The ʿĀlimiyyah Program

About the program

The ʿĀlimiyyah Program is a multi-year, immersive course in the core Islamic sciences. It combines in-depth study of Arabic language, literature, grammar, syntax, morphology, and rhetoric with ʿaqīdah, kalām, manṭiq, fiqh and uṣūl, tafsīr, and ḥadīth. Students develop the skills to engage directly with classical texts, understand the tradition with clarity, and transmit knowledge responsibly under scholarly guidance.

Year 1 Curriculum

ARB120 – Arabic Morphology (Ṣarf)

Text studied: Fundamentals of Classical Arabic by Dr. Hussain Abdul Sattar 

This subject equips students with the ability to break down and reconstruct words from root letters. By learning the inner mechanics of word-formation, students will:

  • Understand the patterns that give words meaning.

  • Gain tools for further study of tafsīr and ḥadīth.

Text studied: Tasheel al-Nahw by Amir Bashir

Grammar is the backbone of understanding. Students will study sentence structures, grammatical roles, and syntactical analysis using Tasheel al-Naḥw. By the end of this course, they will be able to:

  • Read Arabic without vowel markings (ḥarakāt).

  • Parse Qurʾānic and ḥadīth passages with confidence.

  • Develop precision in both understanding and communication.

Text Studied: Miftah al-Qurʾān

Do you want to understand what you recite in prayer? This course equips students with the vocabulary and comprehension needed for direct engagement with prayer and the Qurʾān. Students will:

  • Build a repertoire of Qurʾānic vocabulary.

  • Connect recitation to meaning in daily prayers.

  • Strengthen love for the Qurʾān.

Text Studied: Qaṣaṣ al-Nabiyyīn

This course equips students with the vocabulary and comprehension needed for direct engagement with Qurʾānic vocabulary. Students will:

  • Build a repertoire of Qurʾānic vocabulary.

  • The goal is fluency in reading, translation, grammatical mapping. Book 2 is completed without ḥarakāt.

  • Strengthen love for the Qurʾān through stories and themes.

Text studied: Durūs al-Lughah al-ʿArabiyyah

Alongside classical Arabic, students study Durūs al-Lughah al-ʿArabiyyah to develop proficiency in conversational and contemporary vocabulary, strengthening their ability to read, understand, and communicate in Arabic. 

Text studied: al-ʿAqīdah al-Ṭaḥāwiyyah

Explore the creed of Ahl al-Sunnah wa-l-Jamāʿah, studying Allah’s attributes, prophethood, the unseen, and the Hereafter. They will also examine how theology answers modern challenges—from atheism and secularism to skepticism about divine justice. By the end of the year, students will:

  • Understand the classical Sunni creed.

  • Learn arguments for God’s existence and attributes.

  • Gain confidence in defending faith in academic or social settings.

Text Studied: Ascent to Felicity by al-Shurunbulālī

Students are introduced to rulings of worship and everyday life. The curriculum also tackles modern questions of finance, ethics, and family. By engaging both tradition and contemporary context, students will:

  • Learn the basics of prayer, fasting, zakāh, and marriage.

  • Explore real-life applications like zakāh on crypto or 401ks.

  • Appreciate the complexity, mercy, and wisdom of Sharīʿah.

Text studied: Introduction to Ḥadīth Studies by Shaykh Furhan Zubairi

This course introduces the preservation and principles of ḥadīth. Students will learn how narrations were collected, authenticated, and transmitted, while also connecting Prophetic guidance to modern life challenges. Outcomes include:

  • Learning the science of isnād and ḥadīth terminology.

  • Understanding how ḥadīth underpin belief and law.

  • Applying Prophetic guidance to issues like capitalism, materialism, industrialism.

Text studied: Zād al-Ṭālibīn

Through texts like Zād al-Ṭālibīn, students will engage with practical narrations that shape character, ethics, and worship. They will:

  • Study concise ḥadīth collections for spiritual growth.

  • Explore how Prophetic guidance builds daily discipline.

  • Connect practice to larger social and ethical frameworks.

Year 2 Curriculum

ARB220 – Arabic Morphology (Ṣarf)

Text studied: ʿIlm al-Ṣīghah

This course provides a structured exploration of Arabic word-formation, focusing on the recognition and application of core morphological patterns. Emphasis is placed on verb conjugation, noun derivation, and the internal structure of words.

Students are expected to:

  • Develop precision in analyzing and constructing words
  • Gain proficiency in identifying and applying key morphological patterns
  • Enhance their ability to interpret classical Arabic texts with greater accuracy

 

Texts Studied: Hidāyat al-Naḥw (with exercises from Al-Naḥw al-Wāḍiḥ)

Students continue their study of Arabic grammar through Hidāyat al-Naḥw, deepening their understanding of sentence structures, terminology, and syntax, with exercises in Al-Naḥw al-Wāḍiḥ to reinforce skills

Students are expected to:

  • Read extended Arabic texts with greater fluency and confidence

  • Understand grammatical terminology and concepts with greater depth

  • Apply grammar and sentence analysis skills to better comprehend Qurʾānic and ḥadīth passages

  • Develop precision in both understanding and communication

This course provides students with their first structured exposure to Arabic rhetoric. Taught through comprehensive instructor notes, it lays the groundwork for understanding the core areas of Maʿānī, Bayān, and Badīʿ—the building blocks of eloquent Arabic expression.

The focus is on developing intuition: how sentences convey meaning, how clarity and emphasis are achieved, and how rhetorical devices shape interpretation. Students analyze selected Qur’ānic verses, ḥadīth, and classical passages to see these principles in action.

Students engage directly with the Qurʾān, reading the sacred text while receiving guided translation and contextual explanation from the instructor. The course emphasizes understanding vocabulary, grammar in context, and developing a direct connection with the language of revelation.

Amount covered: Juz 1-10

Texts studied: Qaṣaṣ al-Nabiyyīn III & IV

Students study the entirety of Qaṣaṣ al-Nabiyyīn Volumes 3 and 4, translating each lesson independently with guidance, corrections, and feedback from the teacher. They also prepare written summaries of each lesson to strengthen their Arabic proficiency. This process enables students to engage deeply with the stories of the Prophets in light of the Qurʾān, while expanding vocabulary, enhancing reading fluency and comprehension, refining grammar and sentence analysis, and fostering a deeper understanding and love for the Qurʾān.

Students immerse themselves in the Arabic language through dynamic, instructor-led conversations. Occasional guidance from Al-ʿArabiyyah Bayna Yadayk supports structured dialogue and thematic exercises that foster fluency, confidence, and natural expression.

 

Text studied: Al-Abharī’s Isagoge

An introductory engagement with the science of manṭiq (Islamic logic), equipping students with the tools to think with clarity and precision. This subject covers essential logical concepts, classifications, and structures that support advanced study in theology, law, and language.

 

Text studied: The Creed of Imām al-Sanūsī (Umm al-Barāhīn)

Students study Umm al-Barāhīn, a foundational text in Islamic theology by Imam al-Sanūsī. The text systematically presents the core tenets of Sunni belief, emphasizing God’s existence, His attributes, and the role of prophethood. Students engage with rational proofs and arguments supporting these beliefs, fostering a deeper understanding of Islamic creed and developing confidence in articulating and defending the faith.

 

Text studied: Mukhtaṣar al-Qudūrī

Students undertake a focused study of Mukhtaṣar al-Qudūrī, covering legal rulings related to worship, zakāh, fasting, marriage, and other aspects of personal law. Attention is given to the reasoning behind selected rulings to strengthen juristic understanding and precision in legal vocabulary. The study concentrates on these core areas, while the chapters on transactions (buyūʿ) are deferred to the following year.

Text studied: Introduction to Usul al-Fiqh by Furhan Zubairi

An introductory study of the theoretical framework of Islamic law, examining how rulings are derived from the Qurʾān, Sunnah, and other sources. Students learn to recognize the methods by which jurists extract rulings, apply Sharīʿah sources, and analyze basic legal questions through fundamental Uṣūl concepts, cultivating an appreciation for the logical structure underlying Islamic jurisprudence.

Texts studied: Al-Nawawī’s Forty Aḥadīth

Students study Al-Nawawī’s Forty Ḥadīth, a foundational collection encompassing the core principles of Islam. The instructor provides commentary on each narration, clarifying key concepts in creed, worship, and ethics. Through guided explanation and reflection, students gain an appreciation of the comprehensive nature of the Prophet’s ﷺ teachings and their relevance to daily life.

Text studied: Mukhtaṣar al-Itqān fī ʿUlūm al-Qurʾān

This subject introduces students to the foundational disciplines encompassed within ʿUlūm al-Qurʾān through a concise yet comprehensive study of Mukhtaṣar al-Itqān. The text serves as an abridged presentation of the classical work al-Itqān fī ʿUlūm al-Qurʾān, covering the essential sciences necessary for a structured and scholarly understanding of the Qurʾān. Topics include modes of revelation, the history of compilation, categories of verses, types of qirāʾāt, causes of revelation, the concept of nāsikh and mansūkh, and the various stylistic, linguistic, and rhetorical features of the Qurʾānic discourse. The course equips students with a clear framework for appreciating the depth and methodology of Qurʾānic sciences and prepares them for more advanced study in tafsīr and related disciplines.

Year 3 Curriculum

ARB301 – Qurʾānic Arabic Literature

Text studied: The Holy Qurʾān

Students engage directly with the Qurʾān, reading the sacred text while receiving guided translation and contextual explanation from the instructor. The course emphasizes understanding vocabulary, grammar in context, and developing a direct connection with the language of revelation.

Amount covered: Juz 11-20

Text studied: Qaṣaṣ al-Nabiyyīn V (Sīrah)

Students study the life and mission of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ through carefully selected Arabic narratives, translating each lesson independently with guidance, corrections, and feedback from the teacher. They also prepare written summaries of each lesson to strengthen their Arabic proficiency. This approach deepens engagement with the historical and moral dimensions of the Sīrah, while enhancing reading fluency, expanding vocabulary, and refining grammar and sentence analysis.

Text studied: Al-Qirāʾah al-Rāshidah III 

Students study a diverse collection of Arabic literary texts, including stories, historical narratives, and poems, translating each lesson independently with guidance, corrections, and feedback from the teacher. They also prepare written summaries of each lesson to strengthen their Arabic proficiency. This approach deepens engagement with the literary and moral dimensions of the texts, while enhancing reading fluency, expanding vocabulary, and refining grammar and sentence analysis.

 

Students immerse themselves in the Arabic language through dynamic, instructor-led conversations. Occasional guidance from Al-ʿArabiyyah Bayna Yadayk supports structured dialogue and thematic exercises that foster fluency, confidence, and natural expression.

Text studied: Sharḥ Qaṭr al-Nadā 

Students study the first half of Sharḥ Qaṭr al-Nadā, engaging with advanced concepts in Arabic syntax and grammatical theory. The text offers in-depth analysis of sentence structures, word relationships, and nuanced grammatical rules. Lessons focus on discussion, explanation, and critical understanding, enabling students to analyze complex Qurʾānic and classical Arabic passages with precision.

Text studied: Shadhā al-ʿArf fī Fann al-Ṣarf 

Students progress from practical application to a deeper theoretical understanding of Arabic morphology through Shadhā al-ʿArf. They explore the principles, reasoning, and occasional scholarly differences underlying morphological patterns. The study emphasizes the causes behind morphological variations and develops advanced analytical understanding of classical Arabic word-formation.

Text studied: al-Balāghah al-Wāḍiḥah

This course introduces students to the formal study of Arabic rhetoric through the classical primer al-Balāghah al-Wāḍiḥah. The text covers the essential areas of Maʿānī, Bayān, and Badīʿ, presenting them through clear explanations, structured lessons, and graded examples.

Students explore how rhetorical choices influence clarity, emphasis, and stylistic beauty, and they learn to recognize these elements within Qur’ānic verses, prophetic narrations, and classical Arabic passages. Regular exercises reinforce comprehension and help students apply the principles with confidence.

 

Text studied: Al-Iqtiṣād fī al-Iʿtiqād

Students study the first half of Al-Iqtiṣād fī al-Iʿtiqād, engaging with Imam al-Ghazālī’s concise exposition of Sunni theology. The text presents the foundational principles of belief, including God’s existence, His attributes, and the role of prophethood. Through guided discussion and reflection, students develop a deeper understanding of core Islamic creed and begin to articulate and defend these beliefs with clarity.

Text studied: Mukhtaṣar al-Qudūrī

This course completes the study of Mukhtaṣar al-Qudūrī, focusing on Muʿāmalāt (transactions) and personal law. Students study sales, contracts, marriage and divorce, maintenance, and introductory penal rulings. Emphasis is placed on understanding applied Ḥanafī fiqh, legal reasoning, and how rulings interrelate across chapters, preparing students for advanced texts in Islamic jurisprudence.

Text studied: Multaqā al-Abḥur part: 1/2

A two-year advanced study of Ḥanafī jurisprudence through Multaqā al-Abḥur, a comprehensive fiqh manual synthesizing earlier authoritative works such as al-Qudūrī, al-Kanz, al-Wiṣāyah, and al-Majmaʿ. This course trains students to navigate refined juristic discussions, compare variant narrations within the madhhab, and understand the detailed structure of Ḥanafī applied law.

Text studied: A Concise Introduction to Ḥanafī Uṣūl al-Fiqh Muftī Tofael Nuruddin

This course offers an in-depth study of Uṣūl al-Fiqh. Students explore the historical development of Islamic legal theory, the methodology for deriving rulings from the Qurʾān and Sunnah, and key concepts including ijtihād (juristic reasoning), taqlīd (legal conformity), qiyās (analogy), ijmāʿ (consensus), and the classification and interpretation of Prophetic narrations (khabr). The course emphasizes applying these principles to understand Islamic rulings and prepares students for advanced fiqh studies.

 

Texts studied: The Manẓūmah of al-Bayqūnī

Students study Manẓūmah of al-Bayqūnī, a primer on ʿUṣūl al-Ḥadīth, through teacher-led commentary and discussion. The focus is on understanding the fundamental principles of hadith authentication, classification, and transmission. This approach develops students’ ability to analyze hadith texts critically and gain a foundational grasp of the methodology underlying Prophetic reports.

 

Texts studied: Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn

Students study Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn to engage with practical ḥadīth that guide ethical conduct, worship, and personal development. Lessons focus on reading, understanding, and reflecting on the narrations, with teacher guidance provided for explanation and discussion. Students are encouraged to internalize the teachings and connect them to daily life, developing both character and practical application of Prophetic guidance.

Texts studied: The Muqaddimah of al-Jazarī 

Students are introduced to the rules and principles of Qurʾān recitation through Al-Muqaddimah al-Jazariyyah. The text provides foundational guidance on proper pronunciation, articulation points (makhārij), and phonetic rules, enabling students to recite accurately and confidently. Lessons emphasize both theoretical understanding and practical application, with the teacher providing guidance, corrections, and feedback to refine recitation skills.

Year 4 Curriculum

ARB301 – Qurʾānic Arabic Literature

Text studied: The Holy Qurʾān

Students engage directly with the Qurʾān, reading the sacred text while receiving guided translation and contextual explanation from the instructor. The course emphasizes understanding vocabulary, grammar in context, and developing a direct connection with the language of revelation.

Amount covered: Juz 21-30

 

Text studied: Mukhtārāt min Adab al-ʿArab

Students study Mukhtārāt min Adab al-ʿArab, engaging with a curated selection of classical Arabic prose and poetry. Lessons focus on analyzing language, style, and rhetorical devices, as well as understanding historical and cultural context. Students read and translate passages, with the teacher providing guidance and corrections, and write summaries in their own words to strengthen Arabic proficiency and literary appreciation.

 

Text studied: Ḥayāt al-Ṣaḥābah

Students study Ḥayāt al-Ṣaḥābah to explore the lives, character, and contributions of the Prophet’s ﷺ companions. The text highlights their devotion, ethical conduct, and the struggles they endured for the sake of Islam. Lessons involve guided reading, discussion, and analysis, enabling students to strengthen comprehension while reflecting on moral, spiritual, and practical lessons from the early Muslim community.

 

Text studied: Sharḥ Qaṭr al-Nadā

Students study the second half of Sharḥ Qaṭr al-Nadā, engaging with advanced concepts in Arabic syntax and grammatical theory. The text offers in-depth analysis of sentence structures, word relationships, and nuanced grammatical rules. Lessons focus on discussion, explanation, and critical understanding, enabling students to analyze complex Qurʾānic and classical Arabic passages with precision.

 

Text studied: Al-Kāfiyah 

Students continue their study of Arabic grammar with Al-Kāfiyah, consolidating their understanding of sentence structures, grammatical terminology, and syntactical relationships. Lessons focus on guided explanation and analysis, enabling students to read and comprehend Qurʾānic and classical texts with confidence and accuracy. This study reinforces prior grammar knowledge while further developing analytical skills.

Text studied: Al-Iqtiṣād fī al-Iʿtiqād

Students study the second half of Al-Iqtiṣād fī al-Iʿtiqād, continuing Imam al-Ghazālī’s concise exposition of Sunni theology. The text examines key aspects of belief, including human responsibility, divine justice, and eschatology. Through guided discussion and analysis, students consolidate their understanding of core Islamic creed, developing the ability to reflect on and articulate theological concepts with clarity.

Text studied: al-Maṭlaʿ by Zakariyyā al-Anṣārī

A higher-level study of classical logic using al-Anṣārī’s al-Maṭlaʿ, focusing on precise definitions, categories of concepts and judgments, forms of valid reasoning, and common logical fallacies. The course trains students to analyze arguments with rigor, refine their inferential skills, and understand how logical structure supports legal reasoning, creed, and scholarly debate.

 

Text studied: Multaqā al-Abḥur part: 2/2

A two-year advanced study of Ḥanafī jurisprudence through Multaqā al-Abḥur, a comprehensive fiqh manual synthesizing earlier authoritative works such as al-Qudūrī, al-Kanz, al-Wiṣāyah, and al-Majmaʿ. This course trains students to navigate refined juristic discussions, compare variant narrations within the madhhab, and understand the detailed structure of Ḥanafī applied law.

This course covers Uṣūl al‑Fiqh via the classical Ḥanafī manual Uṣūl ash‑Shāshī by Niẓām al‑Dīn al‑Shāshī. It explores how legal rulings are derived from the Qurʾān, Sunnah, ijmāʿ (consensus), and qiyās (analogy). Key themes include: interpreting textual evidence, reconciling differing reports, conditions of mujtahidīn, and methods of analogical reasoning. Through this text, students develop a solid grounding in Ḥanafī methodological theory.

 

Text studied: Nuzhah al-Naḍhar

Students study Nuzhah al-Naḍhar to explore the principles and methodology underpinning the science of ḥadīth. The text expounds upon classification, authentication, and critical evaluation of narrations, emphasizing scholarly rigor and theoretical understanding. Lessons involve guided discussion and analysis, equipping students to engage with classical ḥadīth literature with precision and a firm grasp of its methodological foundations.

Text studied: Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn

Students study Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn to engage with practical ḥadīth that guide ethical conduct, worship, and personal development. Lessons focus on reading, understanding, and reflecting on the narrations, with teacher guidance provided for explanation and discussion. Students are encouraged to internalize the teachings and connect them to daily life, developing both character and practical application of Prophetic guidance.

Year 5 Curriculum (tentative)

ARB430 – Arabic Syntax (naḥw)

Text studied: Sharḥ Ibn ʿAqīl part 1/2

A two-year, in-depth study of Alfiyyat Ibn Mālik through the renowned commentary Sharḥ Ibn ʿAqīl. Students master advanced syntax, grammatical analysis, and idiomatic structures while developing the ability to parse complex classical texts with precision. The course strengthens command of iʿrāb, grammatical reasoning, and applied linguistics across legal, theological, and literary works.

Text studied: Mukhtaṣar al‑Maʿānī part 1/2

An advanced study of Arabic rhetoric focusing on the analytical method of Mukhtaṣar al-Maʿānī. Students explore the core principles of ʿIlm al-Maʿānī—sentence structure, contextual indication, emphasis, and the logic behind eloquent expression. The course examines why certain forms are more precise or effective, using examples from the Qurʾān, ḥadīth, and classical prose to develop a refined understanding of rhetorical choice and its intellectual foundations.

Text studied: Al-Hidāyah by al-Marghīnānī part 1/3

An advanced study of Hanafi jurisprudence through Al‑Hidayah by al‑Marghinānī. The course engages students with detailed rulings on worship, transactions, family law, and judicial matters, emphasizing the reasoning behind legal opinions, the evidences supporting them, and the resolution of complex issues. Students develop precision in understanding, analyzing, and applying classical fiqh principles.

 

Text studied: Masār al-Wuṣūl

Masār al-Wuṣūl ilā ʿIlm al-Uṣūl (مسار الوصول إلى علم الأصول) is a classical text in Islamic legal theory (uṣūl al-fiqh) that introduces the foundational principles used to derive legal rulings. The work covers sources of law, commands and prohibitions, general and specific texts, abrogation, consensus, analogy, and evidentiary reasoning.

Text studied: Sharḥ al‑ʿAqāʾid al‑Nasafiyyah

An advanced theological course exploring Taftāzānī’s detailed commentary on al‑Nasafī’s creed. Students study the core of the doctrine if the Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamāʿah, including divine names and attributes, the nature and sources of knowledge, prophecy, eschatology (the grave, judgment, paradise, and hell), and the hierarchy of creation. The course also confronts theological challenges by refuting groups such as the Muʿtazilah, Khārijites, and philosophers.

 

Text studied: Muqaddimah Ibn Salāḥ

An advanced study in the sciences of hadith, this course examines Ibn al‑Ṣalāḥ’s Muqaddimah. Students study the technical terminology of hadith, the principles of isnād (chains of transmission), evaluation of narrators (ʿIlm al-Rijāl), and the rules governing authenticity, classification, and transmission. The course also addresses scholarly ethics, proper documentation, and common challenges in hadith study, equipping students with the analytical tools to understand, assess, and apply hadith with precision.

Text studied: Mishkāt al-Masābīḥ part 1/2

Students study Mishkāt al-Masābīḥ, a thoughtfully organized collection of ḥadīths covering belief, worship, ethics, and social conduct. Students read each ḥadīth carefully while the teacher provides commentary on both its meaning and its authenticity or grade, helping them understand the context, lessons, and reliability of the narration. This method develops a deep comprehension of ḥadīth.

Text studied: Tafsīr al-Jalālayn part 1/2

A study of Qur’ānic exegesis, covering the entire Qur’ān through the concise and clear commentary of Tafsīr al-Jalālayn by al-Maḥallī and al-Suyūṭī. Students explore linguistic, legal, and theological insights, contextual explanations, and the practical lessons of the Qur’ān, developing the ability to understand and convey its meanings with accuracy and depth.

Year 6 Curriculum (tentative)

ARB430 – Arabic Syntax (naḥw)

Text studied: Sharḥ Ibn ʿAqīl aprt 2/2

A two-year, in-depth study of Alfiyyat Ibn Mālik through the renowned commentary Sharḥ Ibn ʿAqīl. Students master advanced syntax, grammatical analysis, and idiomatic structures while developing the ability to parse complex classical texts with precision. The course strengthens command of iʿrāb, grammatical reasoning, and applied linguistics across legal, theological, and literary works.

Text studied: Mukhtaṣar al‑Maʿānī part 2/2

An advanced study of Arabic rhetoric focusing on the analytical method of Mukhtaṣar al-Maʿānī. Students explore the core principles of ʿIlm al-Maʿānī—sentence structure, contextual indication, emphasis, and the logic behind eloquent expression. The course examines why certain forms are more precise or effective, using examples from the Qurʾān, ḥadīth, and classical prose to develop a refined understanding of rhetorical choice and its intellectual foundations.

Text studied: Al-Hidāyah by al-Marghīnānī part 2/3

An advanced study of Hanafi jurisprudence through Al‑Hidayah by al‑Marghinānī. The course engages students with detailed rulings on worship, transactions, family law, and judicial matters, emphasizing the reasoning behind legal opinions, the evidences supporting them, and the resolution of complex issues. Students develop precision in understanding, analyzing, and applying classical fiqh principles.

 

Text studied: Sharḥ al-Maqāṣid fī ʿIlm al-Kalām

Students study Sharḥ al‑Maqāṣid fī ʿIlm al‑Kalām, a masterful classical commentary by Saʿd al‑Dīn al‑Taftāzānī. Through close reading of the text, students engage with deep theological concepts — such as the nature of divine attributes, existence, and human perception — while the instructor explains each point, unpacks the complex philosophical vocabulary, and demonstrates the rational proofs behind major doctrines. In this way, students not only internalize orthodox beliefs but also develop strong analytical and reasoning skills, preparing them to navigate both traditional scholarship and contemporary theological challenges.

 

Text studied: Mishkāt al-Masābīḥ part 2/2

Students study Mishkāt al-Masābīḥ, a thoughtfully organized collection of ḥadīths covering belief, worship, ethics, and social conduct. Students read each ḥadīth carefully while the teacher provides commentary on both its meaning and its authenticity or grade, helping them understand the context, lessons, and reliability of the narration. This method develops a deep comprehension of ḥadīth.

 

Text studied: Tafsīr al-Jalālayn part 2/2

A study of Qur’ānic exegesis, covering the entire Qur’ān through the concise and clear commentary of Tafsīr al-Jalālayn by al-Maḥallī and al-Suyūṭī. Students explore linguistic, legal, and theological insights, contextual explanations, and the practical lessons of the Qur’ān, developing the ability to understand and convey its meanings with accuracy and depth.

Year 7 Curriculum (tentative)

FQH401 – Islamic Law (fiqh)

Text studied: Al-Hidāyah by al-Marghīnānī part 2/3

An advanced study of Hanafi jurisprudence through Al‑Hidayah by al‑Marghinānī. The course engages students with detailed rulings on worship, transactions, family law, and judicial matters, emphasizing the reasoning behind legal opinions, the evidences supporting them, and the resolution of complex issues. Students develop precision in understanding, analyzing, and applying classical fiqh principles.

Text studied: Sunan Abī Dāwūd

Students engage in a complete and methodical reading of Sunan Abī Dāwūd. The text is studied meticulously narration by narration while the teacher provides precise commentary relevant to:

  • Biographical notes on transmitters

  • The grading and authenticity of the narration

  • Linguistic, theological, and legal implications of the text

  • Contexts of transmission

  • Differences of opinion among the muḥaddithūn and fuqahāʾ

  • Derivation of aḥkām where applicable

Upon completion, students are granted ijāzah in its transmission together with a chain of narration linking them through their teachers to the authors of the compilations—and ultimately to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Text studied: Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī

Students engage in a complete and methodical reading of Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī. The text is studied meticulously narration by narration while the teacher provides precise commentary relevant to:

  • Biographical notes on transmitters

  • The grading and authenticity of the narration

  • Linguistic, theological, and legal implications of the text

  • Contexts of transmission

  • Differences of opinion among the muḥaddithūn and fuqahāʾ

  • Derivation of aḥkām where applicable

Upon completion, students are granted ijāzah in its transmission together with a chain of narration linking them through their teachers to the authors of the compilations—and ultimately to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Text studied: Sunan Ibn Mājah

Students engage in a complete and methodical reading of Sunan Ibn Mājah. The text is studied meticulously narration by narration while the teacher provides precise commentary relevant to:

  • Biographical notes on transmitters

  • The grading and authenticity of the narration

  • Linguistic, theological, and legal implications of the text

  • Contexts of transmission

  • Differences of opinion among the muḥaddithūn and fuqahāʾ

  • Derivation of aḥkām where applicable

Upon completion, students are granted ijāzah in its transmission together with a chain of narration linking them through their teachers to the authors of the compilations—and ultimately to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Text studied: Muwaṭṭaʾ Mālik bi Riwayat Yaḥyā ibn Yaḥyā al-Samʿūdī

Students engage in a complete and methodical reading of Muwaṭṭaʾ Mālik. The text is studied meticulously narration by narration while the teacher provides precise commentary relevant to:

  • Biographical notes on transmitters

  • The grading and authenticity of the narration

  • Linguistic, theological, and legal implications of the text

  • Contexts of transmission

  • Differences of opinion among the muḥaddithūn and fuqahāʾ

  • Derivation of aḥkām where applicable

Upon completion, students are granted ijāzah in its transmission together with a chain of narration linking them through their teachers to the authors of the compilations—and ultimately to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Text studied: Muwaṭṭaʾ Mālik bi Riwayat Muḥammad ibn al-Ḥasan al-Shaybānī

Students engage in a complete and methodical reading of Muwaṭṭaʾ Mālik. The text is studied meticulously narration by narration while the teacher provides precise commentary relevant to:

  • Biographical notes on transmitters

  • The grading and authenticity of the narration

  • Linguistic, theological, and legal implications of the text

  • Contexts of transmission

  • Differences of opinion among the muḥaddithūn and fuqahāʾ

  • Derivation of aḥkām where applicable

Upon completion, students are granted ijāzah in its transmission together with a chain of narration linking them through their teachers to the authors of the compilations—and ultimately to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Text studied: Sharḥ Maʿānī al-Āthār li Abī Jaʿfar Aḥmad ibn Muḥammad al‑Ṭaḥāwī

Students engage in a complete and methodical reading of Sharḥ Maʿānī al-Āthār. The text is studied meticulously narration by narration while the teacher provides precise commentary relevant to:

  • Biographical notes on transmitters

  • The grading and authenticity of the narration

  • Linguistic, theological, and legal implications of the text

  • Contexts of transmission

  • Differences of opinion among the muḥaddithūn and fuqahāʾ

  • Derivation of aḥkām where applicable

Upon completion, students are granted ijāzah in its transmission together with a chain of narration linking them through their teachers to the authors of the compilations—and ultimately to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Text studied: Tafsīr al-Bayḍāwī

Students study Tafsir al‑Bayḍāwī (Anwār al‑Tanzīl wa Asrār al‑Ta’wīl), a classical and advanced Qur’ān commentary renowned for its depth and precision. The text combines linguistic analysis, rhetorical insight, and theological reasoning, presenting profound concepts in a concise style. Under the teacher’s guidance, students carefully unpack each verse, exploring both its literal meaning and deeper interpretive dimensions, while the teacher explains difficult vocabulary, grammatical subtleties, and doctrinal implications. This approach cultivates advanced comprehension of the Qur’ān, strengthens Arabic proficiency, and develops a nuanced understanding of its spiritual and theological messages.

Year 8 Curriculum (tentative)

HAD230 – Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī

Text studied: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī

Students engage in a complete and methodical reading of Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī. The text is studied meticulously narration by narration while the teacher provides precise commentary relevant to:

  • Biographical notes on transmitters

  • The grading and authenticity of the narration

  • Linguistic, theological, and legal implications of the text

  • Contexts of transmission

  • Differences of opinion among the muḥaddithūn and fuqahāʾ

  • Derivation of aḥkām where applicable

Upon completion, students are granted ijāzah in its transmission together with a chain of narration linking them through their teachers to the authors of the compilations—and ultimately to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

 

Text studied: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim

Students engage in a complete and methodical reading of Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim. The text is studied meticulously narration by narration while the teacher provides precise commentary relevant to:

  • Biographical notes on transmitters

  • The grading and authenticity of the narration

  • Linguistic, theological, and legal implications of the text

  • Contexts of transmission

  • Differences of opinion among the muḥaddithūn and fuqahāʾ

  • Derivation of aḥkām where applicable

Upon completion, students are granted ijāzah in its transmission together with a chain of narration linking them through their teachers to the authors of the compilations—and ultimately to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Text studied: Sunan al-Nasāʾī

Students engage in a complete and methodical reading of Sunan al-Nasāʾī. The text is studied meticulously narration by narration while the teacher provides precise commentary relevant to:

  • Biographical notes on transmitters

  • The grading and authenticity of the narration

  • Linguistic, theological, and legal implications of the text

  • Contexts of transmission

  • Differences of opinion among the muḥaddithūn and fuqahāʾ

  • Derivation of aḥkām where applicable

Upon completion, students are granted ijāzah in its transmission together with a chain of narration linking them through their teachers to the authors of the compilations—and ultimately to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Year 1 Curriculum

Text studied: Fundamentals of Classical Arabic by Dr. Hussain Abdul Sattar 

This subject equips students with the ability to break down and reconstruct words from root letters. By learning the inner mechanics of word-formation, students will:

  • Understand the patterns that give words meaning.

  • Gain tools for further study of tafsīr and ḥadīth.

Text studied: Tasheel al-Nahw by Amir Bashir

Grammar is the backbone of understanding. Students will study sentence structures, grammatical roles, and syntactical analysis using Tasheel al-Naḥw. By the end of this course, they will be able to:

  • Read Arabic without vowel markings (ḥarakāt).

  • Parse Qurʾānic and ḥadīth passages with confidence.

  • Develop precision in both understanding and communication.

Text Studied: Miftah al-Qurʾān

Do you want to understand what you recite in prayer? This course equips students with the vocabulary and comprehension needed for direct engagement with prayer and the Qurʾān. Students will:

  • Build a repertoire of Qurʾānic vocabulary.

  • Connect recitation to meaning in daily prayers.

  • Strengthen love for the Qurʾān.

Text Studied: Qaṣaṣ al-Nabiyyīn

This course equips students with the vocabulary and comprehension needed for direct engagement with Qurʾānic vocabulary. Students will:

  • Build a repertoire of Qurʾānic vocabulary.

  • The goal is fluency in reading, translation, grammatical mapping. Book 2 is completed without ḥarakāt.

  • Strengthen love for the Qurʾān through stories and themes.

Text studied: Durūs al-Lughah al-ʿArabiyyah

Alongside classical Arabic, students study Durūs al-Lughah al-ʿArabiyyah to develop proficiency in conversational and contemporary vocabulary, strengthening their ability to read, understand, and communicate in Arabic. 

Text studied: al-ʿAqīdah al-Ṭaḥāwiyyah

Explore the creed of Ahl al-Sunnah wa-l-Jamāʿah, studying Allah’s attributes, prophethood, the unseen, and the Hereafter. They will also examine how theology answers modern challenges—from atheism and secularism to skepticism about divine justice. By the end of the year, students will:

  • Understand the classical Sunni creed.

  • Learn arguments for God’s existence and attributes.

  • Gain confidence in defending faith in academic or social settings.

Text Studied: Ascent to Felicity by al-Shurunbulālī

Students are introduced to rulings of worship and everyday life. The curriculum also tackles modern questions of finance, ethics, and family. By engaging both tradition and contemporary context, students will:

  • Learn the basics of prayer, fasting, zakāh, and marriage.

  • Explore real-life applications like zakāh on crypto or 401ks.

  • Appreciate the complexity, mercy, and wisdom of Sharīʿah.

Text studied: Introduction to Ḥadīth Studies by Shaykh Furhan Zubairi

This course introduces the preservation and principles of ḥadīth. Students will learn how narrations were collected, authenticated, and transmitted, while also connecting Prophetic guidance to modern life challenges. Outcomes include:

  • Learning the science of isnād and ḥadīth terminology.

  • Understanding how ḥadīth underpin belief and law.

  • Applying Prophetic guidance to issues like capitalism, materialism, industrialism.

Text studied: Zād al-Ṭālibīn

Through texts like Zād al-Ṭālibīn, students will engage with practical narrations that shape character, ethics, and worship. They will:

  • Study concise ḥadīth collections for spiritual growth.

  • Explore how Prophetic guidance builds daily discipline.

  • Connect practice to larger social and ethical frameworks.

Year 2 Curriculum

Text studied: ʿIlm al-Ṣīghah

This course provides a structured exploration of Arabic word-formation, focusing on the recognition and application of core morphological patterns. Emphasis is placed on verb conjugation, noun derivation, and the internal structure of words.

Students are expected to:

  • Develop precision in analyzing and constructing words
  • Gain proficiency in identifying and applying key morphological patterns
  • Enhance their ability to interpret classical Arabic texts with greater accuracy

Texts Studied: Hidāyat al-Naḥw (with exercises from Al-Naḥw al-Wāḍiḥ)

Students continue their study of Arabic grammar through Hidāyat al-Naḥw, deepening their understanding of sentence structures, terminology, and syntax, with exercises in Al-Naḥw al-Wāḍiḥ to reinforce skills

Students are expected to:

  • Read extended Arabic texts with greater fluency and confidence

  • Understand grammatical terminology and concepts with greater depth

  • Apply grammar and sentence analysis skills to better comprehend Qurʾānic and ḥadīth passages

  • Develop precision in both understanding and communication

This course provides students with their first structured exposure to Arabic rhetoric. Taught through comprehensive instructor notes, it lays the groundwork for understanding the core areas of Maʿānī, Bayān, and Badīʿ—the building blocks of eloquent Arabic expression.

The focus is on developing intuition: how sentences convey meaning, how clarity and emphasis are achieved, and how rhetorical devices shape interpretation. Students analyze selected Qur’ānic verses, ḥadīth, and classical passages to see these principles in action.

Students engage directly with the Qurʾān, reading the sacred text while receiving guided translation and contextual explanation from the instructor. The course emphasizes understanding vocabulary, grammar in context, and developing a direct connection with the language of revelation.

Amount covered: Juz 1-10

Texts studied: Qaṣaṣ al-Nabiyyīn III & IV

Students study the entirety of Qaṣaṣ al-Nabiyyīn Volumes 3 and 4, translating each lesson independently with guidance, corrections, and feedback from the teacher. They also prepare written summaries of each lesson to strengthen their Arabic proficiency. This process enables students to engage deeply with the stories of the Prophets in light of the Qurʾān, while expanding vocabulary, enhancing reading fluency and comprehension, refining grammar and sentence analysis, and fostering a deeper understanding and love for the Qurʾān.

Students immerse themselves in the Arabic language through dynamic, instructor-led conversations. Occasional guidance from Al-ʿArabiyyah Bayna Yadayk supports structured dialogue and thematic exercises that foster fluency, confidence, and natural expression.

Text studied: Al-Abharī’s Isagoge

An introductory engagement with the science of manṭiq (Islamic logic), equipping students with the tools to think with clarity and precision. This subject covers essential logical concepts, classifications, and structures that support advanced study in theology, law, and language.

Text studied: The Creed of Imām al-Sanūsī (Umm al-Barāhīn)

Students study Umm al-Barāhīn, a foundational text in Islamic theology by Imam al-Sanūsī. The text systematically presents the core tenets of Sunni belief, emphasizing God’s existence, His attributes, and the role of prophethood. Students engage with rational proofs and arguments supporting these beliefs, fostering a deeper understanding of Islamic creed and developing confidence in articulating and defending the faith.

Text studied: Mukhtaṣar al-Qudūrī

Students undertake a focused study of Mukhtaṣar al-Qudūrī, covering legal rulings related to worship, zakāh, fasting, marriage, and other aspects of personal law. Attention is given to the reasoning behind selected rulings to strengthen juristic understanding and precision in legal vocabulary. The study concentrates on these core areas, while the chapters on transactions (buyūʿ) are deferred to the following year.

Text studied: Introduction to Usul al-Fiqh by Furhan Zubairi

An introductory study of the theoretical framework of Islamic law, examining how rulings are derived from the Qurʾān, Sunnah, and other sources. Students learn to recognize the methods by which jurists extract rulings, apply Sharīʿah sources, and analyze basic legal questions through fundamental Uṣūl concepts, cultivating an appreciation for the logical structure underlying Islamic jurisprudence.

Texts studied: Al-Nawawī’s Forty Aḥadīth

Students study Al-Nawawī’s Forty Ḥadīth, a foundational collection encompassing the core principles of Islam. The instructor provides commentary on each narration, clarifying key concepts in creed, worship, and ethics. Through guided explanation and reflection, students gain an appreciation of the comprehensive nature of the Prophet’s ﷺ teachings and their relevance to daily life.

Text studied: Mukhtaṣar al-Itqān fī ʿUlūm al-Qurʾān

This subject introduces students to the foundational disciplines encompassed within ʿUlūm al-Qurʾān through a concise yet comprehensive study of Mukhtaṣar al-Itqān. The text serves as an abridged presentation of the classical work al-Itqān fī ʿUlūm al-Qurʾān, covering the essential sciences necessary for a structured and scholarly understanding of the Qurʾān. Topics include modes of revelation, the history of compilation, categories of verses, types of qirāʾāt, causes of revelation, the concept of nāsikh and mansūkh, and the various stylistic, linguistic, and rhetorical features of the Qurʾānic discourse. The course equips students with a clear framework for appreciating the depth and methodology of Qurʾānic sciences and prepares them for more advanced study in tafsīr and related disciplines.

Year 3 Curriculum

Text studied: The Holy Qurʾān

Students engage directly with the Qurʾān, reading the sacred text while receiving guided translation and contextual explanation from the instructor. The course emphasizes understanding vocabulary, grammar in context, and developing a direct connection with the language of revelation.

Amount covered: Juz 11-20

Text studied: Qaṣaṣ al-Nabiyyīn V (Sīrah)

Students study the life and mission of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ through carefully selected Arabic narratives, translating each lesson independently with guidance, corrections, and feedback from the teacher. They also prepare written summaries of each lesson to strengthen their Arabic proficiency. This approach deepens engagement with the historical and moral dimensions of the Sīrah, while enhancing reading fluency, expanding vocabulary, and refining grammar and sentence analysis.

Text studied: Al-Qirāʾah al-Rāshidah III 

Students study a diverse collection of Arabic literary texts, including stories, historical narratives, and poems, translating each lesson independently with guidance, corrections, and feedback from the teacher. They also prepare written summaries of each lesson to strengthen their Arabic proficiency. This approach deepens engagement with the literary and moral dimensions of the texts, while enhancing reading fluency, expanding vocabulary, and refining grammar and sentence analysis.

Students immerse themselves in the Arabic language through dynamic, instructor-led conversations. Occasional guidance from Al-ʿArabiyyah Bayna Yadayk supports structured dialogue and thematic exercises that foster fluency, confidence, and natural expression.

Text studied: Sharḥ Qaṭr al-Nadā 

Students study the first half of Sharḥ Qaṭr al-Nadā, engaging with advanced concepts in Arabic syntax and grammatical theory. The text offers in-depth analysis of sentence structures, word relationships, and nuanced grammatical rules. Lessons focus on discussion, explanation, and critical understanding, enabling students to analyze complex Qurʾānic and classical Arabic passages with precision.

Text studied: Shadhā al-ʿArf fī Fann al-Ṣarf 

Students progress from practical application to a deeper theoretical understanding of Arabic morphology through Shadhā al-ʿArf. They explore the principles, reasoning, and occasional scholarly differences underlying morphological patterns. The study emphasizes the causes behind morphological variations and develops advanced analytical understanding of classical Arabic word-formation.

Text studied: al-Balāghah al-Wāḍiḥah

This course introduces students to the formal study of Arabic rhetoric through the classical primer al-Balāghah al-Wāḍiḥah. The text covers the essential areas of Maʿānī, Bayān, and Badīʿ, presenting them through clear explanations, structured lessons, and graded examples.

Students explore how rhetorical choices influence clarity, emphasis, and stylistic beauty, and they learn to recognize these elements within Qur’ānic verses, prophetic narrations, and classical Arabic passages. Regular exercises reinforce comprehension and help students apply the principles with confidence.

Text studied: Al-Iqtiṣād fī al-Iʿtiqād

Students study the first half of Al-Iqtiṣād fī al-Iʿtiqād, engaging with Imam al-Ghazālī’s concise exposition of Sunni theology. The text presents the foundational principles of belief, including God’s existence, His attributes, and the role of prophethood. Through guided discussion and reflection, students develop a deeper understanding of core Islamic creed and begin to articulate and defend these beliefs with clarity.

Text studied: Mukhtaṣar al-Qudūrī

This course completes the study of Mukhtaṣar al-Qudūrī, focusing on Muʿāmalāt (transactions) and personal law. Students study sales, contracts, marriage and divorce, maintenance, and introductory penal rulings. Emphasis is placed on understanding applied Ḥanafī fiqh, legal reasoning, and how rulings interrelate across chapters, preparing students for advanced texts in Islamic jurisprudence.

Text studied: Multaqā al-Abḥur part: 1/2

A two-year advanced study of Ḥanafī jurisprudence through Multaqā al-Abḥur, a comprehensive fiqh manual synthesizing earlier authoritative works such as al-Qudūrī, al-Kanz, al-Wiṣāyah, and al-Majmaʿ. This course trains students to navigate refined juristic discussions, compare variant narrations within the madhhab, and understand the detailed structure of Ḥanafī applied law.

Text studied: A Concise Introduction to Ḥanafī Uṣūl al-Fiqh Muftī Tofael Nuruddin

This course offers an in-depth study of Uṣūl al-Fiqh. Students explore the historical development of Islamic legal theory, the methodology for deriving rulings from the Qurʾān and Sunnah, and key concepts including ijtihād (juristic reasoning), taqlīd (legal conformity), qiyās (analogy), ijmāʿ (consensus), and the classification and interpretation of Prophetic narrations (khabr). The course emphasizes applying these principles to understand Islamic rulings and prepares students for advanced fiqh studies.

Texts studied: The Manẓūmah of al-Bayqūnī

Students study Manẓūmah of al-Bayqūnī, a primer on ʿUṣūl al-Ḥadīth, through teacher-led commentary and discussion. The focus is on understanding the fundamental principles of hadith authentication, classification, and transmission. This approach develops students’ ability to analyze hadith texts critically and gain a foundational grasp of the methodology underlying Prophetic reports.

Texts studied: Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn

Students study Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn to engage with practical ḥadīth that guide ethical conduct, worship, and personal development. Lessons focus on reading, understanding, and reflecting on the narrations, with teacher guidance provided for explanation and discussion. Students are encouraged to internalize the teachings and connect them to daily life, developing both character and practical application of Prophetic guidance.

Texts studied: The Muqaddimah of al-Jazarī 

Students are introduced to the rules and principles of Qurʾān recitation through Al-Muqaddimah al-Jazariyyah. The text provides foundational guidance on proper pronunciation, articulation points (makhārij), and phonetic rules, enabling students to recite accurately and confidently. Lessons emphasize both theoretical understanding and practical application, with the teacher providing guidance, corrections, and feedback to refine recitation skills.

Year 4 Curriculum

Text studied: The Holy Qurʾān

Students engage directly with the Qurʾān, reading the sacred text while receiving guided translation and contextual explanation from the instructor. The course emphasizes understanding vocabulary, grammar in context, and developing a direct connection with the language of revelation.

Amount covered: Juz 21-30

Text studied: Mukhtārāt min Adab al-ʿArab

Students study Mukhtārāt min Adab al-ʿArab, engaging with a curated selection of classical Arabic prose and poetry. Lessons focus on analyzing language, style, and rhetorical devices, as well as understanding historical and cultural context. Students read and translate passages, with the teacher providing guidance and corrections, and write summaries in their own words to strengthen Arabic proficiency and literary appreciation.

Text studied: Ḥayāt al-Ṣaḥābah

Students study Ḥayāt al-Ṣaḥābah to explore the lives, character, and contributions of the Prophet’s ﷺ companions. The text highlights their devotion, ethical conduct, and the struggles they endured for the sake of Islam. Lessons involve guided reading, discussion, and analysis, enabling students to strengthen comprehension while reflecting on moral, spiritual, and practical lessons from the early Muslim community.

Text studied: Sharḥ Qaṭr al-Nadā

Students study the second half of Sharḥ Qaṭr al-Nadā, engaging with advanced concepts in Arabic syntax and grammatical theory. The text offers in-depth analysis of sentence structures, word relationships, and nuanced grammatical rules. Lessons focus on discussion, explanation, and critical understanding, enabling students to analyze complex Qurʾānic and classical Arabic passages with precision.

Text studied: Al-Kāfiyah 

Students continue their study of Arabic grammar with Al-Kāfiyah, consolidating their understanding of sentence structures, grammatical terminology, and syntactical relationships. Lessons focus on guided explanation and analysis, enabling students to read and comprehend Qurʾānic and classical texts with confidence and accuracy. This study reinforces prior grammar knowledge while further developing analytical skills.

Text studied: Al-Iqtiṣād fī al-Iʿtiqād

Students study the second half of Al-Iqtiṣād fī al-Iʿtiqād, continuing Imam al-Ghazālī’s concise exposition of Sunni theology. The text examines key aspects of belief, including human responsibility, divine justice, and eschatology. Through guided discussion and analysis, students consolidate their understanding of core Islamic creed, developing the ability to reflect on and articulate theological concepts with clarity.

Text studied: al-Maṭlaʿ by Zakariyyā al-Anṣārī

A higher-level study of classical logic using al-Anṣārī’s al-Maṭlaʿ, focusing on precise definitions, categories of concepts and judgments, forms of valid reasoning, and common logical fallacies. The course trains students to analyze arguments with rigor, refine their inferential skills, and understand how logical structure supports legal reasoning, creed, and scholarly debate.

 

Text studied: Multaqā al-Abḥur part: 2/2

A two-year advanced study of Ḥanafī jurisprudence through Multaqā al-Abḥur, a comprehensive fiqh manual synthesizing earlier authoritative works such as al-Qudūrī, al-Kanz, al-Wiṣāyah, and al-Majmaʿ. This course trains students to navigate refined juristic discussions, compare variant narrations within the madhhab, and understand the detailed structure of Ḥanafī applied law.

This course covers Uṣūl al‑Fiqh via the classical Ḥanafī manual Uṣūl ash‑Shāshī by Niẓām al‑Dīn al‑Shāshī. It explores how legal rulings are derived from the Qurʾān, Sunnah, ijmāʿ (consensus), and qiyās (analogy). Key themes include: interpreting textual evidence, reconciling differing reports, conditions of mujtahidīn, and methods of analogical reasoning. Through this text, students develop a solid grounding in Ḥanafī methodological theory.

Text studied: Nuzhah al-Naḍhar

Students study Nuzhah al-Naḍhar to explore the principles and methodology underpinning the science of ḥadīth. The text expounds upon classification, authentication, and critical evaluation of narrations, emphasizing scholarly rigor and theoretical understanding. Lessons involve guided discussion and analysis, equipping students to engage with classical ḥadīth literature with precision and a firm grasp of its methodological foundations.

Text studied: Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn

Students study Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn to engage with practical ḥadīth that guide ethical conduct, worship, and personal development. Lessons focus on reading, understanding, and reflecting on the narrations, with teacher guidance provided for explanation and discussion. Students are encouraged to internalize the teachings and connect them to daily life, developing both character and practical application of Prophetic guidance.

Year 5 Curriculum (tentative)

Text studied: Sharḥ Ibn ʿAqīl part 1/2

A two-year, in-depth study of Alfiyyat Ibn Mālik through the renowned commentary Sharḥ Ibn ʿAqīl. Students master advanced syntax, grammatical analysis, and idiomatic structures while developing the ability to parse complex classical texts with precision. The course strengthens command of iʿrāb, grammatical reasoning, and applied linguistics across legal, theological, and literary works.

Text studied: Mukhtaṣar al‑Maʿānī part 1/2

An advanced study of Arabic rhetoric focusing on the analytical method of Mukhtaṣar al-Maʿānī. Students explore the core principles of ʿIlm al-Maʿānī—sentence structure, contextual indication, emphasis, and the logic behind eloquent expression. The course examines why certain forms are more precise or effective, using examples from the Qurʾān, ḥadīth, and classical prose to develop a refined understanding of rhetorical choice and its intellectual foundations.

Text studied: Al-Hidāyah by al-Marghīnānī part 1/3

An advanced study of Hanafi jurisprudence through Al‑Hidayah by al‑Marghinānī. The course engages students with detailed rulings on worship, transactions, family law, and judicial matters, emphasizing the reasoning behind legal opinions, the evidences supporting them, and the resolution of complex issues. Students develop precision in understanding, analyzing, and applying classical fiqh principles.

Text studied: Masār al-Wuṣūl ilā ʿIlm al-Uṣūl

Masār al-Wuṣūl (مسار الوصول إلى علم الأصول) is a classical text in Islamic legal theory (uṣūl al-fiqh) that introduces the foundational principles used to derive legal rulings. The work covers sources of law, commands and prohibitions, general and specific texts, abrogation, consensus, analogy, and evidentiary reasoning.

Text studied: Sharḥ al‑ʿAqāʾid al‑Nasafiyyah

An advanced theological course exploring Taftāzānī’s detailed commentary on al‑Nasafī’s creed. Students study the core of the doctrine if the Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamāʿah, including divine names and attributes, the nature and sources of knowledge, prophecy, eschatology (the grave, judgment, paradise, and hell), and the hierarchy of creation. The course also confronts theological challenges by refuting groups such as the Muʿtazilah, Khārijites, and philosophers.

Text studied: Muqaddimah Ibn Salāḥ

An advanced study in the sciences of hadith, this course examines Ibn al‑Ṣalāḥ’s Muqaddimah. Students study the technical terminology of hadith, the principles of isnād (chains of transmission), evaluation of narrators (ʿIlm al-Rijāl), and the rules governing authenticity, classification, and transmission. The course also addresses scholarly ethics, proper documentation, and common challenges in hadith study, equipping students with the analytical tools to understand, assess, and apply hadith with precision.

Text studied: Mishkāt al-Masābīḥ part 1/2

Students study Mishkāt al-Masābīḥ, a thoughtfully organized collection of ḥadīths covering belief, worship, ethics, and social conduct. Students read each ḥadīth carefully while the teacher provides commentary on both its meaning and its authenticity or grade, helping them understand the context, lessons, and reliability of the narration. This method develops a deep comprehension of ḥadīth.

Text studied: Tafsīr al-Jalālayn part 1/2

A study of Qur’ānic exegesis, covering the entire Qur’ān through the concise and clear commentary of Tafsīr al-Jalālayn by al-Maḥallī and al-Suyūṭī. Students explore linguistic, legal, and theological insights, contextual explanations, and the practical lessons of the Qur’ān, developing the ability to understand and convey its meanings with accuracy and depth.

Year 6 Curriculum (tentative)

Text studied: Sharḥ Ibn ʿAqīl aprt 2/2

A two-year, in-depth study of Alfiyyat Ibn Mālik through the renowned commentary Sharḥ Ibn ʿAqīl. Students master advanced syntax, grammatical analysis, and idiomatic structures while developing the ability to parse complex classical texts with precision. The course strengthens command of iʿrāb, grammatical reasoning, and applied linguistics across legal, theological, and literary works.

Text studied: Mukhtaṣar al‑Maʿānī part 2/2

An advanced study of Arabic rhetoric focusing on the analytical method of Mukhtaṣar al-Maʿānī. Students explore the core principles of ʿIlm al-Maʿānī—sentence structure, contextual indication, emphasis, and the logic behind eloquent expression. The course examines why certain forms are more precise or effective, using examples from the Qurʾān, ḥadīth, and classical prose to develop a refined understanding of rhetorical choice and its intellectual foundations.

Text studied: Al-Hidāyah by al-Marghīnānī part 2/3

An advanced study of Hanafi jurisprudence through Al‑Hidayah by al‑Marghinānī. The course engages students with detailed rulings on worship, transactions, family law, and judicial matters, emphasizing the reasoning behind legal opinions, the evidences supporting them, and the resolution of complex issues. Students develop precision in understanding, analyzing, and applying classical fiqh principles.

Text studied: Sharḥ al-Maqāṣid fī ʿIlm al-Kalām

Students study Sharḥ al‑Maqāṣid fī ʿIlm al‑Kalām, a masterful classical commentary by Saʿd al‑Dīn al‑Taftāzānī. Through close reading of the text, students engage with deep theological concepts — such as the nature of divine attributes, existence, and human perception — while the instructor explains each point, unpacks the complex philosophical vocabulary, and demonstrates the rational proofs behind major doctrines. In this way, students not only internalize orthodox beliefs but also develop strong analytical and reasoning skills, preparing them to navigate both traditional scholarship and contemporary theological challenges.

Text studied: Mishkāt al-Masābīḥ part 2/2

Students study Mishkāt al-Masābīḥ, a thoughtfully organized collection of ḥadīths covering belief, worship, ethics, and social conduct. Students read each ḥadīth carefully while the teacher provides commentary on both its meaning and its authenticity or grade, helping them understand the context, lessons, and reliability of the narration. This method develops a deep comprehension of ḥadīth.

Text studied: Tafsīr al-Jalālayn part 2/2

A study of Qur’ānic exegesis, covering the entire Qur’ān through the concise and clear commentary of Tafsīr al-Jalālayn by al-Maḥallī and al-Suyūṭī. Students explore linguistic, legal, and theological insights, contextual explanations, and the practical lessons of the Qur’ān, developing the ability to understand and convey its meanings with accuracy and depth.

Year 7 Curriculum (tentative)

Text studied: Al-Hidāyah by al-Marghīnānī part 2/3

An advanced study of Hanafi jurisprudence through Al‑Hidayah by al‑Marghinānī. The course engages students with detailed rulings on worship, transactions, family law, and judicial matters, emphasizing the reasoning behind legal opinions, the evidences supporting them, and the resolution of complex issues. Students develop precision in understanding, analyzing, and applying classical fiqh principles.

Text studied: Sunan Abī Dāwūd

Students engage in a complete and methodical reading of Sunan Abī Dāwūd. The text is studied meticulously narration by narration while the teacher provides precise commentary relevant to:

  • Biographical notes on transmitters

  • The grading and authenticity of the narration

  • Linguistic, theological, and legal implications of the text

  • Contexts of transmission

  • Differences of opinion among the muḥaddithūn and fuqahāʾ

  • Derivation of aḥkām where applicable

Upon completion, students are granted ijāzah in its transmission together with a chain of narration linking them through their teachers to the authors of the compilations—and ultimately to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Text studied: Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī

Students engage in a complete and methodical reading of Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī. The text is studied meticulously narration by narration while the teacher provides precise commentary relevant to:

  • Biographical notes on transmitters

  • The grading and authenticity of the narration

  • Linguistic, theological, and legal implications of the text

  • Contexts of transmission

  • Differences of opinion among the muḥaddithūn and fuqahāʾ

  • Derivation of aḥkām where applicable

Upon completion, students are granted ijāzah in its transmission together with a chain of narration linking them through their teachers to the authors of the compilations—and ultimately to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Text studied: Sunan Ibn Mājah

Students engage in a complete and methodical reading of Sunan Ibn Mājah. The text is studied meticulously narration by narration while the teacher provides precise commentary relevant to:

  • Biographical notes on transmitters

  • The grading and authenticity of the narration

  • Linguistic, theological, and legal implications of the text

  • Contexts of transmission

  • Differences of opinion among the muḥaddithūn and fuqahāʾ

  • Derivation of aḥkām where applicable

Upon completion, students are granted ijāzah in its transmission together with a chain of narration linking them through their teachers to the authors of the compilations—and ultimately to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

 

Text studied: Muwaṭṭaʾ Mālik bi Riwayat Yaḥyā ibn Yaḥyā al-Samʿūdī

Students engage in a complete and methodical reading of Muwaṭṭaʾ Mālik. The text is studied meticulously narration by narration while the teacher provides precise commentary relevant to:

  • Biographical notes on transmitters

  • The grading and authenticity of the narration

  • Linguistic, theological, and legal implications of the text

  • Contexts of transmission

  • Differences of opinion among the muḥaddithūn and fuqahāʾ

  • Derivation of aḥkām where applicable

Upon completion, students are granted ijāzah in its transmission together with a chain of narration linking them through their teachers to the authors of the compilations—and ultimately to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

 

 

Text studied: Muwaṭṭaʾ Mālik bi Riwayat Muḥammad ibn al-Ḥasan al-Shaybānī

Students engage in a complete and methodical reading of Muwaṭṭaʾ Mālik. The text is studied meticulously narration by narration while the teacher provides precise commentary relevant to:

  • Biographical notes on transmitters

  • The grading and authenticity of the narration

  • Linguistic, theological, and legal implications of the text

  • Contexts of transmission

  • Differences of opinion among the muḥaddithūn and fuqahāʾ

  • Derivation of aḥkām where applicable

Upon completion, students are granted ijāzah in its transmission together with a chain of narration linking them through their teachers to the authors of the compilations—and ultimately to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

 

Text studied: Sharḥ Maʿānī al-Āthār li Abī Jaʿfar Aḥmad ibn Muḥammad al‑Ṭaḥāwī

Students engage in a complete and methodical reading of Sharḥ Maʿānī al-Āthār. The text is studied meticulously narration by narration while the teacher provides precise commentary relevant to:

  • Biographical notes on transmitters

  • The grading and authenticity of the narration

  • Linguistic, theological, and legal implications of the text

  • Contexts of transmission

  • Differences of opinion among the muḥaddithūn and fuqahāʾ

  • Derivation of aḥkām where applicable

Upon completion, students are granted ijāzah in its transmission together with a chain of narration linking them through their teachers to the authors of the compilations—and ultimately to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

 

Text studied: Tafsīr al-Bayḍāwī

Students study Tafsir al‑Bayḍāwī (Anwār al‑Tanzīl wa Asrār al‑Ta’wīl), a classical and advanced Qur’ān commentary renowned for its depth and precision. The text combines linguistic analysis, rhetorical insight, and theological reasoning, presenting profound concepts in a concise style. Under the teacher’s guidance, students carefully unpack each verse, exploring both its literal meaning and deeper interpretive dimensions, while the teacher explains difficult vocabulary, grammatical subtleties, and doctrinal implications. This approach cultivates advanced comprehension of the Qur’ān, strengthens Arabic proficiency, and develops a nuanced understanding of its spiritual and theological messages.

Year 8 Curriculum (tentative)

Text studied: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī

Students engage in a complete and methodical reading of Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī. The text is studied meticulously narration by narration while the teacher provides precise commentary relevant to:

  • Biographical notes on transmitters

  • The grading and authenticity of the narration

  • Linguistic, theological, and legal implications of the text

  • Contexts of transmission

  • Differences of opinion among the muḥaddithūn and fuqahāʾ

  • Derivation of aḥkām where applicable

Upon completion, students are granted ijāzah in its transmission together with a chain of narration linking them through their teachers to the authors of the compilations—and ultimately to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Text studied: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim

Students engage in a complete and methodical reading of Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim. The text is studied meticulously narration by narration while the teacher provides precise commentary relevant to:

  • Biographical notes on transmitters

  • The grading and authenticity of the narration

  • Linguistic, theological, and legal implications of the text

  • Contexts of transmission

  • Differences of opinion among the muḥaddithūn and fuqahāʾ

  • Derivation of aḥkām where applicable

Upon completion, students are granted ijāzah in its transmission together with a chain of narration linking them through their teachers to the authors of the compilations—and ultimately to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

Text studied: Sunan al-Nasāʾī

Students engage in a complete and methodical reading of Sunan al-Nasāʾī. The text is studied meticulously narration by narration while the teacher provides precise commentary relevant to:

  • Biographical notes on transmitters

  • The grading and authenticity of the narration

  • Linguistic, theological, and legal implications of the text

  • Contexts of transmission

  • Differences of opinion among the muḥaddithūn and fuqahāʾ

  • Derivation of aḥkām where applicable

Upon completion, students are granted ijāzah in its transmission together with a chain of narration linking them through their teachers to the authors of the compilations—and ultimately to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

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