Darul Uloom Muhammadi Devpora, Shopian Kashmir: Religious Services, Background, and Introduction
To understand the religious services of Darul Uloom Muhammadi Devpora and the purpose of its establishment, it is essential to first get a brief overview of Devpora village and the religious environment of that time.
Devpora is located in the Shopian district, and although it is only five or six kilometers from Shopian town, the village suffers from severe backwardness. The majority of its population consists of laborers, and the area was quite behind in educational and religious terms. When this Darul Uloom was established, the people here were almost unaware of the basic beliefs and necessities of religion.
Introduction of the Founder
The founder of this institution, Hafiz-ul-Qari Maulana Mufti Dr. Muhammad Mahboob Alam Sahib Mazahiri (damat barakatuhum), is a native of the famous village of Chak Saidpora in the Shopian district. His parents migrated from Kashmir about thirty to forty years ago and settled in the city of Malerkotla, Punjab. Later, by the decree of fate, the founder's mother, sister, and elder brother passed away one after another.
Although he was born in Kashmir, he was raised and educated in Malerkotla. He received his primary education from various religious schools and schools there, after which he completed his Alimiyat and Fazilat from Jamia Islamia Rerhi Tajpura, District Saharanpur (UP), and then specialized in Islamic Sciences from the world-renowned Jamia Mazahir Uloom, Saharanpur. He later also completed a diploma course in Unani and Ayurvedic medicine.
After the death of his father, he was left all alone. By the special grace of Allah, his connection with his Kashmiri family was restored. At the insistence of his family and community, he migrated from Malerkotla and settled in his ancestral village of Devpora in the Shopian district, where he lived with his paternal cousins.
Foundation and Evolution of the Darul Uloom
After cleaning and carrying out basic repairs on a dilapidated mosque in Devpora, he started a Maktab where free religious education was imparted to boys and girls. This Maktab ran successfully for eight years, benefiting numerous students.
Later, the Maktab was given the form of a regular Madrasa by providing accommodation to 30-35 students in a room of a pious man's house in the village. A gathering was held in the same mosque for its inauguration, in which several scholars participated and announced the establishment of the institution.
The search for a permanent building for the institution began. An uninhabited, high hilly land belonging to the forest department was available near the village. On the advice of the villagers, he decided to level this land. Spending his personal savings, he had the work done continuously day and night, using bulldozers to level the hilly terrain.
However, some individuals, out of jealousy and opposition, complained to the forest department, which led to a case being registered. The machinery and staff were taken into custody by the police. He and his companions obtained bail through legal proceedings, and the case continued in court for seven years, after which it was finally dismissed.
Later, the foundation of the building was laid, and a few rooms were constructed in a hurry. Regular arrangements for students' lodging, boarding, and education were started. Thus, Darul Uloom Muhammadi Devpora, Shopian, Kashmir was founded.
Founder of the Darul Uloom
Founder: Hafiz-ul-Qari Maulana Mufti Muhammad Mahboob Alam Mazahiri (damat barakatuhum)