Muslims stand before their Lord five times every day to devote themselves, for a few minutes, to the purpose of their existence: to worship their Lord. This takes its form in the ritual prayer, of which recitation of the Quran is an obligatory element.
Many, however, lose out on fully experiencing the meanings of guidance and admonition which the Speech of Allah conveys. “Allah is who has sent down the fairest of word, a mighty Book, perfect in accord, recurrent in point; The skins of those awed in dread of their Lord shiver thereat, then come to soften in relief, as do their hearts to the remembrance of Allah: That is the guidance of Allah, guiding by it whom He wills” (The Quran Beheld, 39:23).
This course aims to strengthen our connection with Allah’s Book and the live-giving guidance it conveys by shedding light on some of the inexhaustible meanings found in the chapters of the Quran we recite most often in our daily prayers: the Fatiha (1), Ayat al-Kursi (2:255), the final verses of Sura al-Baqara (2:284–6), and the last 12 chapters of the Quran, from Sura al-‘Asr (103) to Sura al-Nas (114).
Drawing on classical commentaries, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani shares valuable insights on the meanings of these verses, as well as offering practical points of reflection on how they should impact our lives.
- Teacher: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
[While drawn primarily from classical books of tafsir (Quranic exegesis), this course is not based on any particular work.]
This course is for anyone seeking to deepen their connection with the verses of the Quran we recite every day. Apart from the obligatory basics of faith and practice (fard ‘ayn), no previous study is required.
- Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Quranic chapters and verses we recite everyday.Explain the importance of the Basmala.
- Understand how Sura al-Fatiha outlines the purpose of our existence, and why it is recited in every prayer. Summarize the explanation of the last twelve suras of the Qur’an.
- Acquire tools for deeper reflection on the meanings of Allah’s Book.
- Benefit from practical insights on how the meanings of the Quran can manifest in our daily lives.
- Appreciate the immense contributions of classical Islamic scholarship in explaining the Quran’s inexhaustible meanings.
This is the second course in the Qur’anic Understanding Certificate.
This course looks at some verses that contain key rulings of the Qur’an that are commonly misunderstood or misinterpreted. It demonstrates their coherence and suitability for all times and places.
Many people question the wisdom of the Qur’anic laws due to a disconnect between their life situations and the overarching aims of the Shari’a. In order to see this wisdom, proper contextualization is necessary. This context answers common questions and shows why the shari’a is a viable source of legislation for all times and places. Its laws make sense, are wise, and directed towards the benefit of humanity in this life and the next.
Key issues, such as fasting, interest, divorce, inheritance, sacrifice, and purity are explained and contextualized. This will remove common doubts and misconceptions, provide an insight into how the Shari’a has our benefit in mind, and also provide an insight into the schools of Fiqh and their approaches.
- Teacher: Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
- Teacher: Mawlana Irshaad Sedick
This course is based on a number of authoritative classical and contemporary tafsir works. These include Tafsir Ayat al Ahkam by Shaykh Muhammad Ali Sayis, Shaykh Abdul Latif Subki, and Shaykh Muhammad Ibrahim Karsun; as well as ‘Rawai’ al Bayan, by Dr. Muhammad Ali Sabuni.
- This course is for teenagers and adults.
- It is particularly beneficial for anyone wanting to see the deeper wisdom of the Shari’a, and how it is aimed at the benefit of humanity.
- This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in seeing how legislative rulings are derived from the Qur’an.
- There are no prerequisites to this course.
- Understand the wisdom of many key verses of legislation in the Qur’an.
- Understand the multi-layered wisdom in the laws of inheritance.
- Explain key aspects of wisdom and balance in the laws of marriage and divorce.
- Understand how different rulings were derived from the same verses.
- Grasp the Qur’anic perspective when it comes to the rules of the Shari’a.
- Conceptualize the difference in the approach of the Qur’an and what humanity without divine guidance would legislate.
This is the fourth course in Qur’anic Understanding Certificate.
Revelation is the only form of communication humanity can receive from God. This beneficial general-level course looks at the fundamentals of what Revelation is, its means, its themes, proofs, and preservation. The course provides a clear view of what God wants to convey to His creation and the means through which He does so.
This topic is of paramount importance due to the many misunderstandings on this matter prevalent amongst Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat explains the subject in a clear and logical manner dispelling the doubts and misinformation. The goal of this course is to establish with certainty that the Qur’an is from God and that it has been perfectly preserved throughout history.
- Teacher: Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
- Teacher: Mawlana Irshaad Sedick
This course is based on a number of authoritative classical and contemporary works on the Qur’anic sciences. They include the works of Dr. Fadl ‘Abbas, Shaykh ‘Abdul-Azim al Zarqani, Dr Abdullah Darraz, Dr Yusuf Qardawi, Dr Nur al Din ‘Itr, and others.
- This course is for teenagers and adults.
- It is particularly beneficial for those who want clear, concrete proofs of the truth of Islam, and that the Qur’an is from God, and that it remains unaltered.
- This course can also be taken by anyone who wants to learn more about the themes addressed in revelation, and the issue of the Canonical Variant Recitations of the Qur’an (Qira’at).
- There are no prerequisites to this course.
- Define what Revelation is and enumerate its different forms.
- Understand what the main themes of the Qur’an are.
- Understand the multiple avenues from which the truth of the Qur’an can be proved.
- Explain the process of the Qur’an’s preservation in the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the time of the Companions.
- Explain what the Qira’at are, and how they relate to the Seven Dialects (al Ahruf al Sab’a).
- Summarise the main proofs of the Qur’an’s truth and explain the concept of its inimitability.
This is the sixth course in Qur’anic Understanding Certificate.
Studying and understanding the Qur’an is just as important as reciting and memorising it. This beneficial general-level course encourages us to recite the Qur’an and reflect on it. It helps us to establish a lasting relationship with the Qur’an.
This course is based on a number of classical and contemporary texts. It inspires us by explaining the verses and hadiths which encourage us to engage with the Qur’an. It furthers that inspiration by looking at people who benefitted through their connection to the Qur’an, Finally, the outward and inward etiquette of engaging with the Qur’an is explained.
This knowledge is beneficial for all those who are interested in drawing closer to Allah. Reciting and reflecting on the Qur’an is an act of worship. It is the direct way of benefitting from it, and it is a requirement for the prayers. Doing so with all the outward and inward means ensures one’s recitation is deep and transformative. This is the key purpose of this course.
- Teacher: Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
- Teacher: Mawlana Irshaad Sedick
This course is based on a number of classical and contemporary texts and tafsirs. Among them are the works of Mulla Ali al Qari, Imam Nawawi, Imam Ghazali, and Shaykh Abdullah Siraj al Din.
- This course is for teenagers and adults.
- It is particularly beneficial for anyone wishing to maximise their connection with the Qur’an, teachers, and students of the Qur’an.
- This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in wanting to draw closer to Allah and to inspire others to engage with the Qur’an.
- Students studying for the certificate should complete earlier courses in this stream before taking this course.
- Students studying for the certificate should complete earlier courses in this stream before taking this course.
- Understand the meanings of many narrations on the virtues of the Qur’an.
- Understand how to have the proper outward and inward attitude towards the Qur’an.
- Apply the methods of reflecting on the Qur’an.
- Understand the significance of tafsir for engaging with the Qur’an.
- Know the virtues of many significant suras of the Qur’an.
- Make recitation of the Qur’an a daily practice.