A few days ago, I had the honour of being invited as a guest speaker at Darul Uloom Paswal and Education Center, Lala Musa, situated near the village of Chanu Bhoja. I returned deeply impressed. In our society, we often expose and point out what is wrong, which is necessary, but there are also many good things happening quietly that deserve to be appreciated and this institution is one of them. Darul Uloom Paswal and Education Center, affiliated with Wifaq-ul-Madaris Al-Arabia Pakistan, is being run under the able and visionary supervision of Mohtamim Hazrat Maulana Asim Iqbal Sahib. At first glance, it looks like a traditional religious seminary, but in reality, it is a complete education center where Deen and Duniya have been beautifully blended. It is truly Riwayati Soch Se Aagay.
Under one roof, the institution offers Dars-e-Nizami, Hifz-ul-Quran and Gardaan alongside English-medium education from Classes 3 to 8, Matric (Science), F.A. and Pre-O-Level. Separate programmes are available for female students. Most impressive was the integration of O-Level and A-Level studies with Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. Qualified teachers from institutions such as Beaconhouse work alongside experienced Ulema-e-Karam, creating a balanced blend of religious and modern education.
During my lecture, there was a question-and-answer session and I was genuinely surprised. The students were so confident, intelligent and innocent; they looked like angels. There was noor on their faces, adab in their words and confidence in their tone. Their questions were so sharp and thoughtful that I realized this place is not just teaching books; it is enlightening minds.
The real beauty of the institution lies in its focus on Tarbiyah. Special attention is given to Arabic grammar and conversational Arabic for beginners, as well as to writing skills in Urdu, Arabic and English. The daily life of the students is run with strict punctuality, with great care given to worship, meal times and studies. They are taught Islamic etiquette, manners of eating and sleeping, cleanliness, respect and brotherhood. Manzil is recited daily under the supervi-sion of teachers and a regular system of study and homework is followed. Monthly, bi-monthly and quarterly reports are shared with parents, which shows a remarkable level of accountability. Despite being in a village area, the institution has a magnificent, clean and well-maintained building that provides a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. Students are provided with three quality meals a day along with seasonal fresh fruit and proper arrangements have been made for boarding and medical care. Another remarkable step towards self-reliance is that a 48-kW solar system with 48-kW lithium batteries has been installed, which not only provides 24-hour uninterrupted electricity to every department but also contributes surplus electricity to the national grid. This institution deserves the attention of all Islamic seminaries in the country. The world is rapidly moving towards Artificial Intelligence and if we want our children to lead in this modern age while remaining firmly rooted in their faith, we must adopt such a balanced and forward-looking curriculum.
No doubt, Darul Uloom Paswal is a true Islamic institution in the real sense and a hidden jewel of our area. May Allah Almighty bless its management, teachers and students with continued progress and make it a beacon of light for the whole nation.
—The writer is former Regional Executive Inclusive Development at NBP, Mirpur AK.
