Mirwaiz bats for formal education in madrasas

Srinagar: Kashmir’s chief cleric and chairman of the Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Thursday urged Islamic scholars to introduce formal and scientific education in religious institutions across the Valley. 

While expressing contentment over introduction of formal education by a number of Darul Ulooms (Islamic seminaries), Mirwaiz urged administrators of the remaining institutions to follow the trend, calling it need of time.
Speaking at a function after laying foundation stone of new building of Darul Uloom Naqashbandia, Rainawari here, Mirwaiz said stressed laid emphasis on formal education like Science, Technology alongside religious education.
“In today’s fast moving world, we need Islamic scholars and callers of par-excellence so that they can perform their duties well on an international level especially in western countries to counter propaganda against Islam.”
Referring to educational institutes run by Anjuman-e-Nusrat-ul-Islam, Mirwaiz said earnest attempt is being made to train students to meets challenges of future. Mirwaiz is the patron Anjuman-e-Nusrat-ul-Islam.
Of late, Mirwaiz has been shifting his focus from politics towards academics. A few days back Mirwaiz pleaded for introduction of Kashmiri language in the schools and argued that the mother tongue was being neglected.