Level One Curriculum - Course six of Six

This is course six of six of the Islamic Studies Youth Curriculum - Level One Certificate. Upon completion of all six, students will receive a certificate. To browse all six courses, please visit the Level One page.

Course Overview

We are so eager to learn and teach our loved ones prayer (salah) and the proper manner in which one makes wudu; in order to purify our limbs before our Master. It's been said, “I’m amazed at the one who washes his/her limbs multiple times a day and doesn’t purify their heart.”

The heart is in greater need of purification. When corrupt, the entire body becomes corrupt. But one might ask, “What makes the heart sick, what are its diseases?”

Our beloved Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said in a hadith, “Allah does not send down any disease, but He also sends down the cure for it.”

Enrol in this course to learn about these sicknesses of the heart, their cures, and why diseases such as envy are bad for both for your worldly life (dunya) and your next life (akhirah).

May Allah grant us pure, clean hearts

Learning Outcomes

• You will acquire a detailed definition of a sound heart

• You will learn the spiritual diseases of the heart

• The cause and cures of the maladies

• Practical and spiritual guidance into achieving a sound heart

• Learn key verses of the Qur’an and hadith covering spiritual guidance

Course Outline

Lesson 1: Importance/ Virtues of a Sound Heart

Lesson 2: Adab with Allah, Envy, Arrogance, Ostentation

Lesson 3: Hatred, False Hopes, Heedlessness, Anger

Lesson 4: Displeasure with the Qadr, Desire for Wealth, Love of Status

Lesson 5: Miserliness, Negative Thoughts, Rancor, Blameworthy Modesty, Fantasizing

Lesson 6: Boasting, Obliviousness to Blessings, Derision/Mocking Others, Dislike of Death, Relying on Other than Allah

Lesson 7: Comprehensive Treatment and Actions Which Benefit the Heart

Lesson 8: The Root of All Diseases of the Heart/ Recommended Litany

About the Instructor

Yama Niazi has studied with local scholars in the US for a number of years which culminated in him becoming an imam of the Islamic Society of Santa Barbara for 8 years. 

He served the community by teaching and leading prayers. In 2015 he founded “ the blessed tree “ a nonprofit specifically for bridging gaps between the Muslim community and others. 

He has spoken on many Muslim platforms and programs throughout the US and Canada. He currently teaches and is an instructor at SeekersGuidance and is leading youth education program as well as conducting programs in local communities/ masjids in North America. 

He is married and has 3 children.

Introduction

Are you a young boy? Do you have young boys in your family? This course seeks to empower young Muslim youth with the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the religion of Islam. Ustadh Amjad Tarsin gives young Muslims the tools to be exemplary and confident people of faith in modern times. Coming of age can be awkward, challenging, and confusing for both parents and their children. Although many of the changes are biological, they have religious implications as well. This course seeks to provide a framework for young men to learn about the qualities of a true man of faith. By contextualizing the wisdom and example of the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, and his companions to deal with contemporary issues, young men will gain insights into the practice, spirituality, and virtue of the believer.

• Coming of age and how it affects your life
• Being like the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him
• Obligatory knowledge and the importance of seeking it
• The physical changes, moral responsibilities, and masculine qualities
• Private parts of the body and fiqh
• Qualities of good friends and brotherhood
• Drugs, alcohol, and dealing with peer pressure
• Friendships with girls, pictures, and lowering the gaze
• How to treat girls, parents, and elders
• The masculine virtues of manliness, strength, chivalry, forbearance, service, and mercy
• The great historic role models
• The path of knowledge, devotion, and da’wah

Executive Summary

In this class, we will cover the sublime Islamic understanding concerning God, His Attributes and His Beauty--including the beauty of faith, and the beauty of the Prophet who taught us the meaning and application of faith. 

Course Summary

Many of our youth are confused and perplexed about the relevancy of Islam in the modern age. 

Some of the challenging arguments directed at Muslim youth revolve around the notions of extremism, belligerency, and primitiveness.

This class is meant to inspire and instill in our youth a sense of confidence in their faith, and increase their connection to Islam. 

We will gaze into the vast green field of faith, a field that is filled with beauty that dazzles the eye. This is the faith of Islam.

Course Outline

Lesson One - The Beauty and Mercy of Allah Most High

Lesson Two  - The Beauty and Perfection of the  Prophet

Lesson Three  - The Beauty of the Prayer and It’s Secrets

Lesson Four  -  The Beauty of Spiritual Practice 

Lesson Five - The Beauty and Status of Women in Islam

Lesson Six -  The Earth; Our Home and Our Witness

Lesson Seven  - Allah Loves Beauty; Manifesting Beauty in Our Life

Lesson Eight - Journey of The Hereafter; A Beauty Undiscovered 

What You Will Learn:

• Discover the forgotten beauty of God, His mercy and love  
• Learn about the Prophet Muhammad’s exalted status and character
• Increase in Love and awe of what Allah has created
• You will change your perception about the world and your role in it
• Your prayer and worship will have more meaning and realization 

Level One Curriculum - Course Five of Six

This is course five of six of the Islamic Studies Youth Curriculum - Level One Certificate. Upon completion of all six, students will receive a certificate. To browse all six courses, please visit the Level One page.

Course Overview

The Prophet Muhammad is the most important person in the life of a Muslim. It is narrated that the Prophet said, “ None of you will truly believe until I am more beloved to him than his family, wealth and all the people”. Therefore, children should learn about the life and character of the Prophet during their early years.

In this class, Imam Yama Niazi will embark on a journey with your children to glance at the best of mankind. This is the first class every Muslim youth should take so that may be able to learn about the messenger of Allah.

Learning Outcomes

• Increase your love and respect for the Prophet

• Gain a greater appreciation for the Messenger and his companions

• Deepen your understanding and connection to the Prophet

• Be inspired to be like the noble Prophet

• Understand the struggles of the early Muslims

Course Outline

Lesson 1: The Prophet Before Revelation

Lesson 2: Early Years and Marriage

Lesson 3: The First Revelation

Lesson 4: The Struggle of Calling to Allah

Lesson 5: The Isra and the Hijrah

Lesson 6: The Battle of Badr and Uhud

Lesson 7:The Conquest of Mecca

Lesson 8:The End of the Mission

About the Instructor

Imam Yama Niazi has studied with local scholars in the US for a number of years which culminated in him becoming an imam of the Islamic Society of Santa Barbara for 8 years. He served the community by teaching and leading prayers. In 2015 he founded “ the blessed tree “ a nonprofit specifically for bridging gaps between the Muslim community and others. He has spoken in many Muslim platforms and programs throughout the US and Canada. He currently teaches and is an instructor at SeekersGuidance and is leading youth education program as well conducting programs in local communities/ masjids in North America. He is married and has 3 children.

Level One Curriculum - Course Three of Six

This is course three of six of the Islamic Studies Youth Curriculum - Level One Certificate. Upon completion of all six, students will receive a certificate. To browse all six courses, please visit the Level One page.

Course Overview

This is an introductory course to an overview of the Quran. It is tailored for our Muslim youth, as this course will set the foundations for the book of Allah. Join us as we delve into the themes of the Quran, how it was revealed, the manners and etiquettes one should have with the Quran, and much more. This class is necessary for anyone who wants to understand and appreciate the last revelation as well as to have a spiritual connection to the Quran.

Learning Outcomes

• Appreciating the greatness of Allah’s speech

• Understanding the core themes of the Qur'an

• Increasing in love for Allah and His messenger through the Qur'an

• One will learn to take the Qur'an as a guide

• One will grow in their love and connection to the Qur'an

Course Outline

Lesson 1: The Qur'an and How It Was Revealed

Lesson 2: Themes Covered in the Qur'an

Lesson 3: Proofs That it is Miraculously from Allah

Lesson 4: Etiquette and Manners with the Qur'an

Lesson 5: Breakdown and Classifications of Chapters and Verses

Lesson 6: Common Misunderstandings about the Qur'an

Lesson 7: The Miracles of the Qur'an

Lesson 8: How the Qur'an applies to our Lives

About the Instructor

Imam Yama Niazi has studied with local scholars in the US for a number of years which culminated in him becoming an imam of the Islamic Society of Santa Barbara for 8 years. He served the community by teaching and leading prayers. In 2015 he founded “ the blessed tree “ a nonprofit specifically for bridging gaps between the Muslim community and others. He has spoken in many Muslim platforms and programs throughout the US and Canada. He currently teaches and is an instructor at SeekersGuidance and is leading youth education program as well conducting programs in local communities/ masjids in North America. He is married and has 3 children.

Level One Curriculum - Course Two of Six

This is course two of six of the Islamic Studies Youth Curriculum - Level One Certificate. Upon completion of all six, students will receive a certificate. To browse all six courses, please visit the Level One page.

Course Overview

The prayer is described as "the key to Paradise." In this course, Imam Yama Niazi will give in-depth coverage of the practical rulings of purification and prayer in an in-depth manner—discussing how we can ensure our purification and prayer are valid, sound, and facilitated. He offers a thorough and reliable explanation of wudu’, ghusl, tayammum, the daily prayers, and Friday and Eid prayers as well. This course is essential to attain confidence that you are worshipping in a correct manner.

Learning Outcomes

• You will learn how to perform wudu and ghusl

• You will learn the details of the prayer

• You will learn how to identify mistakes and how to fix it

• Improve on concentration in the prayer

Course Outline

Lesson 1: The Qur'an and How It Was Revealed

Lesson 2: Themes Covered in the Qur'an

Lesson 3: Proofs That it is Miraculously from Allah

Lesson 4: Etiquette and Manners with the Qur'an

Lesson 5: Breakdown and Classifications of Chapters and Verses

Lesson 6: Common Misunderstandings about the Qur'an

Lesson 7: The Miracles of the Qur'an

Lesson 8: How the Qur'an applies to our Lives

About the Instructor

Imam Yama Niazi has studied with local scholars in the US for a number of years which culminated in him becoming an imam of the Islamic Society of Santa Barbara for 8 years. He served the community by teaching and leading prayers. In 2015 he founded “ the blessed tree “ a nonprofit specifically for bridging gaps between the Muslim community and others. He has spoken in many Muslim platforms and programs throughout the US and Canada. He currently teaches and is an instructor at SeekersGuidance and is leading youth education program as well conducting programs in local communities/ masjids in North America. He is married and has 3 children.

Level One Curriculum - Course Four of Six

This is course four of six of the Islamic Studies Youth Curriculum - Level One Certificate. Upon completion of all six, students will receive a certificate. To browse all six courses, please visit the Level One page.

Course Overview

This class offers an introduction for the Youth on the concept of hadith or Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ( Allah bless him and grant him peace).

It is essential that every Muslim should know the concept and foundations of this science. The hadith and sunnah explain to us the teachings of the Quran in more detail. The Prophetic statements guide us to the light, it has always been the second of the sources of law and the richest after the Quran.

In its wisdom and guidance, it provides us. One may take for granted and simply not notice the centuries of sacrifice and hard work of scholars to ensure that the teachings of Islam remain pristine and authentic. This class is the first of the journey of a young Muslim in appreciating and understanding this rich and unique aspect of the Islamic faith. Topics covered will be what makes a hadith reliable, how it was transmitted, who were the imams of this science and how we read a hadith and identify its narrator and chain as well as the content.

Learning Outcomes

• Appreciate the tremendous blessing of the hadith collections

• Learn the legal status of the hadith in the sacred law

• Gain an understanding of the major works in this science

• Familiarize yourself with Hadith terminologies

• Learn short prophetic Hadiths on different matters related to guidance

Course Outline

Lesson 1: Introductory Concepts

Lesson 2: Development of Hadith

Lesson 3: History of Hadith Collections

Lesson 4: History of Hadith Collections: II

Lesson 5: History of Hadith Collections III

Lesson 6: Hadith Terminology: I

Lesson 7: Hadith Terminology: II

Lesson 8: Hadith Terminology: III

Lesson 9: Mukhtar Selections part 1

Lesson 10: Mukhtar Selections part 2

Lesson 11: Mukhtar Selections part 3

Lesson 12: Mukhtar Selections Part 4

About the Instructor

Imam Yama Niazi has studied with local scholars in the US for a number of years which culminated in him becoming an imam of the Islamic Society of Santa Barbara for 8 years. He served the community by teaching and leading prayers. In 2015 he founded “ the blessed tree “ a nonprofit specifically for bridging gaps between the Muslim community and others. He has spoken in many Muslim platforms and programs throughout the US and Canada. He currently teaches and is an instructor at SeekersGuidance and is leading youth education program as well conducting programs in local communities/ masjids in North America. He is married and has 3 children.

Executive Summary

This course we will cover: The Creed of the Masses: This course focuses on what is necessary for a believer to know regarding faith in Allah, the Prophets and Messengers, and regarding faith in the Hereafter. 

Course Summary

In this course, we will cover the tenets of faith that are obligatory for every Muslim to know. These tenets include the necessary attributes of Allah Most High, attributes which are merely possible for Him, and attributes that are inconceivable for Him to have. Likewise, we will cover the attributes of the Messengers (upon them be peace) and tenets of faith related to the Hereafter.

Such knowledge of Islamic beliefs is important because it is a necessary component for the Believer in their relationship with Allah Most High. Knowledge of Allah is the highest form of knowledge and the stepping stone to knowing Allah more intimately is knowledge of His attributes and why we desperately need a relationship with Him. 

Through this course, students will gain clarity on Islamic beliefs, the reasons behind belief in God and the Hereafter, greater reverence for Allah, His Messengers, and Islam as a whole.

Course Outline

Lesson One: Intro into the Qualities of Allah on of Qualities of Allah

Lesson Two:  Tahara or Purification

Lesson Three:  Qualities of the Messengers

Lesson Four:   Brief Description of the 25 Prophets

Lesson Five:  Belief in the Angels and Jinn (10 Angels description

Lesson Six: The Divine Books 

Lesson Seven:  Accepting and Submitting to Revelation of the Unseen/ Description of the Last Day

Lesson Eight:  More Details of the Messenger, His Lineage, Birth, and Passing, His Children and Wives

Lesson Nine: Isra and M'iraj, Beholding Allah, closing of the Book, Q&A.

What You Will Learn:

– Essential beliefs regarding Allah Most High

– Essential beliefs regarding the Prophets; also brief description of each Prophet.

– Essential beliefs regarding the Angels and Divine scriptures

– Essential beliefs regarding what comes after death

– About the Prophetic family and those closest to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace)

Executive Summary

The Prophet  (Allah bless him and give him peace) is reported to have said, “ I was only sent to perfect noble character” What was this noble character that he came to teach us? In this course, we will delve into some of the meanings of this Hadith and how it can be attained by youth in particular. This is our pursuit.

Introduction

“Adab is the reflection of wisdom.” 

In this course, we will take a journey into the lush gardens of radiant flowers that grew from the waters of knowledge of the life-giving Muhammadan springs. Youth will learn what it means to have good character and etiquette, not only regarding the pursuit of knowledge, but also in interacting with others and honouring their parents, teachers, and neighbours. Through rich content, this course seeks to instill in young muslims the excellent qualities that the noble prophet left as a legacy to be emulated and followed in our daily lives.

Course Outline

Lesson one - Virtues of noble character 

Lesson two  - Personal manners/adab

Lesson three  - Manners towards parents

Lesson four  - Manners Towards teachers/ scholars

Lesson five - Manners with guests and neighbours

Lesson six - Manners with friends and other  muslims

Lesson seven  - kinship bonds and keeping ties / cutting ties

Lesson eight - Comprehensive description of good character

What You Will Learn:

• Learn the virtues of noble character
• Gain insight into the character of the Prophet   (Allah bless him and give him peace)
• Youth will learn how to emulate a  noble character
• Key hadith encouraging moral excellence 
• Youth will attain an understanding of Islamic morals critical to their spiritual growth

Course Format: 8 downloadable lessons, and one monthly live sessions.

Level One Curriculum - Course One of Six

This is course one of six of the Islamic Studies Youth Curriculum - Level One Certificate. Upon completion of all six, students will receive a certificate. To browse all six courses, please visit the Level One page.

Course Overview

Our children are the most precious gift and blessing from Allah Most High, yet this entails that we must fulfill our trusts by educating them in the most important aspect of our faith which is a sound creed or Aqidah. This course expounds on the core essential elements of a sound creed, and focuses on what is known as the “Articles of Faith.”

It is often mentioned in most texts of Aqidah that the first obligation upon those who reach the age of puberty is to know Allah (the Exalted). However, we find that most of our youth when they reach the critical age of adolescence have often been neglected. Whilst they learn to recite the Quran and memorize a few chapters they are not taught the foundational matters of creed which are obligatory upon all muslims. In this course, the focus is to teach the core beliefs that all muslims must hold on to, and align their hearts and minds with. The concepts covered in this course include knowledge of the divine and the purpose of life. It also covers the day of judgment, the afterlife, paradise and hell, angels and prophets, as well as the “Qadr” or predestination.

Learning Outcomes

• The foundational creed of Muslims as mentioned in the hadith of Jibreel.

• The beliefs concerning God, His prophets, angels, the hereafter, heaven, and hell as well as the divine decree.

Course Outline

Lesson 1: Discussion on Iman, Islam, and Ihsan

Lesson 2: Correct Beliefs Concerning Allah (the Exalted)

Lesson 3: Prophets and Messengers

Lesson 4: Angels, Jinn and Revealed Books

Lesson 5: The Day of Judgement

Lesson 6: Paradise and Its Descriptions

Lesson 7: Hell and Its Torments

Lesson 8: Qadr or Predestination

About the Instructor

Yama Niazi has studied with local scholars in the US for a number of years which culminated in him becoming an imam of the Islamic Society of Santa Barbara for 8 years. He served the community by teaching and leading prayers.

In 2015 he founded “ the blessed tree “ a nonprofit specifically for bridging gaps between the Muslim community and others.

He has spoken on many Muslim platforms and programs throughout the US and Canada.

He currently teaches and is an instructor at SeekersGuidance and is leading youth education programs as well as conducting programs in local communities/masjids in North America.

He is married and has 3 children.

Executive Summary 

This course covers guidance and advice related to the 12 most difficult challenges that everyone will encounter. Guidance will be shared from the Qur’an and the Sunna of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace) as well as from personal experiences of Yusuf Weltch who himself converted to Islam and has dealt with many of these issues firsthand. 

In a world full of increasing amounts of corruption and a tearing of the moral fabric that once formed our world, youth are the ones who get the brunt of these harms. The youth are the target of much of the corruption we see around us and if they are properly equipped and well-informed on the guidance and teachings of Islam they will be able to make the right choices, overcome difficulties, and avert the harms of this world and the next. 

Course Outline

Lesson 1: Companionship

Lesson 2: Why Obey?

Lesson 3: Surviving an Irreligious Environment

Lesson 4: Dealing with the Cultural Divide

Lesson 5: The Islamic Perception of Women 

Lesson 6: Finding True Role Models: What to look for?

Lesson 7: Taking Advantage of Your Youth

Lesson 8: How to have productive entertainment

Lesson 9: Finding a Spouse: What to look for?

Lesson 10: Dealing With Difficult Parents

Lesson 11: The Devil’s Plot Against the Youth

Lesson 12: How to navigate the challenges of life. Who to turn to?

Learning outcomes

• Clarity regarding these challenges
• Advice on how to prevent falling into trials and tribulations
• Shedding light on the realities of what society glorifies
• A change of perception on life, priorities, and our purpose in this world

Executive Summary

The Aqidah of Imam Tahawi is a concise text for all times, listing what a Muslim must know and believe and inwardly comprehend. This course offers a clear explanation of the core elements of our beliefs as Muslims in Allah, Prophets, Divine Books, Angels, Divine Decree, and the Last Day. 

By taking this course, the young Muslim can establish firm roots in their faith which will help them remain firm and educated in the fundamentals of their faith.

Course Summary

This course covers the main doctrine taught by scholars for over a thousand years covering a rich and vast understanding of the faith of the Muslims.

It is offered for the youth in a way that will allow them to develop an understanding of the religion that extends beyond the basics.

This class is taught with the youth in mind, subject matters are condensed to make it appealing and dynamic, also easy-to-understand manner.

This course is indispensable for our Muslim youth who are yearning to learn their religion and attain an appreciation of this vast faith and yet protect themselves from the pitfalls of doubt, innovation, confusion and misguidance.  This class covers a wide range of necessary key elements of true faith and Iman. The commentary will be supported with key ayahs and Hadiths that show the sources of our youth how we derive our guidance from the Quran and the sunnah. 

Course Outline

Lesson One: Introductory Concepts: Iman (True Faith)

Lesson Two:  Allah and His Attributes Part  I

Lesson Three:  Allah and His Attributes Part II

Lesson Four:   Prophets and Messengers

Lesson Five:  The Prophet Muhammad 

Lesson Six: Angels, Divine Decree, Divine Books

Lesson Seven:  The Day of Judgement and Afterlife

Lesson Eight:  AfterlIfe and the Eternal Home

Lesson Nine: Praise of the Companions

Lesson Ten: The Role of Major Sins

Lesson Eleven: Innovation and Faith

Lesson Twelve: Deviant Sects