Madarasa in Hyderabad introduces research studies for women

2006
By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad, Dec 19: A city madarasa has introduced a research course in Islamic studies exclusively for women.
The madarasa, which launched Shoba-e-Tehqeeq (department of research) recently, has enrolled eight women for "Al-duktoora" (doctrate) studies in Islamic history, calligraphy, Muslim contribution in various fields and the biographical research of Muslim saints and early Islamic scholars including those of the Prophet's period.
Jamiatul Mominath has earlier created ripples in the Muslim society in the country by introducing Mufti course for women. Some of the women Muftis, who passed the course this year, are now pursuing research studies leading to the award of "Al-duktoora" degree. The women research scholars will travel to various parts of the country to collect data for their research project.
Says Mufti Mastan Ali, chief mufti of Jamiatul Mominath, "ours is the first madarasa in the country and perhaps in the world to introduce research studies exclusively for women. The research guides will also be women. We are trying to obtain affiliation with leading Islamic educational institutes worldwide for recognition of our degrees".
The madarasa received applications for the new research project from 100 women candidates and after a scrutiny, written test and viva voce it selected seven students. It will provide scholarships to the candidates to pursue the course. The students will have to complete the research project within a period of two years and the thesis they submit will be sent to eminent Islamic organisations for evaluation.
Muftiya Anees Fatima, who has been selected for the project, told this correspondent that she would be pursuing research on great Islamic scholar of yore Hazrat Imam Abu Yusuf and his personality and educational contribution to the development of then Muslim society. "It is really a honour for me to be associated with the unique project," she said.
Another candidate, Muftiya Naziya Azeez, who is pursuing research on Hazrat Aisha, wife of the Holy Prophet, pointed out that her project would throw light on the contribution of Hazrat Aisha to the development of Muslim women.