FUNDAMENTALS PROGRAM
Duration: 3 Years
The Fundamentals Program provides an overview of the fundamental elements of classical Islamic learning and spirituality. Students will gain core instruction in the disciplines of Hadith, Islamic Law, Beliefs (Aqeedah), Seerah, Shamail, and Islamic Spirituality, as well as cover the translation and commentary of the entire Qur’an.
This track is principally designed for students who wish to acquire basic knowledge obligatory for a Muslim, without learning Arabic, and who can contribute a time commitment of about 3 to 4 hours per week. Course materials will be provided in English, and minimal reference will be made to the Arabic language.
Starting: July 2024
Days: Monday – Thursday
Duration: 5 to 6 hours per week
Time: 11:00 AM NY, 4:00 PM UK, 7:00 PM UAE, 8:00 PM PK
(Click here to convert to your time zone; Class timings are tentative and the confirmed schedule will be sent to registered students)
Annual Exams: Last week of June 2025
Summer Break: 1st July to 31st July 2025 (tentative)
Time Commitment: About 6 hours per week
Cost: Free
*Dates and timings are tentative and may be subject to change
Students enrolled in the Fundamentals Program will cover the following curriculum.
NOTE: It will include all the courses offered in the Qur’an Program which means that students enrolled in the Fundamentals Program need not separately enroll in the Qu’ran Program.
The duration of the Fundamentals Program is 3 years.
1. Qur’an Module:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation and Commentary of the Entire Qur’an | A detailed and inspiring commentary of the entire Qur’an with an emphasis on highlighting lessons that are relevant to our daily life. |
| The Sources & Methodology of Interpretation | Introduction to the field of Qur’anic Sciences; The Sources & Methodology for Interpretation of the Qur’an; Compilation of the Qur’an; Types & Causes of Revelation |
2. Hadith:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction to the Science of Hadith | Introduction to the Science of Hadith Studies; Classifications of Hadith; Methodology & Terminologies used in Hadith |
| Explanation of the sayings of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in Zad al-Talibin (Provisions for the Seekers). | This classic collection of 327 hadith contains many short sayings that express a multitude of meanings, and is ultimately meant to provide today’s Muslims a glimpse at the charisma of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and a roadmap with which to achieve closeness with Allah. |
| Sublime Characteristics of the Prophet (Peace & Blessings be upon him) | An explanation of the beautiful characteristics of the Prophet (Peace & Blessings be upon him) through selections from Imam al-Tirmidhi’s Al-Shamail al-Muhammadiya |
3. Islamic Beliefs:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Believer’s Creed | Understand the basic tenets of our faith through Imam Tahawi’s widely acclaimed reference work on Muslim beliefs, Aqidah al-Tahawiyah. |
4. Islamic Law:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Historical Development of Islamic Law | This course will examine the sources of Islamic law, its basic methodologies and the foundation of the legal schools through a historical analysis of the classical era. |
| Islamic Law I | Islamic Legal Rulings pertaining to Ritual Purification, Menstruation, Salah, Zakah, Fasting and Udhiya (Sacrifice) through Nur al-Idah (a classical text on sacred law). |
5. Islamic History: Students can choose any two courses from the following to fulfill the Islamic History Requirement of the Fundamentals Program:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Seerah | Seerah of the Blessed Messenger (Peace & Blessings be upon him)- Meccan and Medinan Periods |
| Lives of the Companions | Biographies of the Khulafa Rashideen (The Four Caliphs) |
| Mothers of the Believers | This course presents the biographies of the beloved wives of the Prophet (saw). Join us as we discover their courage, commemorate their sacrifices, marvel at their knowledge and learn how they imparted the Message. |
6. Contemporary Issues: Islam, Women & Gender is a compulsory course. Students can choose any one course from the following to fulfill the Contemporary Issues Requirement of the Fundamentals Program:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Being Productive: Management & Self-Discipline in Islam | This course will offer a unique blend of tradition and technology in order to address key topics in effective self-management – health, stress, sleep, time, conflict, inter-personal relationships, work ethics, dawah and personal productivity. |
| Islam, Women & Gender | This course will cover issues pertaining to women in Islam like Hijab, Inter-Gender Interaction, Hudood Laws and The Contribution of Women to Knowledge & Scholarship |
| Marriage in Islam | This course is a comprehensive guide on the journey for attaining marital bliss in Islam as a means of drawing closer to Allah SWT, encompassing different stages from understanding love and marriage, correctly thinking and preparing for it, choosing the right one, getting married Islamically, to building a strong, loving and lifelong marriage. |
7. Islamic Spirituality: Islamic Spirituality Essentials is a Core Course. Students need to take one more elective of their choice from the remaining courses to fulfill the Islamic Spirituality Requirement of the Fundamentals Program:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Islamic Spirituality Essentials | Introduction to the Science of Islamic Spirituality based on the Qur’an and Sunnah |
| Diseases of the Heart | Symptoms & Cures of Diseases of the Heart: Anger, Jealousy, Hatred, Greed, Malice, Unlawful Love, Arrogance |
| Stations of Certainty | Repentance, Patience, Gratitude, Hope, Fear, Trust in Allah swt, Contentment |
| Islamic Etiquette & Conduct | Selections from Imam Bukhari (rah)’s Al-Adab Al-Mufrad |
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| Translation and Commentary of the Entire Qur’an | A detailed and inspiring commentary of the entire Qur’an with an emphasis on highlighting lessons that are relevant to our daily life. |
| The Sources & Methodology of Interpretation | Introduction to the field of Qur’anic Sciences; The Sources & Methodology for Interpretation of the Qur’an; Compilation of the Qur’an; Types & Causes of Revelation |
FAQs
The only prerequisite is that students be over the age of 18 at the time of registration.
There is no fee. All courses offered by Maryam Institute are free of charge.
Yes, attendance is regularly marked for the Qur’an Program. In order to qualify for the diploma at the end of 2.5 years, students need to maintain at least 80% attendance.
What if I have to miss classes during the year because of my University exams or family engagements?
This course has been designed to cater to working women, students and housewives alike, so we do understand that there may be occasions when you may not be able to attend class for genuine reasons. In such scenarios, we provide recordings so that students may catch up with the classes they have missed.
Yes. Those students who wish to receive a diploma at the end of 2.5 years need to give Annual Exams.
Yes. You can choose to enroll as a listener if you wish. Listeners, however, will not receive any certification from Maryam Institute.
Recordings are available for all classes.
