ʿĀlimiyyah Pathway

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

Curriculum & Schedule Handbook

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.

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

Year 2

  • 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.

  • 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

  • This course continues the advanced study of Al-Hidāyah, guiding students through increasingly sophisticated discussions within the Ḥanafī legal tradition. Students will examine juristic evidences, legal maxims, scholarly disagreements, and the methodologies employed by classical jurists in resolving complex legal questions. Emphasis is placed on developing analytical skills, understanding legal reasoning, and engaging directly with the discourse of advanced Fiqh literature.

  • As the culmination of the Al-Hidāyah sequence, this course completes the study of one of the most influential works of Islamic jurisprudence. Students will engage with advanced legal discussions across a range of subjects while refining their ability to analyze evidences, compare juristic opinions, and appreciate the depth of the Islamic legal tradition. The course serves as a bridge between advanced legal study and higher-level scholarly specialization.

  • This course begins the study of Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ, one of the most celebrated collections of Prophetic narrations organized by subject matter. Students will examine selected Hadiths relating to faith, worship, character, and daily life while studying their meanings, legal implications, and spiritual lessons. The course strengthens students' familiarity with the Sunnah and develops their ability to derive practical guidance from the Prophetic tradition.

  • Continuing the study of Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ, students will engage with additional chapters covering ethics, social conduct, transactions, spirituality, and other important themes. Greater attention is given to understanding the relationship between Hadith, Fiqh, and spiritual development while cultivating a deeper appreciation for the comprehensive guidance of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ.

  • This course introduces students to Tafsīr al-Jalālayn, one of the most widely studied classical commentaries of the Qurʾān. Students will explore the linguistic, theological, and legal insights presented by Imām Jalāl al-Dīn al-Maḥallī and Imām Jalāl al-Dīn al-Suyūṭī while strengthening their ability to engage directly with Arabic tafsīr literature. The course serves as an important step toward advanced Qurʾānic studies and scholarly interpretation.

  • Building upon the first portion of the text, this course continues the study of Tafsīr al-Jalālayn while exposing students to a broader range of exegetical discussions. Students will further develop their ability to analyze Qurʾānic language, appreciate classical methods of interpretation, and understand the interplay between Tafsīr, Hadith, Fiqh, and theology.

  • This course studies selected poetry from the renowned Arab poet Abū al-Ṭayyib al-Mutanabbī, whose works are considered among the finest examples of classical Arabic literature. Students will examine linguistic expression, rhetorical devices, literary themes, and historical context while strengthening their command of advanced Arabic vocabulary and style. Through close reading and analysis, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the literary heritage of the Arabic language and its influence on Islamic intellectual culture.

  • This course introduces students to the science of narrator criticism and evaluation, one of the most remarkable disciplines developed by Muslim scholars to preserve the authenticity of the Sunnah. Students will study the principles used to assess the reliability, precision, and integrity of narrators, as well as the terminology and methodologies employed by Hadith critics. Through this discipline, students gain a greater appreciation for the rigorous scholarly efforts undertaken to safeguard the Prophetic tradition and distinguish authentic reports from weak or unreliable narrations.

Year 5

  • This capstone course studies selected portions of Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, the most authentic collection of Prophetic narrations after the Book of Allāh ﷻ. Students will engage with the methodology of Imām al-Bukhārī, the structure of the collection, chapter headings, legal inferences, and scholarly commentary. The course provides advanced exposure to Hadith analysis while highlighting the profound contribution of Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī to Islamic scholarship, law, theology, and spirituality.

  • This course examines selected narrations from Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, one of the most authoritative collections in the Hadith tradition. Students will study Imām Muslim’s methodology, criteria for authenticity, organization of narrations, and the scholarly discussions surrounding key Hadiths. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the legal, theological, and spiritual lessons contained within the narrations while appreciating the precision of the Hadith scholars in preserving the Sunnah.

  • This course explores selected chapters from Sunan Abī Dāwūd, one of the primary Hadith collections focusing on legal rulings and practical jurisprudence. Students will examine narrations related to worship, transactions, family law, and other legal matters while studying their application within the broader framework of Islamic jurisprudence.

  • Through the study of Sunan Ibn Mājah, students will engage with narrations covering a broad range of religious, ethical, and legal subjects. The course introduces students to the distinctive features of the collection, its place among the major Hadith compilations, and scholarly discussions regarding its narrations.

  • This course studies selected narrations from Sunan al-Nasāʾī, a collection renowned for its precision, scholarly rigor, and careful selection of authentic reports. Students will examine legal and theological discussions derived from the Hadiths while becoming acquainted with the methodology of Imām al-Nasāʾī and the contribution of his work to the preservation and transmission of the Sunnah.

  • This course examines one of the earliest and most influential works in Islamic scholarship, Al-Muwaṭṭaʾ of Imām Mālik ibn Anas. Students will study Prophetic narrations, statements of the Companions, and the legal practices of the people of Madinah that form the foundation of this remarkable text. The course highlights the unique methodology of Imām Mālik and provides insight into the formative period of Islamic jurisprudence and Hadith transmission.

  • This course studies the recension of Al-Muwaṭṭaʾ transmitted by Imām Muḥammad ibn al-Ḥasan al-Shaybānī, one of the foremost students of Imām Abū Ḥanīfah. Students will examine the narrations, legal discussions, and scholarly commentary found within the text while exploring the interaction between the Mālikī and Ḥanafī legal traditions.

  • This course introduces students to the study of commonly circulated narrations through Mukhtaṣar Maqāṣid al-Ḥasanah, a work dedicated to examining the authenticity and sources of widely quoted Hadiths. Students will learn how scholars distinguish authentic narrations from weak, fabricated, or misattributed reports while becoming familiar with the principles of Hadith verification.

  • This course concludes the seminary Hadith curriculum with a study of the noble character, appearance, habits, worship, and manners of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ through Imām al-Tirmidhī's celebrated Al-Shamāʾil al-Muḥammadiyyah. Students will deepen their love, appreciation, and connection to the Prophet ﷺ by studying detailed descriptions of his blessed life and character. Beyond academic study, the course seeks to inspire students to embody Prophetic virtues and carry his example into their personal lives, communities, and future service to the Ummah.

Year 6

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Completion of an ʿĀlimiyyah-level program gives students a strong foundation in Islamic sciences, but issuing fatwa requires additional specialization, mentorship, maturity, and authorization from qualified scholars. Students should not assume that graduation alone qualifies them to independently issue legal verdicts. However they can specialize in Darul Iftaa and then provided they fulfil all the requirements they will be. 

  • Tarbiyah Seminary is recognized within Islamic educational and seminary circles. Broader state-level accreditation is currently a process we are pursuing. Students should understand that while the program is structured according to serious Islamic seminary standards, state accreditation has not yet been finalized.

  • Students who successfully complete each stage may receive recognition for that level of study, such as Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s-level completion, depending on the program structure and administrative requirements.

  • Yes. Students are expected to attend classes consistently. Islamic knowledge requires discipline, regularity, and commitment. Attendance policies may vary by course and semester.

  • Recordings may be available for certain online classes, but students should not rely on recordings as a replacement for regular attendance unless permitted by the instructor or administration.

  • Yes. Students should expect exams, assignments, reading, memorization, Arabic practice, research, and participation depending on the course.

  • Students should expect to review regularly outside of class. The exact time commitment will vary, but serious students should plan for consistent weekly study, review, reading, and memorization.

  • Courses are taught by qualified instructors under Tarbiyah Seminary. Instructor assignments may vary by subject, semester, and level of study.

  • The program is similar in overall purpose to other Islamic seminary models, including structured Islamic studies and ʿĀlimiyyah-style pathways. Tarbiyah Seminary’s program is designed specifically for students in our community, with a balance between traditional Islamic learning and the realities of Muslim life in America.

  • Students should apply if they are serious about Islamic knowledge, willing to commit to a structured schedule, and ready to study with discipline and adab.

  • This is a structured Islamic studies program offered by Tarbiyah Seminary. It begins with a 2-year Associate-level foundation and continues into 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.

  • Prior Arabic knowledge may help, but the Associate Program is designed to build a foundation. Placement or prerequisites may vary depending on the student’s background and the level they are entering.

  • Yes. Students may complete the Associate Program as a standalone foundational program. Students who wish to continue may apply or progress into the Bachelor’s and Master’s stages, depending on program requirements and academic standing.

  • Regular classes are scheduled:

    Monday – Thursday
    9:45 AM – 1:00 PM

    Some evening classes may also be offered:

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

    Evening classes may vary by semester.

  • Classes are offered in both formats. Some classes are available onsite, some online, and some may only be offered online. Students should be prepared for a hybrid model.

  • Some courses may be offered online, but availability may vary by semester. Since some parts of the program may include onsite options, intensives, or specific class formats, students should contact the administration to confirm the current online completion pathway.

  • Some classes may be offered on-site, while others may be available only online. Requirements may vary depending on the semester, instructor, and level of the program.

  • The program includes 6 intensives per year. These intensives usually take place from Friday to Sunday and include approximately 14 hours of instruction per intensive.

  • Yes, intensives are an important part of the program. They provide concentrated learning, spiritual development, review, practical training, and exposure to topics that may not fit into the regular weekly schedule.

  • Students will study a range of Islamic sciences, including Arabic, Qur’an, Tafsīr, Hadith, Fiqh, Uṣūl al-Fiqh, ʿAqidah, Seerah, Islamic history, spirituality, Islamic ethics, and contemporary issues. See curriculum on this page for more details.

  • No. The program is for anyone serious about Islamic learning. Some students may want to become teachers, community leaders, or scholars, while others may simply want deep Islamic literacy for themselves and their families.