What is the Darse Nizaami which is taught at the Daarul Ulooms?

Previously if a student wished to pursue the highest form of knowledge i.e. the sciences of Deen then one would be forced to travel far distances, town to town, country to country in order to learn the Deen from different Mashaaikh which were scattered in the various Masaajid.

Through the mercy of Allah Ta’ala the famous institute “Darul Uloom Deoband” was initiated in which a student of knowledge would be able to learn all the different sciences under one roof.

The Dars-i-Nizami is the core syllabus followed by Darul Uloom Deoband and the majority of Islamic institutions from where Ulama graduate, especially those connected to the founding Madaaris of the Indian subcontinent. The Dars-i-Nizami is taught in the Madaaris in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, England, America and across the globe.

The Dars-i-Nizami is a rigorous course which takes approximately 6-8 years to complete. Classes are intense, starting from early as Fajr right till Asr with a break in the afternoon, Thereafter studies continue in the late hours of the night.

It is a comprehensive course in which the classical books of the different sciences of Islaam are taught in the Arabic language, the excellent choice of such intricate books create a capability in the student of Deen whereby he grasps the different sciences of Deen and through these tools he is able to dive into the ocean of knowledge.

There are are plenty of books taught in the syllabus, however below is a few of the main books.

The student firstly masters the foundation sciences which are the means of opening the other sciences.

Such as the sciences of Nahw (Syntax), Sarf (Etymology), Balaagah (Rhetoric’s), Mantiq (Logic).

Students study various texts in literature whereby they master the Arabic language and apply the foundational sciences.

The deeper meanings of the Quraan and its principles are taught, Tafaasir such as Jalaalaen and Baidhaawi are taught.

Students study various books on Islamic Jurisprudence and the principles of Islamic Jurisprudence such as Noorul Eedhaah, Mukhtasarul Qudoori, Kanzud Daqaaiq, Sharhul Wiqaayah, Hidaayah. Usoolus Shaasy, Nurool Anwaar etc.

The books of Aqeedah (Islamic Beliefs) are taught such as Aqeedah Tahaawi and Sharhu Aqaaid Nasafiyah.

The six books of Ahaadeeth are completed cover to cover. Other books of Ahaadeeth such as the Muwatta of Imaam Maalik Rahimahullah and the Muwatta of Imaam Muhammad Rahimahullah are taught. The Ahaadeeth book of Imaam Abu ja’far Tahaawi Rahimahullah “Sharh Maaniul Aathar” and the famous book “Mishkaatul Masaabeeh” is also taught.

The Ahaadeeth are taught in such a way that one learns which narrations have been given preference of others, which have been reconciled and which have abrogated.

Students are made to prepare the lessons through their own effort before the class, in this way there capability of the books are enhanced tenfold. Thereafter the students are made to repeat the lessons by which the knowledge is firmly embedded in their hearts.

This syllabus has created giants which have produced such brilliant literature in the Arabic language that has made the famous scholar Allaama Zaahid Kauthari Rahimahullah write lofty words and praises concerning personalities such as Allamaa Shabbir Ahmad Uthmaani, Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi, Maulana Anwar Shah Kashmeeri, Maulana Zafar Ahmad Thanwi Rahimahumullah.

In which he had concluded with the words:

كثر الله سبحانه من امثال هولاء الرجال

“May Allah Ta’ala increase the examples of such Men!”

(Maqaalaat Kauthary- Pg 69)

Ask Fatwa Weekly Advice

10th Muharram , 1435

15thth November, 2013