ʿĀlimiyyah Programme

Curriculum

Arabic Light (2 years) and Arabic Intensive (1 year) mirror Year I. The ʿĀlimiyyah Programme runs Years II–VI; Year I is shown below for reference.

The curriculum is reviewed regularly; minor adjustments may be made where needed.

Fees

One-off admission & books fee covers registration and core texts. A one-off £150 applies for all new students.

• Years II–IV

  £1,050

  per year

  or £400 per term (3 instalments). Yearly payment saves £150.

• Years V–VI

  £1,200

  per year

  or £450 per term (3 instalments). Yearly payment saves £150.

Course timings

Teaching is delivered in person at our Whitechapel campus, Myrdle Street, London E1 1HL.

Common questions

• Is the ʿĀlimiyyah Programme suitable for someone without Arabic Intensive or Light?

  Entry to the ʿĀlimiyyah Programme (Years II–VI) requires a strong foundation in Arabic and the core sciences. This is typically demonstrated by completion of our two-year Arabic Light or one-year Arabic Intensive programmes. Applicants who have studied elsewhere must successfully complete our placement process to ensure they have the requisite knowledge to begin Year II.

• How demanding is the ʿĀlimiyyah Programme?

  The part-time schedule is designed to be manageable alongside a professional life, but the programme is academically demanding and requires consistent commitment. Many past students have balanced their studies with full-time work or university courses through careful time management.

• Is the programme available online?

  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.

• What support is available for ʿĀlimiyyah students?

  The programme provides a robust system for academic and spiritual development:

  • Academic guidance: Instructors are accessible for questions and discussion through dedicated Google Chat groups, ensuring timely clarification on course material.
  • Pastoral and tarbiyyah support: All students are assigned to small, mixed-year form groups with a dedicated tutor. These groups meet weekly for tarbiyyah sessions, providing a supportive environment for mentorship and character building.
  • Community: Regular assemblies focus on tarbiyyah and foster a strong sense of community amongst students and faculty.
• What kind of student is suited to the ʿĀlimiyyah Programme?

  The programme is academically rigorous and requires a significant commitment of time and intellectual energy. We look for students who are highly motivated, intellectually curious, and prepared to engage deeply with classical and contemporary texts. A sincere desire to study and serve is the key attribute of our most successful students.

• How long are the courses?

  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.

• Are there exams?

  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.

• Where are classes held?

  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.

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Alhamdulillah by the will of Allah I am studying to become an alim by attending Tahawi. Tahawi allows me to go to sixth form in the morning whilst also studying the deen simultaneously. The teachers are very comprehensive in lessons whilst also being mindful of students who may be struggling.

    Abdullah Kamali· Sixth Form student

12. Wonderful course – both personally and professionally. I will take away lots of things that I can quickly and easily apply inshallah.

    Abdul Samad

13. 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

14. Subhan'Allah, out of all the choices I've made, this is definitely the best and just the start of my journey

    Naseem Khan

15. 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

16. A completely life changing course and environment, no regrets joining!

    Diyan Matin

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. This madarasa is good alhamdulilla. Easy to interact with classmates and teachers.

    Mohammed Yunus Uddin

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

27. Alhamdulillah, I am very satisfied. The teachers are very interactive and explain the content very well.

    Mohammed Jubaer Uddin

28. 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

29. 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