Year 1
Text: First Step to Understanding Arabic (Unit 1,2,3,4,5)
Arabic grammar is the system of rules that governs how words are used in sentences. This includes syntax, which deals with sentence structure and the way words are arranged to create meaningful sentences. The grammar also governs how different parts of speech, like nouns, adjectives, and prepositions, interact with each other to form coherent phrases and sentences. By understanding these grammatical rules, you can determine the function of each word and the overall meaning of a sentence.
- Conversational Arabic 101
Text: Duroos-ul-Lughatil Arabiya Vol 1
The goal is to get you comfortable speaking Arabic, even with just a few words. We’ll use the textbook as a guide, but our main focus will be on practicing what we learn in class.
Text: At-Turath Islamic Creed
Islamic Theology, known as ʿAqīdah (عَقِيدَة) in Arabic, is the study of the core beliefs of Islam. The term ʿAqīdah literally means “creed” or “binding belief,” and it outlines the fundamental tenets that form the foundation of a Muslim’s faith. This course provides an introduction to the principal articles of faith, which are derived from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Text: First Steps to Understanding Sarf Unit 1 & 2
Arabic morphology is the study of how words are formed from a set of root letters. The majority of Arabic words are built from a triliteral root, which is a set of three consonants that convey the core meaning of the word. For example, the root k-t-b relates to the idea of writing. By adding prefixes, suffixes, and vowels, and by changing the order of the letters, different words are formed that are all semantically related to the root. This system allows for a vast vocabulary to be generated from a relatively small number of roots.
Text: Foundations of Fiqh (Purification & Salah)
This course is an introduction to Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh), the science of understanding Islamic law as derived from its primary sources. Using the text Foundations of Fiqh (Purification & Salah), the course focuses on the practical application of Islamic law to two of the most fundamental acts of worship: purification and prayer.
Text: The Road to Acquiring Proficiency with the Qur’an
This course is an introduction to Tajweed (تَجْوِيد), which literally means “to perfect” or “to beautify.” In the context of the Quran, Tajweed is the science and art of reciting the Quran correctly, ensuring every letter and its attribute is given its due right. Based on the textbook The Road to Acquiring Proficiency with the Qur’an, this course provides students with the foundational rules needed to recite the Quran as it was revealed.
Text: Turath Introduction to Principles of Tafsir
This course provides a foundational introduction to the principles of Tafsīr (تَفْسِير), the science of Qur’anic exegesis or interpretation. Using the textbook Turath Introduction to Principles of Tafsir, students will learn the methods and rules used by Islamic scholars to understand and explain the meanings of the Qur’an. This course moves beyond a simple translation, exploring the depth and context necessary for proper understanding.
- Principles for the Student of Knowledge
Text: Etiquette of a Student of Knowledge
This course, Etiquette of a Seeker, is dedicated to the study of adab al-ṭālib (آداب الطَّالِب), the manners and ethics of a student of knowledge. While the pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavor, its true benefits are realized only when it is accompanied by proper conduct and sincerity. This course is designed to guide students on how to cultivate the right mindset, habits, and relationships essential for their intellectual and spiritual growth.
Year 2
Text: Sharh Miya Ta’mil
This course, Arabic Grammar 201, is a continuation of foundational Arabic studies, delving deeper into the principles of syntax (Naḥw . Based on the classical text Sharḥ Miya Taʿmīl, a commentary on the influential work Al-ʿAwāmil al-Mi’ah (The Hundred Governing Agents),
- Conversational Arabic 201
Text: Duroos-ul-Lughatil Arabiya Vol 2
This level is designed for students who have a foundational grasp of basic Arabic conversation and are ready to expand their vocabulary, grammatical knowledge, and speaking abilities to handle more complex and nuanced topics.
Text: First steps to Understanding Sarf Unit 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
The course will cover the following topics in detail:
Irregular Verbs: The main focus of this course is on verbs that do not follow the standard conjugation patterns. You will learn the rules for different types of irregular verbs, including those with:
- A Hamza ( ء ) as a root letter.
- A weak letter (wāw or yāʾ) as their first, middle, or last root letter.
- Two identical letters as their root letters.
- Two weak letters in their root.
By the end of the course, you will be able to correctly identify and conjugate these irregular verbs. This skill is crucial for understanding a large portion of the Arabic vocabulary and for mastering the language’s systematic structure.
This course is a continuation of the study of Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh), focusing on the practical application of Islamic law to two of the five pillars of Islam: Fasting (Sawm) and the Hajj pilgrimage.
Text: Khulāṣat al-Bayān
This course, Tajweed 201, is a detailed study of the advanced rules of Qur’anic recitation. Based on the classical text Khulāṣat al-Bayān, it is designed for students who are ready to refine their recitation to a higher level of precision.
The course goes beyond the foundational rules and delves into more intricate aspects of Tajweed, including:
- Rules of Stopping and Starting: Learn the correct places to pause and resume recitation to maintain the meaning of the verses.
- Pronunciation of Specific Letters: A focused study on how to correctly pronounce the letters rāʾ and lām in all their variations.
- The Attributes of Letters: A deeper look into the unique characteristics of each letter, such as their strength and softness.
By mastering the principles found in Khulāṣat al-Bayān, students will be able to recite the Qur’an with a high degree of accuracy and beauty, upholding the tradition of its oral transmission.
- Linguistics 201
Text: Qaṣaṣ an-Nabiyyīn Vol 1 & 2
This course, Linguistics 201, uses the classic four-volume series Qaṣaṣ an-Nabiyyīn (Stories of the Prophets) to advance students’ Arabic language skills beyond the basics. The course goes beyond the simple reading of the stories and uses the text as a vehicle for a deep, practical application of grammar and vocabulary in context. It is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and the real-world usage of Arabic.
30th Juzz
This course is a detailed study of the 30th Juzʾ of the Qur’an, providing an in-depth understanding of the meaning and context of these short, powerful chapters.
The course has three main components:
- Commentary (Tafsīr): We will go through each chapter verse-by-verse, exploring its meaning, the reasons for its revelation, and the lessons it contains.
- Sentence Analysis: A key part of the course is analyzing the grammar of each verse to understand the function of every word.
- Translation: You will learn to translate the verses accurately, capturing their true meaning and intent.
Text: Introduction to Sciences of Hadith
This course, Sciences of Hadith, is a foundational study of Hadith terminology and methodology. It is an essential course for any student of Islamic knowledge, as the Hadith are the second primary source of Islam. This course is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge necessary to distinguish between an authentic and a weak Hadith
Year 3
Text: Hidayatun Nahw
This course, Arabic Grammar 301, is a study of advanced classical Arabic syntax, based on the text Hidāyat an-Naḥw. You will learn to apply theoretical grammar principles to complex sentences and identify grammatical nuances. The course is conducted in Arabic, and will teach you to analyze and deconstruct sentences, ultimately leading to a mastery of Arabic syntax.
Text: Duroos-ul-Lughatil Arabiya Vol 3
You will learn to use a rich vocabulary and advanced grammar to discuss complex and abstract topics. The course emphasizes mastering sophisticated sentence structures, idiomatic expressions, and rhetorical devices to achieve fluency and eloquence in spoken Arabic.
Text: Khaṣīyat al-Abwāb
This course, Arabic Morphology 301, is an advanced study of verb patterns in Arabic, based on the text Khaṣīyat al-Abwāb (The Special Characteristics of the Patterns). It is for students who have a solid foundation in the various verb forms and are ready to delve into the nuances of how each pattern subtly changes the meaning of a verb.
Text: Nūr al-Īḍāḥ
This course, Jurisprudence 301, is a detailed study of Islamic law (Fiqh) based on the foundational text Nūr al-Īḍāḥ. Designed for students with a solid foundation in the basics, the course focuses on the advanced legal rulings concerning worship. Students will concentrate on learning the specific terminology (mustalahāt) of Fiqh while covering key topics such as fasting, zakāt, Hajj, and sacrifices.
Text: Al-Muqaddimah al-Jazariyyah
This course, Tajweed 301, is a detailed study of the rules of Qur’anic recitation based on the classical poem, Al-Muqaddimah al-Jazariyyah. The text, authored by the renowned scholar Ibn al-Jazari, is a foundational work in the science of Tajweed. This course is designed for advanced students who want to master the intricacies of recitation and apply the theoretical rules to their practice.
- Linguistics 301
Text: Qaṣaṣ an-Nabiyyīn Vol 3 & 4
This course, Linguistics 301, is an advanced Arabic study using the final two volumes of Qaṣaṣ an-Nabiyyīn. You will learn to perform deep linguistic analysis, including:
- Linguistic Verification (Lughawī Taḥqīq) to understand the origins and history of words.
- Grammatical Structuring (Tarkīb) to analyze complex sentence patterns.
- Reading of Phrases (ʿIbārah) to master the correct pronunciation and intonation for meaningful recitation.
Text: 1-5 Juz
This course is an advanced study of Qur’anic commentary (Tafsīr), covering the first five parts of the Qur’an. It is designed for students who want to move beyond a simple reading of the text and gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and context. A significant portion of the course will be dedicated to extensive translations to ensure a nuanced comprehension of the text.
Text: Zād al-Ṭālibīn
This course is a practical introduction to the prophetic tradition using the text Zād al-Ṭālibīn (The Provision for the Seekers). It is designed to be the students’ first in-depth exposure to Hadith, focusing on the practical skills needed to analyze and understand prophetic narrations. This course emphasizes the specific usage and placement of Arabic words within the aḥādīth, which is a crucial skill for accurate interpretation.
Text: Ash-Shamāʾil al-Muḥammadiyyah
This course is a detailed study of the physical description, character, and manners of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is based on the famous work Ash-Shamāʾil al-Muḥammadiyyah, compiled by the renowned Imam at-Tirmidhi. The text is a collection of narrations that provides a vivid and intimate portrait of the Prophet, covering everything from his physical appearance and clothing to his laughter and prayers.
Stage Two: Taʾṣīl – Intermediary
Taʾṣīl – Intermediary deepens understanding through usul al-fiqh, hadith methodology, and applied jurisprudence to systematically root knowledge in classical scholarly principles.
Year 4
Text: Durūs al-Balāghah
This course is an in-depth study of Balāghah (بَلَاغَة), the science of eloquence and rhetoric in the Arabic language. Using the text Durūs al-Balāghah (Lessons in Rhetoric), this course is designed for advanced students who have a strong foundation in Arabic grammar and morphology and are ready to appreciate the artistic and literary genius of the language.
Text: Selected Chapter From Nafḥat al-ʿArab
This course is an introduction to classical Arabic verse using selected chapters from the text Nafḥat al-ʿArab (The Fragrance of the Arabs). This book is a popular collection of classical Arabic poetry and prose. Instead of covering the entire text, the course focuses on selected chapters for a specific reason: the breadth of the original work is vast, and a full study would require multiple courses. By selecting specific chapters, students can focus on mastering key poetic styles and themes without being overwhelmed.
Text: Mukhtaṣar al-Qudūrī(ʿIbādāt)
This course is a detailed study of Islamic law (Fiqh) based on the classic text Mukhtaṣar al-Qudūrī, a foundational work within the Hanafi school of jurisprudence. The text is one of the main references for students and scholars of this school and is widely used for its concise and comprehensive nature. This course focuses on the first half of the book, which covers acts of worship (ʿIbādāt).
- Linguistics 401
Text: Qaṣaṣ an-Nabiyyīn Vol 5
This course is a final and comprehensive study of classical Arabic, using the last volume of the series Qaṣaṣ an-Nabiyyīn (Stories of the Prophets). This course is designed for students who have completed the previous levels and are ready to tackle the complexities of reading and comprehending advanced Arabic literature with a high degree of precision and fluency.
5-15th Juzz
This course is an advanced study of the Qur’an’s commentary (Tafsīr). It covers the 5th through 15th juzʾ (parts), which contain a wide range of important chapters, including a significant portion of Sūrat al-Māʾidah and Sūrat al-Anfāl. This course is designed for students who are ready to engage with the Qur’an’s text on a deeper, more scholarly level.
Text: Riyadh-us-Shalihin – Part 1
This course is a detailed study of the prophetic tradition using the esteemed text Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn (The Meadows of the Righteous). Compiled by Imam an-Nawwawi, this collection is one of the most widely accepted and important works in Islamic history. Its status and importance come from two main factors: it contains only authentic and good Hadith, and it is organized thematically, making it an excellent resource for daily life.
Text: Simplified Logic
This course is an introduction to the principles of logic (manṭiq), which is the science of correct and sound thinking. It provides a systematic framework for constructing valid arguments and identifying fallacies. Using the text Simplified Logic, this course makes the complex subject of formal logic accessible to students, enabling them to navigate complex intellectual issues with clarity.
Text: Uṣūl al-Shāshī
This course, Islamic Legal Theory 401, is a foundational study of Uṣūl al-Fiqh (Principles of Jurisprudence), based on the renowned text Uṣūl al-Shāshī. This book is a cornerstone of the Hanafi school of jurisprudence and is considered a critical text for any serious student of the madhhab because it provides the intellectual and methodological foundations upon which the legal rulings of Fiqh are built. It allows students to appreciate the ikhtilāf (legal disagreements) between different schools of thought by understanding the different principles that led to them. The book is particularly renowned for its clarity and its comprehensive presentation of the specific principles used by the Hanafi jurists, making it an indispensable guide for anyone seeking to master this legal tradition.
Year 5
Text: Seerah Ibn Hisham – Part 1
This course is a detailed study of the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is based on the renowned text As-Sīrah an-Nabawiyyah by Ibn Hishām. We study this book in particular because it is considered the gold standard for students of the prophetic biography. It provides a comprehensive, chronological account of the Prophet’s life, which is essential for understanding the context of the Qur’an and the prophetic traditions.
Text: Dīwān ash-Shāfiʿī
This course is a study of classical Arabic verse using the renowned collection of poems, Dīwān ash-Shāfiʿī. This collection is attributed to the great Imam Muḥammad ibn Idrīs ash-Shāfiʿī, one of the four most prominent imams of Islamic jurisprudence. His poetry is not only a work of literary beauty but also a reflection of his profound wisdom, piety, and deep understanding of the human condition.
Text: Mukhtaṣar al-Qudūrī (Muʿāmalāt)
This course is a continuation of the study of Islamic law (Fiqh) based on the classic text Mukhtaṣar al-Qudūrī. As the second half of the book, this course shifts focus from acts of worship (ʿIbādāt) to social transactions and interactions (Muʿāmalāt). It is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the legal rulings governing everyday life from a Hanafi perspective.
- Linguistics 401
Text: Mukhtārāt
This course is a comprehensive study of advanced Arabic. The book serves as a crucial bridge between textbook Arabic and authentic classical literature, exposing students to the raw, unedited language of master Arab writers and poets. The text includes selections from various literary genres, giving students a wide range of vocabulary and linguistic styles to build upon. By studying this book, students are forced to apply their knowledge of grammar, morphology, and rhetoric in a less structured environment, which is the final step toward true fluency and independent reading.
15-29th Juz
This course covers the 15th through the 29th juzʾ (parts), which contain a mix of Meccan and Medinan chapters. This section of the Qur’an is distinct from the earlier parts, as it contains fewer legal rulings (aḥkām) and is more focused on profound narratives, powerful sermons, and descriptions of the Day of Judgment.
Riyadh-us-Salihin – Part 2
This course is a continuation of the study of the prophetic tradition using the esteemed text Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn (The Meadows of the Righteous). As the second half of this widely accepted collection, the course delves into the legal, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of the Hadith related to social interactions and a person’s relationship with others.
Al-Hidāyah fī Sharḥ Bidāyat al-Mubtadī
This course, Comparative Fiqh, is an advanced study of Islamic law that uses the renowned Hanafi text Al-Hidāyah as a foundation while also exploring the rulings of other major schools of jurisprudence. The first volume of the book focuses on acts of worship (ʿIbādāt). By studying Al-Hidāyah, students will not only learn the intricacies of Hanafi law but will also be able to compare its rulings and underlying reasoning with those of the Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools.
Islamic Legal Theory 401
Text: Uṣūl al-Shāshī
This course, Islamic Legal Theory 401, is a foundational study of Uṣūl al-Fiqh (Principles of Jurisprudence), based on the renowned text Uṣūl al-Shāshī. This book is a cornerstone of the Hanafi school of jurisprudence and is considered a critical text for any serious student of the madhhab because it provides the intellectual and methodological foundations upon which the legal rulings of Fiqh are built. It allows students to appreciate the ikhtilāf (legal disagreements) between different schools of thought by understanding the different principles that led to them. The book is particularly renowned for its clarity and its comprehensive presentation of the specific principles used by the Hanafi jurists, making it an indispensable guide for anyone seeking to master this legal tradition.
Year 6
Text: As-Sīrah an-Nabawiyyah – Part 2
This course is a continuation of the detailed study of Prophet Muhammad’s life, using the second half of the renowned text As-Sīrah an-Nabawiyyah by Ibn Hishām. While the first part of the course focused on the early life of the Prophet and his migration, this part is dedicated to the establishment of the Islamic state in Medina, its challenges, and the key events that shaped the Muslim community.
Text: Sections from Tafsir al-Jalalayn, Tafsir Ibn Kathīr, and Tafsir al-Qurṭubī
Through close textual engagement with Tafsīr al-Jalālayn, Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr, and Tafsīr al-Qurṭubī, students will explore various exegetical approaches and theological perspectives.
The course highlights the interplay between language, context (asbāb al-nuzūl), and juristic or spiritual interpretation. Students will gain exposure to how classical scholars interpreted key verses, reconciled apparent contradictions, and conveyed deeper meanings. Emphasis is placed on identifying patterns in reasoning, the use of Hadith and athar, and the integration of Qur’anic rhetoric into commentary.
Comparative Fiqh: Al-Hidāyah (Second Volume)
This course, Comparative Fiqh, is an advanced study of Islamic law using the second volume of the renowned Hanafi text Al-Hidāyah. The course focuses on social transactions and interactions (muʿāmalāt). By studying this text, students will learn the intricacies of Hanafi law and compare its rulings with those of the Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools. The course covers financial transactions, family law, and judicial rulings. By the end, students will have a deep understanding of these legal areas and the ability to navigate the differences between the major schools of thought.
Text: Mukhtārāt min Adab al-ʿArab
This course, Linguistics 601, is a comprehensive study of advanced Arabic, using the text Mukhtārāt min Adab al-ʿArab (Selections from Arabic Literature). The book serves as a crucial bridge between textbook Arabic and authentic classical literature, exposing students to the raw, unedited language of master Arab writers and poets. The text includes selections from various literary genres, giving students a wide range of vocabulary and linguistic styles to build upon. By studying this book, students are forced to apply their knowledge of grammar, morphology, and rhetoric in a less structured environment, which is the final step toward true fluency and independent reading.
- Intermediate Principles of Quran
Text: At-Tibyān fī Ādāb Ḥamalat al-Qurʾān
This course, Intermediate Principles of Qur’an, is a study of the principles of Qur’anic interpretation and commentary, using the renowned text At-Tibyān fī Ādāb Ḥamalat al-Qurʾān (The Clarification Regarding the Etiquette of the Bearers of the Qur’an) by Imam an-Nawawi. The course is designed for students who have a foundational understanding of the Qur’an and are ready to delve into the etiquette, principles, and ethics of its study and recitation.
- Comparative Islamic Theology
This course critically examines core theological tenets across major Islamic sects, including Sunni, Shiʿa, and the Muʿtazilah. It is designed to help students identify foundational beliefs and points of divergence.
Beyond historical theology, the course also addresses pressing modern issues like gender and sexuality, jihad and warfare ethics, religious pluralism, and the status of women. Through lectures and discussions, students will learn to analyze these controversies with clarity and intellectual integrity.
Kitāb al-Īmān & Kitāb al-Fitan
This course, Hadith 601, is a detailed study of two crucial sections from the renowned Hadith collection Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ: Kitāb al-Īmān (The Book of Faith) and Kitāb al-Fitan (The Book of Tribulations). This course is designed to provide students with a deep, comprehensive understanding of the foundational principles of faith and the prophetic teachings concerning the end of times.
Islamic Legal Theory 401
Al-Ḥusāmī
This course is an advanced study of Islamic jurisprudence, using the renowned text Al-Ḥusāmī. This book is a highly respected and authoritative commentary on the principles of Islamic law within the Hanafi school of jurisprudence. The book is studied for its comprehensive and systematic approach to the legal principles, providing students with a sophisticated understanding of the Hanafi methodology.
Stage Three: Itqān – Mastery
Itqān – Mastery is for students seeking to perfect their expertise in advanced tafsīr (Qur’anic exegesis) and Hadith synthesis. The goal is for students to embody the prophetic inheritance and become qualified scholars and community leaders.
Students who wish to successfully complete this level can enroll in a Full-Time ʿĀlimiyyah program at any accredited Islamic Institute.
Outcome
Graduates of the Alimiyyah Program will receive the Shahadah ‘Alamiyyah, recognized worldwide, along with a portfolio of ijazat and asanid connecting them to centuries of Islamic scholarship. They will be prepared to serve as scholars, educators, and community leaders, guiding others with knowledge, wisdom, and integrity.