Days after its controversial decision to remove the books of Islamic scholars Maulana Maududi and Sayyid Qutb from its curriculum, Beginning with the following academic year, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) will offer a post-graduate degree in comparative religion, with a programme that includes instruction in religious literature from Hinduism and other religions.
Speaking to The Cognate, AMU PRO Umar Peerzada said, “We already have a course, ‘Comparative studies of religion’ in which we teach about Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism as well as Hinduism. In the university, we teach about every religion. We don’t teach any particular religion to the students but a comparative analysis of all the religions where a student can develop an understanding of every religion”.
According to him, the proposal has been moved by the chairman of the Islamic studies Department to start a separate course for Sanatan Dharma. The request has now been sent to the Board of Studies and the Academic Council is yet to pass any order. As of now, no such course has been introduced.
However, Sanatan Dharma had been there in the curriculum of the university for the last 50 years along with the study of various religions, where the history and origin of the religion are being taught.
Member in charge of PRO, Prof Shafey Kidwai has confirmed receiving a proposal from the chairman of the Islamic Studies Department.
“We have only received a proposal now, there are several stages to get it passed before introducing any course. The Academic Council is the final body to approve or reject the proposal”, he said.
He also said, “We are already teaching Sanatan Dharma along with other religions in our courses for years. It will only be introduced separately if AC approves”.
Chairman of Islamic Studies Department Mohammad Ismail said, “Having a separate course of Sanatan Dharma will facilitate students in learning dynamics of this religion thoroughly. We already have this as a subject in theology along with other faiths”.
He further said, “If approved, this course will have books based on Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, Ramayana and Bhagwad Gita and anyone can study this as an optional subject irrespective of the student’s religion”.
AMU has been in the eye of the storm after it removed books of renowned Islamic scholars Maulana Maududi and Sayyid Qutb from its curriculum, after a group of right-wing academics wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi terming their work “brazenly Jihadi Islamic course curriculum”.
Many Muslim organisations denounced the varsity’s decision calling them out for buckling down under pressure from the Hindu right wing.
The Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) slammed the university accusing them of betraying its students, faculty and legacy.
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Ghazala Ahmad is the Delhi Correspondent for The Cognate.
