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One Year Intensive in Islamic and Arabic Studies

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Overview & courses

Program Overview

Madina’s full-time program is designed to offer a comprehensive and immersive educational experience, providing students with both academic excellence and personal growth. We emphasize a holistic approach to learning that integrates rigorous academic study with opportunities for meaningful companionship with scholars and fellow students, spiritual enrichment, and enjoyable extracurricular activities. Our curriculum not only covers core Islamic sciences but also fosters personal and spiritual development through mentorship, community-building, and thoughtfully crafted learning environments.

 

Class Schedule

Classes run throughout the week, with Arabic instruction scheduled Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Islamic Studies courses take place on Mondays and Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 5:05 p.m., ensuring that students have dedicated time for focused study in both language and foundational Islamic sciences.

 

Community and Spiritual Engagement

At Madina, student life extends beyond the classroom. Students are required to pray Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers in the congregation at the masjid, cultivating a deep connection with the local community. Additionally, every Thursday includes a mandatory Qiyam prayer, allowing students to enhance their spiritual routines and practice night worship together. Students are also expected to attend Jumuah prayers and public lectures delivered by Madina’s esteemed instructors, further enriching their spiritual and educational journey.

Arabic Language

  • Arabic Sciences
    • The Arabic sciences component of the Arabic program is structured to equip students with the essential principles needed to comprehend the core mechanics of the Arabic language. Students will engage with a range of texts covering Arabic grammar and morphology, with their studies culminating in a comprehensive examination of Al-Ajrumiyyah. 
  • Arabic Skills
    • The Arabic Skills component of the Arabic program is designed to help students develop essential language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with a particular emphasis on vocabulary building. The primary focus of this program is to enhance reading comprehension, enabling students to engage directly with the Quran and classical Islamic Arabic literature without relying on translations. The curriculum will utilize the Madina Reader series.

Quranic Sciences (Ulum Al-Quran)

    • Quranic Recitation (Tajwid) I
      • This course will cover the basic rules & application of Recitation, according to the way of Ḥafṣ ‘an ‘Āṣim, following the teachings of Ibn al-Jazari and other classical scholars. We currently have 2 learning tracks: Track 1 covers the Qa’idah Baghdadiyah, a basic Arabic literacy training course. Track 2 covers the fundamental rules, principles & techniques of Tajwid, at a seminary level of instruction. Students will complete an adult-level English Tajwid text that goes in-depth about Makhārij & sound of the letters, Ḥarakāt, basic guidelines for Waqf & Ibtidā`, as well as most of the rules of Tajwid. Learners are also exposed to the history of the Quran, Adab, and practical advice for dealing with the Quran, inwardly & outwardly. Through this course, students will learn to recite with better fluency, pronunciation, consistency, timing, and clarity, and learn how to become true Students of the Quran.
    • Quranic Sciences I
      • This course offers a foundational introduction to the Sciences of the Quran. It provides an overview of key topics related to the Quran, including its definition, content, names, and miraculous nature. Students will also explore the causes and types of revelation, the categories of verses, abrogation, and the transmission and preservation of the Quran. The course will cover the divisions of the Quran, its language and style, recitation, modes of recitation, as well as the science of exegesis and various interpretative approaches. This comprehensive study will equip students with a solid understanding of the Quranic sciences.

Hadith Sciences (Ulum Al-Hadith)

  • Hadith Terminology I
    • This course introduces the sciences of Hadith, focusing on the methodologies used by scholars to authenticate and categorize narrations. Students will gain an appreciation for the meticulous processes employed to preserve the Sunnah, including the evaluation of the chain of narration (isnad) and content (matn). They will also learn the specialized terminology and classifications, such as sahih, hasan, and da’if. The primary text will be Nukhbah al-Fikar, which serves as a foundational resource for understanding Hadith criticism. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in Hadith sciences, preparing them for further study in the field. 
  • Hadith Literature I 
    • This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Hadith literature, focusing on Arba’in al-Nawawi (Nawawi’s 40 Hadith). Through this study, students will explore the meanings and implications of the sayings of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) within the context of Islamic teachings. The instructor will guide students in understanding the historical, theological, and ethical dimensions of each hadith, encouraging critical reflection on their relevance to contemporary issues. Additionally, students will examine the methodology behind the compilation of these hadiths and their significance within the broader corpus of Hadith literature. This course aims to foster a deeper appreciation of the Prophetic traditions and their role in shaping Islamic thought and practice.
  • Hadith Sciences I 
    • This course introduces the foundational principles of Hadith sciences. Students will learn the core concepts that underpin the discipline and gain an understanding of the method of takhrij, along with the essential resources needed for this process. The course will also explore the various scholarly disagreements regarding the principles covered in Hadith Terminology I, analyzing the evidence and arguments presented by different scholars.

Theology (Aqidah)

  • Credal Theology (Aqidah) I 
    • This course provides an introduction to Islamic credal theology, focusing on the historical context behind the development of Sunni thought and the three major Sunni schools: Ashʿari, Maturidi, and Athari. Students will explore foundational matters of creed, with particular emphasis on the concept of Tawheed (the Oneness of God), and examine the key theological differences between the Sunni tradition and other Islamic groups. The primary text for this course is al-Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah, which will guide the study of core theological principles.
  • Scholastic Theology (Kalam) I 
    • This course provides a foundational exploration of the theology and methodology of the Ashʿari school, one of the principal schools within Sunni Islamic theology. The curriculum includes an in-depth study of the classical Ashʿari text The Sanusi Creed, also known as The Foundational Proofs (Umm al-Barahin). Through this course, students will be introduced to ʿIlm al-Kalām, a traditional discipline dedicated to articulating rational proofs and defenses of the Islamic creed. Students will engage with essential arguments and terminology used by kalām scholars, while deepening their understanding of Ashʿari thought and expanding upon the foundations established in previous studies of al-ʿAqīdah al-Ṭahāwiyyah.
  • Scholastic Theology (Kalam) II 
    • This course introduces the credal methodology of the Maturidi school of thought. Students will study the key theological positions of the Maturidi school and explore the structure of Maturidi texts through the study of Al-‘Aqaid al-Nasafiyyah. Additionally, students will deepen their understanding of the science of Kalam through supplemental readings of al-Taftazani’s commentary, which will provide further insights into Maturidi theological principles and their interpretation.
  • Comparative Theology I 
    • This course offers a comparative study of the Ashʿari and Maturidi schools of thought. Students will analyze the sources of the major theological differences between these two schools and examine their implications for Islamic creed and practice. To deepen their understanding, students will study Masail al-Ikhtilaf Bayn al-Asha’irah wal-Maturidiyyah, which explores the points of divergence and provides a detailed comparison of the structures of both schools. Through this course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key doctrinal distinctions and the historical development of these influential theological traditions.

Logic (Mantiq)

  • Traditional Logic I 
    • This course introduces students to a primer in Mantiq (traditional logic)through the study of the Matn of Sullam al-Murawnaq. Students will explore various types of knowledge, the distinction between inductive and deductive reasoning, and the different forms of syllogism. Additionally, they will familiarize themselves with the language and terminology of Mantiq, gaining a foundational understanding of logical reasoning and its applications within Islamic thought. Through this course, students will develop the skills to engage with the principles of logic and reasoning in a structured and analytical manner.

Prophetic Biography (Seerah)

  • Prophetic Biography (Seerah) I
    • This course provides an in-depth study of the Prophetic biography (Seerah), based on the accounts of the earliest scholars in the field. Students will explore the historical context of Arabia before the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), his early years, the revelation of his message, his life in Mecca, the migration to Medina, and his time in Medina. Through this examination, students will gain a deeper understanding of the significant events and turning points in the life of the Prophet, and their impact on the establishment and growth of Islam.

Islamic Law (Fiqh)

  • Islamic Law – Hanafi I
    • This course serves as an introduction to the Hanafi school of jurisprudence. Students will explore the historical development of the school, its key contributors, and its major works. The course will also focus on the rulings related to essential acts of worship, including tahara (purification), salah (prayer), zakah (alms), sawm (fasting), and hajj (pilgrimage). The primary text for this course will be Mukhtasar al-Quduri, which will guide students through the foundational principles of Hanafi fiqh in these key areas of worship.
  • Islamic Law – Shafi I
    • This course provides an introduction to the Shafi’i school of jurisprudence. Students will examine the historical development of the school, its key contributors, and its major works. The course will also cover the rulings related to fundamental acts of worship, including tahara (purification), salah (prayer), zakah (alms), sawm (fasting), and hajj (pilgrimage). The primary text for this course will be al-Ghayah wal-Taqrib, which will serve as a guide to the core principles of Shafi’i fiqh in these essential areas of worship.

Legal Theory (Usul al-Fiqh)

  • Legal Theory – Shafi I 
    • This course provides an introduction to the field of Islamic legal theory. Students will be introduced to the methodology and principles used by scholars to derive legal rulings from the Quran, Sunnah, and other sources. The course will also cover the structure of Islamic legal theory, including its major topics and key concepts. The primary text for this course will be al-Waraqaat, the foundational primer by al-Juwayni, which will guide students through the essential principles and methodologies of Islamic jurisprudence.
  • Legal Theory – Hanafi I 
    • In this course, students will deepen their understanding of legal theory by studying the primary text in Hanafi legal theory, Mukhtasar al-Manar (or an equivalent text). Students will explore the methodology employed by Hanafi jurists in applying their principles to the Quran, Sunnah, and other Islamic sources in order to derive legal rulings. This study will enhance their ability to understand the practical application of Hanafi jurisprudence and its distinctive approach to legal reasoning.

Islamic Spirituality (Tazkiya)

  • Islamic Spirituality (Tazkiya) I
    • This course focuses on Imam al-Zarnuji’s text Talim al-Mut’allim (Instruction of the Student), an essential work for those beginning their journey in the pursuit of sacred knowledge. Students will learn the significance of maintaining a correct intention in seeking knowledge, effective study methods, and the responsibilities that come with being a student of knowledge. Through this text, students will gain valuable guidance on how to approach their studies with sincerity and discipline, laying a strong foundation for their academic and spiritual growth. 
  • Islamic Spirituality (Tazkiya) II
    • This course is a study of Bidayat al-Hidayah (The Beginning of Guidance) by Imam al-Ghazali. The path to self-purification and spiritual realization is a lifelong journey, and this journey must begin with solid foundations, which Imam al-Ghazali beautifully outlines in this seminal work. In Bidayat al-Hidayah, Imam al-Ghazali introduces the foundational principles of the science of tazkiyah (spiritual purification), highlighting the spiritual diseases of the heart and their remedies. Through this text, students will learn to recognize and address these inner ailments, laying the groundwork for a transformative path toward personal and spiritual development.

Islamic History (Tarikh)

  • Islamic History I – The Rightly Guided Rulers
    • This course provides an in-depth study of four of the most prominent companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family): Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (RA), Umar al-Faruq (RA), Uthman bin Affan (RA), and Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA). Using Imam as-Suyuti’s Al-Khulafa Ar-Rashidun (The History of the Khalifas Who Took the Right Way) as a reference, students will explore the remarkable lives of these leaders, delving into their individual contributions to Islam, their achievements, and their struggles as the rightful successors to the Prophet. Through the study of their stories, students will gain a deeper understanding of their leadership, their devotion to Islam, and the pivotal role they played in shaping the early Muslim community.

In addition the students can enroll to any number of elective courses which includes courses in Islamic Leadership, courses in Non-Violence and Peace Studies, advanced courses in Arabic, additional courses in Islamic Sciences etc.

Curriculum page

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Program Overview

Program Length

11 months

Format

In-person

Effort

Full-time or Part-time

Certification

Available upon graduation

What you’ll Learn

  • Foundational knowledge of the principles of Islam.
  • The tools needed to navigate the basic tenets of faith.
  • Practical insight into living the theoretical principles of faith.
  • Ability to seek out and understand Islamic Studies resources (scholars and texts).
  • Continue in the leadership, scholarship or career path
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Who should enroll

Our program is designed for anyone who:

  • Can dedicate themselves to studying the foundations of the religion for a year
  • Yearns for intellectual & spiritual growth
  • Aims to become a Community leader or Youth leader
  • Aspires to be an Islamic Scholar
  • Seeks a Career in Religious Studies

Admissions Overview

Admissions
Deadlines

    • Early Admissions deadline – April 15th, 2025
    • Final Admissions dealline – July 15th, 2025

    Application fee is waived for those applying before April 15th. Financial aid priority is also given to applicants who apply by April 15th.

Class of 2025-26 Start Date

  • August 25th, 2025

Who can Apply

Applicants must fulfill the following requirements for consideration of admission:

  • 16+ years of age
  • Have a high school diploma (or equivalent)

Steps to Apply

If you are not ready to apply yet, but have questions or would like to stay in touch, please contact us at admissions@madinainstitute.com

  1. Ensure you have all your required documents
    1. High school diploma or equivalent
    2. Proof of Identification and Documentation for your Residency
  2. Complete Online Application
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  • Please upload unofficial transcripts with your application. We will request official documents once you are admitted into the program.
  • Once you submit your online application, a Madina Institute admissions counselor will be in touch with you to assist with any questions and to provide updates or further instructions.

Program Overview

What our students say

Madina Institute's One Year program instilled in me hope to become a community leader and I returned home with more than I could ever imagine to offer my community.
Maleeha Darab
Entrepreneur, Activist & Calligraphy Instructor
One of the questions we should ask is: what are we inspired by God to do? Is it to seek endless inspiration as an end? The answer is reflected in the very word which describes knowledge: ‘ilm. When the last two letters are flipped, it gives you ‘amal: action. And what is the first step and foundation of any action? Knowledge.
Ahmed Deeb
Imam & Resident Scholar
Studying at Madina Institute not only helped me become a teacher in Islamic studies but also helped me become an Imam and Community leader.
Muaaz Kalla
Faculty, Imam & Community Leader

Contact Our Admissions Office For More Information About Our Programs

Thank you for your interest in Madina Institute. You may contact our Admissions Counselors via email or you may call our Admissions office directly.

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