Madrassas in UP welcome new timetable, but raise concern over namaz timing
India Today
Madrassas have welcomed the decision of the Uttar Pradesh government to introduce a new timetable but have raised concerns over namaz timing. The new timetable does not have a slot for the afternoon namaz.
The Uttar Pradesh government has extended the timing of the madrassas in the state by one hour and the revised timings will come into effect from October 1. The madrassas, which will operate for six hours from now on, have welcomed the decision but have raised objections over namaz timing.
The state madrassa education council has issued a new timetable for aided madrasas as per which classes will begin at 9 am with prayers followed by the national anthem. The classes will be held from 9:30 am to 12 pm. After a 30 minute lunch break, classes will resume at 12:30 pm and last till 3 pm. The new timetable, which was created keeping in view the development of students, will be applicable to all 14,513 recognised madrassas in the state.
Muslim clerics and madrassa students have welcomed the move but have expressed objection as the new timetable does not have a slot for afternoon namaz (1 pm-2 pm).
READ | Madrassas in UP to operate for six hours after govt order, national anthem mandatory
Students of Shakul Alam Sabaria madrassa in Lucknow told India Today that afternoon prayer is an important part of the madrassa education. They have asked the madrassa board to allot time for the same.
Speaking to India Today, Muslim scholar Maulana Ishtiaq Qadri said that the other changes in madrassa system have been accepted by all madrassas but, the madrassa board should also take care that every madrasa works as per the custom. Namaz is an important part of madrassa education which cannot be ignored, he said.
Meanwhile, Darul Uloom spokesperson Maulana Sufiyan Nizami said that in the intervening time of afternoon prayers, the teachers and students of madrassa go to other mosques for the Imamat (lead congregational prayers), which gives them employment, and in such a situation they will not be satisfied with the new timetable.
