Beyond The Classroom

The purpose of the programme extends beyond the acquisition of academic knowledge. Alongside their studies, students are expected to make gradual and natural progress in implementing what they learn in class, particularly the guidance and reminders delivered during the daily naṣīḥah sessions.

Students should strive to strengthen their relationship with their Creator, Allah سبحانه وتعالى. Their faith should increase, their love for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ should deepen, and both the quality and quantity of their ṣalāh, fasting, tilāwah of the Qur'an, dhikr and other acts of worship should gradually improve as they progress through the programme. 

Likewise, they should seek to improve their relationships with the creation of Allah by increasing in dutifulness and service to their parents, strengthening their relationships with their spouses, children, siblings, teachers and the wider community.

The pursuit of knowledge should also be reflected in a person's character, conduct and dealings with others. Students should endeavour to cultivate sincerity, humility, patience, gratitude, good manners and a genuine concern for others.

Finally, students should seek opportunities to benefit those around them. As they learn and implement what they study, they should, where possible, encourage others through their words, actions and example. In this way, students fulfil the objective of acquiring knowledge, practising it and helping to propagate its benefits to others.

A Student's Reflections

I joined Al Qalam Institute because I wanted structured learning and a proper foundation in the Islamic sciences. I wanted to understand the Qur’an and the sources of Islam through their original language and study the Islamic sciences by first building strong foundations in Arabic before moving on to more advanced subjects.

I wanted to be guided by teachers rather than trying to guide myself. I wanted teachers who would correct my mistakes, challenge my assumptions, help me develop good habits and prevent me from becoming impressed with my own understanding. I wanted tarbiyah, guidance and teachers who genuinely cared about their students and their development.

One of the things I appreciate most about Al Qalam is its emphasis on تدرج (Progressive Learning)in seeking knowledge. The institute does not encourage students to rush through books or move quickly to advanced subjects. Instead, it emphasises building strong foundations, particularly in the Arabic language, and progressing gradually under the guidance of teachers.

Studying at Al Qalam has shown me just how deep and rigorous our scholarly tradition really is. There have been many occasions where I answered confidently in class only to discover that I was wrong, or opened a text and realised that I understood very little of what was being discussed. Those moments have been among the most beneficial parts of my studies.

It has taught me to be far more cautious when speaking about matters of religion. The more one studies, the more one appreciates the depth of scholarship behind rulings, hadith and the meanings of the Qur’an, and how careful one must be before speaking with certainty or assuming that there can be be no other valid understanding.

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If someone is looking simply to complete books quickly without first building strong foundations in Arabic and the foundational sciences, they may find the pace and methodology of the programme challenging. The institute places particular emphasis on developing firm foundations before progressing to more advanced study. 

I ask Allah to reward my teachers and everyone involved with the institute abundantly ... I also ask Allah to forgive my shortcomings as a student ...