Al Kawthar Academy provided a pathway to another world, the world of ʿilm, wherein knowledge and spirituality combine to transform one’s connection with Creator and creation. Alongside the academic study of classical Arabic, fiqh, ḥadīth and tafsīr, my teachers also introduced me to the ancient and continuous tradition of scholarship stretching back to the Prophet ﷺ. This is an entirely different approach to learning, encompassing not just knowledge, but how to understand that knowledge, how to apply it, and how to integrate it with character, etiquette and spirituality in order that it might ultimately prove beneficial knowledge.

Very friendly, welcoming environment. All the teachers and students are kind and accepting. The teaching style is clear, easy to understand and detailed.

The course gave me a new lease and focus to life. I am very fortunate to have been granted this life experience. My outlook on life has a stronger vision now where I am able to feel more confident in myself and further feel better as an individual and Muslim.

Alḥamdulillāh at the age of 50 I had the blessing of graduating from Al-Kawthar Academy after 9 years of studying. As a mother of six, and working full time during the day, my motivation caused me to come to madrasah, which was the best part of my day. I was able to study the aḥādīth of the Prophet ﷺ as though I was sitting with the ṣaḥābah raḍiya Allāhu ʿanhum through the commentary of Shaykh Riyadh Ul Haq, and benefit from the treasures of his lessons. Not only was this an opportunity to further my knowledge but it was also a chance to be in the pious company of my teachers. I will be forever grateful to my teachers for their patience and continuous advice.

Studying the ʿālim class has been a transformative experience for me. The course proceeds at a deceptively gentle pace, starting with basic Arabic and continuing with topics ranging from fiqh to adab (Arabic literature). I say ‘deceptively’, because along with the methodical and thorough introduction to each subject, comes the opportunity to connect oneself to a chain of learning that stretches back to The Prophet ﷺ. Learning from teachers thus steeped in traditional knowledges creates an awareness of the ultimate purpose of study and thereby initiates an inner transformation that belies the actual pace of the teaching. The course has provided me with an understanding of the breadth of ʿilm and, I hope, instilled a sense of humility in approaching this ocean.