Frequently Asked Questions

The purpose of this introductory year is to prepare students for a more extensive 4 to 8 year Ilm degree, where they can delve deeper into Islamic studies. We envision the successful completion of this year as a steppingstone towards an enriched educational journey.

Please note that while the plan provided is tentative, we aim to make this program available at Arqam. Flexibility and adaptability will be key as we strive to enhance the program based on student feedback and evolving needs.

Tentative program over following 4 years (Years 2-5)

Year 1 (Preparatory Year)

Arabic Grammar and Morphology

Arabic Rhetoric

Introduction to Aqeedah (Islamic Creed)

Introduction to Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)

Introduction to Tafsir (Qur'anic Exegesis)

Introduction to Hadith (Prophetic Traditions)

Year 2

Advanced Arabic Grammar

Fiqh

Introduction to Usool Fiqh

Tafsir and Qur'anic Sciences

Hadith and Hadith Sciences

Aqeedah

Year 3

Usool al-Fiqh

Tafsir and Reasons for Revelation (Asbab al-Nuzool)

Hadith and Classification (Mustalah al-Hadith)

Fiqh

Study of Contemporary Fiqh Issues

Aqeedah and Sects

Year 4

Thesis/Research Project

Fiqh

Study of Sira (Prophetic Biography) and Islamic History

In-depth Studies in Major Hadith Collections (like Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Tafsir of Selected Surahs

Usool al-Fiqh

Our instructors are highly qualified and experienced in their respective fields. Shaykh Ibrahim Zidan and Shaykh Nash'aat would be teaching the first year.

Total of 6 hours of instruction. Two hours of instruction in Qur'an and Hadeeth, one hour each after Fajr and Maghrib. Four hours of instruction from 9am to 1pm in Arabic Language. Schedule is  daily for 6 days a week and off on Fridays. Total 40 weeks a year.

1. Ability to read, write and speak Arabic in preparation of the Islamic Studies degree in Arabic medium of instruction. English would not be used from years 2-5.
2. Memorization and testing of approximately 200 Ahadeeth and 1-2 Juz of Qur'an besides Tafseer and Hadeeth applications, thus giving a sound basic knowledge of Islam

Yes, women have the option to attend the Islamic Studies Component in a separate section with a dedicated screen 

The instruction is in English, and memorization of Qur'an and Ahadeeth are in Arabic

Information regarding financial need scholarships will be provided during the application process. 

Yes, successful participants will receive a certificate of completion for the program. 

There are no specific prerequisites, but a passion for learning and dedication to the program are essential. Besides, if a school going student enrolls, he would have to  fulfill home school requirements per ISBE.

Yes, we strictly adhere to gender separation principles based on Islamic values. 

  No, the Full-Time Program requires onsite attendance for Arabic Language Instruction. 

 Yes, we're planning a women's Arabic portion from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. If interest is high, a woman Arabic teacher will be hired for dedicated guidance.  

Three features set this program at an advanced level then similar conventional programs. 

1. Arabic medium of instruction from years 2-5
2. Extensive memorization of Mutoon of Ahadeeth.
3. Conventional Ijazah from the teacher that evaluates, Amal, Adab, etiquettes besides the extensive oral and written tests. Transcript shall reflect these details.

Masjid Al Haqq. 1620 S. Highland Ave. Lombard, IL. 60148

Yes Arqam is a subsidiary of Proclaim Truth Charitable Trust, a 501( c ) 3 religious organization.

No. Fees are not tax deductible. Sponsorship (donation) for a student who is not your dependent can be tax deductible.