September 9th - May 12th, 2026
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Sundays from 5:00 - 8:00 PM
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3-Year Graduation Track
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What is the

Associate Program

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.

Subjects

3 Year Track

Fall SemEster

Year 1

Beginners

Associate Program

Arabic 101

Course Length:

1 Year

Text Used:

Miftaah Arabic Grammar & Morphology 101

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.

First we will start with the 4 properties of a word, then look at fragments, and finally study the different types of sentences found in the Arabic language.

Second will study the different sarf families, learn the implications of each family,  and understand word meanings based off of their unique patterns.

Third, we will begin Irab studies with grammatical analysis of simple sentences and then move to the Quran and focus on complex structures and ayahs.

Arabic 101
Quran Exegesis (Juz Amma)

Course Length:

Text Used:

Miftaah Quranic Exegesis: Juz Amma

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.

Quran Exegesis (Juz Amma)
Sacred Foundations I: 40 Hadith of Imam Nawawi

Course Length:

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 hadith will be accompanied by a lesson on the hadeeth meaning and a discussion of its application in our place and time.

Sacred Foundations I: 40 Hadith of Imam Nawawi
Prophetic Biography (Seerah)

Course Length:

Text Used:

Miftaah Sirah al-Nabawiya

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.

Prophetic Biography (Seerah)
Introduction to Islamic Jurisprudence

Course Length:

Text Used:

Miftaah's Islamic Jurisprudence: Introduction to Fiqh, Purification, and Salah

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.

Introduction to Islamic Jurisprudence
Etiquettes of a Seeker

Course Length:

Text Used:

Miftaah Institute: Etiquettes of a Seeker

One scholar states "Etiquettes have to do with how you are externally and internally". In this course, the instructor outlines the ways in which one develops their etiquettes in the pursuit of knowledge. Imam Al-Bukhari’s Sahih is well known, however he has also written a dedicated work on mannerisms titled Al-Adab Al-Mufrad. In this class, we will focus on a select number of ahadith of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم from this monumental work that will help us grow in our spiritual development through perfecting our character.

Etiquettes of a Seeker

Winter SemEster

Year 2

Associate Program

Intermediate

Arabic 201

Course Length:

Text Used:

Miftaah Arabic Grammar and Morphology

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.As with Arabic 101I, 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 201
Quran Exegesis (Surah Maryam)

Course Length:

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.

Quran Exegesis (Surah Maryam)
Sacred Foundations II: 40 Hadith of Imam Nawawi

Course Length:

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.

Sacred Foundations II: 40 Hadith of Imam Nawawi
Islamic Science of Quran (Uloom ul-Quran)

Course Length:

Text Used:

An Introduction to the Sciences of the Qur'an by Sh. Furhan Zubairi

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).

Islamic Science of Quran (Uloom ul-Quran)
Islamic Science of Hadith (Uloom ul-Hadith)

Course Length:

Text Used:

Introduction to Hadith Studies by Sh. Furhan Zubairi

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.

Islamic Science of Hadith (Uloom ul-Hadith)
Principles of Fiqh

Course Length:

Text Used:

Miftaah PPT and Notes

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.

Principles of Fiqh
Prophetic Stories (Qasas Al-Nabiyeen)

Course Length:

Text Used:

Miftaah Prophetic Stories

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 Stories (Qasas Al-Nabiyeen)

Summer SemEster

Year 3

Associate Program

Advanced

Arabic 301

Course Length:

Text Used:

Miftaah Arabic Grammar and Morophology

This is the final and most advance course book 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 pattern (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.

Arabic 301
Quran Exegesis (Surah Israa)

Course Length:

Text Used:

Miftaahh's Quran Exegesis: Surah Isra

This course covers the complete translation of these specific chapters in the Qur’an. This selected chapter we will cover is the 17th surah (Surah Isra) of the Holy Quran. 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.

Quran Exegesis (Surah Israa)
Principles of Marriage and Finance

Course Length:

Text Used:

The Marriage Handbook by Mufti Aasim Rashid and The Money Handbook by Mufti Aasim Rashid

This course covers the marriage proposal, the dower, the announcing of the wedding, feast, the rights of the husband and wife, many contemporary issues and some evil customs that have crept into the marriage ceremonies and feasts throughout the Muslim world. Conclusions are consistent with the Quran and Sunnah and not biased toward any school or culture.There are many questions we have as it pertains to finance in our day and age. What does Islam say about money? What is the role of currency? Can we invest in stocks? All these questions and more will be answered this course.

Principles of Marriage and Finance
Islamic Theology

Course Length:

Text Used:

Al-Aqida Al-Tahawiyya by Imam Abu Ja'far al-Tahawi

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.

Islamic Theology
Riyad ul Saliheen

Course Length:

Text Used:

Riyad As Salihin by Imam Al-Nawawi

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.

Riyad ul Saliheen
Prophetic Description (Sham'ail)

Course Length:

Text Used:

Miftaah PPT and Notes

Imam al-Tirmidhi's Al-Shama’il al-Muhammadiyya contains 414 Hadith that together present a detailed description of the moral, physical and spiritual qualities of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.This course is designed to give you the following:Deep knowledge of the character, behavior, and personal qualities of Allah's Messenger ﷺ.Understanding of why knowledge of the character of the Prophet ﷺ is central for all areas of the religion.Enriched appreciation for the world and the worldview of the Companions رضي الله عنهم and the Early Generations of Muslims.Renewed and strengthened love for Allah's Messenger ﷺ, knowledge of him, and desire to see him in this life and the next.

Prophetic Description (Sham'ail)

"The Intensive was such a fulfilling experience and I can't wait to sign up for more programs."

This was my very first intenstive with Miftaah Institute and it was absolutely amazing mashaAllah. It was very educationI initially signed up for the Hadith Intensive just to try out a Miftaah program, not really knowing what to expect for the topic being Hadith. Alhamdulilahthe Intensive was such a fulfilling experience and I can't wait to sign up for more programs at Miftaah inshAllah! I enjoyed learning about the history of Hadith and the rigorous way Hadith have been vetted and preserved. It really opened my eyes to our rich Islamic history and strengthened my conviction of being Muslim Alhamdulilah.

Amena S.  , Dayton, OH

"I enjoyed the intensive a lot".

I enjoyed the intensive a lot. It definitely met its objective - to increase the love of the sunnah, of Prophet Muhammad SAW, to have more confidence in our Islamic tradition.

The event was well organized and the instructors were all engaging and passionate about the subject Allahumma barik lahum, which has energized and encouraged me to continue my ilm journey! All and the content was well-taught so it could be easily absorbed. Each of the shuyookh took their time to go though the various topics and gave an in depth analysis on different ahadith and its history. It’s definitely one of those events that make you feel closer to Allah, His Messenger ﷺ and the love of obtaining knowledge.

Maiza A., Canada

program Instructors

Learn from traditionally trained scholars
Mufti Aasim Rashid
Senior Instructor - Board of Directors

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
President Board of Directors - 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 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 Ali Suleiman Ali
Instructor

Dr. Ali Suleiman Ali was Born in Ghana, Africa. He moved to Saudi Arabia to pursue studies and graduated with Arabic and Islamic studies Degree.Dr. Ali pursued further scholarship at the University of Michigan where he earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in Islamic and Arabic Studies.Dr. Ali has taught several Islamic Studies and Historical courses in various institutions in USA , such as Oakland University, University of Detroit-Mercy, Wayne County Community College, and Miftaah Institute. 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. Additionally, he serves as the Director of Muslim Family Services, a division of ICNA-USA and is a member of the Islamic Council of North America, (ICNA), the North American Imams Federation,(NAIF), the Association of Muslim Jurist of America (AMJA) and the Fiqh Council of North America (FCN).

Mufti Abdul Rahman Waheed
Co-Founder - Board of Directors - Instructor

Mufti Abdul Rahman Waheed was born and raised in Lansing, MI. As a youth, he displayed zeal and enthusiasm to involve himself in the religious sciences. At just 9 years of age, Mufti Abdul Rahman went to Toronto, Canada to pursue his dreams of becoming a Hafidh of the Holy Qur'an. Thereafter, Mufti Abdul Rahman traveled to Pakistan to continue his passion to seek knowledge where he completed his 2 year Iftaa program which specializes in Islamic Jurisprudence and Law. 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 Mohamed Almasmari
Board of Advisors - 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. Soon after, he obtained his Bachelor/Master Degrees in Islamic Law & Islamic Science from Yemen. During his studies, he was able to obtain ijaazas in recitation & teaching of Al-Qur'an, Qur'anic Exegesis (Tafseer-ul-Qur'an), Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence), Sahih Bukhari & Muslim and Imam Nawwawi's works such as the commentary to Sahih Muslim and Riyaad-us-Saliheen. 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 Abdul Aziz Waheed
Director - Board of Directors - Instructor

Shaykh Abdul Aziz Waheed was born in East Lansing, Michigan. He began Islamic studies at Jaamiah al-Uloom al-Islamiyyah, where he became a Hafiz.Upon the completion of his memorization of the Quran, Shaykh Abdul Aziz decided to continue his studies in Islamic sciences . He started his 7 year Shariah program in Toronto, Canada. Shaykh Abdul Aziz Waheed graduated with honors and went on to receive Ijazzat for teaching Hadith from prominent scholars from around the world. He also travels extensively across North America for Dawah purposes. Throughout his travels, Shaykh Abdul Aziz addresses communities across the United States – and particularly in Michigan – on a wide range of Islamic topics and Inshallah, continues to do so with the Tawfiq of Allah SWT . Shaykh Abdul Aziz is a Co-founder of Miftaah Institute and also serves as Dean of Academic Affairs at Michigan Islamic Institute.

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
Executive Director - Board of Directors - Instructor

Mufti Abdul Wahab Waheed was born and raised in Ann Arbor, MI. He began Islamic studies at Jaamiah al-Uloom al-Islamiyyah in Canada where he became a Hafiz at the age of 11. He started his 7-year Shariah program in Toronto, Canada, and went even further to pursue higher education of Hadith in Karachi, Pakistan. Throughout his travels, Mufti Abdul Wahab addresses communities across the United States on a wide range of Islamic topics and Inshallah, continues to do so with the Tawfiq of Allah SWT. Mufti Abdul Wahab is a Co-founder at Miftaah Institute and also is a Co-Founder and Director at Michigan Islamic Institute.

Shaykh Oosman Mustoofa
Instructor

Born in England, with ancestral ties to Mauritius, and having been raised in Ethiopia, profoundly influenced his personality, worldview, and life perspective. He furthered his educational journey at Binori Town in Karachi, Pakistan. This experience fueled his passion for knowledge and led to the completion of his Masters in Islamic Studies in Bury, England, under the profound mentorship of the late Shaykh Yusuf Motala (May Allah shower his choicest blessings on him), a revered figure in the Islamic world. Following his graduation from Al-Ihsan, he relocated to Montreal, where he served as a full-time federal prison chaplain, providing spiritual services and aiding in the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates in the province of Quebec. Concurrently, he resides in Windsor and has become an integral figure at Muneer Academy and an instructor at Miftaah Institute, where his passion for Islamic studies and pedagogy continues.

Shaykh Hunzla Zaidi
Instructor

Shaykh Hunzla Zaidi was raised in Canton, Michigan. He finished the memorization of the Quran at a young age then pursued secular studies in the field of Biochemistry. He then left the field and devoted himself full time to learning Deen at AlHussnain Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana. Shaykh Hunzla then finished his studies under the guidance of world renowned scholars in Banuri Town, Pakistan, receiving his certification in Shariah studies from there. He is currently a Miftaah Institute instructor.

Program Schedule

Learn from traditionally trained scholars
Last Day to Register
September 1st, 2025
First Day of Semester
September 9th, 2025
Scheduled Breaks
November 25th - December 1st
Last Day of Semester
May 12th, 2026

Program Information

days
Sundays & Tuesdays
Time
Sundays from 5:00 - 8:00 PM
location
Miftaah Campus
11200 East 11 Mile, Warren, MI 48089
Sessions
3 Hour Sessions
Schedule
Registration Closed
Tuesdays from 7:00 - 10:00 PM
September 9th - May 12th, 2026
features
Free Babysitting & Snacks

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Limited Spots Available

sign up for the program

Associate Program

$350.00/semester or $530.00/year

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Associate Program

$350.00/semester or $530.00/year

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frequently Asked Questions

What payment options are available?

Tuition payments may be made per semester or per year.

Is the Associates Program open for High School Students?

The program is open to students that are 17 and older.

Where are classes held?

Classes are held at the Miftaah Campus located at 11200 East 11 Mile, Warren, MI 48089.

What course material is provided?

Miftaah will provide course textbooks, and lifetime access to the student portal, including recordings, PowerPoints, and course material.

Will there be an online option?

No, the Miftaah Associates Program will be only available onsite.