Baramulla: Molvi Abdul Qayoom Qasmi, the administrator (Muhtamim) of the renowned Islamic seminary Dar-ul-Uloom Islamia Arbia Sheeri Baramulla, has been suspended for defying the orders of the Working Committee (Majlis-e-‘Aamila) and the Advisory Council (Majlis Shura).
Qasmi is also accused of obstructing the audit of the seminary’s funds by placing personal locks on the accounts section and donation box.
An official order from the Majlis Shura and Majlis-e-‘Aamila, under order No. 54-64/B/2024 dated 12-10-2024, a copy of which is in possession of this newspaper, confirmed the suspension. The order, titled “Suspension of Maulvi Abdul Qayoom Qasmi Muhtamim Dar-ul-Uloom Sheeri,” cited Qasmi’s disregard for instructions and his actions to sabotage accountability procedures. It states: “You have clearly violated the orders of the Majlis-e-Amila by installing an additional lock on the Accountant’s Room and Donation Box (Chanda Beti), thereby hindering the audit and accountability process. As a result, you are suspended till further orders. You are also instructed to submit a written explanation to the Majlis-e-Amila and Majlis Shura within two days regarding these violations, failing which legal action will be initiated against you.”
In light of Qasmi’s suspension, the vice-administrator, Molvi Mohammad Yusuf, has been appointed as the in-charge administrator. The order further directs all staff members to cooperate with the acting Muhtamim to ensure the smooth functioning of the Dar-ul-Uloom.
Notably, the seminary has been mired in controversy following allegations of financial irregularities, including misappropriation and diversion of funds, which are contrary to Sharia law. Tensions escalated when Qasmi allegedly interfered with the audit process, causing uncertainty within the institution.
The Majlis-e-‘Aamila’s report, accessed, submitted to Markazi Awkaf Islamia Sheeri, detailed one significant violation, where Qasmi purchased a Ford EcoSport vehicle for Rs 3,70,000 using funds from the Zakaat account (CD 314), without prior approval from the Majlis Shura and Majlis-e-‘Aamila. Additionally, Rs 40,000 was reportedly withdrawn illegally from the Welfare Fund. These actions, according to the report, are a clear violation of Sharia law.
Efforts by Awkaf Islamia to mediate and resume the audit process were unsuccessful, as Qasmi reportedly refused to cooperate with the delegation sent by the organization. The report further alleges widespread misappropriation of funds collected through alms, donations, and Zakaat from the local Muslim community, raising concerns about transparency and honesty.
Residents of the Sheeri and adjoining villages of Narvaw area have urged the working committee of the Dar-ul-Uloom to take swift action in addressing corruption within the institution, ensuring the restoration of its credibility, honor, and adherence to its constitution- Dastoor. Transparency and accountability, they stressed, are essential to preserving the reputation of the Islamic seminary.
