The 4-Year Alima Program is designed to provide a comprehensive education in Islamic studies, with a particular emphasis on Arabic language, Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Hadith (Prophetic traditions), Tafseer (Quranic exegesis), and Aqeedah (Islamic creed).

During this program, students will delve into the beauty and richness of the Arabic language. They will learn to read, write, and speak Arabic fluently, enabling them to understand and appreciate the Quran and Islamic texts in their original form. Emphasis will be placed on building a strong foundation in grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.

The Fiqh component of the program will cover the practical aspects of Islamic law. Students will study the principles and rules that govern various aspects of a Muslim's life, including acts of worship, transactions, family matters, and more. They will gain a deep understanding of the sources of Islamic law and how to apply them to real-life situations.

In the Hadith component, students will explore the Prophetic traditions and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They will study the science of Hadith, including the methods of authentication and interpretation, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Prophetic traditions and their role in shaping Islamic practices and beliefs.

Tafseer, the study of Quranic exegesis, will allow students to delve into the profound meanings and interpretations of the Quran. They will explore the linguistic, historical, and contextual aspects of the Quranic verses to gain a deeper appreciation of its wisdom and guidance.

Finally, the Aqeedah component will focus on the study of Islamic creed and beliefs. Students will learn about the fundamental principles of Islam, including the oneness of Allah, the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him), belief in the unseen, and the Day of Judgment. They will explore various theological concepts and understand their importance in shaping a Muslim's worldview.

Throughout the 4-year Alima program, students will engage in lectures, discussions, and exercises to enhance their understanding and application of the subjects. They will also have the opportunity to seek guidance from qualified scholars and interact with fellow students, fostering a supportive and enriching online learning environment.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be equipped with a solid foundation in Arabic language, Fiqh, Hadith, Tafseer, and Aqeedah, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities as knowledgeable individuals, teachers, and scholars of Islam.

PRE REQUISITE :

The only requirement for the 4-year Alima program is the ability to read the Quran independently, without any assistance from others. This prerequisite ensures that students have a solid foundation in Arabic and are capable of engaging directly with the Quranic text.

Starting: September 2023

Days: Monday – Thursday

Class Duration: 16 hours per week

Time: 9:00 AM NY, 2:00 PM UK, 6:00 PM UAE, 3:00 PM RSA

(Click here to convert to your time zone)

*Recordings of all LIVE sessions are also available upon request

Annual Exams: Last Week of June, 2024

Time Commitment: 18 hours per week

TIMINGS AND CLASS BREAKDOWN

There is a total of 4 hours of instructional time per day.

2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. Each course requires different lenghts of time per period. On average there are a total of 8 periods per day. Each period ranges from a minimum of 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the subject.

Classes will take place Monday to Thursday with the morning session starting at 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and the afternoon session starting at 15:00 to 17:00

Students are responsible for logging in on time. Precise timings and names of instructors per subject will be communicated upon admission.

Holidays:

The Alima course will not be in session for:

l Summer break

l Winter break

l The whole of Ramadhan

l The 2 Eids

l All federal holidays

Cost: Refer to Fee structure

*Dates & timings are tentative and may be subject to change

Fee: $180/monthly

1. QUR’AN MODULE:

Tafseer and Tarjumah

Translation and Commentary of the Entire Qur'an

A detailed and inspiring commentary of the entire Qur’an with an emphasis on highlighting lessons that are relevant to our daily life. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the interpretation and analysis of the Quran, exploring its deep meanings, wisdom and guidance. This course aims to foster a deep connection with the Quran, enabling students to appreciate its profound insights and gain a depeer understanding of the divine guidance it offers.

2. HADITH (Prophetic traditions):

Introduction to the Science of Hadith -

Introduction to the Science of Hadith Studies; Classifications of Hadith; Methodology & Terminologies used in Hadith

Explanation of the sayings of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in Zad al-Talibin (Provisions for the Seekers).

This classic collection of 327 hadith contains many short sayings that express a multitude of meanings, and is ultimately meant to provide today’s Muslims a glimpse at the charisma of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and a roadmap with which to achieve closeness with Allah.

Riyadh al-Saliheen (Meadows of the Righteous)

An explanation and commentary of hadith in Imam Nawawi’s classic compilation, Riyadh al-Saliheen with an emphasis on appreciating the beauty of the Sunnah as well as discover ways to implement the Sunnah in our lives

Mishkat al-Masabih (A Niche for Lamps)

Mishkat al-Masabih is an expanded version of Al-Baghawi's Masabih al-Sunnah by Muḥammad ibn ʻAbd Allāh Khatib Al-Tabrizi

3. ISLAMIC LAW:

Historical Development of Islamic Law

This course will examine the sources of Islamic law, its basic methodologies and the foundation of the legal schools through a historical analysis of the classical era.

Islamic Law I

Islamic Legal Rulings pertaining to Ritual Purification, Salah, Zakah, Fasting and Udhiya (Sacrifice) through Fiqhul Muyassar (a classical text on sacred law).

Islamic Law II

A comprehensive discussion on menstruation (hayd) is included as part of the course content. Hadoyyatul Linnisaa

Islamic legal rulings pertaining to Ritual Purification, Menstruation, Salah, Zakah, Fasting, Hajj, Commerce, Marriage & Divorce; through Mukhtasar al-Quduri

Laws of Inheritance

Laws of Inheritance taught through extracts from Al-Siraji Fi 'l-Mirath Lil Shaykh Siraj al-Din al-Sajawandi

4. BELIEFS & CREED:

COURSE

Aqeedah

This course delves into the essential beliefs that a Muslim must hold concerning Allah and His attributes (Ilāhiyyāt), prophethood (Risālah), and the unseen realms of the present and future (Maghībāt). This course aims to provide a solid foundation in Islamic theology, equipping students with the knowledge and tools to navigate theological concepts and engage in discussions surrounding faith and its contemporary relevance.Understand the basic tenets of our faith through Imam Tahawi’s widely acclaimed reference work on Muslim beliefs, Aqidah al-Tahawiyah.

5. ARABIC GRAMMAR & LANGUAGE

Ilmun Nahw- Arabic Grammar

Emphasizes the essential aspects of Arabic grammar. It provides a comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts, enabling students to construct and analyze Arabic texts. Studies will be conducted through the renowned Grammar books LISANUL QURAN, Tawdeehun Nahw and Nahw ul Wadih.

Ilmus Sarf- Arabic Morphology

Serves as an introduction to verbal paradigms, also known as verb forms, in the Arabic language. It covers essential verb forms, including past-tense, present-tense, command forms, as well as tri-lateral and quad-lateral verb forms. Students will engage in extensive memorization of these verb forms, along with some noun forms, to gain a comprehensive understanding of their usage and application in the Arabic language. Tasheelus sarf is used as the primary text for this course

Adab and I’raab (literature)

This will assist students with the translation of simple Arabic sentences using an elementary text. The subject will primarily concentrate on providing both literal and idiomatic translations from Arabic to English. Students will learn the essential skills and techniques required to accurately and effectively translate sentences, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the linguistic nuances between the two languages.

7. ISLAMIC HISTORY

Seerah

Seerah of the Blessed Messenger (Peace & Blessings be upon him)- Meccan and Medinan Periods through Seeratul Mustafa

Lives of the Companions

Biographies of the Khulafa Rashideen (The Four Caliphs) and other companions.

Mothers of the Believers

This course presents the biographies of the beloved wives of the Prophet (saw). Join us as we discover their courage, commemorate their sacrifices, marvel at their knowledge and learn how they imparted the Message.

8. CONTEMPORARY ISSUES

Being Productive: Management & Self-Discipline in Islam

This course will offer a unique blend of tradition and technology in order to address key topics in effective self-management – health, stress, sleep, time, conflict, inter-personal relationships, work ethics, dawah and personal productivity.

Islam, Women & Gender

This course will cover issues pertaining to women in Islam like Hijab, Inter-Gender Interaction, Hudood Laws and The Contribution of Women to Knowledge & Scholarship

Marriage in Islam

This course is a comprehensive guide on the journey for attaining marital bliss in Islam as a means of drawing closer to Allah SWT, encompassing different stages from understanding love and marriage, correctly thinking and preparing for it, choosing the right one, getting married Islamically, to building a strong, loving and lifelong marriage.

9. ISLAMIC SPIRITUALITY

Islamic Spirituality Essentials -

Akhlaaq and Tarbiyah

The subject of Akhlaaq and Tarbiyah is aimed at fostering individuals' personal and social development, enabling them to lead righteous and fulfilling lives guided by Islamic principles and values.

10. TAJWEED

Tajweed is the art and science of reciting the Quran with proper pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm. It focuses on the rules and techniques that enhance the beauty and clarity of Quranic recitation. The study of Tajweed ensures the correct articulation of Arabic letters, proper elongation, and the application of specific rules for pauses and pronunciation. By learning Tajweed, students develop a profound understanding of the correct recitation of the Quran, enabling them to recite it with precision and reverence, while appreciating the intricate details and melodious nature of its verses.

Students will learn the laws of Tajweed through Tajweed Made Easy.

11. ADAABUL MUAMALAAT WAL MUASHARAAT

Adaabul Muasharaat

Adaabul Muamalaat wal muasharaat refers to the etiquettes and manners governing interpersonal relationships and transactions in Islam. It encompasses the guidelines and principles that Muslims should follow when engaging in financial, social, and business interactions. The subject of Adaabul Muamalaat wal muasharaat emphasizes honesty, fairness, justice, trustworthiness, and kindness in all dealings with others. It covers various aspects of daily life, such as financial transactions, contracts, partnerships, borrowing and lending, buying and selling, and general social conduct. By studying Adaabul Muamalaat wal muasharaat, individuals learn how to conduct themselves ethically and with integrity, fostering harmonious relationships, and promoting a just and compassionate society in accordance with Islamic teachings.Texts used are CONTEMPORARY JUSRISTIC RESOLUTIONS by Mufti Ebrahim Desai and Kitabul Muasharaat.