Ilm Unveiled: Weekend Courses Fall 2024
Course Schedule
Course Descriptions
Please click below on each course for more information
Shamail of the Prophet ﷺ
Book Title & Author: Khasa’il: Commentary of Shamail by Shaykh al-Hadith Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi
Discover the essence of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) character and daily life in our illuminating “Shamail of the Prophet” course. Based on Imam at-Tirmidhi’s renowned work, this course explores the Prophet’s physical attributes, personal habits, and noble conduct, offering a unique opportunity to connect intimately with his blessed example. From his appearance and mannerisms to his interactions and spiritual practices, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Prophet’s life, learning how to implement his Sunnah in their own daily routines. Whether you’re a devoted Muslim seeking to deepen your connection with the Prophet or a curious learner interested in Islamic traditions, this transformative course will inspire you to embody the prophetic example in your life, fostering love, understanding, and personal growth.
Instructor: Alimah Lubna Zaffer
Spirituality – The Book of Assistance
Book Title & Author: The Book of Assistance by Imam Abdallah al-Haddad
Embark on a transformative spiritual journey with a course on “The Book of Assistance” by Imam Abdallah Ibn-Alawi Al-Haddad. This comprehensive study delves into the timeless wisdom of one of Islam’s most revered spiritual guides. It offers students a practical roadmap for deepening their faith and cultivating a closer relationship with Allah. Originally written in Classical Arabic, this manual of devotions, prayers, and practical ethics covers a broad spectrum of Islamic spirituality, from Islam’s basic pillars to the heart’s profound matters. Throughout the course, you’ll explore certainty, intention, vigilance, acquiring knowledge, cleanliness, charity, kindness, repentance, hope, and fear, all aimed at developing God-consciousness and preparing for the Hereafter. Suitable for beginners and advanced students, this course provides invaluable insights for those seeking to enhance their devotional practices, refine their character, and navigate the path of spiritual excellence. Join us in unlocking the treasures of this beloved text and discover how its teachings can transform your daily life and strengthen your connection to the Prophet’s way.
Instructor: Alimah Ambreen Khan
Quran: Tafseer of Select Surahs
An in-depth exploration of select surahs, focusing on their historical context, linguistic beauty, and profound meanings. Gain valuable insights, drawing from classical and contemporary scholar’s works and their understanding of the Quran’s wisdom. Students will engage in discussions, guided reflections, and practical applications of the teachings, fostering a deeper connection with the Divine text. Whether you are a beginner or looking to deepen your existing knowledge, this course is an opportunity to enrich your spiritual journey and enhance your appreciation of the Qur’an.
Instructor: Alimah Syeeda Zeba
Tajweed and Quran Memorization
Improve your Quranic recitation with this comprehensive Tajweed course. Enhance the beauty of your recitation, deepen your connection with the Quran, and earn the blessings promised to those who recite the Quran beautifully. Tajweed, the art of proper Quranic pronunciation, is essential for every Muslim seeking to recite the Quran accurately and beautifully. This course will guide you through the intricate rules of Tajweed, including proper articulation points (makharij), characteristics of letters (sifaat), and the various rules of recitation, such as elongation (madd), merging (idgham), and pausing (waqf). You will develop the skills to recite the Quran confidently and precisely through interactive lessons, practical exercises, and personalized feedback. Embark on this rewarding journey and experience the transformative power of proper Quranic recitation.
Instructor: Alimah Amera Khanum
Meet your Teachers
Alimah Syeda Zeba
ʿĀlimah Syeda Zeba was raised in the Middle East (U.A.E.) and moved to the United States at a young age. ʿĀlimah Zeba is the mother of five precocious children and resides in Tampa with her husband, Shaykh Dr. Omar Hussaini. She studied Tajwīd in St. Louis and memorized several ajzā’ of the Quran in Chicago, where she also began her formal training in Tazkiyah. She later traveled with her children to Lusaka, Zambia, and enrolled in Jamia Zainab to further pursue Sharīʿah studies. There, she studied various Islamic sciences, including Jurisprudence, Usūl ul-Fiqh, Hadīth, Tafsīr, and Balāghah. She completed the Alimah/ Shariah degree in 2015. When she returned to the United States, she co-founded Makkiyyah Institute with her husband, Dr Shaykh Omar Hussaini. Over the past two decades, ʿĀlimah Zeba has benefited from the company of numerous scholars and mashāyikh from various disciplines. She delivers lectures and conducts classes for youth and women across the U.S. and abroad. ʿĀlimah Zeba has been privileged to teach advanced hadīth classes. Along with her academic background, ʿĀlimah Zeba also has extensive experience in community counseling, which helps bring relevance and real-life experience to the classroom.
Alimah Lubna Zaffer
Alimah Lubna Zaffer has lived in Louisiana, and now resides in Tampa, Florida. She is a proud mother of three. Having recently graduated from Zaynab Institute, she now teaches Purification of the Heart and Spiritual Parenting at the same institute. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of New Orleans. ʿĀlimah Lubna is an Islamic Studies teacher at Bayaan Academy, teaching a variety of Islamic sciences to Muslim children.
Alimah Ambareen Khan
ʿĀlimah Dr. Ambareen Khan was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Villanova University. Subsequently, she attended Drexel University College of Medicine, where she completed both her medical degree and Residency training. Dr.Khan specialized in Anesthesiology while adeptly managing the demanding roles of a physician and a mother. In 2015, she began studying tajwīd. This passion carried her to pursue Islamic studies, and she began studying Arabic locally in Tampa. In 2017, she formally enrolled in Zaynab Institute, from where she completed her ʿĀlimah / Shariah studies in 2024.
Alimah Amera Khanum
Alimah Amera Khanum was raised in India and relocated to the United States 28 years ago. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Osmania University, Hyderabad, India. She is a devoted mother to three children. Her academic journey in Islamic sciences began under the tutelage of Sheikh Hamza Yusuf in California. She possesses an ijaza in Tajweed and Quran Recitation. Has memorized several ajza of the Quran under the guidance of Sister Dalia ElDeeb. Recently, she completed a six-year Shariah Alima degree from Zaynab Institute in the summer of 2024. In addition to her studies, she actively organizes programs and events in collaboration with scholars from various institutions across the United States. Her educational pursuits also include courses from institutions such as Seekers Guidance, Rabata, and Makkiyyah Institute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is it possible to enroll in one or two courses?
- Yes, you can select whatever classes you’d like to attend.
2. Will recordings of the sessions be accessible?
- No, unfortunately, classes will not be recorded.
3. Will there be assessments on the course material?
- There will be some quizzes and tests for Arabic, fiqh, and Hadith.
4. Will a Zoom option be available if we cannot attend?
- We can accommodate someone on a need-by-need basis. These classes, however, will not be offered on Zoom.
5. What if I cannot pay the tuition?
- If you are unable to pay the fee, please do not hesitate to register. If you cannot pay, please select the option indicating that, and your tuition will be waived accordingly.
Disclaimer: All proceeds from the classes go toward supporting programs, events, and initiatives.