Lite - UMMA

January 6th -
May 5th, 2025

Mondays

7:00 - 9:00 PM EST

UNITED MICHIGAN MUSLIM ASSOCIATION

Quran

Seerah

Hadith

Arabic

What is the
Miftaah Lite?

Miftaah Lite provides college students and adults a primer on their journey to attain in-depth knowledge of the various disciplines of Islamic studies. Students will study Islam and cover classical scholarly approaches, providing them an introduction to the rich Islamic tradition and application of the Islamic disciplines. The course establishes a basic foundation and introduction to Islamic Studies and prepares students for further academic study.

‍Students in the Miftaah Lite Program must complete 8 courses to graduate. Upon completing the Miftaah Lite Program, students have the option of transitioning into the 3 Year Associate of Islamic Studies Program.

Courses

2 Semesters

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

Fall semester

Sacred Foundations I: 40 Hadith of Imam Nawawi

‍Course Length: 1 Semester
Text Used: Miftaah 's 40 Hadith of Imam Nawawi

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.

Quran Exegesis (Surah Maryam)

Course Length: 1 Semester
Text Used: Miftaah's Quran Exegesis: Surah Maryam
‍
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.

Winter semester

Prophetic Biography (Seerah)

Course Length: 1 Semester
Text Used: Miftaah Sirah al-Nabawiya

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.

Fiqh al-Sawm and Zakat: Exploring Jurisprudence

Course Length: 1 Semester
Text Used: Miftaah PPT and Notes

Fiqh al-Sawm, the jurisprudence of fasting in Islam, represents a profound spiritual journey and a pillar of devotion during the holy month of Ramadan. This course offers a comprehensive exploration of Fiqh al-Sawm, providing students with a deep understanding of the principles, regulations, and spiritual dimensions of fasting in Islam.Fiqh al-Zakat, the jurisprudence of zakat in Islam, stands as a vital pillar of social justice and communal welfare, encapsulating the spirit of compassion and solidarity within the Muslim community. This course offers a comprehensive examination of Fiqh al-Zakat, providing students with a deep understanding of the principles, regulations, and practical applications of this obligatory act of charity.

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

Arabic vocabulary and its forms with definitions

Better understand the Hadith, in that the student will be familiar with the history of its revelation and collection, and the various aspects that aid its comprehension

Explore the different types of Hadith compilers and their books

The foundation of Islamic Knowledge

Understand the development of the script of the Quran

Course Instructors

Learn from traditionally trained scholars

Shaykh Mohamed Almasmari

Instructor

Shaykh Mohamed Almasmari, of Yemeni descent, was born and raised in Michigan. He memorized the Qur'an at a very early age and after high school, left to study at Sana'a University. In 2007, he became the Imam of a local masjid in California few miles down from Shaykh Zaid Shakir, where he left a very high standard and tough shoes to fill. Then, In 2009, he was called upon to serve in Brooklyn in a community that was desperately in need of an Ameer (leader). Within two years, Alhamdulillah Shaykh Almasmari, by the Will of Allah swt was able turn that community around for the better. He has lead taraweeh prayers during the month of Ramadan since the age of 18. Now Shaykh Mohamed Almasmari is the Imam and Khatib at UMMA.

Shaykh Abdullah Waheed

Instructor

Shaykh Abdullah Waheed was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, MI. He commenced his studies at the age of ten in Toronto, Canada, where he went to memorize the Quran. He completed the memorization of the Holy Quran by the tender age of thirteen and then went on to study in the seven-year extensive Shariah program in Toronto, Canada. Shaykh Abdullah then continued his research and studies, which took him on global journeys to Pakistan, Kuwait, England and other countries. Shaykh Abdullah is a co-founder and instructor at Miftaah Institute and is also the Director of Islamic Affairs at Flint Islamic Center. He is known for his motivational and enthusiastic style of speaking, which leaves the audience desiring to better themselves.

Semester Schedule

Last day to register
January 3th, 2025

First day of semester
‍January 6th, 2025

Ramadan Break
‍February 25 - April 6, 2025

Completion
‍May 5th, 2025

Program information

days

Mondays

time

7:00 - 9:00 PM EST

location

UMMA

‍31333 Southfield Road,
Beverly Hills, MI 48025

dates

January 6th -
May 5th, 2025

sessions

2 Hour Sessions

ages

15 and Older

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Miftaah lite:
UMMA

$200.00/semester

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Guidelines for Graduation

The Miftaah Lite Seminary Curriculum is centered around 6 Core Subjects

Quranic studies

Hadith studies

Islamic law

Islamic history

spiritual development

arabic language

One of the main factors that distinguish our program is its graduation requirements. To complete the program and graduate, students must receive a passing score for each course. To complete the Miftaah Lite program, the student must complete at least 2 courses per semester for a total of 8 courses over two years.
‍
A total of 8 course courses are needed to qualify for the Miftaah Lite certificate. After completing 8 courses of the Lite program, students are encouraged to transfer to the Associate Program located at the Miftaah Campus.

2 classes

4 semsters

8 courses

MIFTAAH LITE SEMINARY GRADUATION CERTIFICATE GRANTED ➤ STUDENTS MAY TRANSFER TO THE ASSOCIATE PROGRAM