Maulana Ghulam Mohammad Vastanvi Passes Away at 74 | Islamic Scholar & Visionary Educationist

Renowned Islamic Scholar Maulana Ghulam Mohammad Vastanvi Passes Away at 74

Jalna, Maharashtra | May 4, 2025

Maulana Ghulam Mohammad Vastanvi, a distinguished Islamic scholar, visionary educationist, and reformer, passed away today at the age of 74. He was the founder of Jamia Islamia Ishaatul Uloom in Akkalkuwa and the former Vice Chancellor of Darul Uloom Deoband.

Born on June 1, 1950, in Kosadi village of Surat, Gujarat, Maulana Vastanvi’s life journey was marked by his dedication to blending Islamic teachings with modern education. He held an MBA and established Jamia Islamia Ishaatul Uloom in 1979, which grew into a vast academic network serving over 200,000 students across India.

One of his most remarkable contributions was the establishment of Mohammadia Tibbia Medical College at Badnapur Varudi in Jalna — the first minority-owned medical college in India recognized by the Medical Council of India. Thousands of doctors have graduated from this institution, which also provides affordable medical services to rural communities.

In 2011, Maulana Vastanvi became the first Gujarati in two centuries to serve as Vice Chancellor of Darul Uloom Deoband. His tenure, however, was cut short amid political controversy related to comments perceived as support for then-CM Narendra Modi’s governance. Vastanvi later clarified that his words were misinterpreted and emphasized his lifelong commitment to education-led community upliftment.

Over the decades, his institution developed numerous faculties in engineering, pharmacy, and vocational training. He also facilitated the establishment of 30 hospitals and over 4,500 mosques nationwide. As a member of Darul Uloom Deoband’s Majlis-e-Shura since 1998, Vastanvi remained a central figure in Islamic academic circles.

In 2018, he was removed from the Maharashtra State Board of Waqf following allegations of waqf land mismanagement — charges he denied, calling them politically motivated. Despite such challenges, his focus on education and health welfare remained unwavering.

“Maulana Vastanvi’s foresight brought world-class medical education to Jalna, uplifting countless lives through healthcare and opportunity,” said Dr. Ayesha Khan, faculty member at Mohammadia Tibbia Medical College.

Tributes continue to pour in from across the country. “His institutions, especially the medical college, embody his vision of a self-reliant and educated community,” said a former student.

He is survived by his family and thousands of students and admirers. His funeral will be held in Akkalkuwa and is expected to draw a large gathering of mourners and well-wishers.

For further information, contact:
Jamia Islamia Ishaatul Uloom, Akkalkuwa
Mohammadia Tibbia Medical College, Badnapur Varudi, Jalna

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