The first of a two-part course providing an in-depth study of the sixty companions discussed in the book Stars in the Prophet’s Orbit. Students will learn the stories of these companions, draw conclusions about Islamic precepts from their lives, understand their relationship to the Prophet ﷺ, and derive personal lessons from their lives. Students will apply and extend what they have learned in class by writing an analysis paper about one of the companions studied.

The first thirty companions of this text are covered in Part 1 of the course, and the second thirty are covered in Part 2. It is not required to complete Part 1 before Part 2.

An in-depth study of the sixty companions discussed in the book Stars in the Prophet’s Orbit, this is a continuation of Companions of the Prophet ﷺ, Part 1. Students will learn the stories of these companions, draw conclusions about Islamic precepts, understand their relationship to the Prophet ﷺ, and derive personal lessons from their lives. Students will apply these skills to an additional companion upon whom research will be done.

The first thirty companions of this text are covered in Part 1 of the course, and the second thirty are covered in Part 2. It is not required to complete Part 1 before Part 2.

An introduction to the concept of tazkiya (purification of the self/heart in Islam), this course will provide an introductory look at diseases of the heart and sins of the tongue, as well as the relationship between the two. Students will learn some general cures and understand some of the skills necessary to begin the path of tazkiya.

This course guides students through an in-depth tafsīr experience, exploring a selected sura or group of suras from the Holy Quran each term. Under the guidance of an instructor deeply rooted in traditional scholarship, students will discover the layered meanings of the verses while connecting them to modern-day realities. The course bridges the legacy of women’s Quranic scholarship with contemporary reflection, allowing participants to extract profound life lessons and strengthen their relationship with Allah ﷻ and His words.

A survey of the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, beginning with an understanding of the political and social layout of the Arabian Peninsula at the time of his birth and concluding with a deeper understanding of why he was indeed “the chosen one”. Throughout Part 1, students examine the major events and incidents that took place up until the hijra of the Prophet ﷺ to Medina, extrapolating the wisdom and lessons one can gain from them. Weekly assignments focus on the lessons learned, enabling students to draw parallels to modern day struggles in their own lives and make lasting changes, following in the footsteps of the Prophet ﷺ.

This course covers lessons we can gather for our lives from the beautiful life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The focus is to examine events and circumstances and consider deeply how the Prophet ﷺ responded. In Part 2, students will examine the major events and incidents that took place after the hijra to Medina, extrapolating the wisdom and lessons one can gain from them. Assignments focus on these lessons learned, enabling students to draw parallels to modern-day struggles in their own lives and make lasting changes, following in the footsteps of the Prophet ﷺ.

An in-depth study of the forty-hadith compilation of Imām al-Nawawī, this course is designed to provide students with a foundation in the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ was given jawāmiʿal-kalim (جوامع الكلم), or the ability to say much in very few words. The hadith of the Prophet ﷺ combine eloquence with deep, encompassing meanings in a uniquely simple way. This particular compilation was chosen because it includes ṣaḥīḥ hadith and covers a variety of subjects.

By the end of this course, students will be able to translate, understand, and draw practical life lessons from the text of the forty hadith in this compilation. The first twenty hadith are covered in Part 1 and the second twenty hadith are covered in Part 2.

An in-depth study of the forty-hadith compilation of Imām al-Nawawī, this course is meant to provide students with a foundation in the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ was given jawāmiʿ al-kalim (جوامع الكلم), or the ability to say much in very few words. The hadith of the Prophet ﷺ combine eloquence with deep, encompassing meanings in a uniquely simple way. This particular compilation was chosen because it includes ṣaḥīḥ hadith and covers a variety of subjects.

By the end of this course, students will be able to translate, understand, and draw practical life lessons from the text of the forty hadith in this compilation. The first 20 hadith are covered in Part 1 and the second 20 hadith are covered in Part 2.

An introduction to the foundation of Islamic law as the basis for a life of devotion and servitude to God. Students will learn about the reasons Islamic schools of law evolved and the nature and rationale of the legal schools. Students will learn the detailed rulings relating to purification (ṭahāra) and prayer (salah), including its pillars, conditions of correctness, nullifiers, how to perform congregational prayers, and other prayers.

An introduction to the foundation of Islamic law as the basis for a life of devotion and servitude to God, students will learn the detailed rulings related to fasting (ṣawm), charity (zakat), major pilgrimage (Hajj), and minor pilgrimage (ʿumra). Students will delve into the intricate details of each pillar, gaining a deep understanding of their significance, conditions, and practical applications. The course will cover topics such as the spiritual benefits of fasting, the categories of wealth subject to zakat, and the rituals and etiquettes of Hajj and ʿumra.

This course introduces students to the foundational principles of Islamic creed (ʿaqīda) through a study of its history, defining characteristics, and essential theological concepts. Students explore the nature of faith and the evidences for the existence of God, examine the Divine Attributes (ṣifāt) and Beautiful Names, and study the concepts of qaḍāʾ and qadar (Divine decree) as expressions of Allah’s ﷻ will and wisdom. Emphasizing clarity, reflection, and adherence to orthodox Sunni theology, the course provides a framework for understanding how belief in God’s attributes and decree shapes worship, ethics, and worldview in Islam.

This course continues the study of Islamic creed (ʿaqīda) with a focus on prophethood, the unseen world, and the realities of the Day of Judgment. Students examine the nature and role of prophets, the characteristics of revelation, and the signs of true prophethood. The course also explores the unseen realm—including angels, jinn, and Divine decree—and concludes with core beliefs concerning death, resurrection, accountability, and the afterlife. Through classical and contemporary readings, students gain a grounded understanding of these central tenets of faith and their implications for spiritual growth and daily living.

This course provides a survey of the crises and trials that have challenged Islamic civilization over the centuries, along with an account of the Muslim “renewers” of the faith (mujaddidīn). As the Prophet ﷺ said, “Allah ﷻ will raise for this community at the end of every hundred years one who will renew its religion for it.” Throughout this course, students will study the lives of those whom Allah ﷻ sent as a cure for the crises and trials faced by the ummah, and how they were able to overturn the current situation, renew the religion, and restore peace and faith to the Muslim ummah. Students will learn about the factors that contributed to each trial, how each mujaddid was able to overcome the trials of the time, and gain an understanding of the characteristics that enabled each to succeed.

This course explores the lives and legacies of the four Rightly Guided Caliphs—Abu Bakr, ʿUmar, ʿUthmān, and ʿAlī, raḍiya Allāhu ʿanhum,—as models of leadership, faith, and resilience in the face of historical and moral challenges. Through a study of key events, decisions, and societal transformations during their eras, students examine how each khalifa embodied prophetic guidance while navigating times of political transition, social unrest, and emerging diversity within the Muslim community. Emphasis is placed on extracting lessons in governance, justice, and spiritual steadfastness that remain relevant to contemporary leadership and community life.