About Darul Uloom Zakariyya
Carrying forward the light of authentic Islamic scholarship in South Africa and beyond.
Vision & Manhaj
Darul Uloom Zakariyya is established upon the manhaj of the Akaabir (pious elders) of Deoband. Our vision is to produce graduates who are grounded in authentic Islamic knowledge, possess exemplary character, and are equipped to serve the Ummah with sincerity and dedication.
We strive to maintain the highest standards of Islamic scholarship while remaining relevant to the needs of our community. Every aspect of our curriculum — from the books we study to the environment we cultivate — is designed to produce scholars whose inner and outer states reflect the beauty of the Sunnah.
Our History
Founded with the sole intention of pleasing Allah Ta'ala, Darul Uloom Zakariyya has been serving the South African Muslim community for over two decades. Named after Sheikhul Hadith Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi (Rahmatullahi Alayhi), the institution carries forward a legacy of authentic Islamic learning transmitted through an unbroken chain of scholars.
From humble beginnings, the institution has grown into a well-established centre of learning with hundreds of students pursuing various Islamic sciences. Alumni of the institution now serve as Imams, scholars, and community leaders across South Africa and the world.
Administration
The Darul Uloom is managed by a dedicated team of Ulama and administrators who work tirelessly to ensure the smooth operation of the institution. Our staff includes qualified Ulama, Huffaadh, and support personnel committed to the welfare and progress of every student.
For administrative enquiries, please visit our Contact page.
Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi
Sheikhul Hadith, prolific author of Fazaail-e-Aamaal, and one of the greatest Islamic scholars of the 20th century. Rahmatullahi Alayhi.
Our Core Values
From a dua under the stars
to a world-class institution
In 1981, during his historic visit to South Africa, Sheikh-ul-Hadith Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhelwi (R.A) made a dua for the establishment of a Darul Uloom. Two years later, that prayer became reality.
The campus in its early years
A place of worship
of distinction
The pillars of our commitment
44 acres of knowledge and serenity
From 35 students under a tree to a 44-acre campus with boarding facilities, classrooms, library, museum and a masjid of international stature.
Panoramic aerial view of the campus
The iconic minaret
Inner courtyard — arched corridor
West academic wing
Classroom buildings
The campus in snowSouth Africa's first
Islamic museum
Unique on the continent, the museum houses replicas of items cited in the Ahadith, an interactive model of Masjid al-Nabawi, a model of Madinah Munawwarah in 7 AH and a 3D cross-section of the Noble Ka'bah. Open every Sunday during the month of Ramadhaan.
Madinah al-Munawwarah in 7 AH
A day at
Darul Uloom Zakariyya
Life at the Darul Uloom is structured around prayer, knowledge and character formation. Each day begins after Fajr and ends after Esha.
