Foundations to Alimiyyah 1448

Foundation to ʿĀlimiyya Programme. New Intake: January 2027

Please note: the new term for the next intake begins in January 2027. All places are offered following a successful interview.

The Karima al-Marwaziyya Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of registration for the 8th intake of students to its four-year programme, designed to equip learners with the knowledge and tools necessary for a profound and contextualised study of the Islamic tradition.

Upon completion, students will be prepared to pursue advanced Islamic studies or specialise further in their chosen areas of learning.

The Foundation to ʿĀlimiyya (FTA) programme seeks to preserve and transmit the timeless tradition of Islamic scholarship, rooted in the sacred sciences, while making it accessible, meaningful, and relevant to the realities of the 21st century. Over the past eight years, our graduates have gone on to enrol in higher-level Islamic programmes or, for those focusing on secular education, have approached their studies with renewed confidence and clarity in their faith.

The programme is delivered by a diverse faculty of traditionally trained scholars, all of whom combine rigorous Islamic scholarship with secular academic backgrounds, ensuring a balanced and holistic approach to teaching.

Our ethos

We firmly uphold the timeless principle that Islamic knowledge is not attained through ease and comfort alone. This programme is designed for dedicated students who are willing to shoulder the weighty responsibility of inheriting the Prophetic legacy. Selection criteria reflect our commitment to excellence while remaining fair and attainable.

We expect students to demonstrate:

• A strong work ethic
• A sincere commitment to the ethical and spiritual demands of seeking knowledge
• A willingness to strive in the path of learning

The rest, as always, is left to the Will of Allah.

Instructors

• Ustadh Saman Hussain
• Ml. Ukaasha Raja
• Ustadh Zaigham Junaid
• Ml. Shoaib Akhtar
• Ustadh Asim Ayub
• Ustadha Sehrish Akhtar
• Ustadha Sana Akhtar

Selection criteria

By applying, you confirm your agreement to the following conditions, which apply to all students:

• In school year 7 or above
• Commitment to attend: Fridays 5.30pm to 7.30pm (subject to change) and Saturdays 9.15am to 1.00pm
• The first year is probationary; continuation in subsequent years is contingent on satisfactory progress and passing annual assessments
• Fluent Qurʾān recitation with correct tajwīd
• Completion of parental and student interviews prior to acceptance
• A basic understanding of Islam and a genuine desire to learn
• Demonstrated academic ability and intellectual readiness
• Consistent attendance; irregular attendance may result in removal
• Attendance at Karima seminars and gatherings of dhikr is mandatory
• All students are expected to uphold the highest standards of adab (etiquette) both within and outside the programme
• Female students are expected to wear the ḥijāb, or to be sincerely working towards adopting it
• Punctuality and attendance are essential. Absences without valid reasons and prior notice will incur penalties
• Failure to meet these conditions may lead to removal from the programme

Fees

• Registration fee: £50, payable once a place is offered following a successful interview
• Monthly fee: £45 per month for 10 months
• Bursaries are available for students experiencing financial hardship. Email info@karima.org.uk for more information.

For details of the curriculum, visit https://karima.org.uk/schools/alimiyyah

What families say

Student: "Highly highly recommend this course. It is super comprehensive, taught by amazing teachers and as someone who has now seen the course through till the end, I would say it was the best decision my parents and I ever made!"

Student: "Over the last four years, FTA has been an incredibly positive experience. From the teachers, who are helpful both in and out of class, to the resources provided by them which are perfect summaries of Islamic Knowledge. I could not recommend this course more."

Parent: "If anyone is struggling to make an informed decision I would recommend reaching out to past and present students in shā Allāh. I remember one student telling me it was 'the best years of her life', alḥamdulillāh. May Allah Ta'ala grant our children success and make them from amongst the righteous. Āmīn."