Muslims are required to face the Qiblah when they offer their daily prayers. The word Qiblah literally means direction. The adults learning program aims to provide students with a clear Qiblah (direction) towards Hidayah (guidance).
The aim of this program is to enrich Muslims with sound knowledge and understanding of Islam. It is to provide Muslims with the necessary knowledge and tools to contribute towards their society positively, whichever career or path they choose in life.
At the Bridge - The Journey of the soul after death.
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In this intensive, students will explore the major events that occur after death, from the questioning in the grave to resurrection, assembly, the scales, accountability, the book of deeds, the fountain of kauthar, the bridge, Jannah and Jahannam.
Description:
This one year intensive class is a diploma certification in Islamic Studies. In this course, students will complete a foundational program in the core Islamic Disciplines.
Subjects:
          *       Arabic Language (grammar, vocabulary and morphology)
          *       Aqidah (Islamic Theology)
          *       Tafseer/Quranic Studies (Sciences of the Quran and commentary)
          *       Sunnah/Hadith (Principles of Hadith, and a study of selections from major books)
          *       Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)
          *       Seerah (the life and biography of the Prophet)
Some texts covered:
          *       Ten Lessons
          *       Uloom al Quran/Quran
          *       Al Aqidah Al Tahawiyyah
          *       Customized textbook for Fiqh
          *       40 Hadith of Nawawi
          *       Riyadh al Saliheen
          *       The Prophet of Mercy
Class format and timings:
The diploma will be covered over two Semesters.
The total weekly instruction time is six hours.
Class schedule:
      Semester 1:
                Wednesdays:
                7-8pm: Quran/Tafseer 101 (Sheikh Muhammad Ahmed)
                8-9pm: Seerah 101 (Sheikh Muhammad Ahmed)
                Saturdays:
                9-10 am: Arabic 101 (Nahw/Grammar) - (Sheikh Yaseen Shaikh)
                10-11 am: Arabic 102 (Sarf/Morphology) - (Sheikh Yaseen Shaikh
                11 am-12 pm: Fiqh 101 (Sheikh Yaseen Shaikh)
                12-1 pm: Sunnah 101 (Sheikh Ismet Akcin)
      Semester 2:
                Wednesdays:
                7-8pm: Quran/Tafseer 201 (Sheikh Muhammad Ahmed)
                8-9pm: Seerah 201 (Sheikh Muhammad Ahmed)
                Saturdays:
                9-10 am: Arabic 103 (Arabic Literature) - (Sheikh Yaseen Shaikh)
                10-11 am: Aqidah - (Sheikh Yaseen Shaikh
                11 am-12 pm: Fiqh 201 (Sheikh Yaseen Shaikh)
                12-1 pm: Sunnah 201 (Sheikh Ismet Akcin)
Prerequisites:
Basic competency and fluency in reading Arabic.
Upon application, prospective students will be contacted by the admin/director for basic assessment.
Students that require some improvement in reading Arabic will be considered.
As you can see, not all the above subjects require Arabic as the texts studied will be in the English language.
Instructors:
          *       Sheikh Yaseen Shaikh
          *       Sheikh Muhammad Ahmed
          *       Sheikh Ismet Akcin
Tuition:
          *    $1200 for the entire course, $600 per semester
          *    $50 resource fee
          **   Payment options can be found on the tuition page
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Arabic 101, 102 and 103: Fundamentals of Quranic Arabic
Course details:
Do you want to fall in love with the Qur'an, understand what Allah is saying, and navigate through its meaning to develop a personal relationship with him?
Here is your opportunity!
The Arabic Language Course has been divided into three courses taught over two semesters.
These courses will cover the different components of language, Grammar, vocabulary, Morphology and Literature.
All three courses will cover the key grammatical and etymological concepts that would equip learners with the tools to unlock the Qur'anic Jewels.
Note: This is NOT a class for beginners to reading Arabic.
Instructor: Sheikh Yaseen Shaikh
Text:
          *       Ten Lessons
          *       Fundamentals of Classical Arabic
          *       Qasas al-Nabiyyeen
Class timings:
Semester 1: Arabic 101 and 102
          *       Saturday 9 - 11 AM
          *       First class: September 17th, 2022
          *       Last class: December 24th, 2022
Semester 2: Arabic 103
          *       Saturday 9 - 10 AM
          *       First class: January 7th, 2023
          *       Last class: June 3rd, 2023
Tuition:
          *    $120 per class ($360 total)
          *    $10 resource fee per class ($30 total)
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Description:
Many Muslims today live torn between two distinct worldviews, value systems, and ways of life: that of Islam and that of the contemporary, secularized world created by the modern West. Though we believe in Islam, we live in the midst of an alternative - and very powerful - intellectual, social, and moral paradigm that impinges on us constantly and seeks to mold our views, judgments, and personalities in its own image.
The objective of this initial course is to start building up a solid and comprehensive framework for thinking about these types of issues.
Intellectual and moral crises can arise when Islam and the dominant paradigm conflict and the individual is unable to uncover the underlying genealogy of each view, in order to better manage the conflict and to find peace and conviction in a continuing commitment to Islam.
This course provides a detailed overview of the Classical Muslim Theology. It provides a detailed study of faith, disbelief, monotheism, prophetology, eschatology end of times and life after death), angels, divine revelation and books, predestination and divine decree.
Instructor: Sheikh Yaseen Shaikh
Text:
          *       Al Aqidah Al Tahawiyyah (The Creed of Imam Al-Tahawi)
Class timing:
          *       Every Saturday, 10 - 11 AM
          *       First class: January 7th, 2023
          *       Last class: June 3rd, 2023
Tuition:
          *    $120
          *    $10 resource fee
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Islamic Jurisprudence
Fiqh 101: Fiqh of purification and prayer
Course details:
This course will provide a detailed study of the fiqh of essentials. Of the essentials, this class will cover the jurisprudence of prayer and its prerequisites, such as purification.
Instructor: Sheikh Yaseen Shaikh
Text:
          *       Customized notes from instructor
Class timings:
Semester 1: Fiqh 101
          *       Saturday, 11 AM - 12 PM
          *       First class: September 17th, 2022
          *       Last class: December 24th, 2022
Fiqh 201: Fiqh of fasting, charity, pilgrimage, marriage and divorce
Course details:
This course builds upon Fiqh 101, completing the jurisprudence concerning the remainder of the pillars, fasting, charity and pilgrimage.
In addition to these subjects, students will also be guided through the fiqh of human interactions and conduct, namely, marriage and divorce. This course covers legal matters related to marriage such as guardianship, courting, compatibility, dowry, contract, rights, Mahram, nursing. It also covers divorce and its types, ‘iddah, child custody, maintenance, child support.
Instructor: Sheikh Yaseen Shaikh
Text:
          *       Customized notes from teacher
Class timings:
Semester 2: Fiqh 201
          *       Saturday, 11 AM - 12 PM
          *       First class: January 7th, 2023
          *       Last class: June 3rd, 2023
Tuition:
          *    $120 per semester ($240 total)
          *    $10 resource fee per semester ($20 total)
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Quranic Studies
QURAN 101 - Uloom al Quran & translation/commentary of Fatihah and last ten chapters (one semester)
Course details:
This course provides an analysis of the history of the Quran, Wahy (divine revelation), compilation, sequence, causes of revelation, modes of Tafseer (exegesis), Mufassirreen (Exegetes) and Tafaaseer (Classical commentaries), coherence, inimitability, and principles of Tafseer.
Students will also explore the meaning of al-Fatihah (the opening chapter) and the last ten Surahs (chapters) to build a connection with the Quran and a deeper appreciation for the meticulous nature of Quranic Studies.
Instructor: Sheikh Muhammad Ahmed
Text:
          *       Ulum al Quran: An introduction to the sciences of the Quran, by Ahmad Vin Denffer
Suggested readings:
          *       A history of the Quranic Text, from revelation to compilation, by Mustafa Azami
          *       Uloom Al Quran, By Mufti Taqi Uthmani
Class timings:
Semester 1: Quran 101
          *       Wednesday, 7-8 PM
          *       First day: September 14th, 2022
          *       Last day: December 21st, 2022
QURAN 201 - Selections from Surah Noor, Ahzaab, Hujuraat and Furqaan
Course details:
This course offers a detailed study of selected themes from a few chapters of the Quran that provides sufficient guidance on human relations and social interactions. It provides guidelines and boundaries to preserve the moral character of the individual and society.
Some key themes studied from these chapters:
          *       Decency, integrity & honor
          *       Fornication
          *       Slander and rumor mongering
          *       Etiquette of social and private life (seeking consent before entering homes)
          *       Hijab
          *       Lowering the gaze
          *       Divorce
          *       Status of an adopted child
          *       The Prophet Muhammad's wives; Mothers of the believers
          *       Battle of the Trench (Ahzab)
          *       The life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is declared to be a model for all believers
          *       Admonition to the wives of the Prophet
          *       Faith and compliance
          *       Finality of Prophethood (Khatm al-Nubuwwah)
          *       Special qualities and privileges of The Prophet Muhammad
          *       Sending salutations upon the Prophet
          *       The trust of Allah
          *       Characteristics of Allah’s true servants
Text:
          *       Qur’an and instructors notes
Class timing:
Semester 2: Quran 201
          *       Wednesday 7-8 PM
          *       First day: January 4th, 2023
          *       Last day: May 31st, 2023
Tuition:
          *    $120 per semester ($240 total)
          *    $10 resource fee per semester ($20 total)
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Sunnah Studies
SUNN 101 (History of Hadith, principles and the 40 Hadith of Nawawi)
Course details:
This course covers the history of Hadith, its compilation, preservation, writing, collections, principles (Usool), classifications, and a brief survey of the lives of the Muhadditheen and their contributions to the science of Hadith.
Imam al-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith have come to be known as the most comprehensive, and holistic, compilation/collection of hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) that convey the essence of Islam .Imam al-Nawawi’s collection of 40 Hadiths is one of the most important collections of hadiths we have today.
Instructor: Sheikh Ismet Akcin
Text:
          *       Teachers notes and 40 Hadith of Nawawi
Class timings:
Semester 1: SUNN 101
          *       Saturday 12 - 1 PM
          *       First class: September 17th, 2022
          *       Last class: December 24th, 2022
SUNN 201: Hadith Selections from Riyadh Al Saliheen (Orchards of the believers)
Course details:
This course will cover important chapters from Imam Nawawi’s renowned compilation of Ahaadith (plural of Hadith) dealing with character. Subjects include: Sincerity, repentance, patience, gratitude, conviction, reliance, piety and god consciousness.
Instructor: Sheikh Ismet Akcin
Text:
          *       Riyadh Al Saliheen
Class timings:
Semester 2: SUNN 201
          *       Saturday 12 PM - 1PM
          *       First class: January 7th, 2023
          *       Last class: June 3rd, 2023
Tuition:
          *    $120 per semester ($240 total)
          *    $10 resource fee per semester ($20 total)
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Seerah Studies
Seerah 101 - Makkan Seerah
Course details:
This course covers the history of Arabs and Arabic, the arrival of the final messenger, Muhammad (PBUH), and his earlier life till migration (Hijrah) with a detailed analysis of the major events such as the first revelation, first migration, the boycott, year of sorrow, journey to Ta’if, Israa and Mi’raj, the pledge of Aqabah and migration to Madinah.
Instructor: Sheikh Muhammad Ahmed
Text:
          *       The Prophet of Mercy, by Sh Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi
Class timing:
First semester: Seerah 101
          *       Wednesday 8-9 PM
          *       First class: September 14th, 2022
          *       Last class: December 21st, 2022
Seerah 201- Madinan Seerah
Course details:
This course covers the period in the Prophet’s life post migration, and the major events that occurred during this period. The major expeditions, treaties, letters to emissaries, liberation of Makkah, the farewell Hajj and the departure of Rasoolullah from this world.
Instructor: Sheikh Muhammad Ahmed
Text:
          *       The Prophet of Mercy, by Sh Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi
Class timing:
Second semester: Seerah 201
          *       Wednesday 8-9 PM
          *       First class: January 4th, 2023
          *       Last class: May 31st, 2023
Tuition:
          *    $120 per semester ($240 total)
          *    $10 resource fee per semester ($20 total)
Click Here to Apply Now
- Students are highly encouraged to attend classes in person. There is barakah (blessing) in the sacrifices we make in the pursuit of sacred knowledge.
- If one cannot attend in person due to the distance, then a remote option will be made available to them.
- Classes will be recorded and uploaded on a weekly basis so that students who were unable to attend classes live can have access to the materials.
- No material is to be downloaded or forwarded.
- The teacher/instructor will check in with remote students periodically to ensure they are keeping up with the materials.
- There will be mandatory testing per semester. Certification will be based upon final scores.
- Contact information for the teachers will be made available for students to keep connected during the week.
- If for any reason a class is canceled, prior notice will be given to the students.
- The annual fee for the diploma program is $1200. This can be divided into two payments of $600 per semester.
- Additionally, monthly payment plans will also be available.
- Please note that tuition is non refundable. Exceptional circumstances will be considered. This is to ensure that students are committed throughout the academic year.
- There will be a student discount of 20% for the diploma program, and 10% for the part time courses.
- Financial aid will be made available for those students who cannot afford the tuition. For further details, please inquire at [email protected]
Sheikh Ismet Husny Ahmad Akcin is the Imam and Resident Scholar at the Islamic Society of Baltimore.
Imam Ismet has served as an Imam for over 22 years at the following Masaajid across USA:
Islamic Cultural Center of New York, Manhattan
Islamic Center of Greater Miami, Florida
Islamic Center of El Paso, Texas
Rochester Islamic Center, NY
Sheikh Ismet also served as the
Imam at the Akev Islamic Center of Gumusyaka in Istanbul, Turkey.
Sheikh Ismet is known internationally as a Qari whose precise recitation of the Glorious Qur'an penetrates the hearts of those who are fortunate enough to hear him. His masterful control of tajweed and
intonation and his exceptional delivery of Allah's words have made him a world renowned Qari.
Sheikh Ismet received his diploma in Hahfizul Qur'an in 1981 from the Institute of Tahfizul Qur'an in Rize, Turkey. He then spent the next eight years studying at the Khatib Islamic Middle and High School in
Samsun, Turkey where he was awarded an Imam Khatib diploma. He furthered his Islamic education at one of the oldest and the most prestigious Islamic institutions in the world, the University of Al-Azhar in Cairo, Egypt where he graduated with degrees in Shariah (Islamic Law) and Tafseerul-ul-Qur'an (Commentary). At Al-Azhar, he was quickly recognized as one of their finest reciters of the Holy Qur'an which is an outstanding accomplishment.
While a student at Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ismet's learning was constant. From 1991 to 1995 he studied with Ahmed Nainah who is regarded as one of the most famous Qaris in the world. Shiekh Ismet also studied traditional Ijazah with Egyptian Quranic scholar and Qari, Sheikh Hasan Salih.
Sheikh Muhammad Ahmed was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in Baltimore, MD. He memorized the Qur'an at ISB's Al-Rahmah Quran Academy when he was only 11. He then went on to study under Sheikh Yaseen Shaikh at ISBs' Al-Rahmah Seminary before moving onto continue his education in Karachi, Pakistan at Jamia Binoria.
Sheikh Muhammad then spent the next six years of his life training in the Islamic Sciences under Scholars from different parts of the world. He graduated from the rigorous Aalimiyyah program with multiple ijaazaat (licenses). He also obtained his Masters Equivelancy in Islamic Studies from the University of Karachi.
After returning home to Baltimore, he now serves at the Islamic Society of Baltimore as a Resident Scholar. Here he regularly conducts halaqas, classes, workshops, and youth work. He is also the director of Sabeel, which is part of the ISB's after school academy.
Sheikh Yaseen Shaikh was born in 1982 to parents of Indian origin in Hackney, London, UK where he lived for much of his life. He obtained all of his religious education including memorisation of the entire Quranic text, Alimiyyah Studies (Rigorous Islamic Theology Program), and certification in issuing Fatwa (religious verdicts), from traditional seminaries in London. He completed a diploma and M.A in Islamic Studies from Birkbeck College, University of London. All of his education was received in London, UK.
Sheikh Yaseen has served as an Imam since 2002 in Stoke Newington, London, where he was also Head of Islamic Studies at a private school, Tawhid Secondary School. As an Imam, Sheikh Yaseen was involved with the spiritual activities of the Mosque, as well as outreach and civic activities, diversity training and working with various organizations on an advisory level.
In 2006, Sheikh Yaseen moved to the USA to serve at a Mosque in Dallas, Texas. Later he joined the Muslim Community in Baltimore, Maryland as Resident Scholar from 2013-2017.
As an Imam in the USA, Sheikh Yaseen engaged in spiritual and educational activities, catering to a wide range of members of the community. He was deeply engaged in multi faith dialogue and implemented initiatives to enhance the work and profile of the Muslim Community in the wider society. He also offered pastoral care and counselling to members of the Community.
In 2018, Sheikh Yaseen returned to the UK to be closer to his family. He served as an Imam and bereavement counselor at the largest and only dedicated Muslim Cemetery in the UK, Gardens of Peace. Here he performed the end of life rituals, offered bereavement counselling and support, and provided training on Muslim end of life matters to a variety of institutions.
Sheikh Yaseen very recently moved back to the Baltimore area with his wife and three daughters. He is an avid soccer fan and enjoys time with family and friends.
If you have any questions or inquiries, please email us at [email protected].