Jamia Ashraful Uloom
Jamia Ashraful Uloom is an Islamic educational institution located in Mahmoodabad, Kendrapara district, in the Indian state of Odisha. It is a residential madrasa offering a combination of religious and modern general education. The institution is registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 and is affiliated with the Odisha State Board of Madarsa Education. The current principal of the institution is Muhammad Farooq Qasmi.
History
The madrasa was initially founded in 1937 as a center for Quran memorization. It was closed for several years and later reopened in 1984. It was officially registered as a full-fledged Islamic residential college on 22 December 1986.Academics and curriculum
Jamia Ashraful Uloom is one of 167 registered madrasas under the Odisha State Board of Madarsa Education. It offers both theological and general education subjects, including:- Theological: Quranic studies, Fiqh, Arabic, Urdu
- General: Odia, English, Mathematics, Science, and History
It is also recognized by Dr. Abdul Haq Urdu University for both regular and distance mode admissions. Approved programs under the Alim level include:
- Regular mode: B.A., B.A.
- Distance mode: B.A., Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication
Additionally, the institution holds academic equivalency affiliations with Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University, facilitating graduates’ access to higher and professional education in mainstream universities.
Community Role
The institution is considered important for the educational advancement of underprivileged sections of the Muslim community. According to a 2015 study, madrasa education in Odisha provides an accessible alternative to private schooling, especially for economically weaker families.Students are reported to have transitioned successfully to mainstream education systems and achieved respectable positions in society.