Enrollment for Spring 2019 is now open.
Scroll down to learn more about the classes being offered this semester.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The importance of pursuing Islāmic knowledge continues throughout all stages of one’s life. After fulfilling the obligations of worship and the need to seek sustenance, one should participate in studying Islām as much as they are able. The Tafhīm program focuses on providing educational opportunities for eager learners of all ages on a part-time basis.
Every Muslim must know the material covered in these courses. By attending Tafhīm, one will acquire their farḍ al-ʿayn knowledge; in addition, through introductory lessons in some of the most fundamental Islāmic subjects, one will gain a familiarity with classical scholarship. Islāmic theology, law, and spirituality are focused on in the program.
STRUCTURE & SCHEDULE
This program consists of eight 16-week semesters, each of which includes three courses. The subjects covered vary between Islamic law (fiqh), theology (aqidah), prophetic biography (sirah), and more.
DarusSalam offers separate Saturday and Sunday tracks to accommodate the schedules of working students. Those who satisfactorily complete eight consecutive semesters in either track will earn a certificate in four years. Students who wish to enroll in both the Saturday and Sunday tracks simultaneously may earn a certificate in just two consecutive years of studies.
LEARN AT YOUR OWN PACE
The Tafhim program is unique in that none of the courses have prerequisites. This means that you may join the program at the beginning of any semester and continue for four years to earn your certificate.
THIS SEMESTER
Starts January 11, 2020
10:00am - 1:15pm
SATURDAY TRACK
▽ Sirah of the Makkan Period
The Prophet Muḥammad’s biography is studied with an emphasis on various practical lessons that one will apply in life. Studying the sīrah familiarizes one with the Prophet (saw) . As well, it strengthens one’s connection with him and increases one’s love for him. In this class, one will see how the Prophet (saw) lived. These lessons are invaluable for anyone wishing to actualize the message of the Prophet (saw) in his or her own life. In this semester, the Prophet’s life before his migration to Madīnah will be covered inshāʾAllāh.
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Instructor: Ml Ahsan Syed
▽ The 40 Hadith
A select set of ḥadīth make up Islām’s fundamentals. Imām Nawawī collected these narrations in a compilation known as “Imām Nawawī’s 40 Ḥadīth.” Each narration is an indispensable part of the religion. In this class, each ḥadīth will be read along with detailed explanation elucidating the significance of the narrations.
Time: 11:10 am - 12:10 pm
Instructor: Mufti Mohammed Pasha
▽ The Fiqh of Salah, Part Two
The importance of the prayer is well-known. Most injunctions were legislated by Revelation coming to the Prophet (SAWS). However, to receive the five daily prayers, he had to perform his night journey. This shows the significance of the prayer. Through prayer, we communicate with our Lord daily. Every Muslim knows the centrality of prayer in one’s life. Yet not everyone knows how to perform it correctly. In this course, one will review many legal rulings specific to the prayer. One will learn which acts are compulsory, which acts are recommended, what invalidates the prayer, etc. Points of contention and misunderstanding from within the community will also be addressed. For example, why do some Muslims pray differently? What accounts for these differences?
Learning the Fiqh of Ṣalāh is an opportunity to learn how to pray in detail. An increased understanding will give one better attention and devotion while performing this sacred ritual. The final objective of this course is to enable one to comply with the order of the Prophet: “Pray as you saw me pray.”
Time: 12:20pm - 1:20pm
Instructor: Mawlana Usman Akhtar
SUNDAY TRACK
▽ Aqidah, Part Two
Studying ʿaqīdah is crucial. Knowing this subject is obligatory on every Muslim, so that one’s heart becomes illuminated by the beauty of Islām’s teachings. Imām Abū Jaʿfar al-Ṭaḥāwī’s ʿAqīdah is studied throughout the entire Muslim World and it serves as this course’s main textbook.
InshāʾAllāh, this class will be a beacon of certainty guiding one’s steps on an otherwise ambiguous path. Upon completing this course, one will be equipped with a luminous set of simple yet sound creedal principles through which they can understand and defend their faith. In this semester, the work’s first half is studied.
Time: 10:00am-11:00am
Instructor: Sh. Yusuf Suliaman
▽ Fiqh of Purification
The first thing that one will be held accountable for on the Day of Reckoning is the prayer. And Allāh only accepts one’s prayer when it is performed in a way that is legally valid. Accordingly, it is incumbent on every Muslim that they properly learn how to pray. In the upcoming semester, this will be discussed in detail. Before discussing how to pray, one must learn how to prepare for the prayer. And the most important act that precedes the prayer is purification. The Prophet Muḥammad (saw) said, “There is no prayer except for from one who is pure.” In consideration of the fact that one requires purification to perform a valid prayer, the books of jurisprudence typically begin with the chapter of purification. Thus, purification is the first topic studied. This class will cover many topics from the chapter of purification, such as wuḍūʾ, ghusl, tayammum, menstruation, and impurities.
Time: 11:10am-12:10pm
Instructor: Mawlana Nabbil Khan
▽ Islamic Etiquettes
The Prophet Muḥammad (saw) said, “I have been sent to perfect good character.” Good etiquette is a fundamental component of our faith, so much so that the scholars say: “Learn adab before ʿilm.” One must couple positive actions with good character. In this class, the essentials of Islāmic etiquette will be studied, including how we interact with our Creator, our fellow Muslims, our non-Muslim neighbors, our colleagues, and our environment.
Time: 12:20pm-1:20pm
Instructor: TBA
CURRICULUM
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FALL 2017 |
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|---|---|
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Saturday |
Sunday |
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The History & Development of Fiqh
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Fiqh of Salah: Part One
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Introduction to Hadith Sciences
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Surahs of Salah |
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‘Aqidah: Part One
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Purification of the Heart |
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SPRING 2018 |
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|---|---|
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Saturday |
Sunday |
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The Fiqh of Purification
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The Fiqh of Salah, Part Two
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Aqidah, Part Two
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Sirah of the Makkan Period |
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Islamic Etiquettes
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The 40 Hadith |
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FALL 2018 |
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|---|---|
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Saturday |
Sunday |
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Fiqh of Finance
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The Fiqh of Sawm, Zakah, and Hajj
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Ulum al-Qur'an
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Sirah of the Madinan Period |
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The Prophet's Family
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Signs of the Hour |
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Spring 2019 |
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|---|---|
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Saturday |
Sunday |
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Fiqh of Halal & Haram
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The Fiqh of Marriage and Divorce
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Misunderstood Verses
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Tajwid |
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The Heroes of Islam
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The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs |
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Fall 2019 |
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|---|---|
|
Saturday |
Sunday |
|
The Fiqh of Salah, Part One
|
The History and Development of Fiqh
|
|
The Surahs of Salah
|
An Introduction to Hadith Sciences |
|
Purification of the Heart
|
Aqidah, Part One |
|
Spring 2020 |
|
|---|---|
|
Saturday |
Sunday |
|
The Fiqh of Salah, Part Two
|
The Fiqh of Purification
|
|
Sirah of the Makkan Period
|
Aqidah, Part Two |
|
The 40 Hadith
|
Islamic Etiquettes |
|
Fall 2020 |
|
|---|---|
|
Saturday |
Sunday |
|
The Fiqh of Sawm, Zakah, and Hajj
|
Fiqh of Finance
|
|
Sirah of the Madinan Period
|
Ulum al-Qur'an |
|
Signs of the Hour
|
The Prophet's Family |
|
Spring 2021 |
|
|---|---|
|
Saturday |
Sunday |
|
The Fiqh of Marriage and Divorce
|
Fiqh of Halal & Haram
|
|
Tajwid
|
Misunderstood Verses |
|
The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs
|
The Heroes of Islam |
TUITION
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Tuition Schedule |
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|---|---|
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*Payment for the Tafhim program may be made up front or in four monthly installments of $75. |
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| Program Tuition | $300 |
| Textbooks | varies |