ADULT COURSES
OUR METHOD OF STUDYING
OUR METHOD OF STUDYING
The aalimah course at MMTQ takes its inspiration from the time-honoured dars-e-nizami methods. However the version taught at MMTQ is a condensed and slightly modified adaptation. Emphasis is removed from studying rhetoric, philosophy and logic and instead, prominence is primarily given to the study of Arabic grammar and building up vocabulary through primary text before concentrating on Quran, fiqh and tafseer.
This adaptation is not based on the view that the study of rhetoric and logic is insignificant; rather it is due to the family commitments of the students. The majority of the sisters studying are women with husbands, children, family, home and work commitments and the course has been tailored to allow them the opportunity to access a high standard of Islamic education without having to retreat to a conventional residential darul uloom setting.
Although we adopt a more inclusive and democratic method of learning, we adhere to the principles of traditional study which is the talaqqi method in which lessons are conducted in a halqah (circle of students seated on the floor). The classes are led by a teacher with ijazah and who has previously mastered the taught subject. The teacher instructs the students through the medium of a kitab and supplements this with his knowledge whilst the students take notes.
Rather than attempting to complete the set syllabus into the period of one year, each year is studied as a module. This means it may at times take longer than a year to complete a stage of learning as the pace is set by the ability and commitment of the majority of the students in a class. However, no module should take longer than one academic year and two additional months.
At the end of each module, students are examined over a period of two weeks by the means of written test papers and, occasionally, oral examinations. Students who achieve less than 60% in three or more examination are required to resit the module.
Students should not be discouraged by the prospect of examinations. Exams and assessments are ensure a quality of study is adhered to and benefit the students in retaining what they have learnt.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Aalim/ Aalimah: literally means ‘learned’ (aalimah in the feminine form) and is the term used to refer to an individual who has graduated from a recognised darul uloom under the supervision of reputable Ulamah (scholars). An aalimah has completed a full theology course and completed the final stage of Hadeeth study comprising the Six Authentic Hadeeth Books. (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood, Nasa’i, Tirmizi and Ibn Majah) after which they are given full authorisation (Ijazah) in the Six Authentic Books through a recognised sanad (chain).
Dars-e-nizami: The original curriculum of study taught in darul ulooms and madaaris over the world, particularly in the Indian sub continent.