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The `Alimiyyah Degree Course

The `Alimiyyah Degree Course follows the Introductory Course which as we have seen comprises introductory modules to the major Islamic sciences and a completion of our language modules. As such external applicants are required to have completed the same or similar modules elsewhere to qualify for entrance. Applicants may also be required to pass a brief oral test to ascertain their eligibility and degree of preparedness for this course

The Third Year

  1. Hadith

    The Sunan al-Tirmidhi is employed in this module to introduce the student to the study of isnad and its utility in verifying the authenticity of hadith-material. The rijal-criticism conclusions drawn by Hafith Ibn Hajar al-`Asqalani in the Taqrib al-Tahdhib are taken as axiomatic at this stage. The chapters selected for study are mostly those of an edifying nature and as such do not require much commentary thereby allowing students to focus on critical study of the chain of authorities (sanad).

    Aims of Study


    • Practical training in hadith-criticism via the study of actual sanads as they appear in one of the leading classical works.
    • Acquaintance with and study of the Sunan of Tirmidhi, one of the six primary hadith-works, commonly employed by jurists and other scholars.
    • Revisiting hadith of an edifying nature; this time accompanied by its sanad and more detailed commentary than in the 2nd year of the Introductory Course.

  2. `Aqidah or Islamic Creed


    The Kubra al-Yaqiniyyat, a contemporary work on Islamic creed by Sh. Muhammad Sa`id Ramadan al-Buti, is the text employed at this stage. It contains a useful introduction to the world of beliefs in general and that of the Muslim ummah specifically. The author in the main body of the work limits himself to those beliefs proven by definitive evidences as held by the entire Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama`ah. This approach allows students to study the essential creed alongside its evidences and critically judge other acquired beliefs.

  3. Moral Reformation


    The Ihya’ `Ulum al-Din, a compendium on moral rectitude in all facets of human endeavor, by Imam Ghazzali is the text for this module.

1- Hadith [Sunan al-Tirmidhi] 2- Tafsir 3- Hadith Methodology and Terminology 4- `Ulum al-Quran 5- Usul al-Fiqh 6- Fiqh 7- `Aqidah 8- Ta'rikh 9- Tajwid 10- Tarbiyah