Ban on teaching Bahishti Zewar, a book justifying sexual exploitation, in Darul Uloom Deoband’s madarasas

New Delhi – The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) sent a notice to the Saharanpur (UP) District Collector and the Superintendent of Police to ban a book named ‘Bahishti Zewar’. The same notice also raised questions on the curriculum of Darul Uloom Deoband. In response, the Administration has removed the objectionable part of the book from Deoband’s website. In addition, teaching this book in the madarasas of Darul Uloom Deoband is banned. NCPCR has informed that the book advocates raping animals, having coitus with dead and minor women etc. Strangely, it also advocates not taking a bath.

NCPCR’s Chairman Priyank Kanungo said in a social media post, that the book ‘Bahishti Zewar’ written by Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi, who advocated sexual exploitation of minor girls, is being used to issue fatwas from the madarasas of Deoband in Saharanpur. It is also being used in the curriculum. After issuing a notice to the Administration in this matter, the Saharanpur Administration banned the book. Further investigation is ongoing.

Manushi Sadan, a Delhi-based non-profit organisation, had complained about this to the NCPCR, which led to the commission issuing a notice to the Administration.

Editorial perspectives

• There is no need to explain what is taught in the madrasas ! It is evident from this case that the Government must immediately ban madarasas across the country. This would have already happened if India had a system like that of Israel !

• Darul Uloom literally means ‘The abode of knowledge’. It has now become clear what kind of ‘knowledge’ is given here !