Introduction of Jamea Islamia Arabia Shamimabad

An Introduction to Jamea Islamia Arabia Shamimabad

Education is the backbone of the nation, the ladder of progress. The key and prerequisite for building a beautiful civil society, it’s a tool to eliminate all kinds of barbarism. Undoubtedly, it is not a man-made education system, but the only God-given authentic teaching of the Qur’an-Sunnah is the true way of man’s success in this world and the hereafter. The teachings that started from the ‘Hera’ Cave in the holy city of ‘Mecca’ fascinated the entire human race with its soft light radiation.

The world was gifted with the greatest scripture of all time (The holy Quran), which was taught to Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) by Allah through Hazrat Jibraeel (A.). Later, the Prophet as a teacher began to teach Muslims the words of the holy Qur’an and he declared, ‘I have been sent as a teacher’.

The Prophet (SAW) in his Makki life, continued the Islamic education system in about 13 centers even in the most unfavorable environment. After migrating to Medina, he accelerated the flow of Islamic teachings from a place called ‘Suffa’ in the Masjid-e-Nababi.

From the beginning of the golden age of Islam in Khulafa-e-Rashedeen to the last period of the Turkish Caliphate, Islamic education was the only system of education in the whole Muslim world and only those educated in Islamic education were universally recognized, virtuous and ideal in the society.

The Qawmi Madrasah education in the Indian subcontinent began during the reign of Sultan Qutbuddin Aibek in the early 1300 AC. Nasiruddin Kubachah, the governor of Multan, established a Qawmi madrasah called ‘Madrasaye- Firoji’ at a place called ‘Uchh’ in Multan. Later, innumerable Qawmi madrasah were established in different parts of India.

Introduction to Hadith education in Bangladesh:

Reviewing the history, it can be seen that Hadith education started in Bangladesh before the conquest of Bengal by the heroic fighter Ikhtiyar Uddin Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khilji. At the beginning of 600 AH, a group of Sufi arrived. Here out of those newcomers were  Shahjalal  Tibriji (died 642 AH) Shaykh   Sharfuddin Abu Tawama, Shaykh  Alaul Haq, Shaykh Nur Qutb, Shaykh Shahjalal Yamani (who was buried in Sylhet),  Shaykh Ahmad Tannuri, Shaykh Badruddin,  Shaykh Muhammad Shaykh including many more muhaddisin and sufiye Keram.

Originally, after their arrival, the propagation of Islam in this country started on a large scale and many scholars came to this land one after another for this purpose. On the one hand, they continue to win the hearts of the people by using their own amiable behavior and preaching the noble message of Islam.

On the other hand, they established various religious schools, maktabs and khanqahs for religious education and initiation. Gradually, they became the center of gaining accurate knowledge about the Qur’an and Hadith and the center of Islam.

Introduction to Darse Hadith in Bangladesh:

Hazrat Shah Sharfuddin Abu Tawama was the first to teach Hadith at Sonargaon near Dhaka in 1270 AC corresponding to 668 AH in Bangladesh. There he founded a madrasa; He taught Hadith for about 45 years. Then Shaykh Taqi (R.) taught Hadith in the mosque.

Thus the trend of education continued till the 13th century AH. But so far everything has been person-centered. Then an Islamic school was established in Chittagong, the seaport of Bangladesh. It was there that in 1326 AH, the first institutional teachings of Qutb-e Sittah, Muattain and Tahabi Sharif and other Kitabs began. That school is today known as ‘Jamea Ahlia Darul Uloom Mueenul Islam Hathazari’.

Advent of British Traders and elimination of Madrasahs:

It is a historical fact that before the British rule, there were 80,000 Qawmi madrasahs in Bengal alone. The irony of fate is that the Muslim rule in the country came to an end with the defeat of the last Nawab of Bengal, Sirajuddaula, at the Battle of Palashi in 1757, and the domination of the British Traders was established throughout India.

As a result, the Muslim society of the subcontinent is almost crippled in terms of religious, social, economic, cultural and educational initiation. The British conspired and confiscated the waqf property of mosques, madrasahs and khanqahs in the whole subcontinent. Due to which these religious institutions fell on deaf ears. The independence and sovereignty of the subcontinent could not be maintained even after the bloodshed of the Alem-Ulama, Pir-Mashayekhs (islamic scholars) of this country on the ground of Shameli in the anti-British jihad in 1857.

It was then that the far-sighted and respected scholars of the time established a Qawmi madrasah called “Darul Uloom Deoband” in 1866 AC. at a place called ‘Deoband’ in Uttar Pradesh, India. Numerous religious institutions, large and small, were later established in Europe, America and Africa, including the subcontinent, around the Deoband Madrasa. Which is known in the society as ‘Qawmi’ Madrasah. Which are conducted with the help of ‘Qaum’ i.e. common peoples.

In continuation of this, Hazrat Shah Jalal and Shahparan (R.) in the footsteps of 360 Auliyas, in the heart of Sylhet, in the residential area of ​​Kotwali police station, Jamea Islamia Arabia Shamimabad Sylhet” was established on 10/10/2010 in the ‘Shamimabad residential area’ on the advice of Ulamae, Murubbians and Buzurgane  Deen (islamic scholars). which is an Islamic educational institution following the ideology of the world famous Islamic Institute ‘Darul Uloom Deoband’.

Jamea Islamia Arabia Shamimabad at a glance:

Name: Jamea islamia arabia shamimabad, Sylhet.

Address: Jamea islamia arabia shamimabad is located at (bank of Surma river, near Osmani medical college in the beautiful city of ‘Sylhet’ which is called as the city of Islamic heritage and the spiritual capital of Bangladesh) holy view-226, road no. 5, south bagbari, PO: sadar, Sylhet, Bangladesh.

Founding date: 1432 hijri, 1417 Bangla, 10.10.2010 AC.

Founding director: Hafiz Maulana Sayed Shamim Ahmad (D.B.).

Level of education: From ‘Maktab’ to ‘Fadilat’ (Mishkat sharif) including the ‘Department of Arabic language and literature’.

Number of teachers: 30 (thirty). Number of students: 455 (four hundred and fifty five). Number of Accountant: 1 (one). Number of staffs and employees: 6 (six).

• Ideology of Jamea:

Jamea Islamia Arabia Shamimabad totally follows the doctrine (Aqida) of the ‘Akabir’ and ‘Aslaf’ (Creed) of ‘Ahlus Sunnah wal jamaa’ah’.

• Goals and objectives:

To build a bunch of heirs of prophets, the true followers of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and his companions, who shall guide the peoples of the whole world to the right path.

Education stream:

Jamea Islamia Arabia Shamimabad is not a name of any traditional educational institution. Jamea has arranged his teaching method with far-reaching plans. Keeping in view to expand class-based teaching from the Nursery class to the highest level of religious education i.e. (Takimil fil hadith) and subsequent Takhassusat (Iftah, Uloom-e Hadith, Uloom-e Tafsir and Adab) the outline is now on Nursery class – Mishkat.

As a part of this, ‘Department of Arabic language and literature’ is already started from this year (2020-21 corresponding to 1442-43 AH). In addition to this, history of Islam, Arabic and Bengali literature, including the suitable for the age various activities is also what Jamea offers to its students. Also, on the basis of a well-organized syllabus, it is necessary for every students of Jamea to study the Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh, Tafsir, Usul-Aqaid and Arabic literature, Bengali literature-grammar, Nahu-Sarf, Balagat-Mantiq and necessary English, Mathematics, History and Geography. Because of that, Jamea has already gained reputation in the international arena for gifting a bunch of God-fearing ‘Talibul Ilim’ to the nation. Besides that, Jamea undertakes various programs from time to time for common peoples with the great aim of bringing the benefits of Islamic education to the masses. All in all, Jamea Islamia Arabia Shamimabad is a multi-departmental project.

Basic sections of Jamea:

1. Education section. 2. Finance Section.

• The activities of ‘Education section’ are conducted in 2 ways:

1. A) Class-based study B) Collective training programs

⁕ ‘Class-based study’ is divided in 4:

1. Hifz Division. 2. Nurani Division. 3. General Division (Kitab).   4. Department of Arabic language & literature.

1) Hifz Division: There are 5 sections in this division: Hifz Nazera, Hifz 1, Hifz 2, Hifz 3 and Hifz takmil.

This division has already gained fame in the whole of Bangladesh and abroad by achieving significant places in board examination results. in this division, young children from maktabs and primary schools are usually trained with great care to memorize the entire Qur’an in just three years by world class well-trained and skilled teachers. Besides that, the students who complete Hifz are made fit through special training program for admission to the General division (kitab).

2) Nurani Division: In this division, under Nurani Ta’limul Quran Board, from Nursery class to Nurani standard 1,2,3 kids are memorized 30th Juz of Quran and 40 hadith with meanings including the recitation of holy Quran correctly with tajweed by well-trained skilled teachers. Besides that, basic Bengali, Urdu, Mathematics, English etc. are also carefully taught along with essential masala-masaail.

3) General division (kitab): In this division there is a continuous class based teaching system from the fourth class to the second year of Fazilat (Mishkat Sharif) and a bunch of well-trained skilled teachers are closely supervise the students with care 24-hour. Most importantly, this is the largest and main division of the Jamea which produces a true Alim e deen i.e. Islamic scholar.

4) Department of Arabic language & literature: This department is divided in 2 section:

First section: “Arabic language combined with Nahu-Sarf” for the students who are weak in Nahu-Sarf and unable to read the verses correctly, there will be this section for them.

Second section: “Higher study in Arabic Language and Literature” – for the students who are strong in Nahu- Sarf and able to read Arabic verses quickly and accurately will be admitted to this section, In Shaa Allah.

⁕ Jamea’s collective student training program:

We have various arrangements so that our children may play a role in all spheres of religion and society In order to make these events a reality, a non-political student organization called “As-Sunnah student’s council” has been formed with the meritorious students of Jamea, through which the following sections are conducted :-

• Student Council Library: In addition to the textbooks, the efforts to create a high quality library rich in informative books to keep abreast of the contemporary situation and international context in order to develop the scope of knowledge of the students are on the way to much success.
• Speech training: In addition to acquiring knowledge and bringing it to the doorsteps of the common people in a beautiful and fluent manner, Jamea organized “As-Sunnah Chhatra Sangsad” training weekly lecture meetings. As a result, every year ‘Alhamdulillah’ Jamea produces many students who are able to deliver fluent speeches in thematic Arabic, Bengali and English.
• Annual competition program: In this, various topics are assigned to develop the talents of the students, and by giving lectures by participating in the competitions on the assigned topics, the students are able to flourish their latent talents.
• Wall Magazine (Deyalika): An initiative has been taken to publish Bengali and Arabic Wall magazine (deyalika) each year to educate the students of Jamea as pen soldiers, with the great aim of radiating the pure light of Islamic literature against the pen-dealers of perverted tastes in the West.

• ‘Social service projects’ of Jamea are:

• Fatwa-Faraiz Division: In order to solve religious and various kinds of problems by ‘Shari’a law’, skilled Muftis perform this service without any exchange.
• Conventional Da’wah activities: In this section, emphasis is laid on teaching religion to the common people and fitting it to their practical life. Besides, for the self-purification of the common people including teachers and students, world-renowned Ulama-Mashayekhs are invited and exhortations are arranged.
• Composition and publication: Modern literary fields are occupied by so-called intellectuals. The character of the youth is defiled by reading their immoral literature. Therefore, Jamea Shamimabad is working relentlessly in the great vow of rescuing the youth from moral decay, as well as conveying the Islamic culture and the noble message of the Qur’an-Sunnah to the Bengali-speaking people. That day is not far away; One day our Jamea will be able to make an incomparable contribution in the field of literature, Insha-Allah!
• Special services for helpless peoples: Jamea’s volunteer students and teachers are always active in the service of humanity. On behalf of Jamea, they play a significant role in serving the poor, destitute, helpless and endangered people of the country in times of calamity.

• Jamea’s finance section:

This section is currently being managed by 4 funds: (1) General Fund, (2) Poor Fund, (3) Book Fund (4) Mosque Fund.

1. General Fund: This fund bears all the expenses including salaries, allowances and boarding of the teachers, so this fund is the largest in the finance section.
2. Poor Fund: This fund provides overall assistance to poor, orphan and needy students including feeding, medical treatment and book purchase.
3. Kitab Fund: From this fund all the necessary Text book and Non text books are provided to students.
4. Mosque Fund: From this fund all the expenses related to the construction of the mosque including the purchase of the land of the mosque are met.

Features:

1. Importance is also given to Tarbiyat, besides Ta’lim.
2. Appointed teachers & staffs are fuzalas of renowned institutions.
3. 24-hour routine under the supervision of skilled teachers.
4. The relentless supervision of skilled and trained teachers in ‘Hifz division’.
5. Full-time C.C. TV controlled.
6. Hifz Nazera and Takmil departments are under completely separate management.
7. Complete residential management.
8. Every Thursday after Salatul Isha Islahi-Tarbiati Bayan is delivered and Du’a is done for the well-wishers and helpers of the country and the nation, especially for the well-wishers of Jamea.
9. Improved and pleasant environment as well as cleanliness.
10. Overall Ilmi & Amali activities of Jamea are conducted on Mashwara basis by monthly Majlis-e Ilmi and by weekly Ustad Coordination Majlis held after Salatul Asar each Monday.

• Future plans of Jamea:

1. Expanding the education system by starting the class ‘Dawratul hadith’ (Master’s) and ‘Takhassusat’ (Departments of higher Islamic studies).
2. Building an individual mosque and hostel for Jamea.
3. Starting ‘Computer training course’ for students to enhance their general knowledge and to make them able to co-operate with modern technologies.
4. Helping poor and homeless peoples through the ‘Social service organization’ of Jamea.
5. Launching free ambulance and corpse washing service for poor peoples.
6. Starting ‘Maktabs’ in various area and arranging Islamic education for elderly.
7. Building a separate hall for Student’s examinations and weekly ceremony.
8. Building a separate library for students.
9. Forming a ‘scholarship providing trust’ for students.
10. Founding a Women’s madrasah combined with modern education.
11. Founding an Islamic ideal school.

N.B: Alhamdulillah! By the grace of almighty Allah the ‘Computer training course’ which was under plan projects of jamea is already started including the launch of jamea’s own website: www.jameashamimabad.com. And by all your prayers and helps rest of the under plan projects shall be implemented soon, In shaa Allah.

Daily activities of Jamea’s  Ilmi-Amli:

Hifz Division: After performing Tahajjud prayers on the end of night, the class of Hifz students starts and lasts till 07:50 in the morning. Breakfast at 07:51; Until 08:30. Bath from 08:31 to 09:15. Sleep break from 09:16 to 12:00. Classes from 12:01 to 01:20. Zuhr prayers and lunch from 01:21 to 02:30. Class from 02:31 to 15 minutes before Asr prayers. Recitation of Surah Waqiah after Maghrib prayers and class till 08:45. Esha prayers and dinner from 08:46 to 09:30. Classes from 09:31 to 10:30. Then sleep.

Noorani Division: Recitation of Surah Yaseen after Fajr Prayers. Then reading under supervision of the teachers till 07:50. Breakfast from 07:51 to 08:30. Continuous class from 08:31 to 01:20. Zuhr prayers, lunch and bath from 01:21 to 02:30. Reading under the supervision of teachers from 02:31 to 03:00. Rest from 03:01 until Salatul Assr. Then reading from Maghrib till 06:45 under the supervision of the masters. Esha prayers and dinner from 08:46 to 09:30. Reading from 09:31 to 10:30 under the supervision of teachers. Then sleep.

Kitab Division: Recitation of Surah Yaseen after performing Salatul Fajr. Study after Fajr. Classes start at 07:00 in the morning and end at 07:50. Breakfast in the morning from 07:51 and 08:20. Then continuous class from 08:21  to 12:50 pm. Bathing, Zuhr  prayers and lunch from 12:51 to 02:30. Handwriting Takrar from 02:31 to 03:00. Rest from 03:01 until Salatul Assr. Study under the supervision of teachers from 08:45 after Maghrib prayers. Esha prayers and dinner from 08:46 to 09:30. Study supervised by teachers from 09:31 to 11:30. Then sleep.

Collective practice of students of all departments:

• Recitation of Surah Yaseen after Fajr prayers.
• After the Zuhr prayers, ‘Khatme Khajegan’ and Dua.
• Recitation of Surah Muzzammil after Assr prayers, physical exercise and weekly da’wah Amol.
• Recitation of Surah Waqiah after Maghrib prayers.
• Recitation of Surah Mulk after Esha prayers.
• Amoli Training of ‘Sunnat’ every Wednesday after Zuhr prayers.
• Every Thursday, after the Esha prayers, ‘Islahi Bayan’ and prayers are arranged for the lifelong well-wishers of Jamea and all Muslims.
• Every Friday Surah Kahf is recited and after Assr prayers, a special ‘Durood Sharif’ is performed.

(This is a summary of Jamea’s daily activities.)

Note: The routine is not permanent, it can be changed over time.

Conclusion: In a pleasant and residential environment this Jamea is moving forward smoothly to achieve its goal by the sincere efforts of the experienced teachers under the overall supervision of Hafiz Maulana Syed Shamim Ahmed (D.B.), a legend of the era.

May the activities of ‘Jamea Islamia Arabia Shamimabad’ be more speedy and successful for the welfare of the nation and religion. Amen!!