Half a century of building bridges
The Islamic Propagation Centre International (IPCI) was established in 1957 by the late Sheikh Ahmed Deedat to present Islam in its pristine and original form to people of all faiths.
Sheikh Deedat spent over four decades promoting Islam globally — authoring more than 20 books distributed freely worldwide and delivering thousands of lectures, including public debates with Christian evangelists. In 1986 he received the King Faisal International Award for his service to Islam.
Today IPCI empowers communities through moral values, builds bridges across faiths for greater understanding, and presents Islam comprehensively to diverse audiences through interfaith programmes, education, community development and dawah projects. IPCI is a registered South African nonprofit organisation.
Sheikh Ahmed Hoosen Deedat
1918 – 2005
Founder & first President of IPCI — one of the most influential figures in modern comparative religion.
Sheikh Ahmed Hoosen Deedat was born on 1 July 1918 in the Surat district of India. His father brought him to South Africa in 1927. Though he excelled academically, financial constraints forced him to leave school at 16 to take up retail work.
After reading Izharul Haq — The Truth Revealed, an account of debates with Christian missionaries, Deedat dedicated his life to Islamic propagation. Over four decades he conducted Bible classes, lectures and public debates worldwide, established the first Islamic Seminary in Southern Africa at the Assalaam Educational Institute, and founded the Islamic Propagation Centre International, serving as its President.
He passed away on 8 August 2005 at the age of 86, having suffered a stroke in 1996 that left him paralysed but mentally alert until the end. His lectures, debates and books continue to reach millions across the world.
Legacy & Recognition
- Published over 20 books with millions of copies of free literature distributed globally
- Works translated into Russian, Urdu, Arabic, French, Chinese, Japanese and Zulu
- Delivered thousands of lectures across all five continents
- Engaged prominent Christian evangelists in landmark public debates
- Awarded the King Faisal International Prize for Service to Islam (1986) — the first South African to receive it
Why we exist
“To make the message of Islam heard and understood in our time, and to make the Muslims a blessing unto mankind.”
Just as Islam continued and flourished after the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, IPCI is built to persist through institutional infrastructure rather than reliance on a single charismatic figure. Rather than grooming one successor, IPCI invests in training programmes designed to raise multiple future leaders — creating the conditions for new generations of duat and leaders to emerge.
Sheikh Deedat transformed IPCI from a local organisation into an international entity with worldwide outreach. The transition from personality-driven leadership to collaborative team management has been described as painful, stressful and daunting — but achievable.
Empower
Strengthen communities through moral values and knowledge.
Build Bridges
Create understanding across faiths through honest dialogue.
Present Islam
Share Islam in its pristine, original form with all people.
Every question is welcome
Islam is not a new religion but the same truth that God revealed through all His prophets to every people. For a fifth of the world's population, Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life.
Whether you are exploring Islam for the first time, returning to it, or simply curious, IPCI welcomes you. Visit our Exhibition Centre, join a mosque tour, or speak with our team — every question is welcome.
