The Weekly Madrasa Courses

The OTKF Weekly Madrasa is pleased to announce a new curriculum and courses for the 2011/2012 academic year. Each course now runs every week during term time, for the duration of the academic year.

This weekly educational programme provides a basic yet comprehensive curriculum for the person seeking to deepen his or her faith and practice. Taught by traditionally-trained yet western teachers, the classes cover disciplines which are necessary for every Muslim to know, including the Muslim creed (`aqida), the Prophetic biography (sira), Muslim practice and law (fiqh), introductory Arabic, and purification of the heart (tazkiya). The texts used are traditional and universally regarded works of Muslim scholarship.

Classes are offered free of charge. While these courses are developed for adults and youth, mature children who are able to sit quietly for the duration of the class and to learn are welcome.

Arabic for Absolute Beginners
Time: 1pm – 2.30pm
Course description: This is a course for those with no previous knowledge of Arabic. Students will learn the orthography (letters), pronunciation, and basic vocabulary of the Arabic language. The course aims to develop elementary reading ability and writing competency.

Instructor: Mrs Asma Rahman

Course text: Gateway to Arabic Book 1

Prerequisites: None.
The Final Messenger: A Biographical Study
Time: 3pm – 4.30pm
Course description: This course offers an insight into the unique life of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). The course intends to provide the student with a detailed historical study of the Prophet's life, trials and circumstances in order to derive lessons. The classes are structured around the core text, and students will be required to read the allocated chapters prior to each class.

Instructor: Sheikh Thaqib Mahmood

Course text: Lings, Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources

Prerequisites: None. We encourage everyone to attend this course.
The Essentials of Islam: Faith, Practice, & Spirituality
Time: 5pm – 6.30pm (Rm G301)
Description: These classes will cover the fundamentals of the religion that are obligatory for every believer to know and practice: sound beliefs, valid purification and prayer, and the key principles of spirituality. The teacher will cover the basics of the religion in an approachable and practical format, making it an ideal course for those who have not previously studied these subjects in a classroom setting, and for new Muslims and others wishing to learn how to perfect their faith and religious practice.

Term one will cover the fundamentals of Muslim creed and faith (‘aqida); term two will cover the rules of ritual purification (tahara) and prayer (salat); term three will cover the essentials of spiritual purification (tazkiya).

This term will cover the essentials of Muslim creed and faith (‘aqida).

Instructor: Sheikh Thaqib Mahmood

Text: Rabbani, The Absolute Essentials of Islam: A Basic Hanafi Manual of Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation

Prerequisites: None. This course has been developed for beginners and other people who have not previously attended a complete introductory course in the basics of Muslim belief (‘aqida), practice (fiqh), and spirituality (tazkiya).
The Rules and Practice of Islamic Worship (Hanafi Fiqh) — Ritual Purification
Time: 5pm – 6.30pm (Rm G302)
Course description: This term's course will cover the rules and practice (fiqh) of ritual purification (ṭahāra). Using an English translation of the famous Ḥanafī textbook Mukhtasar al-Qudūrī, we shall cover what types of water may be used in preparing for worship, when and how to perform ablutions (wuḍū’) and the ritual bath, and similar matters. As knowledge and practice of the rules of ritual purity are a precondition to many acts of worship (such as the prayer, reading the Qur’an, parts of the Hajj, etc.), this topic is traditionally deemed personally obligatory upon each and every Muslim to learn and to practice.

Instructor: Mr Talal Al-Azem

Course text: Mukhtasar al-Qudūrī (handouts delivered at the course)

Prerequisites: None. However, it is preferred that the student have previously attended OTKF's “Essentials of Islam” course.