Rajasthan boy becomes first non-Muslim to top entrance exam for Master’s course in Islamic studies
Says, he was moved by "Growing Islamophobia" and decided to pursue Islamic studies
Srinagar: A 21-year-old youngster from Rajasthan, Shibham Yadav became the first non-Muslim and non-Kashmir resident to top the all-India entrance exam for a Master’s course in Islamic Studies at the Central University of Kashmir.
Shubham hails from Alwar in Rajasthan and aspires to become a civil servant. He reportedly got curious about Islam after seeing the “growing Islamophobia and religious polarization across the world” ThePrint quoted him as saying.
“Growing Islamophobia and polarisation have made me think that understanding each other’s religion is extremely important in this day and age. Unfortunately, there is a lot of stereotyping of Islam and Islamic studies as well,” Yadav said. “Islamic Studies is not just about the study of Muslims but an exploration of Islamic law and culture.” The report further quoted him.
Shubham on the other hand also believes that his achievement is no big deal. “I have been getting several calls, including from journalists, who thought it was a big deal to crack the entrance exams. It really isn’t. It’s like any other subject dealing with law, culture, and behavior,” said Shubham.
“I believe that, in the future, the administration will need conciliatory mechanisms between Hindus and Muslims, and, for that, the administration will require people with a greater understanding of religion. I would like to be there if that happens,” he added.
Yadav, who completed his graduation in philosophy and is awaiting the results of many other entrance exams, may not take up the Islamic Studies course. His first preference is to pursue law at the prestigious Delhi University. Results for Delhi University’s law program entrance will be declared on 18 November.
“My first preference is to study law but I also want to prepare for UPSC exams in the future. Being at Delhi University is just the right thing to do if one wants to study for civil services,” he said.
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
