UA-121822729-1

TEACHERS

Shaykh Zulfiqar Haidar Pirzada Al-Azhari

Dean

Shaykh Zulfiqar Haidar Pirzada Al-Azhari is the Dean/Head of Dars-i Nizāmī Faculty at Greengate Islamic College Principal of Al-Qudwa Institute. Shaykh Zulfiqar began his secondary education at Al-Karam Secondary School in Retford, England where he went on to complete the Darse Nizami programme taught by the erudite scholars; the late Professor Dr Bashir Ahmad Siddiqui and Ustadh-ul-Ulama Shaykh-ul-Hadith Allama Fazl-e-Subhan Qadri.

Shaykh Zulfiqar then graduated from the prestigious Al-Azhar University in Cairo, receiving BA (Hons) in the Faculty of Theology (Department of Qur'an Exegesis). Upon returning to the U.K. Shaykh Zulfiqar then completed MA (Hons) in Applied Translation (Arabic and English) from the University of Leeds.

Upon his persistent pursuance of advanced Islamic studies, the Shaykh then travelled to Mardan, KPK in Pakistan where he went through vigorous training in the traditional sciences of Darse Nizami for numerous years at Jamia Qadria under the direct tutelage of Allama Fazl-e-Subhan Qadri, where he also began teaching various sciences.

In 2014, Shaykh Zulfiqar produced the first detailed prospectuses and curriculum in the UK done in the English language for diplomas in the Dars Nizami programme, as well as detailing the historical origin of this curriculum, its significance and preservation as well as the erudite authors of classical texts. Some of his scholarly contributions include, but are not limited to, development of the classical curriculum of traditional scholarship (Kulliyyat al-Darasat al-Nizamiyyah), authoring a translation of 'Diya' al-Khawass’ - an important text on the characteristics of Etymological chapters in Arabic Grammarn, and producing a verified edition (al-tahqia) of the classical masterpiece on the science of Arabic Etymology titled 'Tasrif al-Zanjani' of Imam 'Abd al-Wahhab ibn Ibrahim al-Zanjani (d. 660 AH).

The Shaykh possesses numerous ijazat/isnad that connect him to many authors of Dars-e Nizami texts, as well as other great scholars of Islam, such as Allama Ata Muhammad Chishti Bandyalwi, Imam Ahmad Rida Khan al-Qadiri, al-Sayyid al-Sharif al-Jurjani, Abu'l Hasan al-Ash'ari, Abd al-Haq al-Muhaddith al-Dehlawi, Allama Fadl-e Haqq Khayrabadi al-Shaheed (may Allah have mercy on them all), and many others.

Shaykh Zulfiqar Haidar Pirzada al-Azhari has been teaching the traditional Dars-e Nizami sciences for over 15 years, helping establish numerous Islamic Institutes and research centres across the U.K. His mastery of the Arabic, Persian, English, Urdu and Punjabi languages make the Shaykh a tremendous academic asset for Muslims and students of Islam in the West.

Ustad Muhammad Mubashir Iqbal

Lecturer

Ustad Muhammad Mubashir Iqbal embarked on his sacred knowledge journey at the age of eleven, spending a decade developing his understanding at Jamia Al-Karam.

During his final years at the seminary, he not only deepened his own comprehension but also imparted knowledge by teaching Arabic.

Driven by a thirst for further development, he expanded his studies at Dārul Qurrā and Islamic Research Centre in the West Midlands, UK, delving into Persian texts and advanced works within the Dars-i-Niẓāmī curriculum.
In pursuit of broader horizons, Ustadh Mubashir travelled to Istanbul. There, he engaged in studies and lessons with scholars from diverse backgrounds, including the scholars of Shām.

Continuing his quest for knowledge, Ustad Mubashir pursued Hadith Studies at Dār-ul-Ulūm Muhammadiyah Ghawthiyah in Bhera, Pakistan, also known as the Al-Karam International Institute. He further enriched his scholarship at Jamia al-Qādiriyah in KPK, Pakistan, delving into the last books of the traditional Dars-i-Niẓāmī curriculum, including al-Hidāyah, Mīr Zāhid Umūr-e-Āmah, Mīr Qutbi, Shams-i-Bāzigah, and various commentaries on Sullam-ul-Ulūm, among others.

Throughout his educational voyage, Ustad Mubashir was honoured to receive special licences and ijāzahs from esteemed teachers. Some of these licences trace back to luminaries such as Allāmma Faẓl-i-Haq Khairābādī, Mullā Niẓām al-Dīn Sihālwi, Allāmma Adud-Dīn al-ījī, Imām Abū Hāmid al-Ghazāli, and the venerable Imām of the Ahl al-Sunnah, Abū al-Hasan Ashʻarī (may Allah have mercy upon them all). With extensive teaching experience, he excels in the classical Khairābādī/Farangī Mahali Curriculum & is also the founder of Khairabadi Institute.

He has disseminated his knowledge in various seminaries across the UK, including Greengate Islamic College, Cambridge Muslim College & Manchester Muslim College, leaving an indelible mark on his students. Ustad Mubashir is currently serving as a full time lecturer at our College.

Imam Sudagar Hussain

Lecturer

Imam Sudagar Hussain is an accomplished Islamic scholar who began his formal studies in the Dars e Nizami curriculum under the guidance of Mufti Muhammad Faazil and Mufti Muhammad Aslam in January 2012.

After embarking on his Dars e Nizami studies, he established himself as a dedicated teacher, having previously taught at several renowned institutions such as Madani Jamia Masjid, Jamia Muhammadia and Bradford Muslim College. He also served as an imam at several mosques, including Jamiyat Tabligh ul Islam, Haworth Road Mosque and Sultan Bahu Trust Bradford. Currently, he serves as the Imam and teacher at JTI Toller Lane Masjid and regularly delivers courses at the masjid and online classes for adult students.

His dedication to teaching and vast knowledge of the Islamic sciences make him an asset to the community. He also plays a vital role in educating and guiding Muslims in the area.

Shaykh Waseem Ahmed

Lecturer

Shaykh Waseem started his search for sacred knowledge studying Arabic in the UK before leaving for Damascus in Ramadan 1426 (Oct 2005) to further his Arabic language studies at the Abu Nur institute.

In 2007 Shaykh Waseem started studying privately with various teachers in Damascus.

In 2008 alongside his private studies he attended the accelerated programme at the Dawli Institute for Arabic and Islamic sciences in Damascus graduating in 2012.

Among the scholara he studied with are Shaykh Mazin Bakir, Shaykh Adnan Darwish, Shaykh Rashad Al-Shams & Shaykh Muhammad Jumu'a.

He studied and accompanied Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi extensively.

He returned to the UK in 2012 and has been delivering lectures and regular courses around the UK since.

He co-founded ISNAD Institute and Sacred Vows Introduction Service as well as Guidance Hub (Manchester).

The College is also committed to combining academic excellence in Islamic studies with a religious point of view to offer a unique overview of Islam and related affairs.

Creating competent and skilled leaders for the modern British Muslim Community.

College Address

87 Greengate Street
Oldham
OL4 1DH

0333 772 2387