Many Deeni madrasas stare at uncertain future
The lockdown is expected to have a major impact on the network of Deeni Madrasa and thereby halting revenue collection because of drastic decline in flow of donations and charity during the holy month of Ramzan.
Over 4,000 Deeni Madrasas are functioning in Telangana, where more than 60,000 students are imparted different religious courses. According to estimates, these Madrasas cumulatively need `1,000 crore per annum as almost every institution has boarding facilities.
Many Deeni Madrasas are on the verge of closure as the managements could not mobilise funds required to manage them. Following the lockdown, several more may be forced to close down. Moreover, parents will not be ready to send their wards to these institutions, even after the lockdown is lifted.
The largest religious institution in the State is Jamia Nizamia, where about 1, 000 students are studying theology and other religious courses. It has 165 minor affiliated institutions. The institution’s annual expenditure is over `6 crore.
Moreover, these Madrasas have neither any revenue generating assets nor any regular sources of income. With no aid from the government, they, by and large, are dependent on charities and donations given by the community.
Dr Muftia Rizwana Parveen, head of Jamiat ul Mominath, an exclusive institution for girls and women, said that the institutions have been running, thanks to financial support from the community. The wealthy Muslims calculate their Zakat in the month of Ramzan, which helps cover 80 per cent of their expenditure. To collect alms and charity, these institutions send their representatives to various places and install collection counters in front of mosques. However, the lockdown has ruled out this process.
She said due to lockdown, the rich have diverted their regular contributions to Deeni Madrasas for feeding the poor. Once the lockdown is lifted, they may focus on reviving their business. Devoid of much financial support, the Madrasas will be forced to either close down or reduce the intake.