ʿĀlim & ʿĀlimah Course (16+)

Introduction

Al Kawthar Academy presents a part time ʿĀlim & ʿĀlimah course in English and Arabic for brothers & sisters, taught by qualified ʿUlamā´ and ʿĀlimāt. This part time course, based on a classical curriculum, is designed to help beginners progress from an elementary stage to a very advanced level in Arabic and Islamic Studies. Taught in English with a progressive focus on Arabic, it comprises an in-depth study of many disciplines including; Arabic language and literature, theology, Qurʾān, Ḥadīth and Fiqh.

Course Outline and syllabus

Years 1–2: Arabic language & literature, Fiqh, Ḥadīth

Years 3-5: Qurʾān, Ḥadīth, Principles of Fiqh (Usool al-Fiqh), Principles of Ḥadīth (Usool al-Hadith), Comparative Fiqh, Tafsīr

Years 6 -7: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Jāmi’ at-Tirmidhī, Sunan Abū Dāwūd, Sunan ibn Mājah & Sunan an-Nasâ’ī

Taught by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq & other qualified ʿUlamā´ and ʿĀlimāt.

An online option is available for selected classes. More info in the ‘Requirements’ section.

Dates and Timings

Course start date: Monday 26th August 2024

Timings for classes: 7pm – 10pm (Men and Women)

Days: Monday – Friday

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Lesson 3

Lesson 4

7pm – 7:45pm

7:45pm – 8:30pm

8:30pm – 9:15pm

9:15pm – 10pm


Open Day: Sunday 18th August 2024 from 2pm – 4pm

The open day will cover the following points:

  • Aims and visions of the course
  • Course outline
  • Structure and timing
  • Application process and fees

The open day is an excellent opportunity for prospective students (brothers & sisters) to view course material, the facilities available at the Academy and to meet Al Kawthar staff members and students.

Click here to view a previous Open Day Presentation


Please note that course availability, dates and timings are subject to change. Please register your interest early to secure a place as limited spaces are available. We are currently unable to cater to students studying outside of the UK.

Limited spaces available

Requirements

Minimum entry age for the course is 16. No detailed knowledge of the Arabic language is necessary. However, students should at least be able to recognise and read the Arabic script of the Qurʾān, even if it be slowly and without comprehension. 

An online option is available for selected classes.
This option is for those who are unable to attend the Academy in person.
Click here to find out more

Brothers and sisters can enrol into the higher years of the course subject to eligibility criteria.

Fees

The course fee per annum is £1,300 which can be paid outright at the beginning of the year or as ten monthly instalments of £130 per month.

Accepted applicants will be contacted and the required steps for the enrolment procedure, the direct debits, student contracts and book purchases, will be explained closer to the start of the Academic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I have filled in my application. What are the next steps?

You will be contacted by administration in order to complete your student contract, receive books for study and set up your direct debit. Please note that due to the volume of applications and end of year exams, there may be a delay in this process. You can expect a phone call or email confirming your place within the last 2 weeks of the summer holiday.

Q. When are the holidays?

The term dates follow the school holidays in Leicester for both online and on-site students. You can expect to receive the term dates at the start of the academic year.

Q. When are the exams?

There are two sets of exams that need to be taken by all students. The mid-year assessment takes place in the first week upon return in January, which contributes towards 20% of the final grade. The end of year assessment takes place in July and contributes towards 80% of the final grade for that subject. Failure in two or more subjects will result in needing to repeat the academic year. 

Naḥw and Ṣarf are compulsory subjects to pass in the first two years of the course.

Q. Can I complete the course online?

Those residing outside of Leicester may continue the course online, subject to the number of students in each year. We have online classes available for all 7 years of the course. 

Q. Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?

The course is not accredited. However, a graduation takes place upon completion of the 7 year alimiyyah course to signify this achievement.

Q. I have studied elsewhere and would like to join one of the later years. Is that possible?

Please fill out which books and subjects you have studied when filling in your application. An assessment for Naḥw and Ṣarf will need to be taken, followed by an interview with a member of staff to determine which year would be most suitable to continue your studies. The decision made by the assessors is final and applicants may not negotiate which year they would like to be placed in.