A science tweak to religion

A science lab in a Madrasa is creating a buzz

There was a buzz around the Rahmani block at Al Mahadul Aaali Al Islami. Nothing unusual for a seminary where hundreds of students do research and specialise in Islamic sciences. But on this particular day, they were excited as they hung around this block; curious to see the new science lab being set up there.

Wondering what a science lab is doing in a madrasa? A glance at the history of Mahad which has completed 18 years will throw light. It is a seminary with a modern outlook. Here along with memorisation of Quran, fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Hadith, Tafseer, Arabic language and Seerat, its students also learn computer application, mathematics and sciences, as well as banking, finance and niceties of stock exchange. Mahad is also distinct from the typical seminaries in that sacred texts of other religions also find a place along with the Quran on the book shelves. Secular education is not a taboo as all that is ‘Ilm-e-Nafe’ (useful education) is welcome here.

Now Mahad has added another feather to its cap by opening a modern science lab. “Madrasa students should be conversant with the modern subjects to meet the present day challenges,” says Moulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, Rector of the seminary.

A strong votary of English and regional languages, the rector is known to come up with Islamic solutions to new age problems. The science lab, he feels, will equip the students with the latest knowledge in the shortest possible time. Apart from basic scientific information, it showcases the advances made by Muslim scholars in the field of astronomy, mathematics, geography, medicine and other sciences.

Set up at a cost of Rs. 5 lakh, the lab throws light on what is considered the ‘golden age’ of Islamic civilisation and the contributions made by scholars over a span of 1000 years which subsequently led to the European renaissance. Mahad has taken the services of Intellectual Learning Methodologies (ILM) Foundation and Catalyst, the Hyderabad-based social empowerment organisation, in setting up the lab. Many see the lab as an attempt to revive the holistic approach of the seminaries in the middle ages when ulemas also excelled in natural sciences and intellectual pursuits.

“The hands-on experience will open up new vistas of learning to madrasa students,” says MA Lateef Atear whose ILM Foundation is helping many private school set up such labs.

Scholars, who came from across the country for the two day programme that concluded on Sunday, were appreciative of the initiative taken by Mahad. In fact many are keen to replicate the Hyderabad model in their institutions. Working models of the solar system, human body parts, embryo system and astrolab are a big hit with the students.

“We will invite subject experts to explain the details to students on a regular basis. This way they will gain knowledge of the natural sciences,” says Omer Abideen of Mahad.


Besides providing an environment for interactive student engagement, models help in faster learning. Rahmani believes in the adage: I hear and I forget, I see and I remember. I do and I understand. He sees no conflict between religion and science; they are perfectly compatible with each other.

J.S.Ifthekhar,

Hyderabad based journalist.

Article published in The Hindu

Dated March 7,2018