Alim Course

The Islamic ‘Aalim’ course is designed to embed within students the principles of Islamic Theology and Jurisprudence. At the end of the course, students are expected to have gained an in-depth understanding of the meaning, interpretation and commentary of the Holy Quraan, narrations of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and other sources of Islamic knowledge. Students will also be proficient in oratory skills in English and Urdu, and have a professional standard of understanding in classical Arabic.
The Islamic ‘Aalim’ course in Theology and Jurisprudence is a 6-year course and taught through the coverage of numerous books and discourses outlined in the table overleaf.

The assessment of progress and attainment in the Islamic ‘Aalim’ course is undertaken through written and oral examinations at half-year (formative assessment to determine progress) and full-year (Summative assessment to determine progression to new year). Students are also assessed through regular oratory exercises, where students are expected to deliver speeches and talks on contemporary issues in light of learnt Islamic principles. Good attendance is also a requirement for students to progress to the next year of the course.

Overview of Islamic ‘Aalim’ course:
 

Year	Books Studied	Learning Outcomes
Arbi Awwal (1) Basic principles of the Arabic Language and Grammar	Asaan Nahw & Sarf Mirkaatut Tajweed Mabaadiun Nahw Das Sabak, Rawdhatul Adab Qasasun Nabiyeen 1 Duroosul Lugat Tamreenun Nahw	Students will learn the vocabulary, grammar and comprehension of the Arabic language, through the medium of the Holy Quraan and stories of the Prophets.  Students will also learn how to recite (phonetics) and write Arabic correctly.
Arbi Dawm (2) Intermediate principles of the Arabic Language and Grammar	Fiqhul Muyassar Qiraatur Rashidah 1 + 2 Hidayatun Nahw, Ilmus Sarf 2 Muallimul Inshaa Qasasun Nabiyyeen 2 + 3 Tayseerul Mantiq Fawaaide Makiyya, Nafhatul Arab Tarjumatul Quraan (10-15)	Students will consolidate their learning of Arabic vocabulary, grammar and comprehension.  Once again, the medium of the Holy Quraan and stories of the Prophets will be used.  Greater detail and intricacy of classical Arabic is introduced, including logic.
Arbi Sawm (3) Intermediate principles of the Arabic language and Grammar	Tarjumatul Quraan (1-15) Usoolush Shaashi Muqaddamatul Jazariyya Jaamiul Waqaf Sharhe Wiqaaya Sharhe Shuzooruz Zahab Riyaadus Saliheen Mukhtasarul Qudoori Mirkaat, Duroosul Balaagah Qasasun Nabiyyeen 4	Students will consolidate their learning of Arabic vocabulary, grammar and comprehension.  The correct phonetic recitation of Arabic is developed, and pupils also learn about the early development of Islam through the Arabic medium.  Students begin to explore the Holy Quraan and learn the principles that underpin Islamic jurisprudence.
Arbi Chaharum (4) Higher principles of the Arabic language and Grammar	Tarjumatul Quraan (16-30) Riyaadus Saliheen Noorul Anwar Muqaamate Hareeree Khulasatul Bayaan Mukhtasarul Ma’ani Hidayah 1 + 2, Mukhtaarat	The standard form and different dialects of Classical Arabic are learnt.  Greater emphasis is given to the Holy Quraan and the Prophetic traditions.  Pupils become familiar with discourses on different Islamic beliefs and factions.
Arbi Panjum (5) Meaning, interpretation and application of Quraan and Hadith.	Jalaalain Mishkaat, Hidaaya 3 + 4 Al Fawzul Kabeer Sharhe Aqa’id Mueenul Faraaid Aqeedatut Tahaawi	Students will use their founding in Arabic to read and interpret Quraan and Hadith. Students become familiar with the principles and authoritative citations that underpin Shariah; they also learn about the Laws that govern Inheritance.
Bukhari (6) Meaning, Interpretation and application of Hadith	Bukhari Shareef Muslim Shareef Tirmizi Shareef Abu Dawood Shareef Nasai Shareef Ibe Majah Shareef Tahaawi Shareef	Students will be exposed to all the major compilers of Hadith and their works; they will explore the six famous books on Hadith known as ‘Sahai Sittah’. Students analyse and explore modern phenomena and issues in light of prophetic traditions.