The The Development of Dar-ul-Uloom Azizia, Bhera and Its Role in the Dissemination of Knowledge to Society (1929-1975 A.D.): A Research Study

Abstract

Madrasas played a significant role in the formation of Muslim religious thoughts in Indo-Pak Sub-Continent during the course of ninetieth and twentieth centuries. Modern scholarship focused on madrasas situated in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh such as Dar-ul-Uloom Deoband, Dar-ul-Uloom Bareli, Dar-ul-Uloom Farangi Mahal and Madrasa of Khairabad. On the other hand, they did not pay proper attention on the development of religious institutions of Punjab. The present article is an endeavour to fill this gap. The famous Bugwi family of Bhera played an important role in the transformation of knowledge in Punjab. Their madrasas were considered primary institutions for religious studies in Punjab during the course of ninetieth and twentieth centuries. Following the tradition of his ancestors, Maulana Zahoor Ahmad Bugwi established a madrasa at historic Sher Shahi Masjid Bhera, named Dar-ul-Uloom Azizia. This study aims to present the development of Dar-ul-Uloom Azizia and its contribution in the dissemination of knowledge to society during 1929 to 1975 A.D.

Keywords:       Madrasa education in Punjab, Bugwi Family, Maulana Zahoor Ahmad Bugwi, Maulana Iftikhar Ahmad Bugwi, Dar-ul-Azizia, twentieth century.