Darul Uloom Trinidad & Tobago

Maulana Shiraz started studying the Alimiyyah course at the Dabhel Madrasah, Gujarat, India in 1981. In 1985 after having visa problems Maulana came back to Trinidad and studied at Darul Uloom Trinidad and Tobago under Mufti Shabil Ai and Maulana Abdul Salam. 1989 Mufti Shabil sent him to complete his final two years in Darul Uloom Al Arabiya Al Islamia, Bury, England, under the tutorship of Shaykh Maulana Yusuf Motala.

Maulana Shiraz was my teacher in Nurul Idhaa, Mishkaat Shareef, Tahawi, Sahih Muslim, Ibn Majah and Muatta Imam Malik.

His company has taught me many lessons and his friendly nature has drawn me closer to him day by day. He is my teacher who has stood by me and aided me in all that I have chosen to do. His care and love opened doors for me that I could have never achieved without his blessings and supervision.

Maulana Shiraz is a father figure as well as a role model for many of the younger Ulamaa. By just looking at Maulana’s always smiling face a person’s heart can feel at ease, with peace and tranquility. May Allah keep our Shaykh always happy and smiling and a make him a means of guidance for all.

Maulana Shiraz is a very spiritual person with much experience of life. He is a very wise scholar; sincere and genuine in all that he does and is very much updated on what is going on in the world. Maulana is also very much attached to his Quraan.

Some of his eminent teachers from whom he has ijazah in various Islamic sciences include Shaykh Yusuf Motala, Mufti Ahmad Khanpuri and Maulana Qamruzaman Ilahabadi.

Currently Maulana Shiraz serves as a Director, Administrator and teacher of Ahadith at Darul Uloom, Trinidad and Tobago. Since graduation, Maulana has selflessly devoted himself to the work of Deen and remained actively involved in Dawah and teaching. Among the books he taught at Darul Uloom include Muslim Shareef, Tahawi Shareef, Muatta of Imam Malik, Ibn Majah and Nurul Idhaa. Maulana has also travelled widely to various countries in the Middle East, Europe, North America and the Caribbean.

Maulana is also a director and secretary of Masjiul Mutaqeen, Munroe Road, Cunupia.

Maulana Shiraz was a Mureed of Mufti Mahmud Hasan Gangohi (R.A), who was the most senior khalifah of Shaykh Zakariyyah Kandhalwi (R.A). After the death of Mufti Mahmud, Maulana took bay’ah to Shaykh Yusuf Motala who was a very special and close Khalifah of Shaykh Zakariyyah Kandhalwi (R.A). Now Maulana is a Khalifah of Shaykh Yusuf Motala.

Together with teaching at Darul Uloom, Maulana holds Zikr Majlis every day after Fajr at Masjidul Muttaqeen and some days at Darul Uloom.

Our Shaykh helps many to reform their inner selves. Allah has given him a great understanding of deen. This can truly be felt when he is teaching, as the verses of the Qur’an and the Ahadith flow from him with such ease. He puts across his Dars and lectures in a very practical way.

Maulana has a special concern for the spreading of Islam in the Caribbean Islands. Presently, he has work taking place in Haiti with one of his students, Mufti Shaheed, who is the Imam and Principal of the Madrasah, Darul Uloom, Haiti. He also played an integral role in establishing the first Masjid in St. Lucia where his student and Mureed, Shaykh Yusuf is currently the Imam.

Maulana also spearheads a programme for women. Their office, Maktabun Nisaa provides counseling for females and children, as well as classes in which women can come to class and also bring their children to classes. It is scheduled in this manner in order that the women make no excuse due to their children. Classes take place everyday sometimes even on Sundays. Maktabun Nisaa also hosts many programs throughout the year for women: Hajj workshop, Salaah Workshop, Quraan Workshop etc. There are presently approximately 90 students and about 15 Aalimahs/Qaariahs teaching.

May Allah grant him a long and healthy life. May Allah let the masses benefit from him in all ways and forms. We pray that Allah keep our Shaykh happy, smiling and sincere in all that he does. Ameen