DAWAT-i-Islami is an Islamic Movement founded on love for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), led by Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Qadri. Representing the Ahl al-Sunnah wal Jama’ah, this vast organization has positively transformed countless lives. It operates tirelessly both in Pakistan and globally, combining spiritual guidance, education and social services through a unique approach and extensive network. Its initiatives aim to harmonize religious values with modern societal needs, encouraging individuals to reform themselves and contribute to their communities.

Founded on September 2, 1981, the Movement began with small gatherings and gradually expanded to national and international conferences, quickly spreading its message worldwide. Today, these grand gatherings continue in both large and small cities across Pakistan and many countries abroad. Weekly meetings attract over 600,000 participants who are passionate about the Prophet. The Movement’s guiding principle is: “I strive to reform myself and the people of the world.” To fulfill this mission, caravans travel nationally and internationally to spread the teachings of the Sunnah, with nearly one million participants in these caravans last year alone.

To encourage self-reform, Dawat-i-Islami has established the “Good Deeds” Division, which publishes booklets such as 72 Good Deeds for Islamic brothers, 40 Good Deeds for children and 63 Good Deeds for Islamic sisters. These booklets are complemented by the “Good Deeds” mobile application, which enables followers to actively engage with the teachings. The Madani Courses Department further supports character building by offering short and long programs. In 2025 alone, over 21,000 courses were conducted, attracting more than 400,000 participants eager to strengthen their faith and improve their personal conduct.

Education is central to Dawat-i-Islami’s mission. Jamia-tul-Madina Islamic universities operate in more than 1,500 locations worldwide, providing free religious education to approximately 128,000 students. These institutions offer Dars-e-Nizami and Faizan-e-Shari’at courses, with over 41,500 individuals having successfully completed them. Thousands of students receive accommodation and meals, while education is offered in Urdu, regional dialects, English and, in select locations, European and Turkish languages. In addition, courses in artificial intelligence, website development and IT are available, ensuring that students gain modern skills alongside traditional religious knowledge, reflecting the organization’s commitment to preparing individuals for contemporary challenges.

Madrasa-tul-Madina schools, nearly 19,900 in number, provide free education nationally and internationally, including short and full-time programs. By December 2025, more than 727,000 students had completed Quranic memorization and recitation programs. These schools operate in countries including Nepal, Turkey, Australia, the USA, the UK, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Portugal, Kuwait, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Iran, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Mozambique and Mauritius.

The Faizan Online Academy has extended Dawat-i-Islami’s educational reach to digital platforms, establishing online institutes in around 90 countries. Approximately 27,000 students are currently enrolled and over 64,000 have already completed courses. A 24/7 study option ensures learning is accessible anytime. All these programs are affiliated with the Kanzul-Madaris Board, officially approved by the federal government. This board collaborates with expert scholars and continues to receive affiliations from other universities and seminaries, further strengthening the organization’s academic credibility.

Under Dar-ul-Madina Islamic Schools, Faizan Islamic School, Dar-ul-Madina School and Faizan Weekend Islamic School operate alongside affiliated colleges. The establishment of Dar-ul-Madina University has also been initiated. Currently, 299 branches serve more than 54,000 students. In the UK and Pakistan, 40 government-approved branches are active. Special divisions support individuals with physical disabilities, including hearing and speech impairments, demonstrating the organization’s inclusivity and social responsibility.

The ‘Dar-ul-Ifta Ahlesunnat’ has 22 branches providing verbal fatwas, free telephone consultations, WhatsApp and email services, social media responses and guidance through websites, applications and the Madani Channel. Around 25,000 questions are answered monthly, helping followers resolve religious doubts efficiently. For traders and businesspeople, the ‘Dar-ul-Iqtisad Islami’ forum offers guidance and solutions according to Islamic regulations, assisting them in navigating professional and financial challenges in line with religious principles.

Dawat-i-Islami emphasizes research and publications, with scholars translating and simplifying ancient texts to make religious education accessible globally. Over 2,100 books and papers have been compiled. Maktaba-tul-Madina produces digital books in multiple languages, offers online purchasing options and provides digital pens for Quranic recitation. Through Madinah al-Faizan centers, over 7,000 mosques have been built both locally and internationally, including 152 in Bangladesh, 108 in the UK, 43 in South Africa, 34 in Mozambique, 25 in Spain, 19 in Italy and numerous others across the world.

The Madani Channel has revolutionized Islamic media, broadcasting in Urdu, English and Bengali on six satellites and ranking as the largest Islamic channel globally in terms of viewership. The IT department manages 87 active websites and employs over 200 IT professionals to support the organization’s initiatives. The charity wing, FGRF, provides humanitarian assistance in Gaza, Palestine and responds to natural disasters, including earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, floods and heavy rains. This demonstrates the organization’s commitment to humanitarian service alongside its educational and spiritual missions.

Through its educational programs, humanitarian work and global outreach, Dawat-i-Islami continues advancing its mission, spreading the light of Islam worldwide. It fosters spiritual and social reform, empowers individuals and communities and harmonizes traditional religious values with the demands of modern society. By integrating education, media, technology and humanitarian initiatives, Dawat-i-Islami inspires millions to follow the Sunnah and strive for self-reform, ensuring its presence and impact are felt globally.

—The writer is Chairman, Tehrik Jawanan Pakistan.

© Pakistan Observer