Mufti Shamoon Qasmi

Mufti Shamoon Qasmi (born 25 May 1967 in Bijnor) is an Indian politician who is a Cabinet minister of Uttarakhand and chairman of Uttarakhand Madarsa board education. He is also a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
He worked for AIDS prevention under the banner of UNAIDS. and member of Aligarh Muslim University Madarasa Board
Mufti Shamoon Qasmi is the Chairman of the Uttarakhand Madarsa Education Board, where he has been instrumental in modernizing the educational framework of madarsas across the state. Under his leadership, the Board has implemented significant reforms aimed at integrating mainstream education with theological studies. One of his most notable achievements as Chairman has been the introduction of the NCERT syllabus in all registered madarsas in Uttarakhand, a move that aims to equip students with both modern academic knowledge and traditional Islamic education.
The implementation of the NCERT syllabus under Mufti Shamoon Qasmi’s tenure represents a progressive step towards bridging the gap between religious education and contemporary academic needs. This reform aligns madarsa education with the national curriculum, allowing students to pursue mainstream subjects such as science, mathematics, and social studies alongside their theological studies. By doing so, Mufti Qasmi has ensured that madarsa students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for diverse opportunities in higher education and employment.
Mufti Qasmi's vision is deeply rooted in the principles of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas"—the inclusive development philosophy promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His efforts to modernize madarsa education reflect this vision, ensuring that students from minority communities have access to the same educational opportunities as their peers in other schools. By introducing mainstream subjects, Mufti Qasmi has empowered madarsa students to become active participants in India’s socio-economic development while preserving their cultural and religious identity.
As Chairman, Mufti Shamoon Qasmi has also led the initiative to diversify the curriculum by incorporating options such as the study of Sanskrit alongside traditional Arabic teachings. This initiative fosters interfaith understanding and promotes cultural harmony, encouraging students to appreciate the diverse linguistic and cultural heritage of India. Under his leadership, the Uttarakhand Madarsa Education Board has not only preserved the theological essence of madarsas but has also introduced reforms that embrace modern educational practices and promote national unity.
Mufti Shamoon Qasmi’s efforts have transformed madarsa education in Uttarakhand, enabling students to excel academically and contribute meaningfully to society. His leadership has been pivotal in ensuring that madarsa students are no longer limited to religious education but are also well-prepared to pursue careers in various fields.
Mufti Shamoon Qasmi was a member of the Core Committee of the India Against Corruption (IAC) Movement, alongside prominent figures such as Anna Hazare, Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi, and Prashant Bhushan. The movement, which gained nationwide attention in 2011, sought to address systemic corruption in India and advocated for the implementation of the Jan Lokpal Bill, a law that would establish an independent anti-corruption ombudsman. Mufti Qasmi's involvement in the IAC movement demonstrated his commitment to transparency, justice, and ethical governance.
As a key member of the IAC Core Committee, Mufti Qasmi contributed to shaping the movement's vision and strategy. His participation, alongside other influential leaders, helped mobilize millions of citizens across the country in the fight against corruption. His work in the IAC not only highlighted his dedication to socio-political reforms but also solidified his standing as a leader advocating for the rights and interests of the common people in India.
Mufti Shamoon Qasmi has also been a vocal supporter of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, emphasizing that it is not directed against any particular community but rather aims to promote equality and justice for all citizens. He has consistently advocated for the UCC as a step towards ensuring fairness and inclusivity in the state's legal framework, aligning with the broader vision of a unified society. According to Mufti Qasmi, the UCC fosters national unity and ensures that all communities are treated equally under the law, without compromising their religious or cultural identity.
In addition to his educational reforms, Mufti Shamoon Qasmi has hailed the development work carried out under the leadership of the Honourable Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami. He has commended the Chief Minister's efforts to uplift the state's minority communities through various initiatives, including infrastructure development and education reforms. Mufti Qasmi has particularly praised the Chief Minister's unwavering commitment to ensuring that madarsa students have access to quality education, which has been a cornerstone of the state’s inclusive development agenda.
Mufti Qasmi’s support for the UCC and his admiration for the development initiatives under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlight his commitment to fostering a balanced and inclusive society in Uttarakhand. His leadership reflects a strong dedication to both modernizing madarsa education and promoting legal and social reforms that benefit all communities.
Mufti Shamoon Qasmi has expressed his support for the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024, recognizing its potential to enhance the governance and management of waqf properties across India. This bill aims to address various issues related to the administration of waqf properties, ensuring greater transparency and accountability within the system. Mufti Qasmi believes that these amendments will empower the Waqf Boards to function more effectively, thereby benefiting the communities that rely on waqf properties for religious, educational, and social purposes.
By advocating for the Waqf Board Amendment Bill, Mufti Qasmi emphasizes the importance of proper management of waqf properties, which can significantly contribute to the welfare of minority communities. He argues that with improved governance, waqf assets can be utilized more efficiently to support educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and social services, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for those in need. His support for this bill reflects his commitment to the welfare of the community and the promotion of responsible stewardship of religious and social assets.
Mufti Shamoon Qasmi is a prominent figure in the national media landscape, regularly featuring as a panelist on leading news channels across the country. His articulate views on various socio-political issues, including education reform and community development, have earned him a respected platform in media discussions. He has consistently voiced his support for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Waqf Board Amendment Bill, International Yoga Day, Pasmanda Muslim Campaign of BJP, Swach Bharat Abhiyan, Triple talaq.
Since 2003, Mufti Shamoon Qasmi has been actively campaigning to declare the cow as India's national animal, advocating for its cultural, religious, and environmental importance. He emphasizes that the cow holds a special place in Indian society, not only within Hinduism but also in Islam, where it is respected for its role in sustaining rural economies and agricultural practices. Mufti Qasmi's campaign promotes the idea that the cow, as a symbol of sustenance and ecological harmony, deserves national recognition to reflect India's rich, shared cultural heritage.
Throughout his campaign, Mufti Qasmi has participated in numerous public forums, emphasizing the cow's role in promoting sustainable agriculture and protecting the environment. He argues that designating the cow as the national animal would encourage protective policies, support organic farming, and uplift rural livelihoods. His advocacy since 2003 has been a significant force in fostering interfaith unity, as he continues to highlight the universal reverence for the cow across religious communities, while also calling for greater ecological responsibility and animal welfare in India.
Mufti Shamoon Qasmi has been an active advocate for interfaith dialogue aimed at promoting communal harmony and peace in India. To further this mission, he founded the Sarv Dharam Ekta Sangh, an organization dedicated to fostering understanding and cooperation among different religious communities. Through this initiative, Mufti Qasmi has worked tirelessly to create platforms where people of various faiths can come together, share their beliefs, and find common ground for peaceful coexistence.
The Sarv Dharam Ekta Sangh has organized numerous events and dialogues focused on bridging religious divides and encouraging mutual respect. Under Mufti Qasmi's leadership, the organization promotes the idea that unity and peace can be achieved through respectful discourse and understanding of different religious perspectives. His work in this area has played a crucial role in strengthening communal ties and promoting harmony among diverse communities in India.