First Steps in Islam: A Guide for Reverts

About The Course

Though Shahadah is the most essential step in the path to Allah and the beginning of the journey as a Muslim, it is not enough! A new Muslim should strive to know more about the religion and practice the required rituals, just like any other Muslim, and seek further guidance from a teacher. This programme will empower learners to defend Islam with authentic knowledge and guidance through First Steps in Islam.

First Steps in Islam, a free introductory course offered by Al Balagh Academy, is designed to introduce new Muslims to the foundational teachings of Islam, such as Aqeedah and the five pillars of Islam, while addressing common misconceptions. This series of courses, known as First Steps in Islam, provides students with a platform to acquire Islamic knowledge, which can be further built upon through Shari'ah studies.

This free course equips students with an introduction to Islam tailored for new Muslims. First Steps in Islam aims to introduce you to our Pathway for New Muslims programme, which covers all the necessary Islamic education (Fard al-Ayn). The First Steps in Islam course is intended to enlighten believers with essential Islamic knowledge and help them establish a strong foundation in Aqeedah, free from innovations.

By taking First Steps in Islam, learners will build a solid base of Islamic teachings and prepare themselves for more advanced studies. The course encourages new Muslims to seek further knowledge and defend their faith with clarity, empowering them with authentic Islamic guidance.

Course Team

Shaykh Mustaqeem Shah

(Lecturer, Al Balagh Academy, UK)

Brice Giraud

(Student at Institut Musulman d’Enseignement à Distance (IMED France) and Arabic Madrasa (Greensville Trust UK))

Ustaadh Abdul Azeem Climie

(Manager, NHS primary Care, UK )

AT A GLANCE

7 Live Sessions

1 Hr per Lecture

Mode of Delivery: Online

Duration : 2 months

Sundays, 4 PM - 5 PM (London, UK)

Video Recordings Available

Mobile App

Live Q&A

Digital Certificate

Enrol Now

Starts on 1st December 2024

Course Fee: Free

Registration Deadline:

30th November 2024

Share This Course:

SESSIONS

Module 1

1. The Fitra

● Belief in Allah is not solely the result of learning or personal reflection.
● It is an instinctive belief placed in every human by Allah.

Module 2

2. Importance of Seeking Knowledge

● After acknowledging your Creator, you must learn what is expected of you.
● Allah has explained our true purpose through His Prophet (peace be upon him) and the final revelation.
● This lesson highlights why Islam places great importance on seeking knowledge and the benefits gained from it.

Module 3

3. Addressing the Common Questions by Recent Converts

● Answers frequently asked questions by new Muslims.
● Aims to put the mind at ease and address initial concerns.

Module 4

4. An Introduction to the 5 Pillars of Islam

● The Qur’an and the way of the Prophet (peace be upon him) provide a clear roadmap.
● Establishes the foundations of the five pillars of Islam.
● These pillars strengthen both our relationship with Allah and our connection with the Muslim community.

Module 5

5. Trials and Tribulations

● Addresses the question: Why do difficulties persist even after embracing Islam?
● Understanding why tests occur in life.
● Learn how to turn these challenges to your advantage.

Module 6

6. Beware of your Declared Enemy

● Introduction to Shaytan, the declared enemy of believers.
● Understanding who Shaytan is and how he came about.
● Learn how to strengthen your relationship with Allah to defeat Shaytan, insha’Allah.

Module 7

7. The Final Destination

● Death is the inevitable step leading to the ultimate destination.
● For disbelievers, it will be a day of regret.
● For believers, it can be the best day of their lives, as they meet their Lord.

Course Overview

Islam is a comprehensive way of life, and for new Muslims, the journey begins with understanding the foundational principles and practices of the faith. While taking the Shahadah is a profound and life-changing step, it is only the beginning of a lifelong journey toward a closer relationship with Allah. First Steps in Islam: A Guide for Reverts is a free course designed to help new Muslims grasp the basics of Islam in a structured, easy-to-understand manner.

This course, First Steps in Islam, covers the core aspects of the faith, including the Aqeedah (Islamic creed) and the five pillars of Islam. It offers new Muslims a roadmap to understanding their religion and fulfilling their religious obligations. First Steps in Islam also addresses common misconceptions about Islam, providing learners with the correct knowledge to defend their faith.

The First Steps in Islam course aims to introduce new Muslims to Al Balagh Academy’s Pathway for New Muslims, a more detailed and advanced program that provides the necessary Islamic education (Fard al-ayn). With this foundational knowledge, students can build a solid Islamic foundation based on the correct Aqeedah, free from innovations, and progress to more advanced studies in Shari’ah.

Course Aims and Objectives

The course First Steps in Islam: A Guide for Reverts will seek to teach students:

Establish Core Beliefs: Introduce new Muslims to the fundamental beliefs of Islam, including Aqeedah (Islamic creed), belief in Allah, Prophets, Angels, and the Day of Judgment through First Steps in Islam.
Understand and Practice the Five Pillars: Equip learners with the knowledge to practice the five pillars of Islam (Shahadah, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj) in their daily lives as part of First Steps in Islam.
Combat Misconceptions: First Steps in Islam addresses common misconceptions and doubts new Muslims may face, providing clarity and confidence in their understanding of Islam.
Build a Strong Islamic Foundation: First Steps in Islam helps develop a solid foundation in Islamic teachings, preparing students for more advanced studies and long-term faith practice.
Navigate Trials and Tribulations: Offer guidance on dealing with life's challenges, understanding the nature of trials, and using them as opportunities for spiritual growth through First Steps in Islam.
Prepare for Continued Learning: First Steps in Islam introduces learners to pathways for advanced Islamic education, ensuring they are equipped to pursue further knowledge in Fard al-Ayn (individual obligations).
Strengthen Faith Against Shaytan: First Steps in Islam teaches strategies to protect oneself from Shaytan’s influence and strengthen the relationship with Allah.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, First Steps in Islam: A Guide for Reverts, students will be able to:

Understand the Core Beliefs of Islam: Through First Steps in Islam, grasp the essential elements of Aqeedah (Islamic creed), including belief in Allah, Prophets, Angels, Scriptures, and the Day of Judgment.
Learn and Apply the Five Pillars: First Steps in Islam will guide students to gain an understanding of the five pillars of Islam—Shahadah, Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage)—and how to implement them in daily life.
Address Common Misconceptions: First Steps in Islam enables learners to combat common misunderstandings about Islam with authentic knowledge.
Establish a Strong Foundation: Build a solid foundation in Islamic teachings that prepares students for more advanced studies through First Steps in Islam, ensuring they can practice their faith confidently.
Navigate the Journey as a New Muslim: First Steps in Islam provides an understanding of the next steps in their Islamic journey, including how to seek further knowledge, find a teacher, and integrate Islamic principles into their life.
Prepare for Continued Education: First Steps in Islam introduces students to Al Balagh Academy’s Pathway for New Muslims program, which will guide them through more advanced and detailed Islamic education in Fard al-ayn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Al Balagh courses recognised or accredited?

Al Balagh courses do not provide an externally accredited or recognised qualification. Our own expert team works at the course content. With over 40000+ learners, we are continuously growing and our vision is to make Al Balagh qualifications renowned worldwide through our expert team, without seeking formal accreditation or recognition from external institutional bodies.

How is this online course structured?

Our online course comprises live interactive online sessions, pre-recorded videos, online course material that include, presentations, reading material & online learning activities. Students may ask questions and get their doubts cleared from their respective lecturers, if any. Our dedicated academic support team will assist you as required.

When will I have access to the online course material?

Upon successful enrollment, you will get access to ILM Portal (our advanced online learning portal) within 24 hours. (login details and important contact information will be provided on your registered email address)

Will I get notification for live sessions?

You will be able to view all course wise live session details including joining links on your ILM Portal calendar.Weekly email reminders are also sent out on your registered email address. If you find any difficulty with the link/calendar please contact us immediately via Email: [email protected] or by Phone: +447946835578 . Our dedicated support team will ensure that your problem gets resolved at the earliest

Is it mandatory to attend live sessions?

Attending live sessions, while not mandatory for course progression, is strongly encouraged. Prominent scholars and educators highlight the unique value of live attendance, emphasizing its role in the authentic transfer of knowledge. Live participation fosters an interactive learning environment, allowing for real-time questions, discussions, and clarifications that are not as easily replicated through recorded materials. This live engagement is seen as essential for a deeper understanding and connection to the subject matter, echoing the tradition and Adab of scholarly learning.

I missed a live session. Can I get the video recordings?

If you miss a live session, don't worry! You can access the recorded sessions, presentations, and relevant materials on your course dashboard within 24 - 48 hours after the live class is delivered. Our admin team uploads the content promptly so you can catch up on what you missed and be well-prepared for the next live class. Simply log in to the ILM Student portal and find the materials under the respective course section if you miss a scheduled live lecture.

Can I download the video recordings on my device (Desktop/Laptop/Mobile/Tab)?

We understand that having constant access to educational content is important for our students. However, to maintain the integrity and security of our course materials, videos are not available for download directly from the Learning Management System (LMS). We ensure that our LMS is accessible at all times and from various devices, allowing you to study at your convenience, wherever you have internet access. If you have any concerns about accessing the materials or need assistance with the LMS, please do not hesitate to contact our support team for help.

What is the process for reaching out to the instructor?

For inquiries about instructor contact information, please reach out to the course administrator directly. Instructor details will be shared only with their explicit consent. However, participants are encouraged to connect through group discussions.

( Please note, they often have demanding schedules and may not always be able to address individual queries. We encourage you to attend live sessions and utilize the Q&A period for questions. For queries post-lecture, feel free to contact our administrators, and we will do our best to assist. Responses from instructors will depend on their availability. Thank you for your understanding.)

When will the final exam be held?

The Final Exam will be held at the end of the course(approximately one month after the final live lecture of the course) and will be a Graded And Timed Exam.

I have doubts but I cannot attend the live session. Any other way to ask my questions?

For any doubts or discussions, join the dedicated Course WhatsApp Groups where you can engage with peers for question clarification and discussions. Course instructors may be part of these groups at their discretion. If you need to contact a specific instructor, please reach out to the Admin Team.

How do I interact with my classmates?

You can interact with your classmates on our WhatsApp Groups exclusive for the course students. To join the official WhatsApp group, log in to your course on https://ilm.albalaghacademy.org/ and access the "Join Official WhatsApp Group'' tab. Go to Start → Sessions → Welcome Aboard: Course Introduction → Join Official WhatsApp Group

Joining the group will allow you to connect with fellow course students for discussions and updates.

How long will I have access to the free online course(s)?

For free courses the access time for your course is 6 Months.

I am facing trouble signing into the “ILM” Online Student portal. What should I do?

In case you find any trouble accessing your account, then please contact us immediately via email: [email protected] or by phone: +447946835578 . Our dedicated support team will ensure that your problem gets resolved at the earliest. The time taken to resolve issues depends on the team's availability and working hours. We guarantee prompt resolution of your queries. Please be aware that it typically takes around 24 hours to resolve any technical issues.

How can I apply for the Al Balagh Scholarship?

Al Balagh Academy values seekers of knowledge more than anything. Please visit here to apply for a scholarship. Our team will assess your application and respond in 2-3 working days.

What is the course grading policy?

Our course grading policy is designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding and mastery of the subject matter. To successfully pass, students are required to achieve a minimum grade of 40% across all courses. Here's how your performance will be evaluated:

Weekly Assessment Exams (60% of total points): Throughout the course, you will encounter approximately 5-6 online objective assessments aimed at testing your understanding and honing your skills. These weekly checkpoints are pivotal in tracking your progress and ensuring you're on the right path.
Course Final Exam (40% of total points): The culmination of your learning journey is marked by the course final exam. This decisive assessment evaluates your grasp of the entire course content.
Achieving a score of 40% or above is essential to pass the course. This balanced approach between regular assessments and a comprehensive final exam ensures that you not only retain information but also apply your knowledge effectively.

When can I expect to receive my Certificate of Achievement?

Following successful course completion, you will be eligible to receive your digital certificate of achievement. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

Completion of All Course Modules: Full engagement with all designated course materials, including readings, assignments, and assessments, is mandatory.

Attainment of the Minimum Passing Threshold: A minimum grade of 40% is required to qualify for the certificate of achievement.

Who do I contact if I still have doubts related to my courses ?

If you have questions or need assistance during your journey, our dedicated support team is here for you. Your success is our priority. Please be patient as our team works round the clock to provide support.

📞 Admissions Team( Payment, Scholarships, Enrollment, or information about New Courses):

🚀 Short-Term Course Support (Assessment, Course-related, or IT-Technical issues):

Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: [Course WhatsApp Support])

Is there a mobile app for accessing my courses ?

Maximize your learning flexibility with our newly updated mobile app! Enjoy seamless access to your courses anytime, anywhere. Click on the links below to download the app tailored to your device: