OUR FOUNDER – MAULANA CASSIM SEMA
An introduction to the Institute will not be complete without mentioning Maulana Cassim Sema, as he was the backbone who influenced the inception of our institute.
Maulana Cassim Sema: was born on May 12th, 1920 in Newcastle, South Africa. At the age of five, he began acquiring his Islamic education. His first Islamic mentor was Maulana Haafiz Shams al-Deen.
As a young man Maulana Cassim Sema: was very punctual with his prayers and showed an intense desire for knowledge. In the quest of knowledge, he left for India to enroll at Jami’ah Islamiyah – Dhabel for his Alim course, on October 23rd 1935. He graduated from the Jami’ah as a Haafiz and an Aalim at the age of twenty-two.
Maulana Cassim Sema: returned to South Africa in 1944. On his return, he taught in many cities like Wasbank and took two years to formulate a Madrasah syllabus for the first time in South Africa. After 23 years of service in Wasbank. Maulana Sema: returned to Newcastle in 1968 as the Principal of Darul Uloom Islamiyah – Newcastle.
Maulana Cassim Sema : had been trying to establish an Islamic institution with boarding facilities since 1946. In 1969, a Roman Catholic Convent laying vacant for 15 years was bought after immense effort by Maulana Cassim Sema : with the support of many wellwishers. Darul Uloom Islamiyah – Newcastle, officially opened its doors to seekers of the ‘Ilm on May 13th, 1973. Maulana Cassim Sema :, returned to the mercy of Allah at the age of eighty-seven on June 9th 2007.
Without a shadow of a doubt Maulana Cassim Sema: was one of the greatest Ulama of South Africa. His contributions and services opened many avenues for the preservation and spread of Islam to the Ummah. May Allah grant him the highest grades in Paradise. Maulana Cassim Sema: contributions and services opened many avenues for the preservation and spread of Islam to the Ummah.