Study Islam. Understand the deen.
A structured, part-time Alimiyyah programme for adults and post-16 students who want to study the Islamic sciences alongside work, education and family life.
The Alimiyyah programme
A structured and comprehensive course of study in the core Islamic sciences, rooted in the classical Dars al-Nizāmi curriculum: Tafsīr, Ḥadīth, Fiqh, Uṣūl al-Fiqh, Naḥw and Ṣarf, ‘Aqīdah and more.
Each stage stands on its own, so you choose how far to go, one stage at a time.
Graduates who complete all three stages are awarded the Shahādah al-Alimiyyah, a Licence in Islamic Scholarship, equipped to serve as scholars, teachers and community leaders.
The three stages
Each stage is a course in its own right. Start with Arabic and carry on as far as you want.
- Stage 1Arabic IntensiveDevelop the Arabic language skills needed to engage directly with the Qur’an, Hadith and classical Islamic texts.2 years · £840 a year · Sisters and brothersAbout this stage
- Stage 2Comprehensive Islamic StudiesStudy Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh, Aqidah, Usul and the core Islamic sciences through classical texts.2 or 3 years · £900 a year · Sisters and brothersAbout this stage
- Stage 3Advanced Islamic ScholarshipAdvanced study of Tafsir, Hadith, the Kutub al-Sittah and comparative Islamic scholarship.2 or 3 years · £900 a year · BrothersAbout this stage
What will you study?
- Arabic
- Nahw, Sarf, reading and comprehension
- Fiqh
- Understanding Islamic rulings and their application
- Qur’an and Tafsir
- Understanding the Qur’an and its interpretation
- Aqidah
- Foundations of Islamic belief
- Hadith
- The Prophetic traditions and their sciences
- Usul al-Fiqh
- The principles behind Islamic jurisprudence
Who is this for?
You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need the commitment to begin.
- Want to study Islam beyond occasional classes and lectures
- Want a structured understanding of the Islamic sciences
- Want to understand the Qur’an and Hadith through Arabic
- Are working or studying and need a part-time programme
- Are willing to commit to regular study and independent learning
- Want to progress from foundational learning towards advanced scholarship
Hear from our students
… Recognising words in duas and in the Qur’an is an amazing feeling and brings a kind of joy and connection that I did not get just reading the English translation. …
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“I joined the course to feel a little closer to Allah by trying to understand Arabic. I have been blown away by how this course has challenged and expanded my mind. Recognising words in duas and in the Qur’an is an amazing feeling and brings a kind of joy and connection that I did not get just reading the English translation. I am honoured to be taught by experienced teachers that sacrifice their evenings and feel grateful to be able to study with likeminded sisters in an environment that nurtures the love of Allah and His beloved Prophet ﷺ.”
… I always had a zeal to gain sacred knowledge, however didn’t know whether I’ll be able to cope with the workload being a family man with young children. …
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“I joined Alimiyyah initially with a lot of doubt. I always had a zeal to gain sacred knowledge, however didn’t know whether I’ll be able to cope with the workload being a family man with young children. Alhamdulillah, through Allah’s mercy I am half a year through the Alimiyyah and can say it has been a great experience. The course is professionally conducted by the Ustaads and each subject complements the other. There are constant knowledge checks and there is always extra help available if needed.”
The part-time structure made it easy to balance my studies alongside my GCSEs and A levels, and the teachers are incredibly supportive, both academically and spiritually. …
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“The part-time structure made it easy to balance my studies alongside my GCSEs and A levels, and the teachers are incredibly supportive, both academically and spiritually. I’ve gained a solid foundation in Arabic, which has given me the ability to understand the Qur’an, hadīth and fiqh. Alhamdulillāh. The welcoming environment and strong sense of community make this programme truly special.”
More from students
“The flexibility and part-time structure of the Alimiyyah programme enables me to fit the learning around my working life and allows time for essential independent study. The high quality, interactive teaching methods ensure that learners of all abilities are catered for. Within a year, we have covered basic rules of Arabic grammar and morphology, allowing us to progress in our journey of translating and understanding Arabic texts.”
“Prior to joining the Alimiyyah programme I was attending duroos and bayaans locally and online and took a lot of benefit, masha Allah. After joining the structured programme I can see how the traditional sciences need much more focus and time to benefit fully from them. I am thoroughly enjoying learning the foundations to access this sacred knowledge, and whilst it is intense and needs a lot of hard work, my fellow classmates and respected teachers are helping me in this journey.”
“From day one till today, learning so much in such a short period of time in a classical yet professional and modern environment, with the addition of resources and technology, is truly a blessing from Allah. I feel like I can now connect with and understand the Qur’an and Hadith more easily and readily.”
How to apply
Questions about the programme? Email alimiyyah@nusratulislam.org or call 07866 817007.
Apply
Fill in the online application form.
Interview
We’ll be in touch about an interview.
Assessment and placement
We’ll assess your level and agree the right starting point.