A Brief Introduction
A unique institution of religious learning founded in the mould of Darul Uloom Deoband, with the resolve to spread the light of the Quran and Sunnah — the knowledge of revelation — throughout the world. Jamia Nagar, 312 South Jatrabari, Dhaka-1204.
Introduction
Name & Address
Jamia Islamia Darul Uloom Madania. Jamia Nagar, 312 South Jatrabari, Dhaka-1204.
Geographical Location
Within Dhaka South City Corporation of the capital, a short distance east of the Jatrabari intersection, adjacent to the WAPDA Colony.
Eastern Side
On the western bank adjoining the Kutubkhali canal, at the eastern edge of the newly built Jatrabari–Gulistan flyover, stands the renowned Jamia Islamia Darul Uloom Madania with its several multi-storey buildings.
Jamia Islamia Darul Uloom Madania, Jatrabari, Dhaka is a religious institution founded upon the ideals of the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama'ah, following the curriculum of the world-renowned mother of learning, Darul Uloom Deoband.
To preserve the treasury of Islamic knowledge and spread it far and wide; to raise far-sighted, truth-upholding (haqqani) scholars through systematic education aimed at establishing the commandments of Allah and the Prophetic Sunnah; and, through special training, to prepare them to devote themselves to the service of the country, the nation and the world.
To preserve the Hadith, the Athar and Hanafi Fiqh in accordance with the creed of the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama'ah, and to properly implement education and training according to the Deobandi curriculum.
History & Background
With the resolve to spread the light of the Quran and Sunnah — the knowledge of divine revelation — throughout the world, a number of institutions in this land, modelled on the world-famous seat of learning Darul Uloom Deoband, have long played a pioneering role in awakening Islamic culture, thought and consciousness among the Muslims. Jamia Islamia Darul Uloom Madania, Jatrabari, is a unique religious educational institution in that very tradition. More than a hundred thousand accomplished students educated at this Jamia are rendering religious service with great skill and repute in Bangladesh and in many countries across the world.
For more than half a century this non-governmental institution — sustained solely by the prayers and all-round help and support of devout Muslims — has borne its distinct identity as one of the country's foremost institutions: raising Muslim children in a religious spirit endowed with many-sided abilities, and spreading the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).
At the beginning of 1969 CE, corresponding to 1381 AH, there was no religious educational institution in South Jatrabari and its neighbouring areas at the south-eastern edge of the then Dhaka municipality, and religious values in the area were declining day by day. So, with the noble aim of educating Muslim children in religious learning and moulding them upon the Prophetic ideal, Hafez Abdul Quddus Saheb first opened a morning maktab here. Later, alongside the maktab, he also started a hifz department.
In early 1970, the greatest saintly scholar of the age, Hafizul Hadith Allama Abdullah Darkhwasti (may Allah have mercy on him), came to East Pakistan and expressed his desire to establish a madrasa in Dhaka. His devotees took him to various places in Dhaka, including Narayanganj, but nowhere did he find a site to his liking for the madrasa. Finally, when he came here, he sat in a small room, sent all his companions out, closed the door and engaged in muraqaba (deep contemplation). When it ended, he called everyone in and said—
“I sense here the fragrance of the knowledge of revelation. Establish the madrasa right here — here the madrasa shall be.”
Then, having a copy of Sahih al-Bukhari brought from the Faridabad Madrasa, he inaugurated the madrasa by delivering a lesson of Bukhari before the assembled scholars. Among the scholars present, alongside Qazi Saheb Huzur, was his beloved disciple — the present Muhtamim of the Jamia (may his shadow be extended). It was Hazrat Maulana Qazi Mu'tasim Billah Saheb who had brought him here from the Jessore Railway Station Madrasa. After the lesson, Darkhwasti (rah.) also laid the foundation stone of a mosque. The madrasa was then given a new name, 'Darul Uloom Madania', and interim responsibility was entrusted to Hazrat Maulana Qazi Mu'tasim Billah Saheb (rah.).
After he took his leave in 1976, Hazrat Maulana Shaikh Tajammul Ali (rah.) was appointed Muhtamim. When he too departed in 1978, the charge of acting Muhtamim was given to the then Nazim-e-Talimat, Hazrat Maulana Mahmudul Hasan (may his shadow be extended). Then, in 1980, he was entrusted with the full responsibility of Muhtamim. In 1981 he prefixed 'Jamia Islamia' to the institution's earlier name, naming it Jamia Islamia Darul Uloom Madania.
Subsequently, with the arrival of the era's greatest Muhaddith, Allama Hedayetullah (rah.), and under the able direction of Muhiyus Sunnah Allama Shah Abrarul Haq Haqqi (may Allah have mercy on him) and his worthy khalifa, Muhiyus Sunnah Allama Mahmudul Hasan (may his blessings continue), Jamia Islamia Darul Uloom Madania has today earned renown as one of the most celebrated religious educational institutions of the country.
1969
The morning maktab founded by Hafez Abdul Quddus Saheb in 1381 AH; a hifz department followed
1970
Inaugurated with a lesson of Bukhari by Allama Abdullah Darkhwasti (rah.); named 'Darul Uloom Madania'
1976
Hazrat Maulana Shaikh Tajammul Ali (rah.) appointed Muhtamim
1978
Hazrat Maulana Mahmudul Hasan appointed acting Muhtamim
1980
Entrusted with the full responsibility of Muhtamim
1981
Renamed Jamia Islamia Darul Uloom Madania
Academics
This Jamia is no conventional educational institution. It has arranged its teaching methodology and curriculum with a far-reaching vision. Instruction here runs from the children's class up to Dawra-e-Hadith (Master's equivalent), the highest level of religious education. Alongside, several faculties exist for pursuing advanced research degrees. After completing Dawra-e-Hadith, talented young scholars enjoy ample opportunities and facilities there for study and research — so that the nation may be gifted discerning scholars of many-sided competence.
On the basis of a well-ordered syllabus, instruction is given step by step: at the foundational level in the Holy Quran, Tafsir, Hadith, Fiqh and Nahw-Sarf; and at the practical level in Arabic literature, essential Bengali, English, mathematics, history, geography, economics, civics, philosophy, science and all such subjects.
Alongside education, the Jamia adopts various programmes from time to time with the noble aim of carrying its benefits to the wider society. This too is one of the reasons for its broad recognition and acceptance at home and abroad. All in all, the Jamia is a 'grand academy' comprising many faculties.
Educational Projects
In this department, instruction is given in a well-ordered class system — from the introduction of the Arabic alphabet through nazera recitation of the Holy Quran, du'as and durood, and essential religious rulings (masail), together with Bengali, English and mathematics — up to Class Five.
Under the overall supervision of skilled and capable Hafez teachers of international standard, this department offers a special arrangement for memorising (hifz) the Holy Quran within a maximum of three years through an engaging method. On completing hifz, students are given every facility for admission into the Kitab department.
In a well-ordered class system, this department teaches from Ibtedayi up to Dawra-e-Hadith (Master's equivalent), combining Islamic and general education — so that students may step into society with all-round competence and advance with a competitive spirit. The department is arranged in three tiers — (a) Mutawassita, (b) Kulliya, (c) Aliya.
Classes Six – Ten
At this level, up to the Kafiya class, instruction is given in secondary-level Nahw-Sarf, Arabic literature, Mantiq (logic), Balaghat (rhetoric), Fiqh, Usul al-Fiqh, translation of the Holy Quran, and essential Urdu and Persian, together with Bengali, English, mathematics, economics, civics, history, geography and the like.
Classes Eleven – Fourteen
At this level, instruction is given in degree-level Fiqh, Usul al-Fiqh, Tafsir, Usul al-Tafsir, Arabic grammar and literature, Islamic law, economics, political science, sociology, history, theology, Tasawwuf and the like.
Master's
Most of the books at this two-year level concern Tafsir, Hadith and Fiqh. The foundational works of Hadith, including the Sihah Sitta — Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Tahawi, Nasa'i, Ibn Majah, Muwatta Malik, Muwatta Muhammad, Mishkat and others — form the syllabus of this level.
Research
The Jamia is a complete university. Just as a student, after studying up to Master's level, becomes qualified to pursue PhD research — a thesis — in some subject at a university, so too do the students of this Jamia, after completing Dawra-e-Hadith, become qualified to study a subject of research. For this we have several subjects and faculties.
A brief account of the departments is given below —
Department of Tafsir and Quranic Research
1426 AH / 2006 CE
This faculty opened in 1426 AH, corresponding to 2006 CE. Only talented students who have passed Dawra-e-Hadith gain the opportunity for research here. Foundational guidance is provided so that researchers may attain mastery in the science of Tafsir. On completing this one-year course and submitting a complete dissertation (thesis) on a specified subject in fluent, polished language and prose, students are awarded a certificate.
Department of Higher Hadith Research
1402 AH / 1982 CE
This department was opened in 1402 AH, corresponding to 1982 CE; its continuous, extensive activities have carried on since 1425 AH, corresponding to 2004 CE. Selected talented students are shown the path to mastery in the various sciences related to Hadith. Every possible effort is made to shape each student into a capable Muhaddith, a verifying (muhaqqiq) scholar and a far-sighted researcher. On completing this two-year course and submitting a complete dissertation (thesis) on a chosen subject, students are awarded a certificate.
Department of Fatwa and Research
1414 AH / 1993 CE
This faculty was opened in 1414 AH, corresponding to 1993 CE, so that talented young scholars who have completed Dawra-e-Hadith may — borne by their keen intellect and well-ordered thought — produce the fruits of research for the nation. Among first-division graduates, only those obtaining the highest marks in both written and oral examinations are granted the opportunity for research in this department. Under the supervision of around twelve experienced teachers, after studying thousands of written pages on various subjects, a student begins to string together the pearls gathered within. They write research papers and essays from a Fiqhi standpoint on any question of human life and its manifold problems. On completing this two-year research faculty and submitting a complete research dissertation (thesis) on a specified subject in fluent language and prose, they are granted authorisation to issue fatwa together with a certificate. Each of them becomes able to play a notable role in resolving the many problems of the individual, the family, society, the country and the international sphere.
Arabic Language Training Course
1420 AH / 1999 CE
This course opened in 1420 AH, corresponding to 1999 CE. Talented students with a keen interest in Arabic language and literature find here the opportunity to study. Teaching follows an entirely in-house curriculum that opens the way for students to move creatively through Arabic literature. To roam freely in contemporary Arabic letters, the regular reading of newspapers (jarida) and journals (majalla), fine handwriting, translation into Arabic from Urdu, Persian, Bengali and other languages, essay and article writing, Arabic conversation, presentation and style, oratory and recitation, seminars and symposia — all such pursuits are the daily fare of this department. A certificate is awarded on completing this two-year course.
Qirat Department
1437 AH / 2016 CE
This faculty opened in 1437 AH, corresponding to 2016 CE. In this two-year faculty, training is given in Qirat-e-Hafs in the first year and in Qirat-e-Sab'a (the seven canonical readings) in the second. A certificate is awarded after completing the two years.
Inviting to the religion of Islam and conveying its message (tabligh) is an obligation (farz) upon every Muslim man and woman; each must discharge this weighty duty according to their ability. This work has principles which, being unknown to many, cause them to fail in carrying out this duty correctly. Therefore, in order to raise callers to the faith who can carry out the work of dawah and tabligh correctly, Usul-ud-Dawah — the principles and methodology of dawah — is taught here in detail.
Service Projects
How many afflictions befall people in this world! They suffer perplexities concerning the individual, the family, society, the country and the world. To resolve all such problems, the Jamia maintains a well-resourced Fatwa department. From here, timely Islamic solutions to human problems are provided, along with faraiz — the just distribution of property received through inheritance. Every question receives meticulous analysis, a fitting resolution and references from reliable books, so that no ambiguity remains anywhere.
This course teaches the pure recitation of the Holy Quran, the rules of the science of Qirat and Tajwid, and the essential religious rulings. Practical, hands-on training (mashq-e-amali) is given in teaching methodology (tariqa-e-talim), the azan and iqamat, prayer, and shrouding and burial, along with the sunnahs needed in daily life; those who pass the final examination are awarded certificates, and arrangements are made to place suitable muallims into service.
From this department a daily talim, a weekly gasht and regular 24-hour jamats are sent out, and the work of religious tabligh and dawah is carried out in different regions of the country.
For the propagation of the Sunnah, various religious books and a monthly magazine named 'Al-Jamia' are published from the Majlis-e-Ilmi publications; regular Arabic and Bengali wall magazines are also brought out.
Mashayikh of the Jamia
Since its founding, countless distinguished scholars have taught at this Jamia, while many leading ulama from home and abroad have visited to offer prayer and guidance. A few of their names are recorded here with reverence.
Scholars who taught here — may Allah grant them a blessed life
Mawlana Rafiq Ahmad
Director of studies from the founding; taught Abu Dawud and Bukhari Vol. II. Later Muhtamim of Motijheel Darul Uloom and Shaykhul Hadith of Dhalkanagar.
Abu Taher Misbah
Teacher in 1978–79; alongside teaching he oversaw the library.
Fariduddin Mas'ud
Taught 1973–76; now Shaykhul Hadith of Jamia Iqra, Chowdhurypara.
Abdul Quddus
Taught Abu Dawud 1980–85; now Muhtamim and Shaykhul Hadith of Faridabad Madrasa.
Mufti Ubaidullah
Tied to the Jamia from its start; taught Tirmidhi, later moved to Faridabad.
Abdur Rahman (Hafizzi Huzur)
A teacher in the earliest years; later moved to Mymensingh.
Abdul Matin (Pir Sahib, Dhalkanagar)
Taught for several years from 1987; now Muhtamim of Jamia Hakimul Ummat, Keraniganj.
Ashiqe Mustafa
About six years from 1978; now Muhtamim and Shaykhul Hadith of Barmi Latifpur Jamia.
Mawlana Abdul Bar
About a decade from 1983; led the khatm Tarawih at the Jamia mosque.
Abdul Majid (Imam Sahib Huzur)
Taught Muslim Sharif for nearly two decades from 1979; now Muhtamim of his own madrasa in Keraniganj.
Abdul Haq
Taught Mishkat and Muslim from 1987; now Muhtamim of Jamia Faizul Uloom, Mymensingh.
Mawlana Jamaluddin
Taught Nasa'i 1979–93; now engaged in da'wah work in America.
Mawlana Abdul Hai Rahmani
Teacher in 1974–75; now Muhtamim and Shaykhul Hadith of Jamia Darus Salam, Muktagacha.
Mawlana Sulaiman (Khulnabi)
Taught Sharh Ibn Aqil and other texts in 1976–79.
Abdur Rab
Teacher in 1979–80; now residing in Dhanmondi.
Waliur Rahman (Sylheti)
Studied in Pakistan; a teacher of the Jamia in 1977–78.
Faraz Miah Sylheti
A teacher of the Jamia in 1977–78.
Those who served here and passed on — may Allah grant them Paradise
Mawlana Hedayatullah (Muhaddith Sahib Huzur) r.a.
Came from Lalbagh in 1984; taught Mishkat and Tirmidhi. Passed in 1996; buried in the Jamia graveyard.
Mawlana Salahuddin (Shaykhji Huzur) r.a.
Came from Lalbagh in 1984; taught Bukhari Vol. II. Passed at the Jamia in 1997.
Mawlana Sirajul Islam r.a.
Deputy Muhtamim and Dawra teacher from the founding. Passed in 2005.
Qazi Mu'tasim Billah r.a.
Founding Muhtamim; taught Bukhari by lantern-light in the early days. Passed in 2014.
Tajammul Ali (Pir Sahib) r.a.
An early-era teacher; served two years as administrator.
Abdul Mannan Kashiani r.a.
Son-in-law of Shamsul Haq Faridpuri r.a.; taught Bukhari 1980–84. Passed in 2003.
Miah Hussain r.a.
Came from Mymensingh in 1982; taught Mishkat and Nasa'i. Passed in 1988.
Nazir Ahmad r.a.
Taught Dawra Tirmidhi Vol. II in 1980–85.
Abdul Haq Jalalabadi r.a.
Younger brother of Khatib Ubaidul Haq Jalalabadi; taught 1977–79. Passed in 2022.
Mawlana Mujibur Rahman (Karatitola) r.a.
Served eight years from 1979; taught Tahawi and Muwatta. Passed in 2014.
Fazlur Rahman r.a.
Former Muhtamim of Faridabad; here a deputy Muhtamim who taught Nasa'i. Passed in 2004.
Abul Barakat Muhammad Yusuf r.a.
Came from Madinah in 1985; taught Muwatta Malik. Passed in 2018.
Mawlana Mahfuzur Rahman r.a.
A hadith teacher in the early era; later moved to Dubai. Passed in 2022.
Mawlana Abdul Jabbar Jahanabadi r.a.
A teacher from about 1978; later long-serving Secretary General of Befaq. Passed in 2016.
Mufti Sadequl Islam r.a.
Served from 1974; became head Mufti when the Ifta dept. opened in 1995. Passed in 2022.
Shahidullah Faizul Bari (Adib Sahib) r.a.
Came in 2013; taught Arabic literature. Passed in 2016.
Mawlana Ismail r.a.
Son-in-law of a khalifa of Husain Ahmad Madani r.a.; taught 1979–80. Passed in 2005.
Mawlana Muhammad Ishaq r.a.
Studied in Pakistan and Madinah; appointed teacher in 1995. Passed in 2013.
Eminent ulama from home and abroad who visited the Jamia
Abdullah Darkhwasti r.a.
The Pakistani elder by whose guidance the Jamia's foundation was laid — 'Build the madrasa right here; the fragrance of knowledge rises from this ground.'
Mawlana Abrarul Haq Haqqi r.a.
Visited the Jamia several times between 1986 and 2005.
Hakim Akhtar Sahib r.a.
Visited the Jamia in 1988.
Qari Tayyib Sahib r.a.
Long-serving Muhtamim of Darul Uloom Deoband; visited in 1979.
As'ad Madani r.a.
The worthy son of Husain Ahmad Madani r.a.; visited in 1973.
Mufti Mahmudul Hasan Gangohi r.a.
Taught Bukhari Sharif at the Jamia mosque in 1991.
Sayyid Yusuf Hashim Rifai r.a.
A Kuwaiti minister and descendant of the Prophet ﷺ; administered bay'ah to those present in 1982.
Sayyid Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi r.a.
Addressed students in 1983 and 1987; visited again shortly before his passing.
Mufti Rafi Usmani r.a.
In 1987 and later; addressed students at the Jamia mosque.
Mufti Taqi Usmani (h.a.)
Visited several times; met the Muhaddith Sahib Huzur and addressed the students.
Anzar Shah Kashmiri r.a.
The only son of Anwar Shah Kashmiri r.a.; visited several times.
Talha Kandhlawi r.a.
Son of Shaykhul Hadith Zakariyya r.a.; visited around 2015.
Mawlana Tariq Jamil (h.a.)
The renowned Pakistani da'i; spoke at the Jamia mosque in 1987 and 2003.
Nizamuddin Shamzai r.a.
A renowned Pakistani scholar and a student of our Shaykh — 'Whatever I have attained, I gained it from the Shaykh.'
Mawlana Salimullah Khan r.a.
Muhtamim of Jamia Farooqia, Pakistan; visited twice and addressed the gathering.
Yusuf Ludhianvi r.a.
The famed Pakistani Mufti; visited around 1985.
Mufti Ahmadur Rahman r.a.
Son-in-law of Yusuf Binnori r.a.; visited around 1987.
Many other Mashayikh of Deoband — Abul Hasan Azmi, Allama Qamaruddin, Yusuf Tawli, Mufti Amin Palanpuri, Mufti Salman Mansurpuri and others — have also honoured the Jamia with a visit.
Conclusion
By virtue of its unique role in spreading Islamic education to every corner of the country, the Jamia has already earned wide renown. Around a hundred educational institutions are run according to its apolitical educational curriculum. Truly! The one who — through hard toil, tireless striving and the pouring out of everything in his life — has turned a small tin-roofed hut, a Furqania maktab, into today's vast institution is the Jamia's honoured Muhtamim: a great educationist, a devoted seeker of knowledge, and one of the foremost guides of the ummah's reform in today's world — Muhiyus Sunnah Shaikhul Hadith Allama Mahmudul Hasan (may his blessings continue).
Indeed, thanks to the extraordinary wisdom, skill and sagacity of the Jamia's honoured Muhtamim (may his blessings continue), the Jamia has today become the beating heart of scholars and students alike. May Allah grant this great labourer, our dearly beloved Shaykh, a long life; may He, under his able direction, adorn Jamia Islamia Darul Uloom Madania Jatrabari and every garden of learning under its care with flowers and fruit; and may Allah keep all religious institutions safe. Amin.
