Darul Fath Institution Roadmap
Darul Fath’s long-term vision is to become a stable institution for Arabic and the Islamic sciences: a place where students are formed through discipline, tradition, scholarship, and service.
2026–2032 Strategic Roadmap
Building Darul Fath into a lasting home for sacred knowledge.
A year-by-year path from part-time classes to dedicated learning space, full-time Arabic study, ‘Alimiyya tracks, a Fatwa Council, and an Iftā’ specialization.
The Institutional Shift
From a lean part-time program to a full institution of sacred learning.
Darul Fath’s next stage requires more than additional classes. It requires space, faculty, administration, library resources, and a stable structure for students who want to move from introductory Arabic into serious study of the Islamic sciences.
The roadmap below shows the sequence: secure a home, launch full-time Arabic, build the an advanced 'Alimiyya Program, establish fatwa services, and graduate students capable of deeper service.
Leadership
Guided by scholarship, institution-building, and student formation.
The roadmap is not only about programs and facilities. It depends on leadership that understands the tradition, the students, and the practical work required to build a serious institution.
Founder and Institution Head
Dr. Shadee Elmasry
Dr. Shadee Elmasry is the founder of Darul Fath. He began studying the traditional sciences rigorously at eighteen and studied with scholars in Yemen, Mecca and Madina, London, and Cairo.
His training includes Arabic, Maliki Fiqh, Usul, Aqida, and Suluk, alongside a master’s degree and PhD in religious studies.
Darul Fath is the realization of Dr. Shadee's vision, starting with seeds that he planted in the Central Jersey community nearly fifteen years ago. The majority of Darul Fath's faculty are Dr. Shadee's direct students, who went on to travel across the world seeking knowledge in an effort to bring Dr. Shadee's vision of a home-grown Islamic institution of higher education connected to the masjid and regular Muslim life.
Executive Director
Uthman Qureshi
Uthman Qureshi is a co-founding member of Darul Fath and Executive Director. He was Darul Fath’s first student and helped build the organization from its earliest stage. He grew up under the auspices of Dr. Shadee Elmasry and other local scholars and leaders of the Muslim community.
He continues his studies with Dr. Shadee, other Darul Fath faculty, and scholars in the Muslim world while overseeing student formation and institutional development.
Dedicated Space
Classrooms, library space, offices, and a stable home while NBIC construction is completed.
Full-Time Arabic
A 1-year gap-year program designed to give students real access to the language of the tradition.
‘Alimiyya Tracks
Structured study in Maliki and Hanafi Fiqh, with Ash‘ari and Maturidi tracks.
Scholarly Service
A Fatwa Council, specialization in iftā’, and graduates formed for service to the community.
Student Pathway
Each stage prepares the next.
The roadmap is not a set of disconnected projects. It is a sequence: Arabic unlocks texts, texts form students, advanced study prepares graduates, and graduates serve the ummah.
Part-time learning
Existing classes, committed teachers, and a growing student body.
Institutional base
Library, classrooms, offices, and a clear place for students to gather.
Arabic Gap-Year Program
Full-time Arabic gap-year program with senior and junior scholarly staffing.
Advanced study
Four-year ‘Alimiyya tracks in fiqh and aqida.
Specialized service
Graduates, fatwa work, and an Iftā’ specialization.
The Road Ahead
Transforming hearts and minds, year-by-year
Each milestone builds the conditions for the next: space first, then staffing, then programs, then specialization.
Phase I · Space
Secure interim rental space
Move Darul Fath into a dedicated interim location with room for classrooms, a library, student gathering, and administrative work until NBIC construction is completed.
Phase II · Language
Launch the 1-Year Arabic Gap-Year Program
Establish a full-time Arabic program using a curriculum accredited by Al-Azhar University, giving students the linguistic foundation needed for serious Islamic studies.
Approval for an official relationship with Al-Azhar University has already been granted, spearheaded by Darul Fath scholar and a student of Dr. Shadee - Sh. Harun Saleh. Sh. Harun Saleh graduated from Al-Azhar University and is currently pursuing his Masters from Al-Azhar University.
Phase III · Advanced Study
Launch the 4-Year Arabic ‘Alimiyya Program
Begin a structured ‘Alimiyya program with Maliki Fiqh, Hanafi Fiqh, Ash‘ari Aqida, and Maturidi Aqida tracks.
Phase IV · Community Service
Launch the Darul Fath Fatwa Council
Continue the Gap-Year and ‘Alimiyya programs while establishing a Fatwa Council focused on Maliki and Hanafi Fiqh.
Phase V · Stability
Expand faculty and move into NBIC space
Add additional faculty, strengthen administration, expand course offerings, and prepare for the anticipated move into the new NBIC facility.
Phase VI · Iftā’
Graduate the first ‘Alimiyya class
Graduate the first ‘Alimiyya cohort and launch the Iftā’ Specialization Program for students prepared for deeper scholarly service.
Enrollment
Target student growth
Projected enrollment across Darul Fath programs as the institution expands.
Fundraising
Annual donation targets
Funding must grow with rent, faculty salaries, administration, library resources, and student services.
Funding Ladder
What each funding stage makes possible.
Stabilize
Protect current classes, support existing teachers, and reduce operational fragility.
Secure space
Add interim rental space and begin building the conditions for full-time Arabic.
Build programs
Support the Arabic Gap-Year and prepare the 4-Year ‘Alimiyya launch.
Expand faculty
Increase full-time staffing, strengthen administration, and prepare for NBIC move-in.
Institutionalize
Support graduates, iftā’ specialization, fatwa services, and long-term growth.
Toward a Lasting Institution
A serious home for serious students.
Darul Fath’s long-term vision is to become a stable institution for Arabic and the Islamic sciences: a place where students are formed through discipline, tradition, scholarship, and service.
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