By Rabita Islamic News Agency
Deoband : Addressing the students in annual meeting of Darul Uloom Deoband’s English department, Na’ib Muhtamim Qari Syed Mohammad Usman informed that the Majlis-e-Shoora of Darul Uloom Deoband had passed a resolution 107 years ago, in its meeting in 1321 A. H., to teach English, but it could not be implemented due to lack of financial resources and other problems. Maulana was delivering his presidential address in the closing session of Anjuman-e-Da’watul Islam of Darul Uloom Deoband comprising the students of English language and literature in senior classes of Darul Hadees. The session was attended by a large number of teachers, distinguished guests and the students.
Retorting to the queries made against the role of Ulema with regard to English language, he clarified that Ulema had never opposed English language. They only opposed those teachings that affected Islamic tenets and practices and posed some danger to Islamic identity and characteristics. Honourable president of the session admired their efforts and presentations after listening the speeches of the students of English department and said learning English is required today not only for retorting to the blames of terrorism and defending Islam in the face of the objections raised against it, but also for the reason that it has become instrumental for propagating Islam and its religious teachings even among Muslims themselves. So, it is doubly needed for our people living in Western countries, who usually demand such well-versed and Shari’ah-abiding Ulema who are at hand in the art of satisfactory lingual communication besides being the experts of Shari’ah-based scholarship.