Lost in thought. I’m standing before Maahad Tahfiz Darussalam. It is a beacon of Islamic education. This religious institute started its journey in January 2013. Its aim was to impart higher Islamic education to Malaysia’s Muslim community.
Maahad Tahfiz Darussalam is registered with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. The registration number is JALSEL. BPI 03/05/083/01 Jld 3 (040). It is an official recognition of its role in Islamic education.
The Maahad is located in Batu 8½, Cheras, Selangor. It is about 16 km southeast of Kuala Lumpur. This location offers a serene environment. Students can focus on their studies away from the city’s hustle.
Maahad Tahfiz Darussalam offers a comprehensive curriculum. It includes Al-Qur’an studies. It also has Hadeeth, Islamic Sciences, and Arabic Language. Jurisprudence or Islamic Law is also taught.
The A’alim program is a core offering. It provides in-depth Islamic studies. The Nazirah program focuses on reading the Quran. Students learn correct Tajweed pronunciation under an Ustaz’s guidance. The Tahfiz al-Qur’an program enables students to memorize the Quran. Correct Tajweed and phonetics are emphasized.
The madrasa has three faculties. These are the Nazirah, Hifzul Qur’an and A’alim faculties. The Nazirah course teaches students to read the Quran with correct pronunciation. The Hifzul Qur’an course is for memorizing the Quran. The A’alim course focuses on Islamic Sciences and Jurisprudence.
Currently, Maahad Tahfiz Darussalam has 100 students. Around 75 are local students. The rest come from countries like Vietnam and Nigeria. There are also students from China, Thailand, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Some students are from the Phillipines, Khazagistan and Kyrgystan. About 85 students are studying to become Huffaz. The remaining students are training to become Ulama or Islamic Scholars.
The madrasa is on a one-acre plot. It has single and double-story buildings. These buildings serve as classrooms and student lodgings. Near the madrasa is a small prayer hall. It is Surau As-Shafie’e. Students perform Salah here five times daily. The local community also joins them. Jummah Prayers are an exception.
Maahad Tahfiz Darussalam plans to expand. It intends to open more faculties. A girl’s department is also in the works. This expansion will further enhance its educational offerings.
Maahad Tahfiz Darussalam contributes significantly to Islamic education in Malaysia. Its comprehensive programs and international student body create a diverse learning environment. The madrasa’s future plans promise further growth and development. It remains a vital center for Islamic learning.