OVERVIEW

The 3 year Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies (Usul al Din) Degree Program is ideal for any student seeking a deeper understanding in Islamic Studies. This program offers students the ability to learn advanced classical texts and practical implementation at the hands of scholars from around the world. The accelerated track offers the opportunity to study in a faster time frame and more efficient manner.  Students receive an increased amount of study time with our scholars and learn the skills needed to critically analyze and understand the deeper fundamentals of Arabic and Islamic Studies.

THE MADINA METHODOLOGY

Our teaching methodology is extremely unique in its process to teach students the variety of viewpoints within the bounds of Ahl’ Sunnah. This approach provides students with an unbiased understanding of many schools of thought. At Madina, we believe in providing knowledge and information, not indoctrinating a particular point of view. This results in a well-rounded seeker of knowledge. We believe in bringing the best scholars to the students, without requiring the students to travel the world to seek the knowledge they crave. Each student has the opportunity to interact with, and study under scholars in a variety of fields from all across the world. We provide students with in-class instruction and one-on-one attention from teachers as required.

OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of the program include providing students with the means to study their deen in an academic, traditional and practical manner, developing a sound grasp of classical Arabic, a deeper understanding of the Islamic faith, and the tools needed to access traditional texts and scholars from around the world. We also provide students with the opportunities and platforms for community engagement, developing well-rounded students who contribute positively to society. Upon successful completion of the program, students graduate with a Bachelor’s degree – Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies (Usul al Din)  

CURRICULUM

Al Quran 

This encompasses Ulum al-Quran (sciences of the Quran), Tajwid (recitation), and Tafsir (exegesis). These subjects include study of nature, content, preservation, historical timeline, context, occasions of revelation, language, style, sentence structure and more. 

Imaniyat 

This entails a study of Aqidah (Theology) – the Islamic beliefs regarding the Divine Oneness and attributes of Allah (Tawheed), the Prophets, and the unseen; Mantiq (Logic) – logic and its application in Islamic Philosophy and Tazkiya (Purification of the Heart) – the practical aspects of spirituality bound by the Quran and authentic Sunnah. 

Hadith 

This includes the study of the terminologies and methodologies to understand and evaluate the Hadith literature that encompasses the records of purported actions, statements, and descriptions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). It includes Seerah (Prophetic Biography) – the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), providing insight into the mannerisms, ethics, and teachings from the prophetic life, as well as Tarikh (Islamic History), which covers the early formative period of Islam focusing on the four rightly guided caliphs and modern developments.  

Fiqh  

This is the study of Islamic law as it pertains to the life of a Muslim. From the integrals of prayer to the proper conduct of a financial transaction, Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) provides insight into living according to the commands of Allah. We also cover Usul Al Fiqh (Legal Theory), which includes the principles upon which Islamic jurisprudence is derived; and explores the origins, proofs, and modes of deriving rulings. 

Arabic 

Our curriculum is crafted to suit an accelerated pace of study with an effective implementation of understanding and usage through teaching grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and more. 

SCHEDULE

The program’s duration is approximately 36 months. It spans over 3 years, with each year divided into 2 semesters. Classes run from mid-January to November, with mid-semester breaks. Classes start at 7.30 am Monday to Friday. Classes end at 3.30 pm Monday – Thursday, and at Jumuah (12 noon) on Fridays. Students are expected to attend some Saturday classes as well.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN

• Deep knowledge and understanding of the principles of Islam, in practice and theory. 
• The ability to teach foundational classical texts proficiently. 
• Practical skills to effectively convey a message through a halaqa, khutbah or lecture format. 
• Proficiency in understanding classical Islamic texts. 
• Produce research in Islamic studies. 
• The knowledge necessary to continue the path toward Islamic scholarship.

WHO SHOULD ENROLL

This program is designed for anyone interested in studying Islamic Studies and Arabic with the ability to dedicate three years to studying on-site.  

Applicants should hold a National Senior Certificate with a Bachelor’s Pass (Matric Exemption/ High School Diploma). English proficiency is essential as all classes are taught in English. The ability to read Arabic (Qur’an) is a prerequisite for enrollment.  No previous Islamic Studies background is required.  

Dedication to studies and time management are essential to success.  

Foreign students are welcome to apply.