Baramulla: Molvi Abdul Qayoom Qasmi, the administrator (Muhtamim) of the esteemed Islamic seminary Dar-ul-Uloom Islamia Arbia Sheeri in Baramulla, has been suspended following serious allegations of mismanagement and corruption. The decision comes after Qasmi reportedly defied directives from the Working Committee (Majlis-e-‘Aamila) and the Advisory Council (Majlis Shura), as well as obstructing the financial audit by imposing personal locks on the accounts section and donation box.
An official order from the Majlis Shura and Majlis-e-‘Aamila, issued under No. 54-64/B/2024 on October 12, 2024, confirms the suspension. The document, titled “Suspension of Maulvi Abdul Qayoom Qasmi Muhtamim Dar-ul-Uloom Sheeri,” outlines significant violations, stating, “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. Consequently, you are suspended until further orders. You are further directed to provide a written explanation within two days concerning these violations, or face potential legal action.”
In light of Qasmi’s suspension, Molvi Mohammad Yusuf has been appointed as the in-charge administrator. The order urges all staff members to cooperate with the acting Muhtamim to maintain the seminary’s operations without disruption.
This development follows ongoing concerns regarding the seminary’s financial practices, including allegations of misappropriating and misallocating funds, allegedly contravening Sharia law. Tensions heightened as Qasmi purportedly interfered with the audit, contributing to uncertainty within the institution.
A report from the Majlis-e-‘Aamila presented to Markazi Awkaf Islamia Sheeri highlighted significant discrepancies, specifically Qasmi’s unauthorized purchase of a Ford EcoSport vehicle for Rs 3,70,000 using funds from the Zakaat account (CD 314). This transaction was made without prior approval from the Majlis Shura or Majlis-e-‘Aamila. An additional allegation details the illegal withdrawal of Rs 40,000 from the Welfare Fund, further emphasizing breaches of Sharia law.
Despite efforts by Awkaf Islamia to mediate and proceed with the audit, Qasmi reportedly declined to cooperate with the delegation, exacerbating concerns about transparency. The investigation also indicates widespread misappropriation of funds collected through alms, donations, and Zakaat from the local Muslim community, raising alarms about the integrity of financial management.
Community members from the Sheeri and surrounding Narvaw area have called for the Working Committee of the Dar-ul-Uloom to take decisive action to combat corruption within the institution. They stress the importance of restoring the seminary’s credibility, upholding its constitutional values, and ensuring accountability and transparency.
