Introduction to Islamic Studies

A Clear Roadmap to Understanding Islamic Sciences and Beginning Your Journey of Structured Sacred Knowledge.

Introduction to Islamic Studies

About

Many Muslims want to learn Islam more seriously but are unsure where to begin. With so much content available online, it can be difficult to know what to study, which subjects matter most, and how the Islamic sciences fit together.
This free six-week course provides a clear introduction to Islamic Studies, helping students understand the major branches of Islamic knowledge and develop a more structured approach to learning. Along the way, students will gain a roadmap for studying Islam online and discover how the Al Balagh Diploma in Islamic Studies Programme can support their continued journey in seeking sacred knowledge.

Course Team

Professor Syed Shakir Jamil

Shaykh Abdur Rahman Cader

(ʿĀlimiyyah, Jaameah Mahmoodiyyah, PGCE in Arabic & Religious Studies, Two Oceans Graduate Institute, South Africa)

AT A GLANCE

6 Live Sessions

1 Hr per Lecture

Duration : 6 Weeks

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

Video Recordings Available

Mobile App

Live Q&A

Digital Certificate

Enrol Now

Next intake Starts on 19th July 2026

Course Fee: Free

Registration Deadline:

18th July 2026

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Sessions

SESSION 1

The Importance of Islamic Sciences

SESSION 2

How to Study the Islamic Sciences Effectively Online

SESSION 3

Aqeedah, Qur'anic Studies & Tazkiyah: Understanding Faith and Divine Revelation

SESSION 4

Hadith, Seerah & Islamic History: Preserving the Prophetic Legacy

SESSION 5

Fiqh & Contemporary Islamic Studies: Understanding and Applying Islam in the Modern World

SESSION 6

Introducing the Al Balagh Islamic Studies Programme

Course Overview

Seeking Islamic knowledge is a lifelong journey, yet many learners today struggle to navigate the vast amount of Islamic content available online. Without a clear framework, it is easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure about what to study and where to focus.

This course has been designed to provide that foundation. Students will be introduced to key areas of Islamic Studies, including Aqeedah, Qur'anic Studies, Tazkiyah, Hadith, Seerah, Islamic History, Fiqh, and Contemporary Islamic Studies, while gaining an appreciation of how these disciplines work together within the broader tradition of Islamic scholarship. The programme will also guide students on how to study Islamic sciences effectively online, identify key areas for further learning, and explore how the Al Balagh Diploma in Islamic Studies Programme can provide a structured and comprehensive pathway for continuing their studies.

Introduction to Islamic Studies
Introduction to Islamic Studies

Who is this course for?

  • Muslims beginning their journey of Islamic learning.
  • University and college students seeking a structured introduction to the Islamic sciences.
  • Busy professionals looking for a flexible pathway to study Islam online
    Islamic studies enthusiasts who want to understand how the major sciences connect together.
  • Learners considering enrolment into a structured Diploma in Islamic Studies programme.
Introduction to Islamic Studies

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Explain the importance of the Islamic sciences and their role in preserving and transmitting sacred knowledge.
  • Identify the major disciplines of Islamic Studies and understand how they contribute to a holistic understanding of Islam.
  • Develop an effective framework for studying Islamic sciences through structured online learning.
  • Recognise the foundations, scope, and relevance of Aqeedah, Qur'anic Studies, Tazkiyah, Hadith, Seerah, Islamic History, and Fiqh.
  • Evaluate suitable pathways for continuing their Islamic education through structured programmes of study.
Introduction to Islamic Studies
Islamic Guide to a Successful Marriage

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

  • Possess a clear understanding of the major Islamic sciences and how they relate to one another.
  • Feel more confident in navigating Islamic learning resources and identifying beneficial avenues of study.
  • Have a practical roadmap for pursuing Islamic knowledge according to their interests, goals, and circumstances.
  • Understand how Islamic teachings have been preserved, interpreted, and applied throughout history and in contemporary contexts.
  • Be prepared to continue their journey of structured Islamic learning with greater clarity, purpose, and confidence.
Islamic Guide to a Successful Marriage

Testimonials

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.
Are the course structure, content, and schedule guaranteed to remain the same?

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of relevant bodies or revisions to subject benchmark statements. We may also make changes to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

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: admin@albalaghacademy.org 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: admin@albalaghacademy.org 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):

Is there a mobile app for accessing my courses ?
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