Darul Uloom bans women’s entry, says female students making reels disrupt academic behaviour

New Delhi: The Darul Uloom has issued a fatwa, banning the entry of women, citing disruptive behaviour and concerns over academic focus. Mohtamim Maulana Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani announced the ban following complaints from across the country about women visiting the institution and making reels on social media, tarnishing the nation’s image.

The decision came after a video circulated on social media, drawing widespread criticism. Mohtamim Nomani said that such conduct was unacceptable in any educational institution, particularly in Darul Uloom. Additionally, overcrowding due to the influx of visitors, including female relatives of students, was negatively impacting students’ studies, as repeatedly noted by students themselves.

Despite initial protests against the ban, Mohtamim Nomani clarified the reasoning behind the decision, eventually gaining acceptance from the concerned parties. Consequently, restrictions have been imposed, preventing women from accessing the under-construction library and Rashidiya Mosque, renowned landmarks within the institution.

Female visitors barred from campus

Previously, women frequently visited to admire the beauty of Darul Uloom’s architecture and to support family members undergoing training. However, with the new regulations, all female visitors are barred from the campus, marking a significant change in the institution’s accessibility.

Fatwa against plucking eyebrows

This is not the first time Darul Uloom has issued such a bizarre fatwa. In 2017, the institution banned women from plucking, trimming or shaping their eyebrows, and cutting their hair. The fatwa also prohibits women from visiting beauty parlours. Supporters argue that grooming practices contradict Islamic principles, likening them to the importance of beards for men. The fatwa was prompted by a query from a man in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

However, it has sparked outrage among women activists who condemn it as misogynistic and claim it aligns with negative stereotypes of Muslims. Activists assert that Islam should focus on empowering women rather than imposing restrictions. This decree has fueled a broader debate on women’s rights and interpretations of religious doctrine, drawing attention to the intersection of tradition, culture, and gender equality within religious communities.