First Steps in Islam: A Guide for New Muslims
Strengthen your faith with essential knowledge and guidance
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 )
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
Sessions
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?
How is this online course structured?
When will I have access to the online course material?
Will I get notification for live sessions?
Is it mandatory to attend live sessions?
I missed a live session. Can I get the video recordings?
Can I download the video recordings on my device (Desktop/Laptop/Mobile/Tab)?
What is the process for reaching out to the instructor?
( 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?
I have doubts but I cannot attend the live session. Any other way to ask my questions?
How do I interact with my classmates?
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)?
I am facing trouble signing into the “ILM” Online Student portal. What should I do?
How can I apply for the Al Balagh Scholarship?
What is the course grading policy?
- 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 ?
📞 Admissions Team( Payment, Scholarships, Enrollment, or information about New Courses):
🚀 Short-Term Course Support (Assessment, Course-related, or IT-Technical issues):
Is there a mobile app for accessing my courses ?
- For Android users: Download from the Google Play Store
- For iOS users: Download from the App Store
Dive into a world of convenient and accessible learning today!