Associates

September 5 - April 7, 2026

Sundays from
5:00 - 8:00 PM EST

Tuesdays from
7:00 - 10:00 PM EST

Miftaah
Campus

3-Year Graduation Track

2 Days per week

build life-long friendships

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What is the
Associate of Islamic Studies?

This is the gateway to all the fruits of sacred knowledge. The Associate of Islamic Studies at Miftaah Institute offers a range of classes to get you introduced to the traditional Islamic sciences , taught in an engaging manner to promote personal development and allow you to give back to your community, whilst building brotherhood/sisterhood within the classes.

Students will study Islamic tradition and cover classical scholarly approaches to provide a grounded education of rich Islamic history and the application of Islamic knowledge. These courses establish expertise in Islamic studies and prepare undergraduate students for further academic study.

Courses

3 Year Track

Arabic Conversation

Building upon what is learnt in Introduction to Arabic Grammar, this class aims to reinforce many of the concepts learned in Introduction to Arabic Grammar, increase students’ vocabulary, and introduce them to new grammatical forms. The class focuses on providing students with a firm grasp of phraseology that is common to both spoken and written speech, including, but not limited to, a thorough review of Arabic possessive, descriptive, vocative, and indicative phrases. The class also covers how gender is used in Arabic, the full range of Arabic subjective, objective, and possessive pronouns, and the Arabic broken plural. As with Introduction to Arabic grammar, preparation for class and homework are essential so that students may devote in-class time to communicating in the language rather than talking “about” the language. Upon completion, students will be able to formulate basic sentences and speak Arabic on a beginner’s level.
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Text Used: First Steps to understanding Arabic

Arabic Morphology

This course provides students with a necessary base understanding of how Arabic root letters are conjugated to create different words. By the end of the course, students will know how to conjugate verbs in various tenses, determine base letters from non-base letters, and identify verbal patterns that convey information about the number, gender, and voice of the subject of a sentence. Students will also be able to identify the usage of verbs in the Qur'an.
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Text Used:

Arabic Grammar

This course consists of a systematic study of Arabic syntax and parallels the material learnt in Beginner Arabic Morphology I. The comprehensive text used in this course covers the various classifications of different types of sentences and the different components of a sentence’s anatomy, provides a basic but detailed understanding of the Arabic case system, and discusses how Arabic nouns respond to prepositions and verbs in accordance with the role the noun plays in the sentence.
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Text Used: Hidayat ul Nahw, Duroos ul Lughat (Shaykh Hashim al Qalam), Arabic Tutor 2

Arabic Literature

This course aims at giving students a chance to put their Arabic comprehension skills used in their first-year grammar and conversation class to use. It also develops those skills. The class uses Sheikh Abu Hassan Ali Nadwi’s classic didactic text Qasas al-Nabiyin (Stories of the Prophets) to provide students with a manageably challenging reading experience. The fun and engaging text of Qasas al-Nabiyin gradually introduces more complicated and varied grammar and vocabulary as the text goes on. Therefore, each qissah (story) becomes like a baby step towards higher level Arabic comprehension for the student. This class gives students the skill and confidence to begin digesting some of the Islamic intellectual traditions’ most difficult and important works.
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Text Used: Tafsir al Jalalyn

Quran Comprehension

Students will study a compilation of verses from both the Quran. Various ayahs will be analyzed covering areas such as grammar, syntax, definitions, and moral conduct, encouraging the student to improve their knowledge of the Arabic language.
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Text Used: Tafsir al Jalalyn, Safwtul al Tafseer

Hadith Comprehension

This class is an introduction to the comprehension of primary religious sources in their original language and forms the basis of one’s ability to interpret, analyze, and apply Islam’s holy texts. Using the concise and to the point sayings of God’s Messenger (pbuh) collected in the classical text, students will begin to utilize concepts learned in their morphology and syntax classes to understand the Prophet’s (pbuh) words. A discussion of the grammar and vocabulary included in each hadeeth will be accompanied by a lesson on the hadeeth’s meaning and a discussion of its application in our place and time.
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Text Used: 40 Nawawi, Riyadus Saliheen HC

Tazkiah: Purification of the Heart

This Tazkiyah course will read and reflect over texts by Imam Ghazali, Imam Zarnuji, and other select texts. The objective of these readings is to train the student of knowledge by helping them learn practical tools to purify their hearts and build a stronger relationship with Allah SWT.
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Text Used: Purification of the Heart, Selection’s from Ihyaa, Ayuhal Wald Ghazali

year 1

Beginner Arabic Morphology 1

‍Course Length: 1 Year
Text Used: Miftaah Arabic 101 Workbook

This course provides students with a needed base understanding of how Arabic root letters are conjugated to create different words that give information about the subject and action of a sentence. By the end of the course, students will know how to conjugate verbs in various tenses, determine base letters from non-base letters, and identify verbal patterns that convey information about the number, gender, and voice of the subject of a sentence. Through rigorous repetition of the various patterns as applied to different verbs, newly learnt concepts are applied to ensure complete comprehension of the material covered.

Introduction to Arabic Grammar I

Course Length: 1 Year
Text Used: Miftaah Arabic 101 Workbook
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This course is designed to provide students with a base level Arabic vocabulary, consisting of words frequently used in everyday speech, and to familiarize students with spoken Modern Standard Arabic. The goal of this course is to begin developing students’ reading, speaking, listening, and writing in Arabic as well as to provide students with a basic awareness of some of the cultural-linguistic norms of the Arab world. Preparation for class and homework are essential components of the course, allowing students to devote in-class time to communicating in the language rather than talking “about” the language. The class time spent speaking in Arabic is designed to mimic as close as possible the experience of being immersed in an Arabic speaking society. Upon completion, students will be able to formulate basic sentences and speak Arabic on a basic level.

Introduction to Hadith

Course Length:1 Year
Text Used: 40 Hadith of Imam Nawawi
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This class is an introduction to the comprehension of primary religious sources in their original language and forms the basis of one’s ability to interpret, analyze, and apply Islam’s holy texts. Using the concise and to the point sayings of God’s Messenger (pbuh) collected in the classical text The 40 Hadith of Imam Nawawi, students will begin to utilize concepts learned in their morphology and syntax classes to understand the Prophet’s (pbuh) words. A discussion of the grammar and vocabulary included in each hadeeth will be accompanied by a lesson on the hadeeth’s meaning and a discussion of its application in our place and time.

Prophetic Biography

Course Length: 1 Year
Text Used: Seerah
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In this course, students will cover the events which occurred in the life of the Prophet SAW from his birth to the end of his life. Students will explore the challenges which the Prophet SAW faced and how he dealt with them. They will discuss valuable lessons which can be applied from the life of the Prophet SAW and his companions.

Quran Exegesis (Juz Amma)

‍Course Length: 1 Year
Text Used: Juz' Amma Translation

Like Introduction to Hadith, this course allows students to try their hand at applying the grammatical concepts learnt in other courses to analyze and interpret Islamic primary sources. The course methodically guides students through the last Juz’ of the Qur’an and gives students experience translating the uniquely dynamic and engaging style of the Qur’an’s Arabic into English. Along with simple translation, students will learn to recognize and appreciate the thematic coherence between verses and chapters, the deeper meanings of Arabic words, grammatical nuances, the historical context of the revelation of various ayahs, and Qur’anic commentary based on Hadith and the authoritative interpretations of the recognized exegetes of the first generations of Islam. Students are also encouraged to develop and discuss personal reflections on the Qur’anic text and lessons for their contemporary times.

Introduction to Islamic Jurisprudence

‍Course Length: 1 Year
Text Used: Al-Fiqh al-Muyas̈ar (English)

This course introduces students to the rulings regarding two of the five pillars of Islam: the declaration of faith (Shahādah) and ritual prayer (Salāh). The latter includes a study of ritual purification (Tahārah). The course introduces relevant Islamic theological concepts and covers topics that include the meaning of jurisprudence (Fiqh), rulings related to ritual prayer, the etiquette of supplication, and the spiritual dimensions of worship. The course primarily focused on the rulings and understandings of the Hanafi school of thought, but gives reference to differences of opinion amongst the schools.

Arabic Vocabulary (Miftah ul Quran)

‍Course Length: 1 Year
Text Used: Miftah ul Quran

In this course, students will cover in-depth the Miftah ul Quran text. Students will explore the several chapters in this book that cover different vocabulary from the Quran and arabic language. They will discuss how to format sentences and use this arabic vocabulary in speech.

Year 2

Quran Exegesis

Course Length: 1 Year
Text Used:

Complete translation and meaning of specific chapters are covered in this course. Special focus is given to the syntax and etymology of the words and structure used in the verses of the Holy Qur’an. Along with the translation, the course also incorporates interpretations of selected verses which enable the students to fully understand the meaning of the Qur’an.

Principles of Hadith I

Course Length: 1 Year
Text Used: Khaīr al-ʾUṣūl
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This course introduces the student to the mustalah al-hadith. Classification of a hadith is based upon the chain of narration, context, strength of the narrators, number of narrators, etc. This course covers the very basic definitions pertaining to the classification of the hadith. The student will be able to comprehend the basic and common terminology used to classify hadith upon completing this course.

Arabic Grammar II

Course Length: 1 Year
Text Used: Al-Ṭarīqat al-ʿAṣriÿah, Arabic Tutor II

Building off of what is learnt in Beginner Arabic Conversation I. Like Beginner Arabic Conversation I, this class aims to develop students’ speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills by introducing them to an Arabic vocabulary that is more advanced than what is learned in Beginner Arabic Conversation I, but is still manageable for beginners. The class also introduces students to Arabic morphology, focusing initially on conjugation, but then shifting focus to some of the noun forms that words morph into. As with Beginner Arabic Conversation I, preparation for class and homework are essential so that students may devote in-class time to communicating in the language rather than talking “about” the language. Upon completion, students will be able to formulate sentences that involve verbs and subjects of different numbers, gender, and voice, will have a working knowledge of some of Arabic’s most common and basic noun forms, and speak Arabic on a beginner’s level.

Arabic Morphology II

Course Length: 1 Year
Text Used: Tasheel al-Nahw

This course provides an in depth look into the foundation of understanding written classical Arabic, Arabic syntax. The course introduces students to the concept of linguistic case and surveys the various shades of meaning lent to nouns by the different cases. The course also introduces to the many ways active participles and verbs affect the meanings of nouns to give them different shades of meaning. Understanding the concepts in this course is a must for understanding any classical Arabic text.

Principles of Quran

Course Length:
Text Used:

The knowledge of Ulum al-Quran, or ‘The Sciences of the Qur’an’ deals with the knowledge of those sciences that have a direct bearing on the recitation, history, understanding and implementation of the Qur’an. Students will learn the causes of revelation the knowledge of Makki and Madani revelations (asbab an-nuzul), the knowledge of the various forms (ahruf) it was revealed in, the understanding of its abrogated rulings and verses (nasikh wal-mansukh), the knowledge of the various classifications of its verses (muhkam and mutashabih, ‘am and khas, mutlaq and muqqayad, etc.) and the knowledge of its interpretation (tafsir).

Stories of the prophets

Course Length:
Text Used:

In this course, it will cover the various stories of the Holy Quran, as well as cover permanent arabic vocabulary. The stories of the prophets and all the events in their lives have been supported by the Qur'anic Verses and the Sunnah (traditions) of the Prophet (S). The systemic narratives of the Stories of the Prophets have been written in chronological order which renders a historical style to the course.

Prophetic Characteristics

Course Length:
Text Used: Shamail of Imam al-Tirmidhi

The Shamail of Imam al-Tirmidhi is one of the most extensive and celebrated works on the description and attributes of the Messenger of Allah SWT. The 415 narrations were carefully selected by the great muhadith to craft a vivid depiction of the Prophet SAW. The narrations relate to everything from the apparent beauty of his outer appearance to the more subtle beauty of his noble character and mannerisms.This course will review the Prophet SAW blessed physical appearance, habits, worship, daily routine, spirituality, and much more is painted by those most beloved to him: his noble companions and family members. Through it, one can only increase in love for the Most Beloved, for indeed to know him is to love him. This is a study of the characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Year 3

Quran Exegesis II

Course Length: 1 Year
Text Used: Tarjumat al-Qurʾān

Complete translation and meaning of the last ten parts of the Holy Quran (21-30) are covered in this course. Special focus is given to the syntax and etymology of the words and structure used in the verses of the Holy Qur’an. Along with the translation, the course also incorporates interpretations of selected verses which enable the students to fully understand the meaning of the Qur’an.

Advance Arabic Morphology

Course Length: 1 Year
Text Used: ʿIlm al-Ṣiīġah
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This is the final and most advance course in Arabic Morphology in the curriculum. After revising all rules in detail, which govern the law of Arabic Morphology, students learn the various scales of the Arabic verbs (baab). The method through which words are derived from their original patter (taleelaat) is discussed in detail and extensively. Memorization through implementation of exercises allows students to recognize the verbal constructions. Upon completion, students are able to differentiate and identify the scale of every verb in the Arabic language.

Advanced Arabic Grammar

Course Length: 1 Year
Text Used: Al-Naḥw al-Wāḍiḥ I

Designed to develop a higher level of Arabic grammar, this course incorporated a more detailed and advance revision of the Arabic grammar learned in the previous courses. Arabic grammar is now taught in the Arabic medium as students relearn all the definitions and terminology in Arabic. While learning the theoretical aspect of grammar, students are constantly exposed to extensive exercises and drills which allow them to practically implement their knowledge of the Arabic language.

Islamic Theology

Course Length: 1 Year
Text Used: Al-ʿAqīdat al-Ṭaḥāwiÿah

A clear and concise representation of the creed of the Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah in relation to Allah Most High, His divine attributes, His books, His messengers, His angels, the Day of Judgment, destiny, and life after death will be presented to the student. Covering the most basic tenets with selected commentary, the course will address contemporary issues in detail. Essentially, the course will cover material which all Muslims need to know, believe and inwardly understand with respect to Islamic creed.

Principles of Fiqh

Course Length:
Text Used:

Principles of Islamic jurisprudence, also known as uṣūl al-fiqh are traditional methodological principles used in Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) for deriving the rulings of Islamic law.The traditional theory of Islamic jurisprudence elaborates how the scriptures (Quran and hadith) should be interpreted from the standpoint of linguistics and rhetoric. The course reviews the methods for establishing the authenticity of hadith and for determining when the legal force of a scriptural passage is abrogated by a passage revealed at a later date. An exposition of the methods by which the rules of Fiqh are deduced, covering the sources for Islamic law, rules of interpretation, commands and prohibitions, the consensus of opinion, and abrogation.

Islamic History and Arabic Literature

Course Length: 1 Year
Text Used: Qaṣaṣ al-Nabiÿīn

This course utilizes the Arabic text, which illustrates the stories of the prophets in a simple format, to develop Arabic comprehension. Authentic stories carefully written to also help the student learn Arabic and build vocabulary. This course also allows students to apply the knowledge attained from their study of Arabic grammar while helping them work on their Arabic comprehension, writing and speaking skills.

Advanced Hadith

Course Length: 1 Year
Text Used: Riyad As Salihin

Riyad As Salihin: The Gardens of the Righteous, is one of the most famous works of Imam Nawawi. This collection of authentic hadiths can be briefly defined as a book of enhancing morals, mannerliness, encouraging goodness, and warning against the evil. This work consists of the wisdom of the noble Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, setting the criteria about the manners to be observed by individuals. Since the time it was published, Riyad As Salihin has been a must read on the way to deepening in Islamic teaching. This work we present to you with pride is an abridged version of the full compilation.

Alhamdulillah my experience so far is amazing, the vibe and the personalities of the teachers really bring the class together. They all know when to be funny and when to be serious. The topics for this year were absolutely amazing, my favorite class would have to be Mufti Abdul Rahman’s class “Etiquettes of a Seeker”. I feel like in whatever you’re learning, the teacher makes or breaks the class for you. Alhamdulillah these teachers are always positive and always put their students first.

Mujaba Ahsan
Year 2 Associate Student

I love coming to Miftaah; the classes give me tools to deal with hardships in life and help me be a better person overall. The instructors are sincere and real. We learn from not just what they are teaching about the subjects but their demeanor, their values and views and their stories and tangents.

Sumreena Hussain
Advanced Associate Student

Miftaah Institute has been an answer to my du'aas. The classes are very well taught and the instructors are exceptional. The best part about it is that if I cannot attend live, I can go back and watch the recordings. There are a lot of resources to help us understand and pass the class like the PowerPoints and the notes. The administration is also very receptive to any questions or concerns I have.

Fazia Abrahim from Sunrise, Florida
Miftaah Online Winter 2022 Student

Provide broad-based knowledge and critical skills in the areas of Islamic theology, jurisprudence, Qur’anic exegesis, Prophetic traditions, history, contemporary and spiritual aspects of Islamic Studies

Prepare individuals for leadership in serving the Muslim community

Provide access to tertiary level study in Islamic Studies by means of distance education and in class learning

Provide pathways for further learning at postgraduate and research higher degree levels.

Course Instructors

Learn from traditionally trained scholars

Mufti Aasim Rashid

Instructor

Mufti Aasim Rashid is a distinguished Muslim scholar, speaker and educator (the title ‘Mufti’ indicates his expertise and authority in Islamic law). He is devoted to the study and explanation of Islamic sacred texts and their relation to the modern context. His lectures, delivered at conferences and institutions around the world, are known to be inspiring and pertinent to the issues and pressing questions of the day. Mufti Aasim is the founder of the Al-Ihsan Educational Foundation, which has initiated the ‘Islam Unravelled’ project.

Shaykh Abdullah Waheed

Instructor

Shaykh Abdullah Waheed was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, MI. Shaykh Abdullah specialized in the Tafseer of the Quran. Shaykh Abdullah spent years studying the details and beauty of our Holy book since understanding and mastering the language of the Holy Quran was always the primary goal. Shaykh Abdullah is a co-founder and instructor at Miftaah Institute and is also the Director of Islamic Affairs at Flint Islamic Center. Shaykh Abdullah travels across North America for khutbas, workshops, and seminars. He is known for his motivational and enthusiastic style of speaking, which leaves the audience desiring to better themselves.

Shaykh Ali Suleiman Ali

Instructor

Dr. Ali is a co-founder, Core Scholar, and member of the Board of Trustees of the American Learning Institute for Muslims (ALIM), an academic institution where scholars, professionals, activists, artists, writers, and community leaders come together to plan and develop strategies for the future of Islam in the modern world.He serves as the Imam and Director of the Muslim Community of Western Suburbs, Canton Michigan.

Mufti Abdul Rahman Waheed

Instructor

Mufti Abdul Rahman gives insight to various literature in the Islamic world. Mufti Abdul Rahman is serving as a principal and is a full-time instructor at Michigan Islamic Institute, the brother organization of Miftaah Institute. He travels across North America as a khateeb and lecturer. He is well-known for his calm and down-to-Earth demeanor.

Shaykh Maqsood Sher

Instructor

As a senior seminary teacher and scholar, Shaykh Maqsood is an exemplary mentor in Islamic studies, scriptures, and Holy Book interpretations. With an education in Quranic studies, and a bachelor’s in Islamic studies and the Arabic language, Shaykh Maqsood drives to create engaging lectures, foster meaningful discussions, and maintain a healthy and intellectually challenging space for students to grow. Shaykh Maqsood’s recent endeavors include informational lectures discussing “FAMILY TIES, ” “COMMUNITY BUILDING,” ”JUSTICE IN ISLAM,” and “LOVE OF GOD (ALLAH) & PROPHETS,” and will continue his teachings at Miftaah.

Mufti Abdul Wahab Waheed

Instructor

Mufti Abdul Wahab completed his Hadith Intensive in the renowned Islamic University founded by Sheikh Yusuf Binori RA known as Jamia Binoritown, where he had the fortune of studying under teachers who had received their Ijaazat from Al- Azhar, Madina Univsirty, and Ummul Qura. Upon graduation, Mufti Abdul Wahab wanted to pursue his passion in understanding and education in the field of Islamic Jurisprudence and Law.

Shaykh Mohammed Isthiaq

Instructor

He moved to Michigan in 2010 and taught at the IAGD Hifz Program from 2011 to 2013. He served as the Director of Quran and Islamic Studies at Huda School in Franklin, MI from 2013 to 2016. He was the principle of Islamic Association of Greater Detroit (IAGD) Weekend School from 2013 to 2016. He was the Chaplain at the University of Michigan from 2016 to 2018. He led the group for Umrah in 2017 through Miftaah Institute.

Shaykh Hunzla Zaidi

Instructor

Shaykh Hunzla Zaidi was raised in Canton, Michigan. He started the memorization of the Quran at Masjid Bilal Ypsilanti under Qari Shahid Mahmood, and finished when he was ten years old. After middle school, high school, and a couple years of university level studies in the field of Biochemistry, Hunzla left the field and devoted himself full time to learning Deen. He studied at AlHussnain Seminary, a branch of senior scholar Maulana Tariq Jameel’s schools based in Pakistan. Shaykh Hunzla then finished his studies under the guidance of world renowned scholars in Jamia Uloom-ul-Islamia in Binori Town, Pakistan, receiving his certification of Hadith from there. He is currently a Miftaah Institute instructor.