Madrasah In'aamiya Information Thread (Camperdown, South Africa)

[abuhajira]

With the permission of the Mods, I am starting a seperate thrad on Madrasah In'aamiya's Information. In this thread I intend to post information, pictures, experiences etc.

For a rundown on previous thread look at :
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/show...8052#post98052

Since I am still compiling a booklet about Madrasah Inaamiyah, I will post random information. and when the booklet is done I will post that as well.

To start of..

Here is a recent release of new time schedule (classes)[ref.note-1] in a jpeg format.

If there are any questions do let me know.

[ref.note-1] : This is the english version, the actual time table is in arabic.

[abuhajira]

:sl:

Some quick questions about Madressa Inamiyya:

1) Toilets - English or Indian?
2) Food - Western or Indian?
3) Boarding - how many in a room?
4) Washing - washing machines available and free?
5) Library - small or large?
6) Students - how many in total?
7) Are students allowed to use the electricity?

1.Toilets They have high pan as well as low pan. But I doubt the high-pan toilets work. I have never tried them. I love low-pan since they are more efficient
2.Food Food is south African. A blend of indian food with that of Giyanese kind. Names are all indian, but tastes are different. People get to like it (almost all of them) after sometime. However Madrasah Inaamiya has the best in S.African Madaris.
3.Boarding 6-8 students in a room. Wait for the pics to come up. The rooms are spacious so its not that bad.
4. Washing : Washing is available free from the Madrasah, however anything free is never of high quality. so if you want quality learn how to scrub beforehand
5. Library : At moment it is small with about a little over 1500 - 2500 books. There is an expansion project in motion which means the library will be trippled in size.
6. Students : It a small madrassah, currently 130-150 students, which means bigger student to teacher ratio!
7. Are students allowed to use the electricity?: Yes! Student can use electricity. however only for reasonable purposes. you cant keep decks,cd-players,etc.. so the only purpose left for elec. is Microwaves, Minni Fridges, elec. stoves... etc....

:wa:

[abuhajira]

:sl:

Coming To South Africa at Madrasah Ina'aamiyah

Chapter 1:

My Journey

Almost a decade ago I had stepped out of my country for the first time. I had set abroad towards Canada for the purpose of my academics. I had no idea how long this journey would be. Crossing the Atlantic and as they say, "the seven seas and the lands" I landed in Toronto. This was all new to me as I was only 17 at that time. It didn’t take long for me to realize that "Hijra" is not an easy thing, even when it is for sake of one’s study. There were so many things I had to incorporate as a part of my lifestyle to get adjusted to Canada. At that time I had decided to make efforts towards making the lives of those who will come after me a bit easier by providing them materials about what to expect once they embark on such a journey. Eight years or so have passed and I have now taken a similar step out of Canada once again towards my next level of studies. South Africa!

It was in the last year, no the last class of my Master's Degree that I had decided to flip my academic world and give it a sharp U turn. I decided to pursue a field that many thought and still think to be a lower level studies. As I recall people in my native land of Pakistan would comment, "Those who cannot excel in regular studies chose to become Maulvis". It is so ironic that what many think to be a second class study, is seen as the only real study from a "Maulvi's" point of view. I remember Mufti Abdul Jaleel Damat Barakatuhum mentioning that all the worldly academics are for wordly gains, and thus only a means of living and "Dharooriyat" while what we study here in this institution not only deals with the word but also what will surely come after it. I also remember reading this in Imam Ghazali's view of Islamic Studies.

Intentions and Aims

It would be clear by now that I am referring to the life of yearning towards the gain of Islamic Knowledge. My course title says, "Islamic Theology" and my Madrassah's (institute) website claims it to be an equivalent to B.A. That I would presume be Bachelors of Arts (Religious Studies). However I would say that it is much more and somewhat less at the same time. This is because Islamic Studies cannot in the least be compared in secular terms. It is a living style on its own; a whole new dimension that cannot be explained by mere number of years of studies as is the case of secular education.

Coming back to what my intentions were while writing this, shall we say "A Welcome Pamphlet". I have been in South Africa for over a year now, and it definitely has been a roller coaster ride, going up and down. At the very outset I should say that this information is intended to primarily benefit those who are eager to come to Camperdown, South Africa with the aim of studying at the Madrasah In'aamiyyah. If it helps someone else as well, I would be thankful to Allah for that. The life that I had imagined for myself was nowhere near what I got when I came here. This is why I have decided to write something that would prevent or rather caution those who will come after me. It is vital to have an idea of the place you are about to make Hijra to so as not to get despondent in the very year you arrive.

When I had decided to set out to study "Alim" course I had two options. I could either go to UK or to S. Africa. My perception was the same as anyone else's. S. Africa would be a rural country, without much living standard and facilities. And why should it not be, its “Africa”!! This was one of the major reasons I had decided to come here instead of UK; A disciplined Madrasah, with staunch environment and all that with the facility of English speaking Ulemas. It was close to, if not "The dream come true". But even to this extent I was proven wrong when I landed here. Many things were better than what I had imagined but a few were slightly off as well.

Also, if you are really looking for a Madrasah to go to, and by chance, you know how to speak Urdu, my preference (now after having the experience of the English style Madrasah) would be either Pakistan or India. Since Pakistan is no longer taking foreign students India would be the choice of place. The reason is simple. The Madaris here have taken their curriculum and syllabi from the well established Indian and Pakistani Madaris, but what lacks here is firmness in Urdu which the teachers have tried to compensate with the local language, English. A brave effort indeed! But the transition has created a gap between the language of the material of the methodology (which is Urdu) and the teaching language (which is English). Many of the older Madaris like Azaadville and Zakariya are still using complete Urdu studies. However in this madrasah the teaching language is generally not fixed. This causes a lot of drawbacks for both Urdu and English speaking students, and especially the ones that are not oriented to the style.

[abuhajira]

Chapter 2

South Africa

S. Africa is a place where you can truly say that east has met the west. The facilities are that of the west and yet the people are that of the east. As my teacher normally comments that S. Africa is one of the very few countries that can provide drinkable tap water. It is hard to accept but it is very true once you see the actual S. Africa and not the one concocted by your imagination. (At one time I even had a concept of a famine stricken land with no water). In general view, South Africa is simply "beautiful". It has greenery beyond imagination. Green filled mountains envelope the city of Camperdown. It actually reminded me of Western Ontario with valleys and streams. The roads are really good. Those who like to have long drives can enjoy the long stretched Freeway, while those who like the twists and turns may try out the age old smaller hand built roads which seem better than the newer ones.

Camperdown

Let me now focus on our epicenter, the city of Camperdown. When I was searching on the internet about Camperdown before coming here, I could find nothing about it. I did find a few sites about a Camperdown in Australia which is a resort area. When I arrived here in Camperdown, I realized why it was never on the internet. Camperdown is a city of almost 2000-2500 people. It is about 65km from Durban, and 25 km from Peter-meritzberg. For a single student who will be coming here for studies this is perhaps the most irrelevant information. However, Camperdown can be pointed out on the map with these directions.

The city is small, yet filled with amazing businesses. If I were to name the ones I can remember they would be:

1. SPAR (A convenience/Grocery store, a bit expensive but since it’s the cheapest in the area it’s best for shopping). Recently it has started to serve Halaal chicken and some meat. But you need not worry, in other products you can always look for the seal of SANHA (South African National Halaal Association) for Halaal products. SPAR will soon be a Super-Spar, which means it will have a dozen more shops opening in it with lots more to offer at cheaper prices.
2. STAR (Another convenience store run by Muslims, but is more expensive than SPAR. It is good for specific Items. )
3. TOPS Liquor Store (We need not worry about what they sell )
4. Rita's Fashion ...something... (A clothing store with basic clothing. Also have shoes. Run by a Hindu fellow. Nice for cheap slippers and clothing )
5. S.A Parak's (This is a wholesale shop like Costco in US and Canada, but not as extensive on variety. It is run by Uncle Parak a prominent Muslim fellow. They will be moving to another even bigger premises )
6. I. E. Essack & Co. ( Probably the oldest store in the town, run by Uncle Essack, probably the oldest uncle in town ... but he is one of the most nicest and prominent of figures of Muslim Community of Camperdown. )
7. Elida Strasberg Estates ( A very nice Jewish lady, who helped me a lot with my apartment, runs a real estate and is very straight forward ).


Other facilities that you might find here would be,

- A couple of lawyers and Attorneys
- A VET
- A Court
- A Police Station
- A Halaal Meat store (coming soon)
- An Auto-Garage
- A Hardware Store
- A Library
- A Town Hall (It’s more of a City office)
- A Mosque

and a few others...

This city information is useful for those who wish to move here with families, though I would not really recommend that, as it entails lot of hardships. Finding an apartment or a house is like waiting in cue for six to seven months. I myself, when I came here, had to take help from a teacher of mine, May Allah grant him full rewards, Amin.

[abuhajira]

Chapter 3

Prospective Student

1. Married Students

If you are a married student who wishes to come here and study at Madrasah, my sincere advice is to think beforehand. There are many aspects to look before you make your decision. It is even harsher for the newly weds. When I came here I was a newly wed and for me to leave my wife home alone, for most part of the day was pretty hard. There are many reasons why it is so hard. Foreign students like us, have our own way of living which is a bit different then what this environment offers.

Sometime seclusion of the house gets to you. If you don’t have a car then it is even harder since you have to request someone to take you to the neighboring city for a mere couple of hours of outing.

Though the food and groceries are there, but under a limited budget you can only expand your varieties so much. I remember in Canada a stroll after supper was a delicacy which I have long forgotten since it is not advisable to roam outside after sunset. There are also other factors which make sure that if you come here with a family, then the mujahada(struggle) will not be only on your part but also your wife.

2. Single students

If you are a single student, then my first advice is to correct the intention. Do not get forced into coming here, since that will only make it harder for you to accept it. If your parents are adamant on sending you here then, correct your aim and accept it willfully.

The reason I say so is because, if your heart is not in it then the probability is the next time you visit home, you wont come back. The life of a single student is easy, if he wishes to make use of it. You have to follow a pattern at the Madrasah and if you make yourself used to it then you will not only enjoy the life but also learn a lot from it.

They have a saying at the Madrasah, "Its (Madrasah) a laundry, dirty clothes come in to get clean.. Sometimes the clean ones get dirty too". This is quite true. Not all students in the madrasah are angels and Sufis, so expect those kind of students as well (i.e. not so righteous). If you are keeping a specific pattern in your life then look at the Madrasah timings if they suit you. It brings great frustration to have to leave a routine that works for you, and having to forcefully take up another routine. Remember, you have decided to come here... consequences cannot be blamed at the Madrasah.

Food

The life at madrasah will be as you wish to make it. There are those very few who seclude themselves towards Ibada and studies, while there are those who exert towards exercise (ahem.. playing). The food (chow as they call it her) is good. It is not a five star meal but it’s the best in the country. The Madrasah has a chef of its own. In the dorms they have a schedule in food menu and there is no exceptional menu for the foreigners (as in madaris in Pakistan). The basic menu includes kari khichrdy, Aknee, chicken, meat(mutton), biriyani or daal.

Limitation to the Madrasah Boundary

All students are restricted to the Madrasah Premise. They cannot go out except with a permission slip from the office. This is for student’s safety, and not the urge of the official to subjugate the students to show authority.

[abuhajira]

Now some pictures.... the above story will continue after these interval pics. They are basically to give you a feel of places here...

[talib al-habib]

salams

masha-allah, that's really useful info.

could anybody put something similar up about studying in Syria (emphasis on family life, amenities, difficulties adjusting for western people?

salams

[abuhajira]

Chapter 4


Playing Facilities: A Gym, Tennis Court (also used for soccer), Volleyball court, Squash Wall, Table Tennis, cricket/soccer field.


Dorms
The dorms are divided according to the class you are in. For example: First year students stay in one room and soon. The rooms are huge and accommodate six to eight students.

The students are not allowed to keep any magazines, newspapers, novels or walkman/radio/cd-man. If such items are found then they are confiscated. Similarly the cell-phones are also not allowed.
If in case you see a fellow student with these items, it would not entail that they are permissible. Every student has to buy a locker for himself, but this will be dealt in the finance later on.



For every four rooms there is a Washroom. Every washroom consists of four or five cubicles for toilet and two or three showers. Every washroom also has a wudhu area.

Dress Code

When I was coming here, I had an idea that it will be strictly white Jubba and pajama, however I have seen that Madrasah is far more flexible then that. You may wear any kind of juba as long as it is above your ankles and not half sleeves. You may also wear any type of lower garment as long as it’s above ankles. At one time we had an announcement that Takkies (long shorts) are not allowed. Beside this, you may wear sweaters, over coats and basically anything. Students must wear Topi at all times. It is not an obligation as to what kind of topi. Similarly imama is also encouraged but not necessary.
Laundry and Appliances

The laundry is done mainly by the Madrasah, however if someone wishes to do their own laundry they are allowed to. There are enough spaces to hang ones clothes. Students may keep an iron on themselves. Similarly other appliances like a Fridge, Microwave, Electric Stove, Water Kettles etc are also permissible.

Facilities

It would be hard to count each and every facility, however the main ones are:
Madrasah has its own Tuck shop which opens at specific timings. Tuck-shop provides normal junk food like chips and cola as well as basic stationary.


Madrasah also has a Library under the guidance of Maulana Mohammad Abassomer. The library has sufficient reading material from wide range of topics including the four eminent madhahibs and Islaah e Batin (Tasawwuf) as well.


Madrasah has its own Tuck shop which opens at specific timings. Tuck-shop provides normal junk food like chips and cola as well as basic stationary.

Madrasah also has a Bookshop which caters for all the syllabus books, along with some out of syllabus books as well. It also sells Topis, Imamas, Lungis, Miswak, Kuhl and Attar etc.

Madrasah has a Masjid that is situated in the middle of the classes. I found this structure to be very nice since it is actually the masjid we are all connected with.


Darul Iftaa is headed by Hazrat Mufti Ebrahim Deai himself with a couple of other outstanding teachers. Darul Iftaa has its own library with specific Fiqh related books and this small library is in itself the class of Iftaa students.

Madrasah also has a publishing department with Maulana Mohammad Ibrahim, who is one of the senior teachers.



Dar ul Tajweed is run by Maulana Qari Ismail Abdul Aziz Sahib, who is a well-known Qari in South Africa. He is specialized in Sab'a and 'Ashara and teaches these in the Incorporated Alim course.

Darul Quran has about 6 teachers each teaching about ten to fifteen students. It is head by Qari Nazeer Sahib. Hifz Classes take place in Darul Quran

Two new departments will soon be in operation. Takhassus Dept and Qadhaa Dept.

[abuhajira]

Chapter 5

Programs Available

• Hifzul Qur’aan (memorizing the Qur’aan): generally over 3 years depending on the ability of the student
• I’daadiyah (introductory phase for Aalim course)
• Imaam / Khatib Training: between 1 and 3 years. This is to equip a person to be an Imaam and fulfil basic Islamic requirements of the community, for example, perform Salaat, Jumu’ah, Nikah, etc.
• Qiraat Hafs (normal reading) and Qiraat Sab’a (7 dialects) and Asharah (10 dialects)
• Aalim Course 6 years
• Mufti course: minimum 2 years
• Specialty (Takhassus) in Hadith: 1 year
• Qadhaa (Islamic judiciary): 1 year after the Mufti course

[abuhajira]

Chapter 6

Finances



Any student who comes to study needs to fulfill some of the financial burden. In one of my meetings with Mufti Ebrahim Desai, he mentioned that it is his aim to bring in as many foreign students as possible so that they may take the knowledge and spread it all around.

As to the question of how much should one have, I would say:

For students in boarding the tuition fee is like $50 USD everything included, though it is recommended that you keep $ 20 to $ 30 extra per month for you own personal expenses. The madrasah is in a secluded area, therefore the only shops are at a twenty to thirty walk distance and you need written permission before you may go out. This extra bit of pocket money will help you in purchasing your Mattresses, Locker, Chips and snacks etc.

They do not currently have accommodations for married students, so married students have to come up with extra money for residential purposes. To live comfortably (without extravagances) you would probably need about 550 USD per month. This is subjected to one of the biggest hurdles of finding an accommodation. Also, this will not include any automobile expenses.

There is a list of item that madrasah normally asks the newcomers to purchase which normally is not that extensive.

Medical Facility

The nearest proper hospital is 20 min drive. However there is one small surgeon in Camperdown who also looks at general patients. Another nearest doctor is in Cato Ridge which is 10 min drive. In cases of Emergency Madrasah have its own vans which if available will take you to the hospital.