Alimiyya Curriculum

The Alimiyya curriculum consists of two main tiers which supplement one another:

Tier 1

Students study this course as pre-requisite needed for admission to the next level. The aim of this tier is to allow students to have a sound understanding and grasp of the Arabic & Urdu Languages in all areas in order to independently study Arabic/Urdu texts as well as recognising basic laws which will be further studied intensively.

The study consists of:

Basic Arabic Morphology
Basic Arabic Syntax &
Basic Arabic Etymology
Arabic Language
Urdu Language & Literature
Basic Jurisprudence (Foundations of Islamic Laws)
History & the Biography of the Prophet (sallal-laahu alayhi wasallam) taught through Urdu & Arabic comprehension
Commentary on selected Prophetic Narrations
Sciences of Qur'anic Recitation

A brief overview of what subject content is covered in the first three years of the Alimiyya Course is:

Qur’an

The teaching of the Arabic Alphabet, particularly the correct pronunciation (makharij) forms an essential component of the foundation years. It is absolutely essential for the students to be able to read and recognise the Arabic Alphabet. They are also encouraged to memorise a few short chapters and daily prayers. By the second year, students are expected to read Qur’an with fluency so that they may go onto analysing the Qur'anic text and understand and implement the art of recitation.
Our main aim is to enable the learner to read the Qu'ran fluently and correctly.

Fiqh (Jurisprudence/ Legal theory of Law)

The Fiqh syllabus varies from one stage to the next. It preliminarily begins with basic Fiqh terminology, following which the concepts of cleanliness are emphasised. Their learning of Fiqh at this stage largely includes practical demonstrations of ablution (wudhu) and prayer (salah). The detail and depth gradually increases as the student proceeds to the next year. By the third year students are expected to have learnt the pillars and conditions of worship i.e. of prayer, fasting, charity and pilgrimage. Studies at this stage are fairly comprehensive. A number of issues affecting the youth such as drugs, sex, health and safety issues are dealt with where learners can engage the educator.

Arabic

Learners are taught Arabic from the initial year up until the final year of studies at the Institute. Arabic lesson serves a two fold purpose. Firstly, it will assist them in reading the Holy Qur’an in the correct manner and secondly, they will develop a good vocabulary, along with the ability to communicate with simple terms. They are also taught simple Arabic sentences with its meaning. As they progress, they are equipped with a reasonable vocabulary. Alongside this, rules of grammar are introduced which aid in the composition of sentence structure and the translations of classical Arabic text into Urdu/English and vice versa. Study of the Arabic language is thorough throughout the first three years and includes study of all the topics associated with any language such as verbs, nouns, adjectives etc.

Urdu

Students are taught Urdu from the first year up until the final year of studies at the Institute. The beginners’ class are firstly familiarised with the Urdu Alphabet, forms of letters, pronunciation and vowels. The Urdu lesson serves a two fold purpose. Firstly, it will assist them in proper reading, understanding and comprehension of classical texts translated into the Urdu language and secondly, they will develop a good vocabulary along with the ability to communicate in the Urdu language. As they progress onto the third year, students will be familiar with use of nouns, prepositions, interrogative verbs, adverbs etc.

Ahadeeth (Prophetic Traditions)

This is a brief study of the teachings and sayings of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), with concise commentary on specific Ahadeeth collection. The aim is to give the students an insight to prophetic narration as well as facilitate the grammatical rearing of the students. The early acquaintance with Ahadeeth supplements what is to follow in the following tier as well as preparing the students and giving them a chance to appreciate the eloquence and style of the Arabic language. The collection of Ahadeeth which are studied are morally bound and aid in the moral and social development of the students as human beings.

Biography of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him)

A short account of the life and history of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) is taught, as well as his mission and movement and the effect it had on history holistically. Alongside this, the biography of the companions of the Prophet and religious figures and leaders are studied in order to give an insight into Islamic history. The purpose of this study is so that students can comprehend Islamic history and its roots, politically and geographically, over the ages as well as to take lessons of character and morale to aid in citizenship in society.

Tier 2

Upon satisfactory completion of tier one, students advance to tier two, this is a further detailed study of the theology of Islam. This tier is an in depth, detailed study of the following subjects, which is conclusive of an intense study of the varying opinions in Islamic Jurisprudence across the four schools of thought in Shariah:

Exegesis of Prophetic Traditions
Principles of Prophetic Traditions
Translation and Interpretation of the Qur’an
Exegesis of the Qu'ran
Principles of the Exegesis of the Qu’ran
Inheritance Law
Islamic Creed
Islamic Rhetoric
Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence
Sciences of Qur’anic Recitation

As-Sihah as-Sittah

An intense and detailed study of the six famous Hadeeth compilations:
Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abi Dawud, Sunan Ibn Majah, Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Sunan an- Nasa’i.

Other programs which the Madrassah provides are as follows:

Tahfeezul (memorisation) Qur’an Course

Students in the Hifz section embark on the noble task of committing the whole Qur’an to memory. They undergo a rigorous routine of memorization designed to ensure completion within three years.

Anjuman (Educational Forums)

In this faculty of studies, students are trained in the art and techniques of public speaking.