The pursuit of knowledge is a journey best traveled with guides who illuminate the path, and at Darul Qasim College, our teachers are more than just instructors—they are custodians of sacred knowledge. Each scholar at DQC brings a wealth of experience, an unrelenting dedication to their students, and a deep connection to the tradition they teach. Their interdisciplinary expertise fosters a learning environment that is both deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and engaged with contemporary intellectual challenges.
At the heart of this institution’s vision is its leadership, headed by Shaykh Mohammed Amin Kholwadia, the founder and president of Darul Qasim College. With decades of experience in both traditional Islamic sciences and contemporary academic discourse, Shaykh Amin has meticulously curated the pedagogical approach at DQC. Under his guidance, the institution serves as a hub for students to engage rigorously with Islamic knowledge while contextualizing it within the realities of the modern world. His vision of producing well-rounded scholars, deeply rooted in the Islamic intellectual tradition, is realized through the efforts of DQC’s faculty and administration.
Who Are Your Teachers?
The faculty at Darul Qasim College represent a broad spectrum of expertise in the Islamic sciences, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education rooted in both classical and modern academic traditions.
- Arabic and the Instrumental Islamic Sciences: Under the leadership of Dr. Choukri Heddouchi, this department equips students with the essential tools to engage with original Islamic texts. As an expert in Arabic literature, rhetoric, and advanced linguistics, he provides students with a strong foundation in Arabic studies, a prerequisite for engaging deeply with the sacred sciences. His research in Islamic archaeology and medieval studies further enriches his instruction, offering students a holistic view of Islamic civilization.
- Qurʾānic Recitation: Mawlana Arif Kamal chairs this department, focusing on the accurate and melodious articulation of the Qurʾān. A specialist in tajwīd and qirāʾāt, he holds multiple certifications (ijāzahs) from celebrated masters in the field of Qurʾanic recitation. His meticulous approach ensures students develop a deep appreciation for the oral transmission of the Qurʾān.
- Hadith Studies: Led by Mawlana Bilal Ali Ansari, this department immerses students in the ethical and practical dimensions of Islamic teachings. With extensive training from renowned seminaries in Pakistan and advanced specialization in Hadith under critical scholars, he combines a rigorous methodological approach with a commitment to producing students who are both proficient in Hadith sciences and sensitive to their application in contemporary contexts.
- Islamic Law: Mufti Hisham Dawood oversees the Department of Islamic Law, guiding students through the intricacies of legal rulings and methodologies. His extensive study in South Africa under leading Ḥanafī scholars and training in iftāʾ (legal edicts) give him an intuitive understanding of the Islamic legal tradition. His ability to recall minute rulings and his expertise in Ḥanafī legal methodology make him a cornerstone of DQC’s faculty.
- Theology: Dr. Muhammed Volkan Yildiran Stodolsky leads the Theology Department, where students explore the foundational beliefs of Islam. With advanced degrees from Oxford and the University of Chicago, and training in classical Islamic theology, he bridges the gap between Western philosophical traditions and Islamic discourse. His courses in dialectic theology and Islamic legal methodology are among the most sought-after at DQC.
- Qurʾānic Exegesis: Under the guidance of Mawlana Kamil Uddin, this department delves into the meanings and contexts of Qurʾānic revelation. A seasoned scholar of tafsīr and Quranic sciences, his research and publications in Qurʾanic studies provide students with a structured and nuanced approach to interpreting the sacred text.
- Humanities: Featuring scholars like Dr. Mohammed Pervaiz and Ustadh Firas Al-Khateeb, this department provides students with the tools to engage the Western academic tradition. Ustadh Firas, a specialist in Islamic history and Ottoman intellectual thought, is also the author of Lost Islamic History. The humanities curriculum at DQC encourages students to critically engage with Islamic and Western intellectual traditions, fostering a well-rounded scholarly approach.
In addition to the department heads, Darul Qasim College is privileged to have scholars like Mawlana Abdurrehman Haji, Mawlana Muhiuddin Khan, Mawlana Yaqub Mikus, Mufti Ehzaz Ajmeri, Mawlana Asif Uddin and others, who each bring their own unique expertise and insights. Every teacher, regardless of their department, is an expert in their field and contributes their wealth of knowledge to the institution. Their diverse perspectives enrich the learning experience, ensuring that students are not only well-prepared academically but are also shaped into well-rounded scholars capable of navigating both traditional and contemporary intellectual landscapes.
Studying under these distinguished faculty members at Darul Qasim College is a transformative experience. They mentor, challenge, and nurture students, equipping them with the intellectual tools and spiritual discipline necessary for a lifetime of learning & embodying the quest for more learning.
Why Should You Study at Darul Qasim?
Choosing where to seek knowledge is a pivotal decision in a student’s life. For many, Darul Qasim College represents more than just an institution; it is a place where knowledge is transmitted with precision, sincerity, and academic rigor.
One of the primary motivations for enrolling at DQC is its commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship. The college uniquely provides deep expertise in traditional Islamic sciences while engaging with contemporary intellectual challenges. Whether through meticulous instruction in Islamic legal reasoning or expertise in Arabic linguistics and rhetoric, every course at DQC is designed to cultivate a holistic understanding of Islam.
Additionally, Darul Qasim fosters an environment of sincere intellectual pursuit. Students are encouraged to ask questions, debate ideas, and critically engage with texts—an invaluable aspect of the educational experience. The college’s small class sizes, personalized mentorship, and access to some of the most erudite scholars make it a space where students are not only educated but also intellectually and spiritually nurtured.
Faculty members ensure that students gain a deep appreciation for Qurʾānic studies, Hadith, Islamic law, theology, and the humanities. Their dedication cultivates an environment where students can explore the depths of Islamic knowledge with scholarly rigor.
Darul Qasim is a home for those who seek to understand Islam beyond the superficial. It is a place for those who desire to deeply engage with knowledge, appreciate its intricacies, and apply it meaningfully in today’s world.
Is Darul Qasim College a Polymath Institution?
Absolutely! A polymath institution fosters expertise across multiple disciplines, preparing students to be well-rounded scholars who can navigate both traditional and contemporary fields of knowledge. Darul Qasim College embodies this vision through its comprehensive academic structure.
DQC is organized into several departments, each dedicated to a core aspect of Islamic and contemporary studies:
- Arabic and the Instrumental Islamic Sciences: Equips students with linguistic tools to engage original Islamic texts and participate in current debates.
- Qurʾānic Recitation: Focuses on the accurate and melodious articulation of the Qurʾān, fostering a deeper spiritual connection to the text.
- Hadith: Immerses students in the ethical and practical dimensions of Islamic teachings through meticulous study of seminal hadith collections.
- Islamic Law: Guides students through the intricacies of legal rulings and methodologies, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of Islamic jurisprudence.
- Theology: Explores the foundational beliefs of Islam and provides students with the tools to establish religious truths with evidence.
- Qurʾānic Exegesis: Encourages students to interpret the Qurʾān with depth and accuracy, connecting its teachings to contemporary issues.
- Humanities: Offers courses in history, philosophy, and logic, allowing students to engage critically with Islamic and Western intellectual traditions.
By structuring its academic offerings in this way, Darul Qasim College ensures that students are not only specialists in their respective fields but also possess the broad intellectual curiosity characteristic of a polymathic education. The institution’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning enables students to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, ensuring that they are well-equipped to contribute to scholarly and community discourse.
For those who aspire to become well-rounded scholars capable of navigating both classical and contemporary knowledge landscapes, Darul Qasim stands as an ideal institution to begin that journey.
