About Us
Al-Maʿrifa is dedicated to empowering ʿulamāʾ through academic development, practical research, and collaborative networking. Established to address the unique needs of the ʿulamāʾ fraternity, our multidisciplinary centre serves as a platform for growth, innovation, and unity within the ummah.
Guided by our vision, we endeavour to provide the tools and resources necessary to enhance the ability of ʿulamāʾ to serve the Din effectively in their respective capacities.
Through our commitment to research, education, and collaboration, al-Maʿrifa is paving the way for a brighter future guided by knowledge and unity.
Vision
We want to see a world where society is guided by ʿulamāʾ
Mission
Our mission is to establish a multidisciplinary centre for ʿulamāʾ by ʿulamāʾ that serves as a resource for academic development through practical research and higher education, whilst also providing a platform for networking and collaboration.
History
al-Maʿrifa Ulama Resource Centre was born out of a pressing need within the scholarly community—a need for a dedicated space where ʿulamāʾ can pursue research beyond the walls of traditional institutions.
While Dār al-ʿulūms focus on education and Dār al-iftās specialize in issuing fatāwā, we recognized a gap: there was no space solely dedicated to supporting scholars in advancing their research and intellectual pursuits.
The idea, sparked by this realization, grew and evolved over time. Through extensive consultations with senior scholars and respected ʿulamāʾ, the vision for our centre became clearer. In 2022, we established al-Maʿrifa Ulama Resource Centre in Durban, South Africa, a city known for its warm climate and sunny beaches.
Our centre offers a dedicated space for research, complete with a comprehensive library and resources tailored to the needs of post-graduate scholars. We are proud to have a team of five dedicated ʿulamāʾ who are committed to advancing Islamic scholarship and supporting the continuous development of ʿulamāʾ in various fields.
At al-Maʿrifa, we are more than just a research facility; we are a hub for intellectual growth and scholarly excellence.
Values
Taqwā
We will strive to attain a high standard of piety and Allah-consciousness in all actions and decisions
Ikhlāṣ
Our goal is to attain the pleasure of Allah in all our endeveours
Rooted In Tradition
We will deal with contemporary issues whilst remaining true to the rich intellectual tradition inherited from the great scholars of the past
Non-partisan
We maintain neutrality and do not align ourselves with any ideology besides the broad label of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamāʿah.
Unity
We strive to build bridges between individuals and groups with different perspectives and to foster an environment where differing opinions are valued and respected.
Professionalism
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethics, responsibility and efficiency
Excellence
We continually strive to improve and deliver our best in all our activities.
Objectivity
We approach issues openly, free from bias or preconceptions, and strive to attain the truth in an accurate and balanced manner.
Collaboration
We are always willing to work with others to achieve common goals We hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethics, responsibility and efficiency
We Value Your Input
Whether you have a question, feedback, or an idea, drop us a message—we’re listening!