Full-time Seminary Curriculum

ACADEMIC YEAR 1

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Suhbah’s Full Time Seminary (Year 1) is a 3-track program that runs for 10 months (34 weeks), August 2024 to May 2025.

Classes run Monday through Friday 8:45am-2:15pm, totaling approximately 700+ hours of in-class learning. 

SEMINARY TRACKS

Track 1: Quran and Arabic studies (8:45am-10:15am)
Track 2: Fiqh studies (10:25am-11:55am)
Track 3: Hadith and Aqeedah studies (12:25pm-1:55pm)

Full-Time encompasses all 3 tracks.
Part-Time students can select one or two of the 3 tracks.

In this first year of the full time seminary, students will build a strong foundation of Classical Arabic (Nahw and Sarf) in order to understand the language of the Quran, understand and reflect through the tafseer of various chapters of the Quran, gain a solid grounding in the fundamentals of the main categories of Islamic law (Fiqh) and principles of the law (Usool), study the sciences of hadith as well as discuss a large sum of hadith collections, establish firm foundations in their Aqeedah as well as rebuttals to worldviews that aim to undermine the Islamic creed, and gain personal insight into their hearts and minds through Tazkiyah courses.

TRACK 1: QURAN & ARABIC
-Uloom Al Quran (Quranic Sciences)
-Tafseer of Selected Chapters
-Tadabbur: Quran Reflections & In-Depth Study
-Tajweed
-Quranic Arabic: Grammar (Nahw) & Morphology (Sarf)
-Reading Arabic texts without vowels
TRACK 2: FIQH
-History & Introduction to Fiqh
-Usool Al Fiqh: Principles of Fiqh
-Fiqh of Worship
-Fiqh of Family Law
-Fiqh of Financial Transactions
-Qawaid Fiqhiyah: Maxims of Fiqh
-Women’s Fiqh
TRACK 3: HADITH & AQEEDAH
-Uloom Al Hadith: Hadith Sciences
-Study of Sahih Al Bukhari
-Seerah: Life of the Prophet (PBUH)
-Usool Al Iman (Fundamentals of Faith)
-Al-Aqeedah Al-Tahawiyyah
-Responding to Postmodernism
-The Names of Allah
-The Hereafter
Fall Semester Courses

Tajweed – Tafseer – Uloom Quran – Arabic(Nahw/Sarf) – Intro to Fiqh – Fiqh of Ibaadah – Usool Iman – Responding to Postmodernism/Atheism – Uloom Hadith – Hadith texts – Usul al Fiqh –  Tazkiya Classes 

Spring Semester Courses

Tadabbur – Tafseer – Arabic(Nahw/Sarf, beginner reading texts without harakat)  – Muamalaat  – Hadith Texts – Al-Aqeedah Al-Tahawiyyah – Qawaaid Fiqhiyyah – Fiqh of Family Law – Seerah – Hereafter – The Names of Allah

ACADEMIC SCHEDULE 2024-2025


*subject to change

YEAR 1 COURSE CATALOG, 2024-2025,

*detailed version with all courses will be provided at orientation, InshaAllah.

Course Title: Quranic Arabic

Course Overview: The primary focus of this course is on Quranic Arabic (Classical Fusha Arabic). It is designed to foster an understanding and appreciation of the Qur’an in its original language, this course follows the Bayyinah Dream Arabic curriculum. Students will learn to understand and translate the Qur’an through a structured study.

Course Objectives:

  • Achieve proficiency in 80% of Quranic Arabic vocabulary.
  • Understand and apply Arabic grammar (Nahu).
  • Perform I’raab (grammatical breakdown of ayaat) and accurate translation.
  • Master the principles of Arabic morphology (Sarf).

Instructor: Safiya Ravat

Course Title: Beginner Reading Arabic Texts without Harakaat

Course Overview: The primary focus of this course is to give students the skills to begin reading Arabic texts without harakaat, based on their understanding of Nahu and Sarf.

Course Objectives:

  • Read basic texts and apply the correct vowel markings
  • Translate texts and gain a fluency in reading without harakaat

Instructor: Safiya Ravat

Course Title- Tajweed: The Art of Qur’anic Recitation

Course Overview: This course is designed to teach the principles and rules of reciting the Qur’an. Tajweed, which means “to make better” in Arabic, in this context entails learning the accurate pronunciation of Qur’anic letters and words. The Qur’an, a blessing revealed from Allah, deserves to be recited in an appropriate way. This course will provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to recite the Qur’an with proficiency and beauty..

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the importance and benefits of learning Tajweed.
  • Learn the articulation points (Makharij) and characteristics (Sifaat) of Arabic letters.
  • Master the rules of pronunciation.
  • Learn how to beautify your recitation.

Instructor: Mahad Qamar

Course Title – Uloom Al-Qur’an: Exploring the Sciences of the Qur’an

Course Overview: This course introduces the sciences of the Quran, focusing on its revelation, compilation, interpretation, and miracles. Students will explore the history of the Quran’s revelation and preservation, and delve into classical and contemporary methods of Quranic exegesis (Tafsir). 

Key topics include abrogation, Makki and Madani surahs, and Asbab al-Nuzul. The course also examines the Quran’s linguistic, literary, and scientific miracles, alongside its themes and structural coherence. Additionally, it addresses the interaction between Quranic teachings and modern issues. By the end of the course, students will have a foundational understanding of the Quran’s origins, interpretative skills, and an appreciation of its relevance in contemporary contexts. This course is ideal for those interested in deepening their knowledge of Islamic studies and the Quran.

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the history of the Qur’an’s revelation and compilation.
  • Study the various modes of Qur’anic interpretation (Tafsir).
  • Explore the principles of Qur’anic exegesis and the methodology of classical and contemporary scholars.
  • Learn about the linguistic and literary aspects of the Qur’an.
  • Examine the different themes and subjects covered in the Qur’an.
  • Analyze the concept of abrogation (Naskh) and its application in the Qur’an.
  • Study the Qur’anic sciences related to its preservation and transmission.

Instructor: Mahad Qamar

Course Title: Tafseer: Understanding the Qur’anic Exegesis

Course Overview: The Qur’an was revealed to be understood and implemented in our daily lives. This course is designed to provide a deep and reflective understanding of the Qur’an through the study of its exegesis (Tafseer), focusing on selected passages. By shedding light on the context, linguistic nuances, and underlying meanings of this blessed text, the course aims to deepen students’ knowledge of the Qur’an, enhance their spiritual connection, and equip them with the tools to apply its teachings in their daily lives.

Course Objectives:

  • Cover the Tafseer and Translation of 2 juz of the Quran in depth.
  • Develop a profound understanding of the Qur’an’s themes, messages, and wisdom.
  • Learn the principles and methodologies of Tafseer.
  • Analyze the linguistic and literary aspects of the Qur’an.
  • Apply Qur’anic teachings to contemporary issues and personal conduct.

Instructor: Farhat Shamsi

Course Title: Tadabbur- Deep Contemplation of Qura’nic verses.

Course Overview: Tadabbur involves reflecting, pondering, and deeply comprehending. This course is designed to help students connect with the Qur’an on a deeper level, encouraging thoughtful reflection and the application of its teachings in daily life by exploring the profound meanings within selected passages.

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the significance and purpose of Tadabbur in Qur’anic studies.
  • Learn to contextualize Qur’anic verses historically, linguistically, and thematically.
  • Foster a personal and spiritual connection with the Qur’an.
  • Apply Qur’anic teachings to contemporary issues and personal experiences.

Instructor: Mahad Qamar

Course Title: Intro to Fiqh

Course Overview: This course covers the history and development of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how Fiqh has evolved from the time of the Prophet (PBUH) to the present day. The course covers the foundational principles, key figures and major schools of thought

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the origins and significance of Fiqh in Islamic tradition.
  • Trace the historical development of Fiqh through various Islamic eras.
  • Introduction to all four schools of thought.

Instructor: Abdullah Ashraf

Course Title: Usool Al-Fiqh- Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence.

Course Overview: Usool Al-Fiqh is the tools through which the practical laws of Islam are derived from their authentic sources. This course will cover the legitimate sources of Islamic legislation and the methodologies of legal deduction

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the essence and significance of Usool Al-Fiqh.
  • Learn the primary sources of Islamic law.
  • Analyze the secondary sources of Islamic law and their roles.

Instructor: Abdullah Ashraf

Course Title: Fiqh Al-Ibadat: Jurisprudence of Worship.

Course Overview: This course on Fiqh Al-Ibadat (Jurisprudence of Worship) is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the essential acts of worship in Islam including Purification, Prayer, Fasting, Zakat, and Hajj.

Course Objectives:

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles and rules of Islamic worship.
  • Develop the ability to perform worship practices correctly and with confidence.
  • Understand the spiritual and ethical dimensions of the acts of worship.


Instructor: Abdullah Ashraf

Course Title: Al-Qawai’d Al-Fiqhiyyah- Legal Maxims of Islamic Jurisprudence.

Course Overview: This course provides an in-depth study of Al-Qawai’d Al-Fiqhiyyah, the legal maxims in Islamic jurisprudence.  These maxims are formulated through thorough study and analysis of Islamic laws across all branches of Fiqh. 

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the concept and significance of Al-Qawaid Al-Fiqhiyyah in Islamic jurisprudence.
  • Learn the major legal maxims and their sub-maxims.
  • Analyze the application of these maxims in different areas of Islamic law.
  • Develop the ability to apply these maxims to contemporary legal issues.

Instructor: Abdullah Ashraf

Course Title: Fiqh Al-Mu’malat: Jurisprudence of Islamic Finance.

Course Overview: This course on Fiqh al Muamalat is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and applications of financial transactions within the framework of Islamic jurisprudence. The course covers a wide range of topics, including contracts, trade, finance, and the ethical guidelines governing economics.

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the foundational principles of Islamic Finance.
  • Explore various types of contracts and transactions in Islamic finance.
  • Learn the ethical and legal guidelines for business practices in Islam.
  • Analyze contemporary financial issues and their compliance with Sharia.

 

Course Title: Fiqh Al ‘Usrah: Jurisprudence of Family Law

Course Overview: This course delves into the Islamic guidelines and laws related to family matters, including marriage, divorce, parenting, inheritance, and the rights and responsibilities of family members.

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the foundational principles of Islamic family law.
  • Learn the rulings related to marriage, including the selection of a spouse, the marriage contract, and the rights and responsibilities of spouses, divorce and separation.
  • Gain knowledge about the distribution of inheritance and the rights of heirs.

Instructor: Abdullah Ashraf

Course Title: Uloom Al-Hadith: The Sciences of Hadith.

Course Overview: This course is designed to gain a thorough understanding of Hadith literature, its history, its classification, and its canonization. It will also cover the methodology of grading and authentication.

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the significance and role of Hadith in Islamic tradition and jurisprudence.
  • Learn the historical evolution and preservation of Hadith literature.
  • Study the terminology and classification of Hadith.
  • Analyze the methodologies for Hadith authentication.

Instructor: Abdullah Ashraf

Course Title: Sahih Al-Bukhari.

Course Overview: This course offers an in-depth study of the abridged version of Sahih al-Bukhari, recognized as the most authentic collection of Hadith in Islam. The carefully compiled abridged version includes key ahadith from all chapters, providing comprehensive understanding of the book.

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the significance of Sahih al-Bukhari in Islamic tradition.
  • Learn the methodologies used by Imam Bukhari in the compilation of hadiths.
  • Study the text from beginning to end.

Instructor: Abdullah Ashraf

Course Title: Seerah: The Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Course Overview: This immersive Seerah course is dedicated to exploring the life, teachings, and significant events of the Prophet (PBUH)

Course Objectives:

  • Gain a detailed understanding of the key events in the life of the Prophet (PBUH).
  • Understand the social, political, and religious context of pre-Islamic Arabia.
  • Appreciate the personal characteristics and moral qualities of the Prophet (PBUH).
  • Reflect on the lessons derived from the Seerah and their relevance to contemporary issues.

Instructor: Mahad Qamar

Course Title: Usool Al-Iman: The Principles of Belief.

Course Overview: This course is an in-depth exploration of the essential beliefs (Usool Iman) that form the foundation of the Islamic faith. This course aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of these principles, their significance, and how they shape the life of a Muslim.

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the six articles of faith in Islam.
  • Explore the theological foundations and evidences for each article of faith.
  • Learn how these beliefs influence a Muslim’s worldview and daily practices.
  • Address common misconceptions and contemporary issues related to Islamic beliefs

Instructor: Joe Bradford

Course Title: Responding to Atheism

Course Overview: This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of atheism, its arguments, and the various responses to it from religious, philosophical, and scientific perspectives.

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the historical development and various forms of atheism.
  • Examine the key arguments for atheism and non-belief.
  • Explore religious, philosophical, and scientific responses to atheistic arguments.

Instructor: Fahad Tasleem

 

Course Title: Al- Aqeedah Al-Tahawiyyah.

Course Overview: Al-Aqeedah Al-Tahawiyyah is a classical theological text written by Imam Abu Ja’far al-Tahawi. This seminal work outlines the fundamental beliefs of Sunni Islam, providing a clear and concise exposition of core Islamic Creed.

Course Objectives:

  • Acquire a thorough understanding of the key issues in Islamic creed
  • Appreciate the significance and importance of Al-Aqeedah Al-Tahawiyyah
  • Attain an ijaza (certification) upon successful completion

Instructor: Joe Bradford

Course Title: The Hereafter Part 1

Course Overview: This course explores the minor and major signs of the Hour (the Day of Judgment) and helps students gain a deeper understanding of their significance and implications.

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the minor signs of the Hour and their occurrences.
  • Study the major signs of the Hour and their significance.
  • Analyze the Qur’anic verses and Hadith related to the signs of the Hour.
  • Reflect on the spiritual and ethical lessons derived from the signs of the Hour.

Instructor: Abdullah Ashraf

ADMISSIONS
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Questions

CAN A WOMAN STAY IN THE MASJID DURING MENSES?

CLICK HERE for video response.

The scholars’ 2 OPINIONS:
1) NO SHE CANNOT STAY IN THE MASJID UNLESS PASSING BY FOR A NEED (MAJORITY)

Evidences:
-The junub (sexually impure person after intercourse) is told explicitly in the Quran (Nisa: 43) not to stay in the masjid. And the junub, by analogy, is similar to the menstruating women because they both have an impurity that requires ghusl.
– Rasulullah (S) said to tell all women (menstruating and not) to come to the Eid prayer, but he said “let the menstruating women avoid the prayer place.”
-Rasulullah (S) in said, “The mosque is not permitted for menstruating women or anyone who is in a state of janabah (sexual impurity).”

2) YES SHE CAN STAY IN THE MASJID
(minority opinion held by Ibn Hazm, Al-Muzani a scholar of the Shafi’I madhab, Dawud Ad Dhaahiri, and modern day scholars such as Shaykh Yusuf al Qardawi and others)

Evidences:
-The hadeeth mentioned above (“The mosque is not permitted for menstruating women or anyone who is in a state of janabah (sexual impurity).”) was classed as da’eef (weak) by Shaykh al-Albaani as well as other scholars, so it is not permissible to make a ruling of fiqh based on a weak hadth.
– The ayah talking about the junub cannot be applied to the menstruating women because they are not analogous.
When Aisha is on her period during Hajj, Rasulullah (S) told her “do everything but don’t do tawaf of the kabah” which indicates she could stay at the Kabah and do worship, dua, etc.
-A slave woman who was freed set up a tent and lived in the masjid. And Umm Mihjaan (the caretaker of the masjid) would regularly take care of the masjid, and was not told to avoid it during menses.
-Therefore, these scholars are of the opinion that if it were really impermissible for a woman to not stay in the masjid, there would be an authentic direct hadith or ayah about it, as women around the messenger regularly had their period. The evidences brought by the majority are not strong enough to make it haram upon her to stay in the masjid.

CAN A WOMAN TRAVEL BY HERSELF?

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Did you know that the wives of the Prophet (S) traveled together WITHOUT a Mahram from Madinah to Makkah to make Hajj?

In short – there are two opinions on the matter. 1) No, she has to have a Mahram. 2) Yes, she can, as long as her safety can be ensured, and that she uses safe public transportation where others are around.

CAN I DO 6 SHAWAL BEFORE MAKE UP FASTS?

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Rasulullah (S) said “Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal will be (rewarded) as if he had fasted the entire year.” [Muslim]

So CAN I DO 6 SHAWAL BEFORE MY RAMADAN MAKE UP FASTS?

2 Opinions of the scholars:

1) NO, FINISH RAMADAN FASTS FIRST: Some scholars, amongst them the Hanbalis, say that one must finish the obligatory fasts of Ramadan first before you do any other voluntary fast, as obligations are more important than voluntary fasts and because the Hadith says “Whoever FASTS Ramadan and follows it up with 6 of shawal…” indicating one must finish all 29/30 of Ramadan first and foremost. Some of this group say, if one cannot do all of Ramadan make up fasts in Shawal, then they can complete their 6 Shawal in the next month (Dhul Qa’dah).

2) YES, YOU CAN DO 6 SHAWAL BEFORE RAMADAN MAKE UPS:
The other opinion of scholars (amongst them the Hanafi, Shafi, Maliki madhhab) is that the obligation of finishing off Ramadan is an obligation that is given an extended amount of time to fulfill. So since it is given a wide time of 11 months to finish the Ramadan fasts, it should NOT be limited to finishing them off in the very next month (shawal). Shawal is a limited amount of time, and Ramadan is given a long time, and therefore it would be permissible to fast 6 shawal first as long as the Ramadan fasts are accomplished throughout the next 11 months. This is from the mercy of Allah in giving us a long time to make up all the Ramadan fasts.

The precedence that we have in the seerah, is that of Aisha (R) who said that she regularly made up her Ramadan fasts in the month of Shaban, which is the month right before Ramadan. But it is also known that she did many voluntary fasts throughout the year. Scholars conclude that she thererfore saw it acceptable to do voluntary fasts, EVEN though the Ramadan make up fasts had not been completed yet.

It is also very difficult for women to make up Ramadan fasts (maybe 7-8 days) & finish shawal (another 6 days) within one month – because obviously her menses will come (maybe 7-8 days). That almost requires her to fast another WHOLE month minus her period just to accomplish Shawal. And that is definitely a great difficulty.

**Majority of scholars say you cannot combine Shawal and Ramadan make up fasts with one intention. They should be separate intentions and separate days.

NOTE: Know yourself! If you find it difficult to make up your fasts, PRIORITIZE Ramadan fasts over Shawal fasts, because an obligation is like a debt!

May Allah allow us all to fast the 6 of Shawal to get the reward of an entire year! Ameen

CAN WOMEN READ/TOUCH THE QURAN DURING MENSES?

CLICK HERE for video response.

RECITING QURAN – there are 2 opinions:
1) She CANNOT read/recite the Quran.
Most scholars prohibit women from touching the Quran based on the hadith “The menstruating woman and the one who is in a state of sexual impurity (janaabah) should not recite anything of the Qur’aan.”

2) She CAN read/recite the Quran.
This is the opinion of Ibn Taymiyyah, ibn Qayyim, Imam Malik, Bukhari, and one opinion of Imam Ash Shafii as well as many other scholars. Their argument is that the hadith mentioned above is Daeef (weak). In fact, the hadith is considered weak by almost all scholars of Hadith and therefore cannot be used in order to make a fiqh ruling. So women may recite or read the Quran, either from memory or from the Quran mushaf (book) itself.

TOUCHING THE QURAN

Scholars of fiqh agree that someone who is not purified CANNOT touch the Quran because Allah says in the Quran “None shall touch it except the purified” (Waqiah: 79). This includes the junub (sexually impure), the menstruating woman, as well as someone without wudhu.

So how can she read the Quran?
1) Use a barrier (glove, towel, pen) so that her hand doesn’t directly touch the Quran
2) Read it off of a tablet or phone as these are not considered the Quran, but rather devices that have the Quran in them.
3)Read a book which has Tafseer/translation in it – as that is not considered the Quran mushaf (book) either. Even if it contains the Arabic, if half is tafseer/translation, it is permissible for an impure person to hold.

WOMEN’S FASTING FAQ

CLICK HERE for video response.

Q:If you fast all day, and your period starts a few minutes before Maghrib, do you have to make that day up?
A: Yes.

Q: If I didn’t make up all my fasts before next Ramadan, what do I do?
A: If you had no excuse, you have to pay the penalty, Fidya as well as make them up later. (Fidya: feeding a poor person a full day’s meal per day that you missed).

Q: Do pregnant and breastfeeding women have to fast?
A: They are exempt if they fear for themselves or the baby. However, if they feel well enough, they can fast, after consulting a doctor.

Q: How do pregnant/nursing moms make up those fasting days if they have years of make ups?
A: There are multiple opinions of scholars:
1- make them all up over the years (majority opinion)
2- pay the fidya only (opinion of Ibn Abbas and Ibn Umar (R))
3- pay the fidya AND make them up over the years

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