Tahawi Institute · London
Tahawi Institute is a UK Islamic educational institute teaching classical Islamic sciences, including Qurʼan recitation and memorisation, classical Arabic, and the full ʿĀlimiyyah programme.
The Curriculum
Our curriculum moves from foundational Arabic to the core Islamic sciences.
Sequential Naḥw and Ṣarf through readable texts.
Structured reading, review, and personal feedback from experienced teachers.
Defined milestones into Qurʾān, ḥadīth, fiqh, and uṣūl; a bridge into the ʿĀlimiyyah Programme.
Begin Here
Two tracks, the same foundation in classical Arabic. Pick by schedule; both routes lead into the ʿĀlimiyyah Programme.
Both routes lead to ʿĀlimiyyah Year II. See the full course pages for pathway details.
Academic depth, spiritual formation, and a learning community.
In-Depth Study. Arabic and the Islamic sciences taught for real competence in advanced texts.
Spiritual Growth. Character and faith shaped through study, reflection, and practice.
Community. A cohort and teachers who study alongside you.
Fees
Fees cover the institute’s running costs. Pay annually or per term; financial support may be available where it is needed.
Need help with fees? Contact us to discuss.
FAQs
A few of the questions we hear most often. Full details, including fees and admissions, are on the FAQs page.
The Arabic Light course runs for two academic years (weekends). The Arabic Intensive is a one-year weekday course. Both paths lead directly into the ʿĀlimiyyah Programme, which continues for five further years.
Yes. Assessment is an integral part of the programmes. Core subjects include a mid-year exam and an end-of-year exam to measure understanding and progress.
All teaching takes place in person at our Whitechapel campus, Myrdle Street, London E1 1HL. Sessions run on weekday evenings and at weekends; timings vary by programme.
The ʿĀlimiyyah Programme is delivered exclusively on-site. From the very beginning, Islam was learned directly: the Prophet ﷺ taught the Ṣaḥābah raḍiya Allāh ʿanhum, who taught the Tābiʿīn, who taught the generations after — an unbroken chain of face-to-face transmission carried by the ʿulamāʾ across every era. Our model follows this prophetic path: direct mentorship, personal guidance, and the cultivation of a scholarly community remain at the heart of our teaching.
In their words
I have studied Arabic and other Islamic sciences elsewhere; after studying at the Tahawi Institute I found its methods to be more efficient and the approach it employs has led me to progress at a faster rate. As a teacher working full time, having a family of my own along with other commitments, I was worried if I would be able to dedicate the time required to be successful in the programme. Through dedication and some sacrifice, I am able to do all of it without difficulty.
Anhar Khan· Teacher
I am absolutely blown away by the Alim course at Tahawi Institute. Not only do the teachers make it easy to understand, but they themselves are magnificent in their akhlaaq and adab. The Institute is local, so you don't have to travel far to learn this sacred knowledge of deen. The teachers are really passionate to pass down their Ilm to the students and care about them like they are their own brothers.
Mohammed Ishaq Rahman
Alhamdulillah, I am currently in the 2nd year of the Alimiyyah programme and it has been the best decision I have ever made. The teachers are exceptional and have a passion for teaching and passing on their knowledge. As well as teaching the syllabus, they also give the students reminders and advice, and mould them to become the scholars of tomorrow. The various different books studied to enhance our knowledge are beautiful; the books that once seemed impossible are now a part of my life and daily routine.
Ridwan Hussain-Ali
Alhamdulillah I have really enjoyed my first year, can't wait to start the second year. I had already studied some Arabic before and this course has already helped me improve further. One of the best things about Tahawi Institute is the pressure to engage in Islamic extra-curricular activities like memorising hadith, Qurʾān and reading books.
Khoyrul· Teacher
Alhamdulillah, the course is meticulously structured by highly qualified teachers who are specialists in their respective fields. The Tahawi curriculum offers a vast range of Arabic disciplines in the first year, including fluent speaking, advanced grammar and morphology, all to make one competent in the Arabic language.
Shamim
I'm glad I joined this course, very good teachers and very resourceful. Students are very diverse, many come from the teaching profession. Perfect for full time workers.
Tahir
If you want to learn Arabic to get closer to Allah, then look no further. Just six months into the course, I am able to understand Arabic khuṭbahs, translate the Qurʾān whilst reading, and follow so much when the Qurʾān is being recited in ṣalāh. You enter the meanings of the Qurʾān and the stories of the prophets ʿalayhim al-salām. The course is perfect for someone that doesn't have enough time to commit to a full-time course; you will meet like-minded brothers, and the teachers, may Allah raise them, make the lessons captivating.
Jamal· Teacher
Alhamdulillah, I have learnt a lot within a very short time whilst studying at Tahawi Institute. One of the biggest advantages to studying here is that tarbiyyah (personal development and upbringing) has a very strong presence within this institution and the teachers are highly qualified and very supportive.
Mohammed Naim Ahmed
Wonderful course – both personally and professionally. I will take away lots of things that I can quickly and easily apply inshallah.
Abdul Samad
I am incredibly grateful for joining this institute. The dedicated and knowledgeable teachers at the institute create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment. I have confidence and love for learning under their guidance. The emphasis on character development and moral values has had a profound impact on me.
Overall, Tahawi Institute has exceeded my expectations in terms of education, Islamic values, and the overall experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this institute to anyone seeking a high-quality Islamic education within a supportive and inclusive environment.
Mohammad Redwanur Rahman
Subhan'Allah, out of all the choices I've made, this is definitely the best and just the start of my journey
Naseem Khan
Tahawi Institute is an amazing place in terms of gaining ilm. They have amazing ustadhs which work accordingly to help the students in their work and other queries which they may have. Alongside the amazing ustadhs which can help you, there are classmates which can also help you with work as, like you, will have the same goal and work together to attain it; creating a welcoming environment.
Zeeshan· University student
A completely life changing course and environment, no regrets joining!
Diyan Matin
The course is well structured with teachers that are hand picked, ready to help with any issues that students may face while studying the Islamic sciences.
Ehsan Ahmed
The lessons are good, informative, and genuinely useful. The books taught complement studies well, and the syllabus as a whole is well thought out.
Ahmed Mabrur Burhan Khan
I am very satisfied with this course as I have already learnt so much compared to the start of the year. The course has not only helped me in my Arabic knowledge but also helped me learn life lessons and how to be a better person.
Habib Ullah
The teachers are extremely passionate, supportive and accommodating. The course is well structured with good books, classwork as well as homework. Course is enjoyable and you gain a lot from it. May Allah accept and reward all those involved in setting up and running the course. Ameen.
Muddassir Ahmed
Subhanallah, this course has changed my life. It has taught me the true meaning of discipline. The teachers are so kind, helpful and genuinely want to help guide you towards spiritual excellence. Moreover, the teachers provide lots of support and advice on how to mature as young Muslims. This institution is unrivaled in every shape and form. The teaching is broken down to a molecular level so it is easy for every student to digest the information. The environment is so loving, caring, friendly, and I would recommend this course to anyone who has a desire to learn about Islam.
Fahmid Rahman
The course is very beneficial and enjoyable. The teachers are very friendly, helpful and approachable. They really want us to do well and care for our education and future.
Mirash
The experience I have received from this course is second to none. The teachers provide a very friendly assistance and explain even the most difficult topics in a very understandably straightforward manner. Although I had previous Islamic education, within weeks, I had recalled everything I had previously learnt. Credit is due to all the teachers within this institution for providing such a friendly & professional teaching service. I have never experienced such a polite and well-mannered approach in teaching who are always there to help. I would highly recommend Tahawi Institute Alim course to anybody out there in search for a broader knowledge of Islam.
Mohammad Redwanur Rahman
I am very satisfied with the part-time Alimiyyah course, I am learning new things every day. The teachers are very nice and helpful they help you whenever you need the support.
Ismot
The structure and pedagogy of this course is second to none. Alhamdulilah I can honestly say I've already learnt more in the past few weeks than I've learnt in the past few years elsewhere. Furthermore, the biggest thing I'm gaining from studying here is the love for the teachers and my fellow classmates that are motivating me to be better and aspire for lofty aspirations.
Forid
Alhamdulillah, the course is going very well. The teachers are not only good at teaching, but provide lots of support and advice on how to grow as people, and become better Muslims. The classes are very educational, and this is matched with a very friendly atmosphere, which allows for everyone to feel comfortable enough to better themselves. May Allah continue to grow the institution. Ameen
Aadil Sulaiman
As an external student coming from far away I am really pleased with the course. The teachers at the madrasah are very kind and alhamdulillah their knowledge has benefitted me so much. This one of the best courses I have done and inshallah hope to progress more.
Maahir Ali
This madarasa is good alhamdulilla. Easy to interact with classmates and teachers.
Mohammed Yunus Uddin
Alhamdulillah, I have benefitted immensely from this course and continue to do so with each day. Aside from the actual knowledge being taught itself, which is to a very good standard/quality, one thing in particular that I really love about the madrasah is the persistent emphasis and focus on adaab (islamic etiquette), especially that which is more specific and intricate to the student of sacred Islamic knowledge. This ensures that firstly, we can truly benefit from the knowledge we attain, and secondly, that we, with the grace of Allah, will become suitable role models for our communities and maintain a great level of good conduct which will, بإذن الله تعالى, serve as a form of daʿwah and inspiration for those around us, whether muslim or not, through our everyday actions.
Mohammed Naim Ahmed· Sixth Form student
A very comprehensive programme designed to bring the best out of students wanting to learn Arabic. A wide range of subjects are taught and facilitated through Tahawi Institute. The teachers are friendly, passionate and committed and they always go the extra mile to support students learning.
Abdul Hannan
The course is very fun! It's fast paced but the work is easy enough (to a certain degree) that as long as you don't miss too much, you'll be fine. The teachers are all very friendly, whilst still having some humour as well as actually being good teachers. The books we learn are relatively fun and engaging.
Mahfujur Rahman
So far this course has been very benefitting for me educationally and also personally as it has helped my widen my knowledge and also helping me in my personal life motivating me to become a better Muslim.
Azhar Ali
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, If you wish to learn the Islamic sciences in an established holistic manner, Tahawi Institute is the place to do this. The Tahawi Institute provides a friendly environment of learning, healthy competition/motivation through your association of amazing classmates and the high expectations of very talented teachers.
The teachers are absolutely dedicated and committed to your successful understanding and application of the materials taught. They are very helpful, friendly and kind. The teachers make themselves available and respond to emails quickly. It is a pleasure sitting down with them and benefiting from their knowledge/experience.
I have studied Arabic and other Islamic sciences elsewhere however, after studying at the Tahawi Institute I found its methods to be more efficient and the approach it employs has led me to progress at a faster rate. For instance, having spent three weeks studying at the Tahawi Institute, I feel as though I have not comprehended as much Arabic in three months whilst studying in other platforms.
As a teacher working full time, having a family of my own along with other commitments, I was worried if I would be able to dedicate the time required to be successful in the programme. However, through dedication and some sacrifice, I am able to do all of it without difficulty. I would recommend this institute to those who are serious about learning the Deen.
Anhar Khan· Teacher
The course is very useful Alhamdulillah, and the teachers are very well at articulating themselves whilst teaching. Their teaching style is also very good and makes it easy for the students to learn the content.
Mahirul
As a beginner and a university student, this part time course fits perfectly around my daily schedule and is taught in a very simple but comprehensive way to understand the Arabic language.
Hasan· University student
The course was very well structured and the ustadh was very helpful in teaching. The only thing that I would prefer is if there are more assessments at the end of each half term so that students get a feel for the how the end of year exams would be laid out.
Zeeshan Khan
Alhamdulillah, I am very satisfied. The teachers are very interactive and explain the content very well.
Mohammed Jubaer Uddin
The course is going really well, Alhamdulillah. The teachers are great, and so is the class environment. The best choice I made and I would highly recommend it to others.
Mohibur Rahman
We learn at a good pace which everyone can keep up with, regardless of their other duties. Alhamdulillah we have good teachers and a learning environment, at hours which people can put into their timetable.
Mahdi
I was recommended by a friend who had already joined. There is a very good distribution of subjects and good teaching. I'm glad I joined.
Yusuf Naeem
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