The Tariqah

Shaykh Abu al-Mahasin al-Sayyid Siraj al-Din ‘Umar ibn ‘Ali al-Zayla‘i is a distinguished Islamic scholar, spiritual guide, and educator. Born in Najd in 1977, he descends from a noble Husayni Hashimi and ‘Aqili lineage. He adheres to the Shafi’i school of jurisprudence and the Zayla‘i Qadiri Sufi path. He graduated from the Faculty of Education with a degree in Islamic Studies, specializing in Tafsir and Hadith, in 1421 AH. His foundational Islamic and spiritual training was heavily influenced by his parents, particularly his father, Sayyid Jalal al-Din ‘Ali, who served as his primary spiritual mentor. Over the decades, Shaykh Siraj al-Din has studied under a multitude of esteemed scholars, ultimately acquiring high-ranking licenses (ijazahs) in the Qur’an, classical Hadith collections, and Islamic jurisprudence from over 200 prominent authorities worldwide. Serving as the foremost Shaykh of the Zayla‘i Qadiri Tariqa, he is fully authorized to teach, guide, and initiate seekers on the path of spiritual purification (tazkiyah). He holds formal, inherited authorizations for spiritual guidance, initiation, and the transmission of the Divine Name from global masters across multiple major Sufi orders, including the Naqshbandiyya, Shadhiliyya, and Rifa'iyya. Dedicated to reviving classical Islamic learning, he founded the Zayla‘i Isnad School to preserve the prophetic traditions and the authentic transmission of the four jurisprudential schools. In addition to his scholarly achievements, Shaykh Siraj al-Din has faithfully served his community as an Imam and Muezzin for nearly 27 years. He has also worked as a dedicated teacher of Sharia sciences in public education for over 25 years, frequently conducting classes in Shafi'i jurisprudence, Hadith terminology, and classical texts. His educational contributions include authoring and editing numerous Arabic works focusing on history, genealogy, the science of Isnad, and authentic Sunni Sufism, including Al-Arba'un al-Zayla'iyya and Al-Wasaya al-Arba'un al-Zayla'iyya. Beyond his writings, he actively advocates for psychological well-being, social harmony, maintaining unity under leadership, and dedicating one's life to the constant remembrance of Allah (Dhikr).

Shaykh Zyka al-Din ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Zayla‘i (Sheikh Abdulrahman Zyka) is a distinguished Islamic scholar, accredited counselor, spiritual guide, and community leader of Albanian-Italian heritage, born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1995. He descends from a noble lineage originating in the village of Bishtan in Albania, known for its deep Islamic roots and resilience under historical oppression. His paternal ancestors established one of Melbourne's first mosques — the Albanian Mosque — over 60 years ago, marking the family’s early role in preserving Islamic life in Australia.

Raised between Australia and Saudi Arabia, Shaykh Zyka memorized the Qur’an at an early age, received multiple ijazahs (licenses) in Qur’anic recitation and Islamic disciplines, and graduated from the Faculty of Sharia at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh. His Islamic training includes decades of study under more than 50 leading scholars across the Muslim world, including experts in Hadith, Fiqh (particularly Shafi’i and Hanbali), Aqidah, Usul al-Fiqh, and Tasawwuf.

He is the spiritual successor (khalifah) of Shaykh Siraj al-Din al-Zayla‘i (may Allah sanctify his secret), inheriting the Zayla‘i Qadiri Sufi tradition. Through this legacy, he was granted permission to teach, guide, and initiate seekers on the path of spiritual purification, self-discipline, and remembrance of Allah. Shaykh Zyka leads the Zayla‘i Lodge and its associated scholarly school in Melbourne, which are dedicated to reviving classical Islamic learning and the authentic tradition of spiritual refinement (tazkiyah).

In addition to his scholarly achievements, Shaykh Zyka serves as the Head Imam of the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV), the peak representative body for Muslims in the state, where he leads major religious, interfaith, and community engagement efforts. He is a certified marriage celebrant and an accredited counselor, providing pastoral support and mental well-being services to individuals and families in the community. He is also a regular educator and speaker, delivering sermons, public lectures, and courses in both Arabic and English.

His educational contributions include founding programs such as the Annual Seerah Conference, regular courses in Shafi’i jurisprudence, theology, and spiritual sciences, as well as Arabic-language education for non-native speakers. He has authored multiple works in Arabic and English, including texts on hadith, fiqh, and spiritual purification, and continues to serve the community through teaching, counseling, and spiritual mentorship.

Shaykh Zyka is widely respected across Australian Muslim communities and beyond for his dedication to sacred knowledge, spiritual transmission, cultural preservation, and compassionate service to humanity.