Our Story
The History of Madrasah Dawatul Haq
A Humble Beginning, A Lasting Legacy
The story of Madrasah Dawatul Haq is one of yaqeen, simple beginnings, and deep sincerity. Its roots go back to a single moment in 1968, inspired by the vision of Marhoom Chota Mota Desai Saheb, the late father of our beloved Qari Ismail Desai Saheb (رَحْمَةُ ٱللَّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ).
The Spark (1968)
The idea for the Madrasah began with a simple but powerful event. Marhoom Chota Mota Desai Saheb was helping in a friend's shop in Sezela, a town where many families worked in the sugar mill.
One day, a person came in with a shopping list for a family with a Muslim name, but the items on the list were for the religious rituals of another faith.
This deeply concerned him. He saw that without proper Islamic education (Deeni Ta'leem), the community could lose its connection to its faith. At that moment, he felt a strong need to start a place where children could learn about Islam.
A Madrasah Under a Tree
With no building and no money, the first classes were held in the simplest way possible: under a tree in someone's yard. This showed that the most important thing was the sincere desire to teach, not a fancy building.
But there was another problem: there was no qualified teacher available.
A Mother's Teaching and a Cassette Tape
This is where the late mother of Qari Ismail Desai Saheb (رَحْمَةُ ٱللَّٰهِ عَلَيْهَا) played a key role. Even though she was not a Hafizah, her knowledge of the Qur'an was strong.
To help the Madrasah, she would record the lessons for the week—the Surahs, the Kalimahs, and other basics—onto a cassette tape.
This tape was then sent to a dedicated woman (Aapa) in Sezela, who would listen, learn, and then teach the children. This simple and heartfelt method was the foundation of the Madrasah's teaching.
Growing the Vision
1970s: Expanding Education
Marhoom Chota Mota Desai Saheb began hiring a bus to take students to Mias Farm for more advanced studies, ensuring they received quality Islamic education.
Late 1970s: Journey to India
He personally took a group of 8 to 10 students from South Africa all the way to India to study at the famous Madrasah in Tadkeshwar, showing his deep care and responsibility.
The Legacy Continues
Many years later, that same spirit of care was seen again at our Madrasah. We welcomed two students who had travelled all the way from the Philippines.
A guide had come with them on the long journey, just to make sure they arrived safely and were admitted properly.
This moment showed that the small seed planted under a tree in 1968 had grown into an institution that now welcomes students from around the world.
From Humble Beginnings to Excellence
The transformation of Madrasah Dawatul Haq from classes under a tree to an established Islamic institution
Our Inspiration
The history of Madrasah Dawatul Haq teaches us a powerful lesson. With sincere intentions and the help of Allah, great things can come from small beginnings.
We are grateful to our founding parents and teachers who sacrificed so much for the sake of Deen.
We pray Allah Ta'ala accepts all their efforts, grants them the highest place in Jannah, and helps us to continue their important work.
آمین
Continue the Legacy
Listen to the teachings and bayaans that continue the tradition of Islamic education started over 50 years ago.
Listen to Audio Collection