Year 3
Alimiyyah Advanced
In the advanced stage, students gain mastery in key Islamic disciplines. The curriculum includes:
1. Tafseer
Year 3: Advanced Themes, Spirituality & the Hereafter
About the course:
In Year 3, the focus shifts towards more advanced Tafsir studies, delving deeply into the spiritual themes and eschatological concepts present in the Qur'an. The program will explore the prophetic narratives, themes of paradise, hell, resurrection, and divine mercy, while focusing on the rhetorical beauty and profound wisdom found in the Meccan and Medinan surahs.
Methodology & Teaching Tools
Primary Text:
o Arabic Tafsir Ibn Kathīr (abridged or full based on student level)
o Optionally supplemented with an English version for intermediate students
Teaching Style:
o Verse-by-verse analysis in class
o Weekly reading & written tafsir summaries
o Group discussions and tafsir reflection journals
Supplementary Sources:
o Asbāb al-Nuzūl by al-Wāḥidī
o Classical tafsir comparisons: al-Ṭabarī, al-Qurṭubī (as needed)
Learning Outcomes by End of 3 Years:
• Strong command over the entire Qur’an through the lens of Ibn Kathīr
• Deepened understanding of Qur’anic history, context, and themes
• Familiarity with Prophetic sayings related to tafsir
• Ability to critically analyze and reflect upon tafsir texts
• Readiness for scholarly writing or teaching beginner tafsir classes
2. Aqeedah
In Year 3, the focus shifts towards Islamic Creed (Aqeedah), where students will explore key classical texts that outline the core beliefs of Sunni Islam. The courses will cover the foundational principles of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama'ah and will provide an in-depth understanding of Islamic theology, the attributes of Allah, and the core beliefs that unify the Muslim community.
3. Quran and Tajweed
Year 3: Covering a Significant Portion of the Quran
Goal:
Increase page coverage and refine fluency in longer Surahs.
4. Fiqh
Year 3: Judicial Matters, Criminal Law, & Societal Issues
About the course:
Year 3 focuses on Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) and dives into the key areas of criminal law, judicial processes, societal issues, and international relations. This year is essential for students who seek to understand how Islamic law (Shari'ah) addresses justice in society, the judicial system, and interactions with the outside world.
5. Hadith
Year 3: Major Hadith Compilations & Their Applications
About the course:
Year 3 focuses on the study of major Hadith compilations, exploring their methodology, themes, and applications in Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh). This year is crucial for students seeking a deep understanding of authentic Hadith collections and how they influence Islamic law, theology, and practice.
6. Seerah
Year 3: Deep Study & Analysis of Seerah
About the course:
Year 3 will provide an in-depth study and analysis of the Seerah (life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), focusing on the historical, moral, and leadership lessons from the Prophet's ﷺ life and their relevance to contemporary issues. This year aims to deepen students' understanding of Seerah as a holistic discipline, examining not just key events but also the spiritual, political, and social dimensions of the Prophet's ﷺ life.
7. Tazkiyah
Year 3: Advanced Studies in Tazkiyah & Ethical Conduct
About the course:
This year will focus on the advanced study of Tazkiyah (spiritual purification) and the ethical conduct that is central to Islamic life. By examining classical texts such as Ighāthat al-Lahfān min Maṣāyid al-Shayṭān by Ibn Al-Qayyim, I‘lam al-Muwaqqi‘in ‘an Rabb al-‘Alamin by Ibn Al-Qayyim, and Muqaddimat al-Majmū‘ by Imam Al-Nawawi, students will gain a deep understanding of how to purify the soul and maintain ethical integrity. This year’s curriculum will bridge the gap between traditional Islamic knowledge and practical spiritual application.
Main Texts:
1. إغاثة اللهفان من مصايد الشيطان (Ighāthat al-Lahfān min Maṣāyid al-Shayṭān by Ibn Al-Qayyim)
2. إعلام الموقعين عن رب العالمين (I‘lam al-Muwaqqi‘in ‘an Rabb al-‘Alamin by Ibn Al-Qayyim)
3. مقدمة المجموع (Muqaddimat al-Majmū‘ by Imam Al-Nawawi)
8. Arabic
Year 3: Advanced Classical Arabic
About the course:
This year will focus on mastering Classical Arabic at an advanced level, with an emphasis on the intricacies of eloquence, rhetoric, and linguistic beauty. Through deep studies of key texts like "شرح التعليق على الدرة اليتيمة", students will gain proficiency in the morphology, structure, and stylistic analysis of Classical Arabic. This will enable them to use the language effectively for academic, professional, and scholarly purposes.
Core Text: شرح التعليق على الدرة اليتيمة
Higher-Level Arabic Studies
شرح التعليق على الدرة اليتيمة – Advanced studies in eloquence, rhetoric, and linguistic beauty
Emphasis on morphology, structure, and stylistic analysis
Mastery of Classical Arabic for academic and professional use
Teaching Approach & Methodology
Immersive Arabic Instruction – Classes conducted in 100% Arabic
Conversational Practice – Daily speaking and listening exercises
Grammatical Drills – Sentence parsing, verb conjugations, and morphology analysis
Writing Exercises – Short essays, summaries, and formal Arabic writing
Literary Analysis – Exploring classical and modern Arabic texts
Arabic sciences:
Level 2: Advanced Arabic Studies
Recommended Books:
1. "شرح قطر الندى وبل الصدى" – ابن هشام الأنصاري
2. "شذا العرف في فن الصرف" – الشيخ الحملاوي
3. "علوم البلاغة" – الشيخ أحمد مصطفى المراغي
4. "شرح المعلقات السبع" – الزوزني
9. Quranic studies:
Primary Text: التسهيل لعلوم التنزيل by Ibn Juzayy al-Kalbi
About the course:
The Quranic Studies program will offer a deep dive into the foundational tafsir and exploration of key Qur'anic themes over the course of two academic years, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the Qur'an and its interpretation. The primary text for this study is "التسهيل لعلوم التنزيل" (Tafsir al-Tashīl li-‘Ulūm al-Tanzīl) by Ibn Juzayy al-Kalbi, a crucial text for exploring the nuances of Qur'anic exegesis.