Saharanpur, 31

July (HS): Darul Uloom Deoband has reintroduced a restriction on women entering

its campus for violating its social media standards, which reportedly harmed

the institution's reputation. A notice

declaring the restriction has been posted at the seminary's main door for the

previous two days, authorities said on Thursday. According to seminary

management, despite an existing restriction on photography and videography,

several female visitors recently took recordings on the premises and

disseminated them on social media channels. In light of this act, which the

seminary said not only violated 'bepardgi' (about remaining behind the veil)

but also hurt its reputation, the management has decided to fully bar women

from visiting the seminary under any circumstances, according to the

announcement.

The warning also

emphasized the entire prohibition on video recording and photographing on

campus. Darul Uloom previously placed a similar limitation on May 17,

2024. The prohibition was eventually

eased under specific conditions, enabling women to enter the premises. According

to officials, those restrictions were broken, prompting the ban to be

reimposed. Maulana Mufti Rehan Qasmi, head of the acting Mohtamim

(vice-chancellor)'s office, stated that women were previously allowed to attend

under specified conditions, but after a few days, the habit of sharing reels

and films restarted. This pushed the

administration to issue a new prohibition on women's admittance.

Many women who go

from all over the nation to witness Darul Uloom's ancient structures, including

the famed Rashidiya Mosque and its distinctive circular library, are dismayed

by the decision. In addition to restricting women's admittance, the seminary's

most recent decree forbade the use of nicotine and intoxicants, spitting on the

premises, and touching or plucking flowers and plants. Visitors were also required to leave the

premises before dusk.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi