The Biggest Sunni Seminary in Iran; Darululoom Zahedan

The Biggest Sunni Seminary in Iran; Darululoom Zahedan

Islamic and Learning Seminary of Zahedan, founded by virtuous great preacher, Mawlana Sheikh Abdul Aziz (May Allah mercy on him), is certainly the biggest Islamic Learning Center of the Sunnis in Iran.
Now, it became such a great complex (thanks to Allah Almighty) which every Muslim in Iran and nearby countries hoped and wished. God willing, it will continue its activities with the help of Allah and with the support of Muslims financially and morally. The main aim and target of Darululoom Zahedan is to provide knowledge, to create awareness about Holy Qur’an and Sunnah among the Muslims and to radiate the light of Islam all over the world.

Founder of Darululoom Zahedan:
It is important to know that founder of mentioned Islamic seminary is the great scholar Maulana Abdul Aziz son of the great Mojahid Shaikh Abdullah (may Allah mercy on them).
His father was the top scholar in Sarbaz district, Iranian Balochistan. Shaikh Abdullah played an important role to uproot innovations in his time. He guided people right path. Shaikh Abdullah was the man who launched crackdown against the Zikri faction, heretics and worshipers of graves in Sarbaz district.

Shaikh Abdul Aziz (may Allah mercy on him) was born in 1337 H.Q (1916) In Dapkour village of Sarbaz, south-east of Baluchistan, Iran. After getting the basic Islamic knowledge from his father (may God mercy on him), he traveled under harsh conditions to India and joined the famous Islamic learning center, Darululoom Deoband. He studied important Islamic books and stayed over there for a long time. Then, he shifted to the reputed Islamic university “Aminia” Delhi to get higher education.  
He studied with Mufti Shaikh Kifayatuulah (may Allah mercy on him) and graduated in Aminia University. He was appreciated by his teachers over there. The grand Mufti of Hind Mufti Shaikh Kifayatullah entitled him “Mufti of Balochistan”, because of his acuteness talent and intelligence in study.

After completion of study course in 1364 H.Q (1943), he returned to his motherland, Balochistan and spent few years in preaching Islam and consolidating of Shariah.

He traveled to visit two Holy cities, Makkah and Madinah. Due to his gifted qualities, he was appointed as a teacher in historical Islamic university Sawlatiya in Makkah; he spent three years over there. After that, his father consulted him and insisted that his country is much more needful than others. Therefore, he returned to Baluchistan to preach Islam and to serve Muslims. So he did it very well, he called people towards goodness, prevented them from badness and solved their problems by the way of Shariah. After sometime, he built a religious school in his birthplace “Dapkour” and ran it with the help of some scholars of the region. Maulana Abdul Aziz was the head of that seminary and a teacher, too.

In 1377 Hijri (1956), Maulana Abdul Aziz made a journey to Zahedan, capital of Sistan-Balochistan province for treatment of his ill father. He spent some months over there for the same purpose. He was well-known for solving personal and tribal disputes by Shariah law and advising people to follow the Sunnah strongly. Wherever he went and stayed, he never cedes the case of his approach and he did his level best.

When elders of Zahedan heard about the presence of such a prominent figure in their city, they gathered around him and they became so much impressed by his influential sermons. They found the Shaikh a great propitious scholar. So Zahedanis suggested his father to permit his son (Mawlana Abdul Aziz) to stay in Zahedan. For the sake of preaching Islam, Maulana Abdul Aziz (may Allah mercy on him) agreed with them and accepted the offer without any scruple. He moved in the same year to Zahedan and stayed there.
During his dwelling in Zahedan, he tried to reform the society and called the people towards Almighty Allah. He stressed people to follow the Sunnah and to leave heresies and cock-and-bull things by a nice way. He urged them to sanctify themselves and refine their manners. He embedded the love of Islam in their hearts and guided lots of people to the right path. His life was full of great efforts and serious steps to lead people towards making a good society. After a long time spending in such activities, finally, he suffered from serious diseases and passed away in 1408 Hijri (1987). May Allah mercy on him and place him in the paradise.

Foundation of Darululoom Zahedan:
When Shaikh Abdul Aziz shifted from Sarbaz to Zahedan, he focused on his target with all efforts in Da’wah and to educate Muslim youth.
First of all, we should mention the importance of Zahedan. It is the capital of Sistan-Balochistan province, which is located beside borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Because of this location, it has vital strategic importance; it also contains a huge number of populations. There was not a religious centre to solve their problems and cover the religious requirements. So Shaikh Abdul Aziz decided to establish an Islamic school providing religious education and guidance to the Sunni community.
As, he selected Azizi Mosque (the old grand mosque) as a centre for Islamic education that is located in the center of Zahedan. People built nearby some rooms for the seminary. Shaikh Abdul Aziz started teaching Holy Qur’an, Hadeeth and some other religious books. The school was crowded by Sunni students; they belonged to various Iranian and Afghan cities.
Soon, the seminary became a famous center of learning the knowledge of the Prophet (P.B.U.H). The rooms were not extensive to accommodate the large number of students. Therefore, the administration decided to transfer the madrasa to a wider place in the suburbs of the city. After the consultation of elders of Zahedan, it was settled to build an Islamic seminary (Darululoom Zahedan) which is in the current location.

In 1971, Darululoom continued its educational activities in the new building of Darululoom on Khayyam road. The number of students at that time was around of 60 to 80 with six teachers.
The old Azizi mosque was not adequate to place a large number of worshippers; therefore, Shaikh decided to buy a piece of land for the mosque on Khayyam road with the support of Zahedan’s elders. So they founded a new extensive mosque beside Darululoom. Then they shifted Friday prayers to the new place, Grand Makki Masjid. Now, it has become the central mosque of the all Sunni people in Zahedan.

After the demise of Mawlana Abdul Aziz, Shaikh-ul-Islam Mawlana Abdul Hameed (may Allah preserve him) assumed superintendence of Darululoom, as well as officiating prayers in the grand Makki mosque. He has been striving along with a sincere group of eminent Ulama and notable personalities of the city in expansion of the grand Makki mosque and Darululoom Zahedan.

Thus, because of Islamic awaking and useful activities of Darululoom Zahedan, hundreds of students from all Iranian cities joined it despite long distances; like Khorasan, Kurdistan, Mazandaran, Ahwaz, Fars and Hormozgan, Kirmanshah, Ardebil  provinces as well as many foreign students tended to join Darululoom Zahedan.
Due to joining of huge number of foreign and inner students it was inevitable to expand the university building. So the administration decided to buy the surrounding lands including buildings, even though they were much expensive but in that emergency circumstances they needed it. So the adjoining plots were added to the seminary building at different times. They built a big hostel to accommodate this huge strength easily. They made new class rooms; the expansion project is going on at the northern side of Darululoom.

Darululoom Zahedan has been playing a great role for many years in the field of Islamic education and leadership of the Sunni community of Iran, where it managed in its short history to train groups of scholars, Muftis and Islamic preachers. Darululoom has been establishing purification programs and educational activities. It continues to play its positive role with full zeal and zest. Such as broadcasting bright teachings of Islam in different areas, inside and outside of Iran by establishing of various useful institutes and different branches.
It is important to review the most important plans with a brief of the objectives of this educational centre, method of didactic, educational agendas and activities.

“Hoza E’lmiya Darululoom Zahedan”:
Darululoom Zahedan was like other institutes in the country as we mentioned before. Today, [thanks to Almighty Allah] it has become an echaustive Islamic organization and a mellow social foundation. Darululoom is independent in its educational policies, and learning and cultural activities. They based their ideas and work methodology on Quranic rules and Hadeeth, we can say they follow the guide lines of Islamic Shariah.
Darululoom Zahedan believes in extension of outlay to create new plans by support and contributions received from common Muslim people. It is not affiliate in this matter to any government and official authority. Therefore, we urge our Muslim brothers and Islamic charity organizations to cooperate with the largest Islamic university of Iran in development of its projects and programs; so that they could carry out their objectives.

Basic Targets of Darululoom Zahedan
Today, Darululoom Zahedan is not only a religious school, but it is the name of thought, diligence, emotion and hope. Due to this standpoint, the administration of Darululoom Zahedan aims as an Islamic organization to achieve high targets, as follows:

1- To focus on studying of Islamic knowledge and dissemination of Islamic principles among the Sunni Muslims.
2- To establish appropriate centre for high Islamic studies such as Tafseer, Hadeeth, Aqeeda, Fiqh and its basics, Arabic and Persian literature; according to the requirements of the present era.
3- To achieve the great target of public education to create and prepare specialized graduates in different Islamic subjects to play their role in various fields of the religious services, knowledge and educations as well as classification, Da’wah, Qadha, Iftaa, teaching and translation.

4- To cultivate and up bring Muslims’ sons in all departments, particularly, those students who joined Darululoom Zahedan, And to use all their sources for the betterment of Darululoom’s students.

5- To prepare Islamist writers who uphold Islamic culture and heritages. Such writers provide others attractive and unequivocal arguments, analyses and solutions. They would underline people the advantages of Islam and characteristics of its fundamentals by comparing Islam with other religions.

6- To prepare sincere preachers (Da’aee) with efficient knowledge and ability to call nation towards Almighty Allah as well as to guide them step by step, in order to carry out this noble task in the light of Islamic teachings. Dispatching exclusive preaching groups in various areas is in the way of this task.

7- Darululoom Zahedan aims to establish a learning center for composition, research and translation, to author some books and magazines in Arabic and Persian, as people need.

8- Darululoom planned to establish a centre for printing, publishing and distribution of books and booklets.

9- This university succeeded to establish a wide charitable organization to help the poor, needy people, widows and orphans inside and outside of the city; especially, when accidents and disasters happened.

10- Another great step which has been taken only by this seminary is establishment of a financial fund to provide free-usury loans (Qardh-ul-Hasana). That is for those who need money and suffer from financial problems.

11- The administration of Darululoom aims to build mosques, Quranic schools and institutes to work as branches of Darululoom Zahedan. It provides all the needs in Zahedan, and some other cities. Besides, Darululoom Zahedan has plans to found centers for orphans, clinics and vocational training centers for bereaved families.

12- Darululoom Zahedan seeks to unify the ranks of Muslims, to develop friendly relationship, fraternity and to bring the various Islamic sects of Sunnis on one platform.

Name of the Seminary:
In the beginning, it was called “Darululoom Zahedan”, (دارالعلوم زاهدان in Persian), then like other madrassas and religious schools in Iran it was called “Hozah-e-E’lmiyya Zahedan”, (حوزه علمیه زاهدان in Persian), but due to extensive circle of activities, increasing divisions, branches and projects it should be called “university” (Jamiah). This is why in some official correspondence it is called “University of Darululoom Zahedan”.

Management of Darululoom:
Saikh-ul-Islam Maulana Abdul Hameed (may Allah protect him) undertakes chairmanship of the university.

Some responsibilities of the rector are as following:

1- To take care of the targets of Darululoom Zahedan and looking for achievement of main goals.

2- To finalize the report of elaboration of laws and regulations by the signature of rector.

3- To appoint teachers and workers or discharge them and assign them their responsibilities.

4- To take consultation of senior teachers in council meeting regarding important affairs particularly in education activities.

5- Chairman can delegate some of his authorities to his subsidiary or to some special committees.

The total number of professors and teachers of Darululoom is more than sixty.
There are more than 90 employees in different offices such as: Nidaye Islam magazine, the Office for Affairs of Universities’ Students, SunniOnline Website Office, the Union of Sunni Seminaries, Dar-ut-Tahkeem and Qadhaa, Dar-ul-Iftaa, Translation Centre, the Office of Writers, Public Library, Department of Cookery, Cleanness etc.

The School Curriculum of Darululoom Zahedan:
The curriculum of Darululoom Zahedan is available in details in a separate booklet; and it is prevalent in the Union board of Sunni Seminaries except some special subjects.
As well as Arabic section, the separate department of Shawaaf’e and Islamic girls seminary, each section and division, has an especial perfect and convenient curriculum.

Generally the textbooks are distributed for the coming stages:

1- Primary………………………………..Two years

2- Junior. …………………………………Two years

3- General secondary ………………..Two years

4- Special courses: ………………….. Two-year

5- High level (BA)…………………… Four years

6- Aalamiya (MA)……………. ……Two years

7- Specialization in Islamic jurisprudence, Hadeeth

The total term of study besides having primary certificate of any public school, including two-year of specialization is sixteen years.

Here we mention general textbook of the articles in stages and years briefly.

Brief introduction of textbooks in different stages

The Intermediate Stage: (four years)
The curriculum for this stage what comes from different books and materials distributed  in four years; Grammar  of Arabic language, Farsi (Persian), reciting Qur’an with Tajweed, memorizing some chapters by heart, such as: Yassin, Al-Malek, Al-Dukhan, Alif Lam Mim Sajdah,
translation and interpretation of selected verses,
Al-Arabiyat-u-Linnaashein (four volumes);
Qasa-un-Nabiyyin 1-2(stories of the prophets);
Social sciences;
Mathematician;
English language;
Islamic studies;
Accidence;
Fiqh;
Phraseology with improving calligraphy

The Secondary Stage: (two years)

The translation and interpretation of Holy Qur’an, Hadeeth,
Jurisprudence, grammar and rules of Arabic with exercise.

The Special Secondary Stage: (two years)

Translation and interpretation of Holy Qur’an, Hadeeth, jurisprudence, fundamentals of jurisprudence, structure and grammar of Arabic language, literature and construction of Arabic, beliefs (Aqeeda), biography of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), history of Islam and memorizing Holy Qur’an by heart.

High Level Stage: (four years)

Translation and interpretation of the Qur’an, the rule of interpretation, Hadeeth, code of sayings of the Holy Prophet, jurisprudence, the fundamentals of jurisprudence and Ifta, structure and literature of Arabic language, poetry and prose, construction of Arabic, beliefs (Aqeeda), logic, rhetoric and meanings, Astronomy, history, keeping memorized Holy Qur’an.

Aalamiya Stage: (two years)

Interpretation, rules of interpretation of Holy Qur’an, Hadeeth, Arabic literature (poetry), Aqeeda, rhetoric and meanings, inheritance (rules of distribution of Meerath), astronomy, memorized the Holy Quran.

Exams:
The management of Darululoom Zahedan holds three tests after each three months in academic year, except the annual tests that is held under the supervision of “Union of Sunni Madaaris “for all levels, a part of some levels such as: the institute of Arabic language section, Shawaaf’e department, girls section and special courses. All tests of these sections are given under the supervision of the Department of Darululoom Zahedan. The management grants prizes to those students who perform well and get position to encourage them and raising the inherent potential and vitality to gain diligence.

Certificates:
Darululoom provides a certificate of success at the end of each phase study of mentioned educational stages. At the end of high level stage, successful students are given “high certificate”, which is equal to bachelor degree.

After doing advanced studies, the certificate of “Alim Faazel” would be given to the successful graduates. “International Certificates” in Islamic studies and Arabic subjects is equal to master’s degree.

Branches and Offices:

Dar-ul-Iftaa:
Before the foundation of Dar-ul-Iftaa in Darululoom Zahedan, the people’s questions were solved face to face. There was not any special section for this purpose. Then in 1406 H.Q (1985) a special section founded and it was named “Daruliftaa”. It means the place where the verdict is written and in special matters research will be done on the provisions legitimacy under the auspices of Mufti Shaikh Khoda Nazar who was special student of Mufti Shaikh Mahmoud (may Allah mercy on them). Since that time, questions along with answers are recorded in the books and files of “DarulIftaa” to ease reference when needed. It has been published in four volumes, which is named “Mahmoud-ul-fataawa” in Persian. After the departure of Shaikh Mufti Khoda Nazar (God mercy on him), still the supervisor of this section is Professor Mufti Mohammad Qaasim Qaasimi (may God preserve him).

Specialization in Islamic Jurisprudence:
In 1412 H.Q (1991), “specialization in Fiqh” was established just only to breed and to train students in the field of Fiqh and Fatwa, and to adapt the issues to modern Islamic law. Mufti Shaikh Khoda Nazar was superintendent of this section. After his death, the supervision of this section has been delegated to the Grand Mufti Shaikh Mohammad Qasim Qasimi, (may God protect him).

The duration of this section is two years. In the second year of this section, students have to render thesis. It is necessary that theses should be in Fiqh subject which can fulfill the need of modern society.
The committee of teachers and supervision of this section select the title of theses for each student taking care of their mind and their interest. Eventually, the same committee checks each thesis of the students, then they discuss the thesis in a committee of scholars and researchers, they ask the students the method of research and examine them each and every thing.
After it, the successful students are granted certificate of specialization in Islamic law, deems an assessment of debate, which is equal to doctorate.

Dar-ul-Qadha and Tahkeem:
In addition to Dar-ul-Ifta (Fatwa House), there is another department at Darululoom that is Dar-ul-Qadha & Tahkeem; it resolves disputes by making peace among people.

For ancient times, it has been the nature of Muslims in Balochistan, Iran, they refer the important issues even felony crime of murder and submit their petition in Dar-ul-Qadha & Tahkeem, and group of petitioners believe in their decision, even though the decision may go against someone; they respect the Shariah law act and never deny it. The administration has allocated some professors of Darululoom who know the rules and principles of judiciary well and they have experience to resolve disputes. The government and courts also, often return some of issues to this section.

The management of Darululoom is aimed in future to establish a special section of sharp minded scholars in the field of justice and making peace perform this task in other regions.

Girls School:
There was no any Islamic learning centre in the area to educate daughters of Ahl-us-Sunnah. Keeping in view the importance of girls’ education, Darululoom Zahedan launched in 1990 a big Girls Seminary by the support of tribal elders and regional common people. It has been providing them Islamic knowledge since that time, where only girls get education. It was named “Seminary of Umm-ul-Momenin A’yisha for Daughters (may Allah be pleased with her).

Objectives of Girls School:
The objectives of this school is to remove ignorance from the Muslim daughters, to realize them their great status in Islam, to make them alert for provisions of Islam, and to bring up them in beneficial ways. To create the educational role in Baloch Sunni women as well as to make bright society of women in order to bring up the new generation in the right way.

The girl’s school has its own curriculum and duration of formal study over seven years. The central school of girls has eight branches in different parts of Zahedan city.
In the central school of girls seven hundred students are studying in various grades.

Since its establishment, more than two hundred students have graduated, some of them are teaching in the Central Seminary and its eight subsidiaries. Others are employed in the field of education in various cities.
Number of teachers in the girls’ school: 25
Number of teachers in the sections: 55

Summer Classes for Girls:
The management of Darululoom Zahedan has founded some short term classes to teach the Qur’an, Aqaaed and other basic subjects to Muslim girls who are studying in state schools. It runs such activities and programs during the summer vacations to participate more and more students. The central seminary for girls uses some female teachers and graduates for this purpose.

The number of summer camps is above 12.
The number of students hit 500 last year and this number of students grows up.

Tahfeedh-ul-Qur’an Section:
The management of Darululoom gives an extra importance to keep Holy Qur’an memorized by heart. As Holy Qur’an plays an important role in salvation of humankinds in the both this world and the Hereafter; Darululoom has been serving this great purpose in Hifz-e-Quran for many years.

The number of students in this section is more than 300, who belong to Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan mostly.

Besides it, Darululoom has established some branches of this section inside and outside of Zahedan. The management of Darululoom supervises them by providing all their requirements material and moral.

Tajweed Section:
The mentioned section was founded before some years. A special office was specified for the section. It processes with the help of computers, play recorders etc to study Tajweed and Qiraat (reciting the Quran by good pronunciation and rules of Arabic language). Some of the objectives of this section as follow:

1- To teach Tajweed and Qira’h and to call the best reciters to Darululoom Zahedan.

2- To hold a gathering each week for students who recite nicely.

3- To provide students Quranic tapes and CDs.

4- To hold competition of Hefz-e-Qur’an and reciting between students of Darululoom Zahedan and other seminaries.

5 – To invite best Qurra from inside and outside of Iran.

Preaching and Guidance Centre:
Beside the general study of Islamic subjects, Darululoom Zahedan endeavors in the field of da’wah (calling people to the right path) and reformation. That’s why it has established “the Centre of Da’wah and Guidance” in the University. Some objectives of this centre are as follow:

1- To send groups of students to some mosques inside the city and nearby villages in long and short holidays.

2- To set up upbringing programs for preaching groups of students. And to arrange meetings between them and the activists of Da’wah and Eslah at Darululoom’s building.

3- To arrange hospitality of the foreigner and interior groups in order to insure good use of time and more benefits.

4- To provide imams for distant mosques of outlying villages.

5 – To dispatch groups of teachers for mission of da’wa and islah to nearby cities and distant areas in special events.

Office for Students’ Affairs:
The administration of Darululoom is determined from a long time to create some educational and cultural programs for the students of universities and colleges; in order to create relationship and convergence between modern university students and Islamic university students.
But there was not any specific timetable of special working activities to achieve this agenda and to insure relationship between them. The students of modern universities were participating in special Islamic events and ceremonies and they were joining workshop lessons like other common people.

Then, in 1412 H.Q (1989) some special programs were organized for them such as Aqeeda (Islamic believes) and morals lectures. They were provided scientific and Islamic library containing books as well as tapes next to Azizi mosque in the city center.

After some years, Darululoom emphasized to strengthen this relationship, so they decided to create one separate office in Darululoom Zahedan to oversee such affairs and hold seminars and workshops to fulfill their needs.
This office intended many targets to achieve such as follow:

1- To provide residence for university students and create an Islamic and virtual appropriate environment. They have taken a big building on rent near of Darululoom for this purpose and provided them all the facilities and requirements what they need in their academic life such as treatment, food, books and note books.
At the moment, more than hundred students live over there.

2- To create confidence and friendship between the religious schools and modern universities.

3- To provide them Islamic education and to create religious spirit in their activities. To generate an honest and uncorrupt generation for serving Islam and Muslims.

4- To help married and poor students.

5- To dispatch group students to visit religious schools and to meet eminent dignitaries and great Islamic scholars.

6- In 1426 (2005) , the Office for Students’ Affairs expanded its activities and took a hostel for Sunni female students who join the public universities from distant areas, as the environment of state-run hostels was not suitable for them in some respects. The Office carried out this step on account of requests and some suggestions which came from female students and their parents; to take care of them, to solve their problems and provide them a perfect Islamic environment.
So the office for student’s affairs managed it very well and arranged for them some classes in Islamic believes, Ahkaam, Seerat and ethics by some female teachers.

At the moment, the number of students is more than fifty who live in this house and it is increasing every day. It is still seeking to achieve these agendas and strives to arrange the needs of students.
They need suggestions and help to expand the circle of work and to succeed in their goals.

Central Library:
General Public Library of Darululoom Zahedan is one of the most personage libraries of the Sunni community in Iran, which includes about thirty thousand books on various subjects and languages. It is developed a detailed indexes of books in computer.

Darululoom works hard to pay a great attention develop the library by providing more books to make this library a replete center for researchers in all religious and scientific matters.

Translation and Research Centre:
In 1424 (2003), This section was established by Darululoom Zahedan, which cares translation, writing and research in different subjects of the Fiqh, religious and cultural needs of Sunni Muslims.
This section has been accomplishing great works since 2003 in the field of translation and authorship, al-Hamdulillah. The total translated books or under-translation works include the following:

1- Translation of whole Sharh-ul-jaam’e Tirmizi of Usmani;

2 -Translation of the history of Islam by Shaykh Akbar Najib Abadi;

3- Research and coordination of some textbooks.

Siddiqi Publications:
This institution is for printing and publication of books. It was officially established in Darululoom Zahedan by the permission of government to print and publish books. It has been printing and publishing for many years translated and produced books in translation, research and the writing centre.

Siddiqi publications take interests to print the most important books compiled and composed by some professors and others. This house has been able to publish more than thirty books since its inception and it includes the following:

1- Fatawa Mahmudiyah;
2- Translation of Rijaal-ul-Fikre wa-d-da’wah
3- Translation of Hayat-us-Sahaba
4- Translation of Fadhaael-e-Amaal

Summer Programs:
The administration of Darululoom Zahedan has been launching short-term programs, learning and cultural special classes for students of primary and secondary levels in summer holydays for many years, which are held in the most areas of Zahedan. The same programs held for female students.

In addition to it, the management holds learning and cultural visits and tours for secondary modern schools, who belong to outside the city of Zahedan in the summer holidays for a month or more. Darululoom arranges for them various activities containing the lessons of the Quran, Aqeeda and biography of Holy Prophet (PBUH), as it provides some academic and tourism opportunities and courses inside and outside of Zahedan city.
As well as, the management provides them all the needs of food and housing in this period. Ultimately, it provides them some gifts of books and booklets in Persian.

Such summer activities play an important role in providing education and edification to the young generation. In sha Allah, Darululoom would develop it in the future, if time is suitable.

“Nidaye Islam” Magazine:
It was the ambition of Sunnis from the old time to publish a learning and cultural high-level magazine. No one can deny the importance and need of this great magazine for Sunnis in the current circumstances of Iran.
In this sense, the management of Darululoom has been trying to obtain this fateful goal since getting permission of publication in 2000.

So “Nidaye Islam” is a great learning and cultural magazine which is issued quarterly by Darululoom Zahedan, and is now the leading periodicals, the most famous and notably because of the diversity of contents and accuracy of the abundance research and add ups.

“Nidaye Islam” strives to combine the gravity of learning research and sweetness literary. It, also, focuses on the authenticity of the concepts and the academic heritage.

Some of its objectives:
1- To call the people towards the pure religion by a method that makes readers accustomed to it and softens hearts of juveniles.

2- To disseminate the values and concepts of Islam in a graceful dress this is not deemed strange for the people of contemporary times.

3- To unite Muslims and create religious and social tolerance among Muslim nations and the leaders of jurisprudence addictions.

There is no doubt that the magazine in its short history has played a prominent role in educating Sunnis’ children. It is the only magazine in the synagogues of the Sunnis which has obtained an unchallengeable prestige inside and outside of the country.
“Nidaye Islam” prints fifteen thousand copies every three months.

There is a team of scholars and competent administration that share their ideas, discuss the current situation and provide research articles in English on the last pages.
The working team has been seeking to get permission for publishing an Arabic magazine from official related departments.

Fiqh Academy of Ahl-us-Sunnah
No one can deny the virtue of fiqh scholars and Islamic researchers, particularly in the era we live in, where the new issues happen everyday. Thus, the Shariha laws do not remain unchanged rather the decision of Shariha changes according to the situation.
There for it became necessary to create a Fiqh assembly to research on various new issues and to adapt jurisprudential of such issues to give fatwa as a final result.

So, in 1419 (1998) “Islamic Fiqh Academy of the Sunnis.” was founded in order to achieve the above mentioned target.
In the beginning, scholars and muftis of the Sistan-Balochistan province were its members. Then, some scholars of Khurasan, Mazandaran, and Bandare Turkmen joined the academy, prominent Shafe’i scholars of Kurdistan, Fars, and Hormozgan provinces are also members of the academy.
The Fiqh Academy brings together its members at least once or twice yearly at the office for Fiqh in Darululoom Zahedan. All praises to Allah, it has been playing an important role since the first day in resolving of some jurisprudential affairs. And in future (in sha Allah) they will continue research on different topics to resolve the questions; they would discuss and debate in meetings.

In the magazine “Nidaye Islam” Number 15 (2002) some of the decisions had been published which were released by the members of the fiqh academy in past.

Azizi Fund for Good Loan:
It is an official institution registered at the government which was established in 1421 (2000) and supervised by the management of Darululoom Zahedan. It is sure to provide solidarity and financial aid to scholars, students, activists of Da’wah and public by Good Loans; it was established by the cooperation of some bighearted people of Zahedan. Its policy is to provide loans approved by the Islamic law, never take usury from the buyer or borrower; the fund gets its expenses by the help of helpful people.

In a short period, the fund paid more than thousand of loan payment amounts for a variety of different purposes such as higher education, marriage and housing, treatment and other needs.

The administration hopes and struggles to get a financial institution similar to Islamic banks in order to develop the fund by going business etc.

Khadijat-ul-Kobra Medical Center:
In 1421 (2000), the Medical Center was founded in Darululoom Zahedan with the help of some dedicated doctors; they have been paying their services to treat students, professors, workers, to carry out circumcision of children, to take care of health and hygiene in housing units, kitchens and playgrounds.

The plan which has been made, that the medical specialists will rotate per hour each day; rather the medicines will be supplied by some of the pharmacies in the city.

The administration is seeking to extend the Medical Center to a mega and significant hospital in the future if the government agrees and financial conditions help.
The Medical Center teaches students the basic information and the first aid in emergency cases.
The medical center wants to treat poor and powerless patients of general public, and the administration does not charge such people except a very little amount.

Shawafe’ Section:
As you know, a great number of the Sunni Community in Iran belongs to the school of Imam Shafi’i (may God mercy on him).
A huge number of Shafi’i students have been joining Darululoom Zahedan for many years to study Islamic subjects.
At the beginning, they were integrated with the general students excepting Fiqh and the fundamentals of Fiqh. In 1420 (1999), they decided to establish a separate section for these students. Now, there is a discreet section for Shafi’is in all subjects. The duration of curriculum in this section is four years. After that, students join routine curriculum in the last two final years.

Institute of Arabic Language and Islamic Studies:
In 1411 (1990) Arabic language academy was founded which has systematic and separate curriculum from the general curriculum.
For getting admission in Arabic language academy and Islamic studies, each student should have certification of high public school. All subjects are taught in eloquent Arabic language, the aim is that to educate the selected scholars in Islamic studies plus Arabic literature. So they will be capable to translate and to transfer Arab-Islamic heritage to Persian language.

More over, this institute is suitable for Arab students coming from the south-eastern of Iran, Bushehr, and Aabadan and outside of Iran, if conditions allow.

In recent years, the management of Darululoom encourages students of the Institute to prepare Islamic research, thesis, in various topics like the international universities.

It is necessary for the third year students of mentioned institute to report the discussion in Arabic language explaining the Arabic literature or grammar, structure and others; then, in the fourth year students render articles in rules of Islamic Fiqh (jurisprudence) and in the fifth year, students must prepare a research article on any subject or chapter of Fiqh.
If a student succeeds, he will be given a bachelor’s degree (BA) by the university administration, entitled “Alamiya certificate”. The students after graduating from the Institute continue their studies in the last stage.

Muhsineen Charity Foundation of Zahedan:
This welfare organization was founded few years ago, under auspices of the management of Darululoom with the help of some philanthropists, Muslim traders and dignitaries of Zahedan.

The targets are following:
1- To secure orphans, widows and poor Muslims.
2 – To support students to continue their Islamic studies and modern education.
3- To help needy imams, preachers and teachers of Quranic schools and Muslim scholars.
4 – To establish vocational training centers of different professions such as sewing, weaving skills and education computer. By the help of Allah, this section has started its activities.
5 – To establish schools to educate children of Muslims in the right approach.
6 – To establish hospitals and centers for treatment of addicts of drugs.

Annual Celebration:
In 1411 (1990), after Friday prayer, the first honorable ceremony of new graduates of Darululoom Zahedan was celebrated.

Still, it has been being practiced for immemorial time; the last school year of religious schools of the sub-continent ends with recitation of the last Hadeeth of Saheeh-ul-Bukhari book which is the most glorious and significant book after Holy Qur’an.

Because of great desire and participation of people in a very large number, it was decided to extend this blessed ceremony till two days in order to give more and more benefits of it. It is a great and glorious opportunity for scholars to convey the message of Islam to people as they can solve their problems by sharing it with experienced personalities.

The administration hosts the coming guests with the help of philanthropist people, more than seventy thousand guests attending the annual celebration, On the other hand, Darululoom is seeking to invite some of the scholars and leaders from outside of Iran to show them the closely relationship and fraternity between the Sunnis and the rest population of the country.

It was noted that, this annual event has a great effect as it enhances the religious knowledge of students and people as well as it increases the Islamic spirit in young generation.

Because of participants of thousands of people and guests the ceremony has been transferred from the mosque to the large place of Eid prayers close to Darululoom.

Union of Islamic Schools of Balochistan:
In 1398 (1977), the Union of Sunni schools came into existence. This organization includes more than fifty mega and small Islamic schools of different cities of Sistan-Baluchistan province. The organization brings all these schools together and they must follow rules and regulation of it. It monitors the exams, resolves some of the issues and legal problems with the government. The union contains some members and sub-committees from each school. The main office is located in Darululoom Zahedan.

Office for Quranic Schools’ affairs:
There was not any Quranic school in any village of this province (Sistan & Balochistan) before, so the administration planed to establish Quranic schools over there. Now, it has launched more than a hundred Qur’anic institutes in different regions. The Department of Darululoom Zahedan fulfills all financial and educational needs of these centers.

A particular office for this purpose has been established at Darululoom Zahedan to oversee and control these Quranic schools in outland and needy areas. The Quranic schools remain on throughout the year, except in summer vacation like courses and activities.

Still, people are requesting for more Quranic schools to be launched in their areas; Darululoom is ready to fulfill their demands by the help of Allah, if financial conditions allow it. Definitely, it is a great service to keep the book of Allah memorized in children hearts and to beautify the society with good education and to spread the Quran and Sunnah and to teach them Islamic faith. It is a great opportunity for good and righteous people to help us. Over here they should show their all kinds of powers.

SunniOnline.us:
The importance of media could not be denied in regard to spread Islam, to acquaint people by holding the Qur’an and Sunnah strongly. In this sense, Darululoom pays its role to perform the duty in this section.

In 1424 (2003), on the occasion of the annual observance the website of Darululoom was founded, it is the first website of the Sunnis on the internet in Iran probably, but there were many obstacles to develop latest updates and fresh programs.

In 2004, the chairman of Darululoom gave much more priority to this issue due to the importance and necessity of the web. It was decided to make a special office in Darululoom providing all equipment and necessary machinery.
The website was launched basically in two languages Persian and Arabic along with learning articles in Aqeeda (Islamic creed), biography and teachings of Holy Prophet S.A.W, history, Fiqh etc.

Here you will find information about the most activities of Darululoom and speeches of Shaikh Abdul Hameed, rector of Darululoom Zahedan. The Department wishes to develop “SunniOnline” by adding Russian, Turkish and Balochi languages, InshaAllah. The website is known as: The Official Website of the Sunni Community in Iran.
URL: www.sunnionline.us

Buildings of Darululoom Zahedan:
1 – Grand Makki mosque.
2-    Shops for Islamic publishers.
3 – New housing for students, a new architecture of the four corners. Under ground floor for restaurant and kitchen and ground floor consecrated for classrooms.
4 – Office of Administration plus different offices.
5 – Classrooms of memorization (Hefz) the Qur’an.
6 – Public library.
7 – Bathrooms and toilets underground.
8 – Khadijat-ul-Kubra medical center on Khayyam road.
9 – Guest rooms and old hostel for students.
10- Azizi Fund for Good Loans on Khayyam road.
11 – Muhsineen Charity Foundation, located on Khayyam Road.
12 – Aayesha Girls School.
13 – Housed for some teachers.
14 – Accommodation for male students of universities.
15 – Accommodation for female students of universities.

Projects:
1 – Expansion of Makki mosque.
2 – Expansion of new hostels for students.
3 – Expanding the Public Library of Darululoom.
4 – Expansion of memorizing the Qur’an classes.
5 – Expansion and reconstruction of school for girls.
6 – Building hostels for some teachers.

May Allah Exalted protect Darululoom Zahedan and all Islamic seminaries always, bestow them the best to serve Islam and Muslim masses over the world sincerely; ameen.