# Wafaq ul Madaris Al-Arabia, Pakistan

> the largest federation of Islamic Seminaries around the world

**Wikidata**: [Q6824754](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6824754)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wifaq-ul-Madaris_al-Arabia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wafaq-ul-madaris-al-arabia-pakistan

## Summary
Wafaq ul Madaris Al-Arabia, Pakistan, is the largest global federation of Islamic seminaries, established in 1959 and headquartered in Multan, Pakistan. It serves as a regulatory and accreditation body for Islamic educational institutions worldwide, standardizing curricula and conducting examinations. The organization plays a central role in shaping Islamic scholarship and religious education.

## Key Facts
- Founded on October 19, 1959, in Multan, Pakistan.
- Current chairperson: Abdur Razzaq Iskander (since October 5, 2017), succeeding Muhammad Saleemullah Khan.
- Operates a network of over 20,000 affiliated seminaries across Pakistan and internationally.
- Coordinates annual examinations for approximately 2 million students.
- Official website: https://www.wifaqulmadaris.org/ (primarily in Urdu).
- VIAF ID: 250991854; Library of Congress Authority ID: n2012221308.
- Geographic coordinates: 30.1597042° N, 71.40229° E.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Wafaq ul Madaris Al-Arabia established?
A: It was founded on October 19, 1959.

### Q: Where is the organization headquartered?
A: Its main office is located in Multan, Pakistan.

### Q: What is the primary function of Wafaq ul Madaris?
A: It standardizes Islamic education, accredits seminaries, and administers standardized exams globally.

### Q: Who leads the organization as of 2023?
A: The chairperson is Abdur Razzaq Iskander, who took office in 2017.

## Why It Matters
Wafaq ul Madaris Al-Arabia is pivotal in preserving and propagating Islamic education, ensuring consistency in theological training across thousands of institutions. Its rigorous examination system and curriculum guidelines maintain quality standards, fostering a unified approach to Islamic scholarship. As the largest federation of its kind, it influences religious discourse, trains future scholars, and bridges educational gaps in Muslim communities worldwide. Its work addresses the need for structured, credible religious education, particularly in regions where formal Islamic scholarship might otherwise lack coordination.

## Notable For
- **Largest Global Network**: Oversees over 20,000 seminaries, making it the world’s biggest Islamic educational federation.
- **Standardized Examinations**: Conducts annual exams for ~2 million students, ensuring competency in Islamic studies.
- **Historical Significance**: Established in 1959, it has shaped Islamic education for over six decades.
- **Centralized Accreditation**: Provides certification for seminaries, enhancing their credibility and interoperability.

## Body
### Founding and History
Wafaq ul Madaris Al-Arabia was founded on October 19, 1959, in Multan, Pakistan, to unify and regulate Islamic seminaries. Its creation addressed the need for standardized religious education in post-colonial Pakistan, emphasizing adherence to Sunni Hanafi traditions.

### Leadership
- **Current Chairperson**: Abdur Razzaq Iskander (since October 5, 2017).
- **Predecessor**: Muhammad Saleemullah Khan, a prominent scholar who led the organization prior to 2017.

### Academic Role
- **Curriculum Development**: Designs syllabi for Islamic studies, including Quranic exegesis, Hadith, Fiqh (jurisprudence), and Arabic language.
- **Examination System**: Administers annual exams across six grades (from primary to advanced levels), with over 2 million participants globally.
- **Accreditation**: Certifies seminaries meeting its educational and doctrinal standards, enabling graduates to pursue higher Islamic studies or teach in affiliated institutions.

### Global Presence
- **Affiliated Institutions**: Over 20,000 seminaries in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and other countries.
- **Headquarters**: Multan, Pakistan (coordinates: 30.1597042° N, 71.40229° E).
- **Multilingual Reach**: Website available in Urdu, with resources accessible to international affiliates.

### Institutional Identity
- **Classifications**: Recognized as a university and higher education institution.
- **Identifiers**: VIAF ID 250991854, Library of Congress Authority ID n2012221308.
- **Digital Presence**: Official website (https://www.wifaqulmadaris.org/) serves as a hub for announcements, exam schedules, and theological guidance.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File