Alimiyyah

Course Structure

The Alimiyyah is a course of Islamic Law and Theology. The course requires seven years (subject to student’s proficiency in Urdu and basic general Islamic knowledge). Both Urdu and Arabic languages are studied in the first three years due to majority of Islamic literature being written in these languages.

The final two years consist of an intense study of the Prophet’s (PBUH) traditions, along with the study of Islamic Jurisprudence and Tafseer (commentary of the Qur’an)

Alhamdulillah, over the past twenty years, over 700 students have graduated as Aalimas (Islamic scholars).

Year Course Period (approx) Course Details *
Learners (Eadadiya) 1 Yr Beginner’s Urdu and Arabic with explanations in English. Introduction to Islamic jurisprudence, brief study of Islamic History and the biography of the Prophet (pbuh).
1st Year (Oula) 1 Yr Arabic Grammar studied at higher level. Introduction to classical Arabic and its grammar. Majority of lessons given in Urdu and English as necessary.
2nd Year (Thaniyah) 1 Yr Introduction to the study of Ahaadith. Further study of Arabic grammar. Further study of reading and understanding Arabic at a higher level. Introduction to the study of Jurisprudence in the Arabic language.
3rd Year (Thalithah) 1 Yr Part 1: Study of the Quran with commentary. Study of Jurisprudence and of the four Madhabs. Study and commentary of Ahaadith.
4th Year (Raabi’ah) 1 Yr Part 2: Study of the Quran with commentary. Study of Jurisprudence and of the four Madhabs. Study and commentary of Ahaadith.
5th Year (Mishkaat) 1 Yr Intense study of Islamic jurisprudence in all four Madhabs (Al Hidayah). Further study of the Qur’an with commentary (Jalalain). Further study of Ahadith with commentary and brief discussion of the four Madhabs. Level of study is now equivalent to BA in Islamic Studies.
6th Year (Bukhari) 1 Yr Specialisation in Hadith Studies (six famous authentic ahaadith books). Level of study is now equivalent to MA in Islamic Studies.

* A list of the books studied is available on request.

Tiered Approach

The Alimiyyah curriculum consists of two main tiers which supplement one another.

Tier 1

Students study this course as a pre-requisite 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 and 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:

  • Arabic grammar
  • Urdu as a language and Urdu literature
  • Basic Islamic jurisprudence
  • Foundations of Islamic law
  • >Biography of the Prophet (peace be upon him)
  • Commentary on selected Prophetic Traditions
  • Sciences of Qur’anic recitation

A brief overview of subject content covered in the first three years of the Alimiyyah course

Qur’an and Tajweed

Tajweed comprises of the correct phonetic pronunciation of the alphabet, along with understanding and implementation of science of reciting the Qur’an according to the teachings of Imam Hafs. The subject is taught both theoretically and practically, so that students are provided with the opportunity to implement each new strand of Tajweed into their recitation of the Qur’an.  Students are also encouraged to memorise a few short chapters of the Qur’an along with essential daily prayers. By the second year, students are expected to read the Qur’an correctly with fluency in order to effectively understand and later analyse the text.

Fiqh (Jurisprudence/Legal theory of Islamic Law)

The Fiqh syllabus is divided into sections designed to discuss every aspect of a Muslim’s daily life. It begins with basic introductions to fundamentals such as physical and spiritual cleanliness, prayer and proceeds to discuss other types of worship. By the third year, students are expected to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of worship and its requisites. A number of issues affecting the youth such as drugs, sex, health and safety issues are also dealt with where learners can engage the educator.

Arabic language and grammar

Students are introduced to the basic components of Arabic syntax, morphology and etymology with the end goal being the interpretation and analysis of the Qur’an and Hadith. The grammar is taught in conjunction with classical Arabic texts, such as stories of prophets in order to implement the rules of the language. The subject also provides students with exposure to the language at a conversational level, thus resulting in students adding a third language to their repertoire.

Urdu

Students are taught Urdu for the first two years, where after delivery of the majority of lessons takes place in Urdu. 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, writing and comprehension of classical texts and secondly, students will develop a good vocabulary along with the ability to communicate in the Urdu language.

Ahadeeth (Prophetic Traditions)

This is a brief study of the teachings and sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him), with concise commentary on specific Ahadeeth. The aim is to give the students an insight to the advices and wisdoms of the Prophet (peace be upon him) as well as facilitate the analysis of the Arabic by applying grammatical rules. 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. Furthermore, the collection of Ahadeeth studied 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 detailed study of the following subjects, which builds upon the contents of tier one and further consists of an intense study of the varying opinions in Islamic Jurisprudence across the four schools of thought in Shariah:

  • Exegesis of Ahaadith
  • Principles of Ahadeeth
  • Translation and interpretation of the Qur’an
  • Exegesis of the Qu’ran
  • Principles of the Qur’anic Exegesis
  • Inheritance Law
  • Islamic Creed
  • Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence
  • As-Sihah as-Sittah – A 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