ʿĀlimiyyah Pathway

Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s Program in Islamic Studies

Tarbiyah Seminary offers a structured Islamic studies pathway designed for serious students seeking a deeper understanding of the Qur’an, Sunnah, Arabic language, Islamic law, theology, spirituality, and the scholarly tradition of Islam.

The program is designed in progressive stages, beginning with a 2-year Associate-level foundation, followed by advanced Bachelor’s and Master’s level study. Students who complete the full track through the Master’s program will have completed an ʿĀlimiyyah-level course of study, comparable in structure and depth to traditional Islamic seminary training while being adapted for students in the West.

This program is ideal for students who want to build strong Islamic literacy, serve their communities, pursue advanced scholarship, teach Islamic studies, or prepare for future roles in religious leadership.

A Structured Pathway Toward ʿĀlimiyyah-Level Islamic Scholarship

Program Pathway

  • Duration: 2 Years
    The Associate Program provides students with a strong foundation in Arabic, Qur’anic studies, Hadith, Fiqh, ʿAqidah, Seerah, Islamic history, and spiritual development.

    This stage is designed for students who want a serious introduction to Islamic scholarship and who may later continue into the Bachelor’s and Master’s track.

  • Duration: Following completion of the Associate Program
    The Bachelor’s Program builds upon the foundational sciences and introduces students to more advanced texts, legal reasoning, principles of interpretation, advanced Arabic comprehension, and deeper engagement with classical and contemporary Islamic scholarship.

  • Duration: Following completion of the Bachelor’s Program
    The Master’s Program is the advanced stage of the track. Students focus on higher-level Islamic sciences, research, textual analysis, legal methodology, applied scholarship, and community leadership.

    Students who complete the program through the Master’s level will have completed an ʿĀlimiyyah-level Islamic studies track.

Curriculum Apply Now

Who Is This Program For?

This program is designed for students who are serious about Islamic learning and want more than casual study.

  • Students who want to pursue a structured Islamic studies path
  • Adults seeking deep Islamic literacy
  • College students or professionals who want advanced Islamic education
  • Future teachers, khatibs, chaplains, community leaders, and daʿwah workers
  • Students who may eventually want to pursue ʿĀlimiyyah-level scholarship
  • Individuals who want to understand Islam through traditional texts and qualified teachers

This program requires consistency, discipline, adab, and commitment.

Why Tarbiyah Seminary?

Tarbiyah Seminary is not simply an academic program. It is a place of Islamic formation.

Our goal is to combine:

  • Traditional Islamic Knowledge
  • Qualified Instruction
  • Spiritual Development
  • Community Connection
  • Practical Application
  • Academic Structure
  • Relevance to Muslim Life in America

Students are not only expected to study Islam, but to grow in adab, worship, discipline, service, and responsibility.

Program Format

The program is offered through a combination of onsite, online, evening, and intensive learning formats.

Regular Weekly Schedule

Monday – Thursday
9:45 AM – 1:00 PM

Some classes may also be offered in the evening:

Monday – Thursday Evenings
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Evening classes may vary by semester and course offering.

Online and Onsite Learning

Tarbiyah Seminary offers both online and onsite classes. Some courses will be available onsite, while others may only be offered online depending on the instructor, subject, schedule, and semester structure.

Students should understand that this is a hybrid program. While onsite attendance is encouraged when available, certain required classes may need to be completed online.

Annual Intensives

Students will participate in 6 intensives per year.

Friday – Sunday
Approximately 14 hours total per intensive

These intensives are designed to give students concentrated exposure to important subjects, guest instructors, advanced topics, practical training, and spiritual development.

  • Qur’anic Reflections
  • Hadith Study
  • Fiqh Workshops
  • Arabic Review
  • Research and Writing
  • Spiritual Purification
  • Contemporary Issues
  • Community Leadership
  • Daʿwah and Public Speaking
  • Adab of the Student of Knowledge

Program Goals

By the end of the full track, students should be able to:

  • Read and understand foundational Arabic texts with guidance
  • Understand the major Islamic sciences and how they connect
  • Study Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh, and ʿAqidah in a structured manner
  • Appreciate the depth and methodology of the Islamic scholarly tradition
  • Engage contemporary questions with knowledge and balance
  • Teach introductory Islamic subjects responsibly
  • Develop personal spirituality, discipline, and prophetic character
  • Serve the Muslim community with humility and competence

Accreditation

Tarbiyah Seminary’s program is designed according to traditional Islamic seminary standards and is recognized within Islamic educational circles.

At this time, the program is accredited among Islamic schools and Islamic educational institutions. Broader state-level accreditation is a process that we are actively pursuing.

Islamic Seminary Recognition

This refers to recognition within Islamic educational institutions and scholarly circles.

Statewide Accreditation

This refers to formal recognition through state or higher education accreditation bodies. This process is currently being pursued but is not yet finalized.

Tarbiyah Seminary is committed to maintaining academic seriousness, institutional transparency, and high standards of Islamic education.

The term ʿĀlimiyyah refers to a comprehensive Islamic scholarly curriculum traditionally designed to prepare students for advanced understanding of the Islamic sciences.

In this program, ʿĀlimiyyah-level study means that students will progress through a structured curriculum covering core Islamic disciplines such as:

  • Qur’an and Tafsīr

  • Hadith and Hadith sciences

  • Fiqh and Uṣūl al-Fiqh

  • ʿAqidah and Islamic theology

  • Arabic grammar, morphology, reading, and comprehension

  • Seerah and Islamic history

  • Tazkiyah and spiritual development

  • Islamic ethics and adab

  • Research, writing, and applied scholarship

The goal is not merely to complete classes, but to produce students who can read, understand, teach, and apply Islamic knowledge with seriousness, humility, and responsibility.

What Is ʿĀlimiyyah?

01
Apply

Submit your application below:

02
Interview

Once you submit your application, you will receive an email to sign up for an interview.

03
Decision

After we have assessed your application, we will contact you via email with one of the following decisions: Accepted, Conditional Acceptance, Waitlisted or Denied.

Curriculum

  • This course introduces students to the foundational rulings of Islamic law through the study of Fiqh al-Muyassar. Students will explore the practical aspects of worship, including purification, prayer, fasting, Zakāh, and other essential acts of devotion. Emphasis is placed on understanding the evidences, wisdoms, and objectives behind Islamic rulings while developing the ability to apply them correctly in daily life. The course serves as a student's first formal step into the study of Fiqh and the broader Islamic legal tradition.

  • This six-level sequence is designed to develop a student's ability to understand the Qurʾān directly through a systematic study of Qurʾānic vocabulary, grammar, and translation. Beginning with frequently occurring words and linguistic patterns, students gradually build the tools needed to comprehend larger portions of the Qurʾān with confidence. By the completion of the series, students will have acquired a substantial Qurʾānic vocabulary and a stronger connection to the Book of Allāh ﷻ through direct engagement with its language and meanings.

  • This course provides students with a broad overview of the major disciplines that comprise the Islamic scholarly tradition. Students will be introduced to the sciences of Qurʾān, Hadith, Fiqh, ʿAqīdah, Sīrah, Arabic, Tazkiyah, and Islamic history while learning how these disciplines developed and interact with one another. The course serves as a roadmap for future study, helping students appreciate the scope, methodology, and richness of the Islamic sciences.

  • Through the study of Imām Abū Jaʿfar al-Ṭaḥāwī's celebrated creed, students will explore the essential beliefs of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamāʿah. Topics include belief in Allāh ﷻ, His attributes, the Prophets, angels, divine decree, the Hereafter, and other foundational matters of faith. The course emphasizes sound understanding, intellectual clarity, and spiritual conviction while introducing students to the theological principles that have guided Sunni scholarship for centuries.

  • This course examines the life of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ from his blessed birth through his mission, struggles, leadership, and passing. Students will study key events of the Makkan and Madinan periods while reflecting upon the lessons, character, and guidance found throughout the Prophetic biography. Special attention is given to understanding how the Sīrah shapes faith, character, worship, and community life in the modern world.

  • This course focuses on the memorization, study, and practical application of selected Prophetic narrations compiled in Zād al-Ṭālibīn. Students will strengthen their connection to the Sunnah through memorization while exploring the meanings, virtues, and ethical teachings contained within each Hadith. The course aims to cultivate both knowledge and character by encouraging students to embody the guidance of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ in their daily lives.

  • This course introduces students to the fundamentals of Classical Arabic grammar and sentence structure. Students will study essential concepts such as nouns, verbs, particles, gender, number, and basic syntax while developing foundational reading and comprehension skills. The course is designed to equip students with the linguistic tools necessary for future engagement with the Qurʾān and classical Islamic texts.

  • Building upon the first Arabic course, students will continue developing their understanding of grammar, morphology, and reading comprehension. Greater emphasis is placed on analyzing Arabic texts, recognizing linguistic patterns, and strengthening translation skills. By the end of the course, students will possess a stronger foundation for advanced Arabic studies and direct interaction with Islamic source texts.

  • This course provides a systematic study of the rules governing the proper recitation of the Qurʾān. Students will learn the articulation points of the Arabic letters, characteristics of pronunciation, and the practical application of Tajwīd rules through guided recitation. The goal is to help students recite the Book of Allāh ﷻ accurately, beautifully, and in accordance with the transmitted tradition of Qurʾānic recitation.

  • This course studies Imām al-Nawawī's renowned collection of forty-two foundational Hadiths that encapsulate the core teachings of Islam. Students will examine each narration's meaning, legal implications, spiritual lessons, and practical relevance. Covering themes such as sincerity, worship, character, social conduct, and faith, the course provides an essential introduction to the Prophetic tradition and its role in shaping the Muslim worldview.

Year 1

  • This course introduces students to one of the most influential foundational texts in the Ḥanafī legal tradition, Mukhtaṣar al-Qudūrī. Students will study the rulings of worship, transactions, family law, and other key areas of Fiqh while becoming familiar with the structure and methodology of classical legal texts. Emphasis is placed on understanding legal reasoning, recognizing juristic principles, and developing the ability to navigate the rich legacy of Islamic law.

  • Continuing the Tarjumah al-Qurʾān sequence, this advanced series further develops students' ability to understand the Qurʾān directly through its language. Building upon previously acquired vocabulary and grammatical principles, students engage with increasingly complex verses and linguistic structures. By the completion of this level, students will have significantly expanded their Qurʾānic vocabulary and strengthened their ability to reflect upon and engage with the meanings of the Qurʾān independently.

  • This course serves as an introduction to the principles and methodology used by jurists to derive rulings from the Qurʾān and Sunnah. Through the study of Al-Wajīz fī Uṣūl al-Fiqh, students will explore topics such as legal evidences, commands and prohibitions, consensus, analogy, and the objectives of Islamic law. The course provides an essential framework for understanding how Islamic legal rulings are developed and equips students with the tools necessary for higher studies in Fiqh and legal theory.

  • This course explores selected chapters from Imām al-Nawawī’s celebrated collection, Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn. Students will study Prophetic narrations related to worship, character, sincerity, repentance, social conduct, and spiritual excellence. Alongside understanding the meanings and lessons of the Hadiths, students will reflect on their practical application in everyday life. The course aims to cultivate both sound knowledge and personal spiritual growth through direct engagement with the teachings of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ.

  • Building upon the introductory study of the Prophetic biography, this course examines the Sīrah with greater depth and analysis. Students will explore major events, strategic decisions, leadership principles, and societal transformations that occurred during the life of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ. Special attention is given to extracting practical lessons for personal development, community leadership, and daʿwah while deepening appreciation for the wisdom and guidance found throughout the Prophetic mission.

  • This course advances students' understanding of Classical Arabic through a deeper study of grammar, morphology, and sentence analysis. Students will engage with increasingly complex Arabic passages while refining their reading, translation, and comprehension skills. The course serves as an important bridge between foundational Arabic studies and direct engagement with classical Islamic texts.

  • Continuing the development of linguistic proficiency, this course focuses on advanced grammatical structures, applied morphology, and textual analysis. Students will strengthen their ability to read and understand unvowelled Arabic texts while expanding their vocabulary and comprehension. By the end of the course, students will possess a stronger foundation for higher-level studies in Tafsīr, Hadith, Fiqh, and other Islamic sciences.

  • This course builds upon the foundational rules of Qurʾānic recitation and focuses on refining fluency, precision, and beauty in recitation. Students will review advanced Tajwīd concepts, common errors in recitation, and practical application through regular guided reading. The goal is to strengthen students' confidence and proficiency in reciting the Qurʾān according to the established traditions of Tajwīd.

  • This course studies Imām al-Nawawī's renowned collection of forty-two foundational Hadiths that encapsulate the core teachings of Islam. Students will examine each narration's meaning, legal implications, spiritual lessons, and practical relevance. Covering themes such as sincerity, worship, character, social conduct, and faith, the course provides an essential introduction to the Prophetic tradition and its role in shaping the Muslim worldview.

  • This course equips students with the principles of effective dialogue, respectful disagreement, and structured argumentation within the Islamic tradition. Students will learn the etiquette of scholarly discussion, methods of presenting evidence, identifying logical fallacies, and engaging contemporary questions with clarity and wisdom. Through guided exercises and practical application, students will develop the skills necessary to articulate Islamic perspectives confidently while maintaining the adab expected of a student of knowledge.

Year 2

  • This course introduces students to Kanz al-Daqāʾiq, one of the most important intermediate texts in the Ḥanafī legal tradition. Building upon previous studies in Fiqh, students will engage with a more advanced presentation of legal rulings while becoming familiar with the concise language and technical terminology of classical juristic works. The course develops a deeper understanding of legal methodology, juristic discussion, and the structure of Islamic law, preparing students for advanced legal studies in the later stages of the seminary program.

  • This advanced level of the Tarjumah al-Qurʾān sequence further strengthens students' ability to understand the Qurʾān directly through its language. Students will engage with increasingly sophisticated grammatical constructions, rhetorical features, and Qurʾānic expressions while expanding their vocabulary and comprehension skills.

  • This course studies Uṣūl al-Shāshī, a classical text in the principles of Islamic jurisprudence that has served as a foundational work for generations of students. Students will examine the methods by which jurists derive rulings from the Qurʾān, Sunnah, consensus, analogy, and other legal evidences. Topics include legal commands, prohibitions, general and specific texts, linguistic interpretation, and juristic reasoning. The course strengthens analytical thinking and provides essential tools for understanding advanced legal discourse.

  • This course offers a systematic study of one of the most celebrated texts of Sunni theology. Through Sharḥ al-ʿAqāʾid al-Nasafiyyah, students will explore foundational theological discussions concerning belief in Allāh ﷻ, divine attributes, prophethood, revelation, eschatology, and related doctrinal matters. Students will also be introduced to the intellectual methods employed by classical scholars in defending orthodox belief and addressing theological challenges. The course aims to cultivate both doctrinal clarity and intellectual confidence.

  • This course introduces students to the science of Arabic rhetoric (Balāghah), one of the key disciplines for appreciating the eloquence of the Qurʾān and classical Arabic literature. Through the study of Al-Balāghah al-Wāḍiḥah, students will explore concepts such as simile, metaphor, figurative expression, eloquence, and stylistic beauty. The course develops students' ability to recognize rhetorical devices and deepens their appreciation for the linguistic sophistication of Islamic texts.

  • This course surveys the historical development of the Muslim Ummah from the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs through major Islamic dynasties and civilizations. Students will examine significant political, intellectual, social, and spiritual developments that shaped the Islamic world across the centuries. Emphasis is placed on understanding the contributions of Muslim scholars, institutions, and societies while drawing lessons relevant to contemporary Muslim life and leadership.

  • This course introduces students to selected works of classical Arabic literature and ethical writings. Through reading and analysis, students will expand their vocabulary, strengthen reading comprehension, and gain exposure to the literary styles, values, and intellectual heritage of the Arabic language. The course also highlights the role of adab as both literature and refined conduct, fostering linguistic growth alongside character development.

  • This course introduces students to the foundational principles of classical Islamic logic (Manṭiq), a discipline historically studied to strengthen reasoning and analytical precision. Students will learn key concepts related to definitions, propositions, syllogisms, deductive reasoning, and logical argumentation. The course equips students with intellectual tools that support advanced study in theology, jurisprudence, legal theory, and other Islamic sciences.

  • This course focuses on the continued refinement of Qurʾānic recitation through advanced study and practical application of Tajwīd principles. Students will strengthen their mastery of articulation, rhythm, fluency, and recitational precision while receiving guided feedback on their recitation. Emphasis is placed on preserving the accuracy and beauty of the Qurʾān as transmitted through the scholarly tradition.

  • This course examines the noble character and etiquette of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ through the lens of the Prophetic biography. Students will study practical examples of mercy, leadership, humility, patience, generosity, wisdom, and interpersonal conduct demonstrated throughout the Sīrah. By connecting historical events to personal development, the course seeks to cultivate Prophetic character and help students embody the adab expected of seekers, teachers, and servants of the Muslim community.

Year 3

  • This course begins the study of Al-Hidāyah, one of the most authoritative and widely studied texts in the Ḥanafī school of law. Students will engage with detailed juristic discussions, legal evidences, and the reasoning employed by classical scholars in deriving rulings. Building upon previous studies in Fiqh and Uṣūl al-Fiqh, the course develops students' ability to analyze legal arguments, compare positions, and appreciate the depth of the Islamic legal tradition.

  • Continuing the study of Al-Hidāyah, this course explores additional chapters of Islamic law while introducing students to increasingly sophisticated legal discussions and juristic analysis. Students will examine the evidences, principles, and legal reasoning that underpin the rulings of the Ḥanafī school while refining their ability to navigate classical legal literature. The course serves as a major step toward advanced scholarship and prepares students for higher-level engagement with Islamic jurisprudence.

  • This final level of the Tarjumah al-Qurʾān sequence focuses on the completion of the Qurʾān while consolidating the linguistic skills developed throughout the program. Students will engage with advanced Qurʾānic vocabulary, rhetorical features, and grammatical structures while strengthening their ability to understand and reflect upon the meanings of the Qurʾān directly. By the end of the sequence, students will possess a strong foundation for independent engagement with the Book of Allāh ﷻ and further study in Tafsīr and Qurʾānic sciences.

  • This course studies Nūr al-Anwār, a classical text in Uṣūl al-Fiqh that builds upon students' previous training in legal theory. Students will examine advanced discussions concerning textual interpretation, legal evidences, juristic principles, and the methodologies used by scholars to derive rulings from revelation. The course develops precision in legal reasoning and deepens appreciation for the intellectual framework that governs Islamic jurisprudence.

  • This course introduces students to the principles and methodologies used by Hadith scholars in evaluating and preserving the Prophetic tradition. Topics include the classification of Hadith, conditions of authenticity, narrator criticism, chains of transmission, modes of narration, and the compilation of Hadith literature.

  • This course provides a systematic introduction to the principles governing the interpretation of the Qurʾān. Students will study the sources of Tafsīr, methods of interpretation, causes of revelation, Makkan and Madinan revelations, abrogation, linguistic analysis, and the qualifications of a mufassir. The course equips students with the foundational tools necessary for engaging the Qurʾān responsibly and understanding the methodologies employed by classical exegetes.

  • This course examines the Islamic laws of inheritance, one of the most precise and distinctive branches of Islamic jurisprudence. Students will study the Qurʾānic foundations of inheritance, categories of heirs, fixed shares, residuary heirs, exclusions, and practical case calculations. Alongside mastering inheritance formulas, students will gain insight into the wisdom, justice, and societal benefits embodied within the Islamic system of wealth distribution.

  • This course focuses on the refinement of Qurʾānic recitation through advanced application of Tajwīd principles, continued correction of recitational errors, and development of fluency and precision. Students will work closely with instructors to improve articulation, consistency, and confidence while preserving the accuracy and beauty of Qurʾānic recitation as transmitted through the scholarly tradition.

  • Through the study of Nafḥat al-ʿArab, students will engage with advanced Arabic readings designed to strengthen linguistic proficiency and literary appreciation. The course develops reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, grammatical analysis, and familiarity with classical Arabic expression. Students will learn to navigate more sophisticated texts while deepening their connection to the language of the Qurʾān and Islamic scholarship.

  • This course serves as the culmination of the Arabic language curriculum within the Associate Program. Students will integrate their knowledge of grammar, morphology, rhetoric, literature, and textual analysis through guided reading of classical Arabic works. Emphasis is placed on developing independence in reading Islamic texts, strengthening comprehension skills, and preparing students for the advanced Arabic demands of the Bachelor’s and Master’s stages of study.

Year 4

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This program is designed for students who have completed foundational Islamic studies, such as ISRA’s Farḍ al-ʿAyn Program or an equivalent, and are ready to engage in advanced coursework rooted in classical texts and Arabic literacy. It is best suited for students who are serious, self-motivated, and disciplined in their studies.

    The program is intensive and requires a strong level of commitment and dedication. Prospective students are encouraged to carefully consider the rigor of the program before applying.

    ISRA admits students without regard to race, color, national, or ethnic origin.

  • If you have studied elsewhere and can demonstrate equivalent knowledge (especially in Arabic), you may be eligible to take a placement exam for admission.

  • You do not need to be fully fluent, but you should have a strong foundation in Arabic grammar and morphology (naḥw and ṣarf) before beginning the program. Since many of the primary texts are in Arabic, students are expected to be able to read and write in Arabic.

  • All classes are conducted live, and attendance is required. There is no recording-only option; students must attend their registered courses in real time, whether onsite or online. If a student misses a class, they may catch up using the available recordings.

  • The Bachelor’s program is offered in a hybrid format. Students can attend either onsite at ISRA or join live online from anywhere in the world. However, all students are required to attend classes live during their scheduled times.

  • Yes. Each course includes at least two formal assessments (Midterm & Final Exam)  per semester. Completing all assessments is required to complete the course and remain in good academic standing.

  • Enrolled students will retain access to their course materials for personal review and continued benefit as long as the course is available on the Learning platform.

  • No, housing is not provided. Students are responsible for making their own living arrangements; however, we can offer suggestions and guidance to help them find suitable accommodations.

  • Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. Applications from those who do not meet the age requirement are reviewed by a committee.

  • There are no official restrictions on working while enrolled. However, due to the intensity of the program, it largely depends on the individual. Some students may be able to manage part-time weekend work, provided they are able to keep up with their academic responsibilities.

    • Note-taking materials

    • Textbooks (PDF provided), Physical Copy encouraged

    • Laptop/computer

    • Class time: 45 minutes to 6 hours (depending on course load)

    • Homework: 2–3 hours daily

    • Exam prep: 3–4 hours outside of class (when applicable)

  • Yes, financial aid and scholarships are available on a case-by-case basis after admission. Apply at israfoundation.com/financialaid

    Applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of financial situation. Tuition details are available elsewhere on the site.

  • Yes. Upon successful completion of the full curriculum, students will receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Islamic Studies from ISRA Foundation. Please note that ISRA Foundation is a private Islamic educational institute and is not accredited by any regional or national accrediting body.

    The program is intensive and requires a strong level of commitment and dedication. Prospective students are encouraged to carefully consider the rigor of the program before applying.

    ISRA admits students without regard to race, color, national, or ethnic origin.

  • In some cases, yes. If you have completed course work elsewhere that is equivalent in content and rigor, you may apply for credit transfer. All transfer requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may require exams or interviews.

  • Each semester is divided into two quarters.

    Classes are primarily held Monday through Friday, with multiple sessions throughout the day:

    • Session 1: 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM

    • Session 2: 9:50 AM – 10:35 AM

    • Session 3: 10:40 AM – 11:25 AM

    • Session 4: 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

    • Session 5: 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM

    • Break: 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

    • Session 6: 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

    • Session 7: 2:50 PM – 3:35 PM

    An additional evening session may be offered:

    • Session 8: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

    All timings are in Central Time (Dallas, TX).

  • The program takes 4 years to complete.