What is Dar Ul Afta Certificate? A Complete Guide

If you’re going through a NADRA application process in Pakistan and have been asked to submit a “Certificate from Dar Ul Afta,” you may wonder what this certificate is, why it’s needed, and how to obtain it. This guide provides all the essential details to help you understand about Dar Ul Afta Certificate and fulfill this requirement smoothly.

What Is Dar Ul Afta Certificate?

A recognized Islamic institution or religious authority (Dar-ul-Afta) issues the Dar Ul Afta Certificate as a formal religious certificate. It is typically a Fatwa (Islamic ruling) that certifies a specific religious or personal matter according to Islamic Shariah, based on a person’s request or situation.

You cannot use this certificate for general purposes — NADRA only requires it in specific cases that involve religious validation or confirmation.

When Does NADRA Require Dar Ul Afta Certificate?

NADRA may require a Dar Ul Afta certificate in the following situations:

1. Conversion to Islam

When a non-Muslim converts to Islam and wants to update their religion in NADRA records (e.g., for CNIC or B-Form), NADRA requires a certificate from Dar Ul Afta confirming the conversion.

2. Declaration of Nikah (Marriage)

If a couple does not have a registered Nikah Nama but claims to be married according to Islamic principles, NADRA asks them to submit a certificate from Dar Ul Afta as religious confirmation.

3. Divorce or Khula

When updating marital status in NADRA records without a formal divorce decree, especially in cases of Khula (woman-initiated divorce), NADRA might request religious confirmation of the dissolution of marriage.

4. Parentage Clarification or Adoption under Islamic Law

In rare cases of guardianship, disputed parentage, or step-parent updates, where NADRA requires religious clarification on family relationships according to Shariah law.

Who Issues the Dar Ul Afta Certificate?

A recognized Islamic seminary or religious authority, such as the ones listed below, must issue the certificate.

Jamia Binoria, Karachi
Darul Uloom Karachi
Jamia Ashrafia, Lahore
Darul Uloom Haqqania, Akora Khattak
Any local Mufti affiliated with a registered Dar-ul-Afta or religious body

Important: NADRA only accepts certificates from recognized and credible religious authorities. NADRA may also reject self-declared or unaffiliated certificates.

What Information Does the Dar Ul Afta Certificate Include?

A valid Certificate from Dar Ul Afta typically includes:

Full name of the applicant

Father’s name or husband’s name (where applicable)

CNIC or B-Form number (if available)

Specific Islamic declaration (e.g., “the person has embraced Islam” or “Nikah has been solemnized”)

Reference to Quranic/Shariah basis (if needed)

Signature and stamp of the issuing Mufti

Stamp of the Dar-ul-Afta or religious institute

Date of issuance

How to Get the Dar Ul Afta Certificate?

In order to get Certificate from Dar Ul Afta, you need to follow the below steps:

Step 1: Visit a Recognized Dar-ul-Afta

Locate a nearby, well-known Dar-ul-Afta in your city. The issuing authority also must affiliate it with a registered religious seminary.

Step 2: Submit Required Documents

Depending on your case, you may be asked for:

Affidavit or written statement
CNIC/B-Form copy
Nikah witnesses (for marriage cases)
Previous certificates or proof (if applicable)

Step 3: Provide Personal Statement

You may need to verbally declare your situation (e.g., Shahada for conversion, confirmation of Nikah).

Step 4: Obtain the Dar Ul Afta Certificate

After review, the Mufti or Islamic scholar will issue and sign the certificate on an official letterhead with the institution’s stamp.

How Much Time Does It Take to Receive Dar Ul Afta Certificare?

Same Day (in simple cases like conversion or Nikah)
2–3 Working Days (in cases requiring verification or additional documentation)

Do I Need to Translate Dar Ul Afta Certificate for NADRA?

If the issuing authority provides the certificate in Urdu and NADRA accepts Urdu documents in your area, then you do not need to submit a translation. However, in certain embassies or foreign missions (for overseas Pakistanis), you might need an English translation signed by a notary public.

Final Checklist Before Submitting to NADRA

Certificate from recognized Dar-ul-Afta
Clear reason for the certificate (conversion, Nikah, etc.)
Stamp and signature of issuing Mufti
CNIC/B-Form details (where applicable)
Translation (only if needed)

FAQs (Dar Ul Afta Certificate)

Is it mandatory for all NADRA applications?

NADRA requires it only in special cases involving religious declarations or when no official government certificate exists.

Can I get Dar Ul Afta Certificate online?

Some institutions may send certificates via courier after verifying documents remotely, but they usually require applicants to be physically present for authentication.

Will NADRA accept certificates from any mosque?

Not always. NADRA prefers certificates from recognized Islamic institutes, not individual mosques.

Also read: Naturalization Certificate – NADRA Pakistan: Complete Guide

Conclusion

NADRA uses a Certificate from Dar Ul Afta in certain applications to verify a person’s Islamic status or relationships according to Shariah While it may sound complex, obtaining it is a straightforward process if you approach the right institution and provide accurate information. Also ensure you stamp and sign all documentation properly before submitting it to NADRA.

If you’re unsure which Dar-ul-Afta to approach in your city, you can also visit your local NADRA office or call their helpline to confirm accepted institutions.

Disclaimer: NADRA policies may vary slightly by location and case. Always confirm document requirements by visiting a local NADRA office or calling their official helpline (1777) for the latest updates.

Also read: Understanding Family Law in Pakistan: The Ultimate Guide