Education
Teach with depth
Provide careful instruction in Qur'an, Arabic and Islamic sciences through structured stages of learning.
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Our story
Built to illuminate.
A historic institution shaped by Sambhal’s scholarly tradition and sustained by a continuing commitment to education, character and public service.
Madrasa Islamia Arabia Siraj-ul-Uloom
Established in 1902 A.D. (1321 Hijri) at Hilali Sarai, Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.
A place of enduring learning
More than a century in the service of knowledge.
Siraj-ul-Uloom is among Sambhal’s historic centres of Arabic and Islamic education.
The institution’s roots are associated with the teaching legacy of Abu Ishaque Abul Aja'ib Shah Muhammad Hilali. In 1902, Shamsul Ulama Hazrat Maulana Khaleel Ahmad Israili formally established the madrasa, giving lasting form to a tradition of scholarship in Hilali Sarai.
The name Siraj-ul-Uloom commemorates Maulana Siraj Israili. “Siraj”, a lamp, also gives the institution a fitting identity as a place intended to illuminate through knowledge.
Its purpose has remained clear: to make Islamic knowledge accessible, to develop sound understanding and ethical judgment, and to prepare students to serve their communities with humility and wisdom.
Scholarship and formation
Study at Siraj-ul-Uloom includes Arabic language, Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh, Qur'an memorisation and foundational education. Learning is understood not only as the acquisition of information, but as the formation of character, responsibility and service.
Purpose in practice
A mission wider than the classroom.
The madrasa’s educational work has historically been accompanied by religious guidance, community cooperation and care for people in need.
Character
Form with purpose
Develop ethical judgment, discipline and a sense of responsibility alongside academic progress.
Service
Strengthen community
Offer religious guidance, welfare support and constructive cooperation for social harmony.
Community services
Learning expressed through service.
Institutional records describe religious guidance and welfare initiatives alongside the core teaching mission.
- Dar-ul-Ifta: religious guidance for questions of faith and practice.
- Tanzeem Islahe Bahmi-o-Qayam-e-Amn: community cooperation, reform and peace-building.
- Al Islam Trust: support for people in need, including poor families and widows.
- Educational continuity: pathways intended to help students proceed to further Islamic and Arabic study.
Scholarly legacy
Names carried into public life.
Institutional and historical sources connect Siraj-ul-Uloom with scholars, writers, teachers and public figures whose work reached far beyond Sambhal.
Scholar & author
Maulana Manzoor Nomani
Remembered as a prominent Islamic scholar and writer, and identified among the madrasa’s distinguished alumni.
Scholar
Maulana Burhanuddin Sambhali
Named in both institutional and historical profiles among scholars associated with Siraj-ul-Uloom.
Scholar
Maulana Ghazi Muhammad Azam
Included in the institution’s published profile among the notable scholars it produced.
Alumnus
Maulana Asad Israili
Listed in the historical overview among alumni known for contributions to Islamic scholarship. His life, lectures and books are collected at asadisraili.com.
Scholar & freedom fighter
Maulana Mohammad Ismail Sambhali
Studied Dars-e-Nizami at Siraj-ul-Uloom before further study at Deoband; he later became known as a scholar and freedom fighter.
Continuing legacy
Generations of graduates
The institution’s larger legacy lives through teachers, imams, scholars and community servants working in many places.
Source note. This profile combines the institution’s 2015 WordPress archive, the recovered official website and the Wikipedia overview. Historical facts are presented as documented; current affiliations and programme availability should be confirmed with the office.
Alumni
Scholars who studied in Sambhal.
Teachers, writers and jurists whose work began in these classrooms.
Common questions
About the madrasa, in brief.
Questions people ask about Islamic education in Sambhal, the campus at Hilali Sarai and the institution's history.
Which is the oldest madrasa in Sambhal?
Madrasa Islamia Arabia Siraj-ul-Uloom was formally established in 1902 (1321 Hijri) at Hilali Sarai and is among the oldest madrasas still teaching in Sambhal. Its roots reach back further, to the teaching legacy associated with Abu Ishaque Abul Aja'ib Shah Muhammad Hilali.
Where is Siraj-ul-Uloom in Sambhal?
The campus is at Hilali Sarai, Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh 244302, India. The office answers on 05923-232525 between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM; please confirm before visiting.
Is Siraj-ul-Uloom a madrasa or a school?
Both. Alongside Dars-e-Nizami, Arabic language and Hifz with Tajweed, the madrasa runs school-level classes: Tahtania from the early years to Class 8 and Foqania at middle level, so a child can receive general schooling and Islamic education in one place.
Can girls study at Siraj-ul-Uloom?
Yes. A dedicated girls' department provides Arabic and Islamic education for female students. The office can explain current classes, timings and arrangements.
What is the Bani Israil or Israili connection with Sambhal?
The madrasa was founded by Maulana Khaleel Ahmad Israili and is named in memory of Maulana Siraj Israili. Israili is the family name used by the Bani Israil community, described in published accounts as a Muslim community of western Uttar Pradesh that claims descent from the Jewish community of Madinah; families of that name have long lived in Sambhal, including at Hilali Sarai.
Which well-known scholars studied here?
Institutional and historical sources name Maulana Manzoor Nomani, Maulana Burhanuddin Sambhali, Maulana Ghazi Muhammad Azam, Maulana Asad Israili and the scholar and freedom fighter Maulana Mohammad Ismail Sambhali among the madrasa's alumni.
How do I take admission?
Collect the current form from the madrasa office, submit the educational, residence and identity documents, and attend the assessment or placement date the office gives you. Admissions are handled by Badar Hussain on +91 99174 61786.
How can I support the madrasa?
Donations can be made by bank transfer to the madrasa's Punjab National Bank account; the details and receipt guidance are on the support page. Please collect a receipt for every contribution.
Next step
See how the tradition is carried forward.
Explore the madrasa’s departments, study stages and curriculum.