Archive · 6 Aug 2026
Madani Slams Madrasa Terrorism Claims as Communal Politics
In India, some people are having a big argument about madrasas, which are Islamic schools.
A leader named Keshav Prasad Maurya from the state of Uttar Pradesh said some bad things about these schools.
He said madrasas can unofficially teach children to become terrorists.
A writer named Taslima Nasreen even asked for madrasas to be closed down, calling them 'jihadi factories.'
A Muslim leader named Arshad Madani is very upset about this.
He said it is unfair and prejudiced to call madrasas hubs of terrorism.
He thinks most madrasas are just schools that have helped the country.
He believes these comments are being made to win votes and divide people.
He said everyone should live together peacefully and follow the Constitution.
Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind National President Arshad Madani alleged that Muslims and madrasas are repeatedly targeted for political gains.
Madani said such narratives 'threaten communal harmony' and weaken the Constitutional values of India.
The remarks respond to Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya's claim that madrasas in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh 'unofficially breed terrorism.'
Maurya endorsed exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen's demand for a ban on madrasas, which she described as 'jihadi factories.'
Madani accused critics of lacking moral authority, noting their political predecessors sought clemency from the British during India's freedom struggle.
- Who
- Arshad Madani, National President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind; Keshav Prasad Maurya, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister; and exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen.
- What
- A political dispute over whether madrasas breed terrorism, with Madani denouncing the allegations as communal, baseless and aimed at creating divisions.
- When
- Arshad Madani made his remarks on a Thursday amid a continuing controversy; the exact date is not specified.
- Where
- New Delhi, India, with the dispute centered on Uttar Pradesh and references to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
- Why
- Madani says Muslims and madrasas are being targeted with baseless allegations for electoral and divisive political gains.
Madrasa critics
Madrasa defenders
Do madrasas breed terrorism?
Madrasa critics
Keshav Prasad Maurya claimed madrasas in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh 'unofficially breed terrorism' and that their students develop a 'terrorist-like mindset.'
Madrasa defenders
Arshad Madani called the allegation baseless and said branding madrasas as hubs of terrorism is 'the height of communalism and prejudice.'
Should madrasas be banned?
Madrasa critics
Taslima Nasreen demanded a ban on madrasas, describing them as 'jihadi factories,' and Maurya endorsed her demand.
Madrasa defenders
Madani countered that madrasas contributed to the country's history and that critics lack the moral authority to question such institutions.
- Key figures
- Arshad Madani (Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind), Keshav Prasad Maurya (UP Deputy CM), Taslima Nasreen
- Location
- New Delhi, India
- Maurya's allegation
- Madrasas in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh 'unofficially breed terrorism'
- Madani's response
- 'Declaring madrasas as hubs of terrorism is the height of communalism and prejudice'
- Trigger
- Maurya's support for Taslima Nasreen's demand for a ban on madrasas, which she called 'jihadi factories'
- Platform
- Social media platform X