The Alimiyyah Degree provides students with a firm grounding in both the Arabic language and Classical Islamic Disciplines. During the first 2 years students are introduced to beginner-intermediate level texts in the Islamic Sciences. Students will have the opportunity to explore the different disciplines and research further into selected subjects. They then progress onto intermediate-advanced texts in the final 3 years of the programme in which they will refine their understanding and critical thinking abilities. Students will have the opportunity to study with a number of qualified scholars including Shaykh Akram Nadwi.

Students who successfully complete the Alimiyyah Programme will be awarded a Licence in Islamic Scholarship.

Unique Syllabus

The Al-Salam Institute syllabus has been designed to provide students with a profound understanding of both Arabic and the Islamic Sciences. Our programmes are delivered by some of the UK’s leading academics and traditionally-trained scholars; we combine classical Islamic texts with contemporary works to enable students to graduate with an incisive understanding of the religion.

One Day a Week

For many it is not possible to spend years or even decades studying the Islamic Sciences full time. Our programmes are structured so that students are only required to dedicate one day a week to their studies, making the programme ideal for both full-time students and working professionals, as well as homemakers.

Live Online Classes

All of our content is available live online for students all over the world. We currently have a global network of students from every continent – except perhaps Antarctica! – who connect with their teachers and classmates on a weekly basis. As a global community, we come together to learn, study and train in the sciences of the religion.

Shaykh Akram Nadwi

Shaykh Akram Nadwi is a Hadith scholar of the highest calibre as well as one of the leading Islamic thinkers of our time. Our programmes are primarily authorised by Shaykh Akram Nadwi. Graduates from the Institute do so under his tutelage, receiving their Shahādah ‘Ālimiyyah upon completion of the programme.

Licence in Islamic Scholarship (Shahada al-‘Alimiyyah)

The Licence in Islamic Scholarship is the one of the most prestigious qualifications awarded by ASI. After successfully completing final exams, students will graduate from the Institute as an ‘Ālim or ‘Ālimah with a portfolio of isnād and ijāzah collected over the years studying with the Institute.

Alimiyyah Programme 2023-2024

The Alimiyyah Degree provides students with a firm grounding in both the Arabic language and Classical Islamic Disciplines. During the first 2 years students are introduced to beginner-intermediate level texts in the Islamic Sciences. Students will have the opportunity to explore the different disciplines and research further into selected topics through coursework (where applicable). They then progress onto intermediate-advanced texts in the final 3 years of the programme in which they will refine their understanding and critical thinking abilities. Alongside exams, the programme culminates with an independent research project undertaken by students.

The Arabic language is an essential aspect of studying the Islamic Sciences and therefore students will be expected to focus on developing their Arabic language skills throughout the programme. During years 1 & 2 this will include strengthening their Classical Arabic reading and comprehension skills. From year 3 onwards they will also be required to develop their writing and presentation skills.

Students who successfully complete the Alimiyyah Programme (including written assignments and examinations) will be awarded a Licence in Islamic Scholarship.