions expressed satisfaction with the results and reaffirmed their commitment to improve further next year. They highlighted that such dual education — religious and modern — equips students to face the challenges of today’s world without compromising their faith.
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and teachers alike,” said Maulana Zahid Qasmi. “We are proud to show that Indian Muslim students can succeed in all areas with the right support and opportunities.”
These results challenge the negative stereotypes often aimed at madrasas and Muslim students, showing instead a community determined to grow, learn, and contribute positively to society.
As a student from Madrasa Ashraf Uloom remarked, “We study both the Qur’an and science. It is important for us to keep our faith and also prepare for the future.”
