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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

Importance of Sacred Learning 4 Preserving Islamic Science 5 Nurturing Homegrown Muslim Scholars 7 About Al-Rahmah, A Brief History 8 Educational Programs at Al-Rahmah 9Mission of Al-Rahmah Seminary 10The Seminary Program 11 Course Details 15Admission / Enrollment 16Policies and Guidelines 18Tuition & Financial Aid 19Campus Life 20Faculty 21Contact information 22

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Importance of Sacred LearningThe first command to be revealed in the Holy Qur’an is ‘Read with the name of your Lord who created.’ (96:1)

This verse magnificently summarizes Islam’s stance on education in general, and more specifically, sacred learning. The life of a believer is a journey of learning and seeking knowledge. At the heart of knowledge is The Quran.

It is from the mercy of The Creator that he taught us Qur’an. He says: ‘The Merciful, who taught the Qur’an, created man, taught him eloquent speech.’ (55:14-) First Allah created man, and then taught him the Qur’an. However, the sequence and style of this revelation allude to the fact that man can only be considered a complete human if he has acquired knowledge of the Qur’an. What separates man from other beings is his ability to acquire knowledge of the divine, and to implement it in his life. This indicates the importance of acquiring sacred knowledge, without which one cannot even learn to live in this world.

Knowledge of revelation isn’t dependent upon any external tools outside of the human body. Even writing was not a common tradition amongst earlier Muslims, to the extent that Muslims didn’t start writing till the period of Hajjaj and Umar Ibn Abd al-Aziz, when the latter institutionalized the writing of Hadith. There was reliance upon an oral tradition. People would acquire their knowledge from people, rather than books. This is how sacred knowledge was preserved and transferred from generation to generation.

The Unlettered Prophet (Nabi Ummi) is the role model if one endeavors to acquire knowledge of a divine nature upon which salvation is dependent. Knowledge of salvation is a universal right and equal opportunity for anybody with a sound mind.

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Preserving Islamic SciencesIslam is based on revelation from God. This is the final revelation sent from God to man. Although God has taken upon himself to preserve his scripture, he also entrusted Muslims with this noble responsibility. Preserving the purity of this message poses the greatest challenge to Muslims. Perhaps the best method for preserving this guidance is to follow it. To teach us its meaning, God sent the best of his creation, Muhammad (peace be upon him) and commanded us in the revelation to follow his teachings, and to take him as a role model. God mentions in that regard, Follow him [the Messenger of God] in order that you may be guided (7:158). He also reveals, Say [O, Muhammad!], “If indeed you love God, then follow me. God will in turn love you and forgive you your sins. Surely God is most forgiving, most merciful” (3:31). These injunctions to dutifully follow the Messenger of God are coupled with strong exhortations against innovation in religious matters. The Prophet Muhammad warned in that regard:

‘Those of you who live after me will surely witness much dissension. It is incumbent on you to adhere to my tradition and the way of my rightly-guided successors; cling tenaciously to them. And especially beware of innovated religious practices, for every innovation [in religious affairs] constitutes straying (Sunan Abi Dawud, 607; Sunan Ibn Majah, 6).’

He also stated, ‘Whoever introduces an unfounded novel practice into our religion will have it rejected’ (Sahih al-Bukhari, 469).

This duality, of encouraging adherence to guidance while discouraging innovation, is supported by the authentic chains of transmission, which have served as the principal means of conveying religious knowledge. These chains of transmission have safeguarded both the foundational texts of Islam and scholarly writings from the earliest centuries of the religion, facilitating an intellectual stability that has prevailed in the Islamic realm. They have also helped to establish a tradition of qualified scholarship that is essential for the preservation and perpetuation of the prophetic guidance. Herein is found one of the distinctive features of Islam: each generation of scholars received knowledge from those preceding them, establishing verifiable chains of transmission extending back to the source of the knowledge they related. Abd Allah b. al-Mubarak, one of the greatest scholars of the second century AH (eighth century CE), said, ‘Verifiable chains of transmission are an integral part of this religion. Were it not for those chains, anyone could have said anything he wished [and attributed it to Islam]’ (Sahih Muslim, 51).

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The primacy of chains of transmission places central importance on the human element in relating proper Islamic knowledge. And this knowledge is as much of the head as of the heart. In the Islamic tradition, conveying knowledge does not involve the mere transfer of information from the lines of books or the screens of computers to the student. It also involves human hearts connecting with one another, and the transfer of states of being.

Moreover, God revealed the following: ‘And it is not for the believers to go forth [to battle] all at once. For there should separate from every division of them a group [remaining] to obtain understanding in the religion and warn their people when they return to them that they might be cautious.’ (9:122)

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Nurturing Homegrown Muslim ScholarsIslam has never become rooted in a particular land until that land began producing its own religious scholars. There are several million Muslims in the United States. Yet, there is a shortage of academic institutions capable of training students in the varied sciences of Islam, while also creating for them the opportunity to pursue their secular and academic fields, thus allowing them to fully develop and understand the intellectual history and culture of the West, and make them well rounded and wholesome leaders, relevant and contemporary. A program of this kind would make them better rounded, accomplished, and capable of providing solutions for the challenges encountered by the Muslim Community in the American Context. Clearly, there is an essential need for Muslim institutions that can wed Islam’s classical texts with the contemporary context. The shortage of homegrown scholars has led to two lamentable situations. First, there are very few Muslim scholars who can meet the religious and pastoral needs of a rapidly expanding Muslim community in the West. Second, much of our younger generation has become alienated from the mosque and from religious culture.

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About Al-Rahmah, A Brief History Islamic Society of Baltimore/Masjid Al-Rahmah, located in the suburbs of Baltimore, in close proximity to the capital Washington, D.C. is among the largest growing Islamic Centers in the nation. Thousands of families are affiliated with the Center. ISB came into existence in 1969. ISB/Masjid Al-Rahmah occupied its current facility on 6631 Johnnycake Road, Windsor Mill, Maryland 21244 in 1983. From its inception, the Masjid is open 24 / 7 for Muslims to offer their daily prayers.

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Educational Programs at Al-RahmahAlong with the Masjid, Al-Rahmah full-time school was started in 1987 as an approved institution by the State of Maryland. Al-Rahmah full-time elementary, Middle and High School is now fully accredited by the Middle States Commission since fall 2010.

AQA was established in 1999 - 2000 academic year. It has produced over 70 Huffadh, having completed the memorization of Quran. Many of the male graduates go out to lead taraweeh and other prayers as well as teaching Quran.

Along with full-time school and Hifdh program, ISB also conducts regular Sunday school to provide children with basic Islamic knowledge and etiquette to enhance Islamic awareness in light of Quran and Sunnah, and to enlighten and foster identity as practicing Muslims.

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Mission of Al-Rahmah SeminaryCentury’s old monarchy, colonialism and the oppressive rule of their own people have brought about moral and spiritual degeneration of Muslims throughout the world. To release them from this degeneration, it’s about time the Muslim Community restructures its educational priorities along Islamic lines, fulfilling the existing needs as well. By virtue of such an educational program, the future generations will become the torch-bearers of Islamic values and play an effective role in the present world. The challenges of modern times call for rebuilding the structure of our educational program on such a foundation as to fulfill our spiritual as well as temporary obligations. Today we need an education system which can produce, Muslim philosopher, Muslim scientist, Muslim economist, Muslim jurist, Muslim statesman, in brief, Muslim experts in all fields of knowledge who would reconstruct the social order in accordance with the tenets of Islam.

Al-Rahmahs mission is to establish a recognized institution offering degree/certificate/ijazah courses in Quran, Hadith, Fiqh, Tajweed and other sciences, etc. AQA institution will be affiliated with the top institutions around the world. The Islamic Scholarship Program is structured in a manner that will allow students to continue completing their academic studies.

Our mission is to advance the actualization of Quranic and Prophetic guidance by establishing a model system that upholds the sacredness of Islamic Knowledge and ethics.

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The Seminary ProgramThe Al-Rahmah seminary program (Islamic Scholarship Program) is a 6 year integrated course designed to develop Muslim Leaders deeply rooted in traditional Islamic Sciences, while possessing a high level and grasp of the modern world around them.

The Seminary Program has been thoughtfully designed, allowing students to integrate the Islamic Sciences with their high school and college degrees.

The total instruction time will be 16 hours per week (subject to vary). This allows students the time to complete high school, and also a minimum of two years towards their college degree accomplished by the time they graduate from Al-Rahmah Seminary as scholars.

As the seminary program is an integrated program, we strongly encourage students to take this seriously by enrolling in college at the same time. Students who do not wish to will only be granted admission after careful consideration. This is based upon the discretion of the seminary board.

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The breakdown of the six year program is as follows:

Ma’had al-lughah (Arabic Institution/Academy) 2 years:

During these two years, students will complete a comprehensive study of the Arabic Language, studying subjects such as:

1. Nahw (Syntax/Grammar) - Nahw is that science, which teaches us how to join a noun, verb and particle to form a correct sentence, as well as what the (condition) of the last letter of a word should be.

2. Sarf (Morphology) – Sarf is a science that teaches the form and structure of words in the Arabic Language

3. Balaghah (Eloquence/Arabic Rhetoric) - the study of principles and rules of composition

4. Adab (Arabic Literature) – The study of written material such as poetry, novels, essays, characterized by excellence of style and expression.

5. Essay writing – Students will be trained in essay writing, to learn how to compose words, sentences, themes, and to encourage their usage of vocabulary and various writing styles.

6. Analyzing Quran – With the skill set acquired from the subjects mentioned above, students will now analyze Quranic chapters to gain an appreciation for its excellence in expression.

7. Tajweed - Rules and guidelines for Quran recitation)

During these two years, students will also be introduced to the following Islamic Sciences: Tafseer (Quranic Exegesis), Hadith, Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence), and Aqeedah (Islamic Creed).

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Ma’had al-Uloom al-Islami (Institution of Islamic Sciences) 4 years:

During these four years, students will complete a comprehensive and rigorous study of the subjects listed below. Famous classical texts will be taught relevant to the subject in this program. Students will have a comprehensive understanding of different theological groups, and also different law schools within Islam.

1. Tafseer – In Islamic Sciences, Tafseer is defined to be: The science by which the Quran is understood, its meanings explained, and its rulings derived. In this subject, students will navigate into the deeper meanings, interpretations, exegesis and application of the Quran.

2. Usool al-Tafseer - This course is a survey of the principles of Quranic exegesis. The curriculum focuses on ‘uloom al-Qur’an (background knowledge required of anyone who undertakes explanation of the Qur’an, especially its use of the Arabic language). It also includes a survey of works of tafseer, including the major classical works of tafseer bil-ma’thoor and tafseer bil-ra’y as well as modern trends in tafseer, particularly thematic tafseer.

3. Hadith – A systematic approach to the learning of statements, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) Hadith studies are a number of religious disciplines used in the study and evaluation of the Islamic hadith by Muslim scholars. It has been described as the science of the principles by which the conditions of both the chain of narration, and the text of the hadith, are known. This science is concerned with the sanad and the matn with its objective being distinguishing the authentic, from other than it. Another definition is: knowledge of the principles by which the condition of the narrator and the narrated are determined. Students will study major Hadith texts in this subject.

4. The Principles of Hadith- This course is a survey upon which the principles of hadith rest. In this course, pupils will learn about the history of Hadith, its collection, classifications, levels of Muhadditheen, Hadith collections.

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5. Fiqh – Fiqh is Islamic Jurisprudence. It is the study of the Islamic code of conduct expounded by the Quran and Hadith. In this subject, the students will learn the rulings in Islam pertaining to everyday life of a believer, with special emphasis to contemporary America. Students will be introduced to comparative fiqh, and will be made well acquainted with the various schools of Islamic Thought.

6. The principles of Fiqh – This course is a study of the history of Islamic Legislation, the development of Sunni Schools of Islamic Law. This course will also cover deeply the principles upon which Islamic Jurisprudence lays, specifically, the sources of Islamic Law, legal maxims, and Maqaasid.

8. Seerah and Islamic History – This course is the study of the chronological account of the Prophet’s life, with special emphasis to context, and application of lessons in our everyday lives. There will also be a systematic study of the history of Islam from the time of the Caliphs, until recent times.

9. Aqeedah (Islamic Creed/Dogma) – This course is a study of sunni creed, based upon the authentic sources of Islam. In this subject, students will learn how creed was formed, and the emergence of various creed schools within Islamic History.

(Currently Al-Rahmah seminary is only providing the Ma’had al-lughah program)

Please note, students applying for admission into the scholarship program must have completed the ma’had al-lughah at Al-Rahmah seminary, or have gained proficiency in those subjects at another institution prior to joining Al-Rahmah.

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Course DetailsIslamic Sciences have been divided into two categories:

(one) Prerequisites and

(two) Higher, intended and advanced sciences.

The first category is foundational subjects, prerequisites and tools without which a pupil cannot navigate into the higher sciences.

The second category is the actual major Islamic Sciences, known as the ‘Aaliyah (higher/advanced). The higher Islamic Sciences are founded upon the Quran and Sunnah. To fully understand, grasp and appreciate these subjects, one must immerse themselves with the core subjects. The Quran and Sunnah are in Classical Arabic. Moreover, all the traditional sciences are in the Arabic Language. Studying the core foundational subjects will equip the students with the proficiency required in the language to study, analyze and grasp the higher and advanced sciences.

There will be a total of 16 hours of instruction during the week. Classes will be between 9AM-1PM, Tuesday through Friday.

Al-Rahmah seminary program is an integrated program that provides students with the tools required to complete their high school subjects during the Ma’had al-lughah stage.

During the four years of higher and advanced studies, students will have their afternoons available for enrollment at a local college. Students will be expected to take a minimum of two classes per semester. This would ensure that upon graduating from Al-Rahmah Seminary, students will have completed two years of their college degree, thus adding to their career options.

Upon graduation from the scholarship program, students will have the opportunity to attend any university to complete their bachelors, or enroll at a famous Islamic Seminary within the United States, or worldwide to pursue further studies in the field of Islam.

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Admission / EnrollmentApplicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a U.S. citizen, legal resident or current visa holder. International students who currently DO NOT have a visa will not be considered. A visa must be obtained before an application will be processed.

2. Able to fluently read the Qur’an.

3. Be able to commit to a full-time program and financially support yourself during the program.

4. Must have completed grade 9 of high school.

5. Male and female can enroll at the Al-Rahmah Seminary. Specific classroom arrangements will be made for this program.

The Application Process:

The application deadline for 2013 - 2014 is September 6. The application process heavily favors applicants who apply early.

1. Carefully review the application criteria.

2. Complete and submit the online application form along with $100 non-refundable application fee.

3. Once the application is processed, each applicant will receive an appointment time via email for the reading assessment.

4. Upon successfully passing the reading assessment, applicants will be given an interview appointment time.to the applicant during the interview.

In the interview, applicants will be asked about their background, interests, motivations for taking this course, and future plans.

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Reading Assessment:

The reading assessment is designed to test the applicant’s fluency and comfort in reading the Arabic language. Applicants should be able to read without confusing the letters or vowel sounds. An applicant who shows excessive difficulty reading will not pass the assessment.

Applicants will be asked to:

1. Read a passage from the Qur’an to the interviewer.

2. Read a simple Arabic passage that is not from the Qur’an. The passage will be provided to the applicant during the interview.

In the interview, applicants will be asked about their background, interests, motivations for taking this course, and future plans.

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Policies and Guidelines1. Students are required to dress appropriately, within the bounds of Shari’ah.

2. Students are expected to adopt the highest code and ethic of Islamic Behavior at all times.

3. Students are expected to attend all classes.

4. Students will only be excused from the classroom in the case of emergency.

5. If it is observed by the faculty that a student is not particularly showing a keen interest in the program, through tardiness or failure to complete tasks or follow policies, then they have the full right to exclude them from the program.

6. If a student fails the end of semester or end of year exams, they will be granted an opportunity to retake them. Consecutive failure will result in the pupil retaking the entire year.

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Tuition & Financial AidAQA has kept the tuition very reasonable. Al-Rahmah intends to make the program affordable, to ensure no applicant is discouraged by the cost. In comparison to other institutions that offer similar programs, Al-Rahmah’s tuition is extremely favorable to the learner.

For the current tuition rates, please visit our website. Payment plans are available.

Financial aid will be provided to qualified students. An application will need to be filled out in order to request financial aid. Al-Rahmah does not guarantee that each request will be approved.

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Campus LifeAl-Rahmah is not currently providing lodging or boarding. Students will be commuting on a daily basis.

If students are from out of town, they are responsible for their lodging and other expenses, and Al-Rahmah bares no liability.

Students are encouraged to spend their time wisely in the pursuit of sacred knowledge. Traditionally, scholars spent their entire lives attempting to grasp the knowledge of the divine and endured many hardships. To attain the same heights reached by our predecessors, students are encouraged to emulate their path.

Al-Rahmah plans on making the campus life a wholesome experience. Al-Rahmah plans to make the campus a center of knowledge and learning that attracts the keen and zealous.

Tarbiyah and Adab are of great importance in the Al-Rahmah ethos. All attempts will be made to ensure these two are instilled in the students by providing one on one mentoring, and counseling for students.

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FacultyAl-Rahmah Quran Academy’s faculty consists of Resident Scholars and teachers with expertise in Quran, Hadith, Fiqh, Tajweed and other sciences. The program will be led by Shaykh Yaseen Shaikh.

Shaykh Yaseen Shaikh:

Shaykh Yaseen is the resident scholar of ISB. He is a vastly experienced Imam and Islamic Scholar. Shaykh Yaseen was born in London, UK. He obtained his training in the Islamic Sciences under some of the greatest scholars in the United Kingdom, most notably, Mufti Umar Farooq Loharwi (may Allah preserve him).

Shaykh Yaseen completed memorization of the Holy Quran from Jameah Islamiyah, Kent in 1995. Thereafter, he enrolled at Darul Uloom London, and completed a rigorous 6 year Darse Nizami Program. During this program, he received training in the following sciences: Arabic and related subjects, Aqeedah, Tafseer, Fiqh, and Hadith. Upon graduation, Shaykh Yaseen continued his studies in the subject of Fiqh, and obtained specialization in the subject from the same institute.

He then obtained a Master’s in Islamic Studies from Birkbeck College, University of London. Since graduation, Shaykh Yaseen has been engaged in teaching, Imamat and many other services. It has been his lifelong ambition to establish and be part of an institution like Al-Rahmah Seminary.

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Contact InformationFor more information regarding the Seminary program, or to setup a meeting, please visit us online or contact us at the following:

Shaykh Yaseen

Resident Scholar

Yaseen.shaikh@alrahmah.org

AlRahmahQuranAcademy.org

(410) 719 - 0921

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