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Foundation Year 2025-26

Join us for a one-year course in Classical Arabic and Islamic Studies

Enrolments for this year are now closed.

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What is Foundation Year?

The Foundation Year in Classical Arabic and Islamic Studies is a year-long online course designed for those beginning their journey in Islamic knowledge. This programme offers a solid foundation in Islamic studies through part-time learning with qualified teachers in the UK, including Shaykh Akram Nadwi. It is ideal for students and working professionals seeking to study Arabic and Islamic studies at a beginner level online.

The course covers a wide range of subjects, including beginner-level Arabic, Hadith, basic Islamic law, Tafsir of the Quran, and the principles underlying these disciplines. It also includes modules on Seerah (the life of the Prophet) and Tazkiyyah (spiritual purification), all taught by experienced scholars.

Classes are held online, part-time on Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm UK time, making it accessible to those with busy schedules. ...

Upon completing the Foundation Year, students can advance to our Arabic Language course (Arabic Immersion Programme) and eventually graduate from the Alimiyyah Programme as an ‘Alim or ‘Alimah, with a deep understanding of the fundamental Islamic sciences. Alternatively, students may choose to enrol in our Quran Study Programme to study the Quran from cover to cover.

This course provides an excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation in Islamic knowledge while accommodating other commitments.

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Application Process

Online Islamic Foundation Year Course

Why Study at ASI

Online Islamic Foundation Year Course

Unique Syllabus

Our syllabus has been designed to provide students with a deep understanding of both Arabic and the Islamic Studies. Our courses 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.

Online Islamic Foundation Year Course

One Day a Week

For many it is not possible to spend years or even decades studying the Islamic Studies 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.

Online Islamic Foundation Year Course

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.

Online Islamic Foundation Year Course

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.

Key Information

Duration
1 year

Mode of Attendance
Part-time – Sundays only

Study Mode

  •  Online – live-streamed lectures and recorded access
  • Optional in-person termly residential programmes
Start of Programme
October 2024

Progression
Arabic Immersion Programme or Quran Study Programme

Qualification
Certificate in Classical Arabic and Islamic Studies

Entry Requirements

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old
  • Applicants must be able to read the Arabic script
  • Fluency in the English language is required

‘One thing we have done with the ASI syllabus is chosen the works of those people who are imams and thinkers; those who impart knowledge with reason and deep understanding.’

— Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi | Principal of Al-Salam Institute

Online Islamic Foundation Year Course

Although I’m studying the Foundation Programme, I’ve always felt that Al-Salam treated us as intellectual beings.

—  Shehroze Khan

The Al-Salam Institute classes have been the highlight of my week for the past two years. I hope Al-Salam Institute provide continued benefit to the ummah, and to humanity in general.

Dr Omar Mahroo

Doctor

Al-Salam Institute is an excellent institute that provides an exceptional teaching experience. They take into consideration everyone’s needs and requirements and help them in their studies.

Kauser Choudhury

Teacher

I had never benefitted so much in doing a term of studying Islamic sciences as I had with Al-Salam Institute. ASI gives many like me the opportunity to combine studying Islamic sciences with work/study.

Umm Ruman

Data Analyst

Find Out More

If you would like to find out more, have questions regarding the application process, or are unsure which programme is suitable for you, please contact our admissions team.

admissions@alsalam.ac.uk
+ 44 (0)20 8090 1623