Maryam Institute

Alimah Program English

Admissions Open December 2025

The Alimah Program is designed for students seeking rigorous, in-depth study of the Islamic sciences, development of reading fluency in classical Arabic, and the ability to commit approximately 10–12 hours per week.

Grounded in the traditional ʿAlimah curriculum, the program builds a strong, comprehensive foundation across the core disciplines of classical Islamic scholarship, including: Arabic language and its sciences; exegesis of the entire Qur’an (Tafsir); Hadith; Islamic Law (Fiqh); Principles of Legal Methodology (Usul al-Fiqh); Beliefs (Aqeedah); Seerah; Shamail; Contemporary Issues; and Islamic Spirituality.

While instruction begins in English, students are guided steadily toward Arabic reading fluency so they can access and study the sciences in the language of the scholars. This pathway includes engagement with selected classical Arabic manuals in each discipline, providing direct exposure to- and appreciation of- the richness of the scholarly tradition.

SCHEDULE

Alimah Program — Prerequisites & Admissions

  • Age: Applicants must be 16 years or older at the time of enrollment.
  • Commitment & Availability: Ability to devote 10–12 hours/week (live class, review, assignments, and exams).

  • Language: Comfortable with English for instruction and discussion.

  • Qur’anic Reading: Ability to read Arabic script and recite Qur’an at a basic level (tajwīd perfection not required).

  • Technology: Reliable internet, a laptop/tablet, microphone.

  • Academic Readiness: High school completion (or equivalent) and readiness for college-style coursework (weekly homework, quizzes, and term exams).

  • Code of Conduct: Agreement to Islamic etiquette (adab), academic integrity, and attendance policies.

Admission Requirements

To apply for the Alimah Program, applicants must submit the following:

  1. Reference Letter
    A letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, or a family member who can attest to the applicant’s character, commitment, and academic potential.

  2. Latest Academic Qualification
    A copy of the applicant’s most recent academic credentials:

    • High School Diploma  (or equivalent)

    • College or University Degree (if applicable)

  3. Personal Statement
    A written statement (500–700 words) outlining the applicant’s motivation for pursuing the Alimah Program, outlining their personal and spiritual goals.

  4. Non-Refundable Registration Fee
    A processing fee of USD 20 is required at the time of application.

Course Outline

1-Qur’an Module:

The total duration of the complete Online Alimah Program is 5.5 years.

During the Alimah Program, students will cover the following curriculum:

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 Module

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.

Riyadh al-Saliheen (Meadows of the Righteous)

An explanation and commentary of hadith in Imam Nawawi’s classic compilation, Riyadh al-Saliheen with an emphasis on appreciating the beauty of the Sunnah as well as discover ways to implement the Sunnah in our lives

The 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

Mishkat al-Masabih (A Niche for Lamps)

Mishkat al-Masabih is an expanded version of Al-Baghawi’s Masabih al-Sunnah by Muḥammad ibn ʻAbd Allāh Khatib Al-Tabrizi

Athar al-Tahawi

This book of the great Imam Abu Ja’far at-Tahawi is a collection of hadith related to legal judgments and divergent issues, classified by chapter of Fiqh

Sahih al-Bukhari

Compiled by Imam Muhammad al-Bukhari, the Sahih Bukhari is considered to be the most authentic collection of the teachings and sayings of the Prophet (saw). Students will cover both volumes

Sahih al-Muslim

Collection of hadith compiled by Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj al-Naysaburi (rah). Students will cover both volumes

Sunan Abu Dawud

Sunan Abi Dawud is a collection of hadith compiled by Imam Abu Dawud Sulayman ibn al-Ash’ath as-Sijistani (rah). Students will cover both volumes

Jami’ al-Tirmidhi

Jami` at-Tirmidhi is a collection of hadith compiled by Imam Abu `Isa Muhammad at-Tirmidhi (rah). Students will cover both volumes inclusive of the Shamail Nabawiyya

3-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).

Islamic Law II

Islamic legal rulings pertaining to Ritual Purification, Menstruation, Salah, Zakah, Fasting, Hajj, Commerce, Marriage & Divorce; through Mukhtasar al-Quduri (complete)

Laws of Inheritance

Laws of Inheritance from Al-Siraji Fi ‘l-Mirath Lil Shaykh Siraj al-Din al-Sajawandi al

Comparative Fiqh

Al-Hidayah: A Classical Manual of Hanafi Law – Volume 1 and Volume 2

4-Beliefs & Creed

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.

5-Arabic Grammar and Language

Course

Description

Arabic Morphology

Arabic Morphology through “Fundamentals of Classical Arabic” & “From the Treasures of Arabic Morphology”

Arabic Grammar

Arabic Grammar through “Ilm al-Nahw” & “Awamil al-Nahw”

Advanced Arabic Grammar

Advanced Arabic Grammar through “Al-Hidayah fi ‘l Nahw”

Arabic Rhetoric

Arabic Rhetoric through Durus-ul-Balaghah Ma’A Shams Al-Bara’a by By Hanafi Nasif, Muhammad Diyab, Sultan Muhammad and Mustafa Tamum

Arabic Vocabulary

Arabic Vocabulary through Arabic Tutor- An English translation of Tas-heel al-Adab Fi Lisan al-‘Arab popularly known as ‘Arbi Ka Mu’allim, a well-known Arabic Grammar textbook by Maulana Abdul Sattar Khan

6-Islamic Jurisprudence

Course

Description

Usul al-Shashi

Fundamentals of Islamic Jurisprudence through the classical manual “Usul al-Shashi”

7-Islamic History

Course

Description

Seerah

Detailed 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.

8-Contemporary Issues

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.

9-Islamic Spirituality & Personal Development

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

FAQ's

Is there a pre-requisite for the Alimah Program?

Please read the section on “Pre-requisites”.

What type of work load should I expect?

In the first year, students can expect approximately 10 – 12 hours of live classes per week, along with 2–3 hours of weekly homework. As the program progresses into the senior years, the workload typically increases to reflect the more advanced level of study.

What is your policy regarding attendance?

Yes, Attendance is regularly marked for the Alimah Program. In order to qualify for the Degree at the end of the program, students need to maintain at least 80% attendance. 

Will there be an exam every year?

Yes. Those students who wish to receive a degree at the end of the program need to appear for all quizzes, tests and the Midterm and Annual Exams.

What if I cannot make it to class at the stipulated class time?

Recordings are available for all classes. Students who are unable to attend class LIVE due to genuine circumtances may listen to the recordings to catch up with the missed lesson. 

Is it possible to enroll as a listener and not give exams?

We do not allow listeners in the Alimah program. 

Is there a Fee that I need to pay to enroll in this Program?

We have introduced a non-refundable registration fee of USD 20 for the Alimah Program. This fee is intended to gauge the seriousness of applicants and ensure that those registering are committed to joining the program.

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