IlmEssentials
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What is Ilm Essentials?
Traditional Islamic Learning
Ilm Essentials is a part-time online distance learning program designed for brothers and sisters who wish to start learning traditional Islamic Sciences, but cannot study full-time. The program spans 3 years, focusing on the essentials of Islam including basic Aqidah, Hanafi Fiqh, Usul al-Fiqh, Seerah, Purification of the Soul, Hadith, Quran and classical Arabic (for those in the PLUS program only). The program consists of two separate tracks: the Essentials program and the Essentials PLUS program.
Essentials Program
The essentials program is a 3-year course geared toward those who would like to gain that knowledge necessary to live their lives in accordance with the Shariah and Sunnah, as well as begin to learn about the different Islamic sciences, but without learning Arabic. All course material will be presented in English, with minimal reference to the original Arabic texts. View the Essentials program course outline.
Essentials PLUS Program
The Essentials Plus program is a 3-year course which covers all of the same topics as the Essentials program, but with an additional Arabic component. Students start out studying Sarf (verb morphology) and Nahw (grammar), and starting in the second year of the program, begin reading introductory texts and passages in their original classical Arabic. This program is primarily geared toward those students would like to start a serious study of the Islamic sciences, but do not currently have that opportunity. The Essentials Plus program will serve as a good starting point, allowing them to cover the material in a manner similar to traditional Islamic schools. View the Essentials PLUS program course outline.
What is the structure of the program? How are the classes taught?
Academic Year
The academic year, starting shortly after Ramadan, is broken into 3 semesters, each running for approximately 3 months. In addition to periodic exams, students will be expected to learn and present the past week's lesson before moving on to the next lesson. This helps the student to keep up with the work, build a solid foundation and allows constant feedback between the student and teacher.
Semester 1 - Sep. 26 - Dec. 19, 2010
Semester 2 - Jan. 9 - Apr. 3, 2011
Semester 3 - Apr. 10 - Jun. 26, 2011
Online Teaching
All classes will be taught over the phone, through a conference call number. Students will also need high-speed internet access as the sessions will utilize an online learning tool to present the material. Recordings will be available in case students miss a session.
What is the time commitment?
Essentials Program
Essentials students will need to dedicate 4 hours per week for the program. Classes will be held once a week for 2 hours. Students should also plan to meet with their classmates for a weekly review session (approximately 30-45 minutes). The remaining time is for students to study and review on their own.
Essentials PLUS Program
Essentials PLUS students will need to dedicate 10 hours per week for the program. Classes will be held once a week for 3 hours. Students will also meet with their classmates for a mandatory weekly review session (approximately 60-90 minutes). The remaining time is for students to study and review on their own.
How much does it cost?
Fees for each 3-month semester are $165 ($55/month), or $495 per year. Students should also budget about $30 per year for books and other materials.
Why Ilm Essentials?
Alhamdulillah, there are already a number of programs and classes available through which students can study the different Islamic Sciences. Every program has certain advantages and benefits and students should evaluate each against their circumstances. Below are a few salient features of the Ilm Essentials program:
- Classes are taught live, without the reliance on pre-recorded sessions.
- Students meet weekly with their fellow students to review and further their understanding.
- Traditional teaching methodology.
- Focus on establishing a firm foundation in the core Islamic Sciences.
- Emphasis on practical application of knowledge and using it as a means of moving closer to Allah Most High.
- Moderate class pace, allowing students to master key concepts.
Email Updates
Testimonials
"Ilm Essentials has brought a positive change in many aspects of my deen. (Some) very basic issues on taharah and salah which I sometimes overlooked before taking this course are now more clear in my mind. Also, the sessions on bringing sunnah in our lives have made a direct impact on the way I deal with myself and with others. Thank You, Ilm Essentials."
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"This class is exactly what I wanted...
One of the most unique qualities of Ilm Essentials was the layout of the class. It was very professional (just like college classes), using high quality online conferencing. He presented objectives in the beginning, was available for help, started on time and was quick to respond to our emails if we had any questions."
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"The best aspect of this course, in my opinion, is the sincerity and quality of teachers. They are very dedicated, learned, sincere and punctual. They were always available to help even after class hours. Time and again I emailed questions and got answers immediately. It’s hard to find such level of dedication."
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"As a college student, it becomes difficult to manage various school studies and activities, but Ilm Essentials made it so that my religious studies never suffered. I gained the knowledge I needed to become not only a more knowledgable Muslim, but a Muslim that implemented that knowledge in the practical world. I truly believe in this program and can't express enough gratitude for all that it's done for me."
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"I had taken Arabic for more than a year at a couple of other institutions before enrolling here. I wasn't expecting to learn that much in the first year of a program that only meets once a week, but was totally wrong. A lot of material is covered in the first year but the pace of the class is such that everything is explained in detail and Shaykh Khalid makes the effort that everyone's on board."
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