Darul Uloom Deoband has several departments that undertake some academic activities, besides educational and administrative ones. The work area of these deparments is nothing short of separate institutions with a sizable budget, manpower and magnity of sservices. Here are a brief description of the departments:
Darul Ifta (Department to Issue Fatwa)
It is one of the most significant departments of Darul Uloom from which people all across the world question in their religious and social matters. Darul Uloom has issued fatwas from its inception but when questions started coming in bulks and it was hard for the teachers to reply them in their part time, Darul Uloom set up this department in 1310 H (1892).
Darul Ifta has always been center of attraction and held great respect and trust in public and court circles. Darul Uloom enjoys services of well-verses Muftis and its selected fatwas are published online at: www.darulifta-deoband.com.
Dept. of Internet and Online Fatwa
This Dept. offers variety of services ranging from Online Fatwa, web management, email communications to preparing materials in different languages and translating emails and fatwas.
The websites managed by this Dept. are as followed:
- www.darululoom-deoband.com
- www.darulifta-deoband.com
Shaikhul Hind Academy
Shaikhul Hind Academy is a research and writing department which was set up under existing system for academic projects. The aims and objectives of the academy are as follows:
- Protection of academic treasure of the elders
- Introducing the towering personalities of elders and their unique and all-round works to Muslims specially the Arabs
- Publishing research oriented books on Islamic sciences and Maslak (path) of Darul Uloom Deoband
- Training the students in writing, translation and journalism
Moreover, under this Dept. the graduates of Darul Uloom are trained in article writing and journalism.
Tahaffuze Khatme Nubuwwat (Department for Protection of Finality of Prophethood)
When the mischievous religion of Ghulam Ahmad Qadyani started raising its head again in Inida Darul Uloom stepped forward to combat it according to its old tradition. To begin with, it convened an international meeting of Tahaffuz-e-Khatme-e-Nubuwwaat (protection of Finality of Prophethood). On this very auspicious occasion Darul Uloom established ‘All India Majlis-e Tahaffuz-e-Khatm-e-Nubuwwat’ so that it can effectively chase this false movement.
The Majlis has, so far, established 20 branches sprawling over various states of the country along with one state branch and 20 zonal branches in Delhi. It has published around 50 books and pamphlets.
Every year four students are selected to be trained in refutation of Qadyanism who are given Rs. 800 scholarship with free lodge and food.
Muhazaraat-e-Ilmiyah (Academic Lectures)
Darul Uloom Deoband considers it prime responsibility to prepare talented individuals in every field of the religion so that they can protect the Ummah against the breeding false concepts and thoughts. For this purpose, lectures have been introduced to train the students in which 8 subjects have been included: (1) Qadyanism (2) Ghair Muqallidiyyat (3) Brailwiyat (4) Maududiyat (5) Shi’ism (6) Judaism (7) Christianity (8) Hinduism
Five lectures of each subject are presented round the year. The teachers prepare the lectures and present it on every Thursday after Zuhr prayer before the students of Ifta (Islamic Jurisprudence) and Takmilaat (specialization courses). Every week a lecture of one subject is presented, thus the turn of a subject comes after one and half month. The students ask questions in between if they find something unclear.
Mutala-e-Isaaiyat w Deegar Mazahib (Centre for Study of Christianity and other Religions)
This department is meant to comparative study of Christianity and other religions. Every year some graduates are enrolled in this Dept. and are trained in comparative study of Christianity, Judaism and some Indian religions.
Tahaffuz Sunnat (Protection of Sunnah)
This Dept. is mainly established for thorough sudy of Sunnah and protecting the Ummah from the deviation caused by the Ghair Muqallidin. Evey year some interested students are enrolled in this Dept. for research and traning.
Dawat-w-Tabligh (Preaching & Propagation)
This department is responsible to represent the mission and thought of Darul Uloom. It was set up in 1342 (1934) when the curse of Shudhi Sangthan prevailed in India and converted Muslims to Hinduism. Al-hamdulillah, by the efforts of the department hundreds of thousand who were misguided returned to the fold of Islam. Later, also this department went on working on the same lines. Three scholars render their services as preachers and help people to remain steadfast on Islam and be closer to Darul Uloom Deoband.
Rabitah Madaaris (Madrasa Board)
The elders of Darul Uloom have always paid special attention to establish madrasas and maktabs in every nook and corner of the country. All these madrasas have been informally connected to Darul Uloom. Earlier, in view of the changing situation when madrasas came in to attack by local and foreign elements it was felt that a seminar of madrasas should be convened. So, in 1425 (1995) an All India Madaaris Islamia Conference was held which was attended by representatives of 2000 big madrasas. In this very conference, the proposal of setting up ‘Rabitah Madaaris’ was passed and Maulana Marghubur Rahman Sahib was elected as its chairman. So far, the Rabitah had convened a number of conferences.
The fundamental aims and objectives of the Rabitah were to improve the education and training system of madrasas, promote harmony among the madrasas, take appropriate steps for the survival and progress of madrasas, establish madrasas at required places, consider changes in syllabus, pursue all the mean efforts and conspiracies against madrasas reform the Muslim society and protect Islamic characteristics.
The Rabitah has branches in states, there are heads in each state. The working committee consists of 51 members while the general body comprises the members of Advisoy Board, 15 professors of Darul Uloom and a representative of every madrasa.
Darul Uloom (Monthly Urdu Magazine)
Darul Uloom Deoband has always realized the importance of journalism and the need to spread the message of Islam and true version of Deen among people. Under this impression, monthly ‘Al-Qasmi’ and ‘Ar-Rashid’ were published which discharged their duty undoubtedly in a better way. Later, they stopped due to some unavoidable circumstances, but the need of the hour still remained. So, again in 1360 (1941) monthly ‘Darul Uloom’ was introduced which having passed many ups and downs still appears every month.
The existing Darul Uloom authority paid special attention to upgrade the monthly Darul Uloom. Previously, the magazine used to be printed in ‘lethu’ which now has been replace with offset according to the requirement of modern day. Recently, it is being typed on computer. It is distinguished amidst other magazines due to research oriented articles and in-depth editorials on various Islamic, political and social subjects.
Al-Daie (Monthly Arabic Magazine)
Arabic is the religious and official language of Islam and Darul Uloom is an Arabic institute. Therefore, it was natural that Darul Uloom publishes any Arabic magazine so that the Arab world could be informed about the activities of Darul Uloom and its straight path in their own pure language. Hence, nearly 25 years back monthly Al-Daie was brought in. previously, it was fortnightly but five year ago it was changed to monthly.
Al-Daie, from its inception, used to be an standard magazine. Now also, exclusive attention is paid to it, therefore it has progressed on both the levels; outer and inner. The magazine holds great respect among the Arab circles. Its farsighted editorials on Muslim affairs and special features on political, cultural and social matters are read with great interest.
Dept. of Tarteeb Fatawa
This Dept. compiles the Fatwas written by Muftis of Darul Uloom Deoband. Presently, the fatwas written by Hadhrat Mufti Azizur Rahman Usmani are being compiled.