For Converts · Studying the Sacred Sciences

Learning Islam

One of the things converts name most often is not knowing where to begin, or who to trust. These are institutions where I have studied, or am studying now, teaching the traditional Islamic sciences through the classical texts and with scholars who have the knowledge to give. Many of these programs offer distance learning options so you can study from home. Additionally, most of these programs offer full or partial scholarships to enable sincere seekers to access knowledge of the traditional Islamic sciences.

A word on this list

Every institute listed here is one attended by either myself and/or my husband, as students. I do not recommend institutes, courses, or teachers with whom I, myself, have not studied. I want for my sisters (and brothers) what I want for myself: access to reliable and beneficial traditional Islamic knowledge from trustworthy scholars who have it to give. I know there are many wonderful institutes providing access to traditional Islamic knowledge. However, this is a list personally vetted with the convert in heart and mind. I feel safe learning from these places and with these people, and I pray you will as well.

KARLA N. KOVACIK, M.A. · THE FEELING MUSLIM PROJECT

Institutions · Studied & Known

Where to begin, and
where to keep going

Listed alphabetically, with the length of each program noted so you can weigh it against your season of life. A one-year foundational program and a five-year path to scholarship are both honorable places to stand.

01

Online

Dar al-Rayyan

The three core sciences: īmān, islām, and iḥsān.

Foundational Studies ProgramOne yearKarla completed this

An introductory program for anyone interested in gaining a basic understanding of the three core sciences of the Islamic faith. It provides the learner with the essential teachings of Islam, beliefs, practice, and spiritual excellence, as transmitted by the heirs of the Prophets, the scholars, from the timeless and pristine teachings of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ.

Foundational Studies Program
Traditional Studies ProgramTwo yearsOmar completed this

An intellectual foundation and the paradigmatic tools for reading Islamic classical texts. It focuses on the three core sciences named in the ḥadīth of Jibrīl, which correspond to the traditional disciplines of uṣūl al-dīn, fiqh, and taṣawwuf, supported by uṣūl al-fiqh, muṣṭalaḥ al-ḥadīth, and the Arabic disciplines of naḥw, ṣarf, and balāgha. The pedagogy is decidedly traditional: close readings of texts in Arabic with teacher exposition and commentary.

Two years, roughly 30 weeks of instruction per year. Classes three times a week on a live virtual platform, plus a one-week in-person summer intensive.

Traditional Studies Program
02

Seminary

Dawām Seminary

Reviving the rich Islamic tradition for the modern believer.

Both scholarly and practical, without any affectation: forward-looking while deeply rooted in historical wisdom, inclusive and inviting, yet maintaining a distinct sense of who they are. The approach emphasizes a foundational exploration of essential teachings and the practical uses of a scripture-centric methodology, bringing sacred texts into everyday experience so that students may grow and refine their spiritual knowledge within a culture of easygoing perfection.

Dawām Seminary
03

Laguna Hills, California · and online

The Majlis Seminary

Connecting ourselves to the living tradition, in order to serve our people.

The Seminary
Anas ibn Malik Community Servants ProgramTwo years · farḍ al-ʿaynKarla is studying here

The first offering from The Majlis Seminary, aiming to give a foundational worldview and knowledge base to those interested in Islamic Studies. It covers theology, law and ethics, spirituality, Qurʾān and ḥadīth sciences, manners and character, and the skills needed for community-based work such as chaplaincy and organizing. As Shaykh Jamaal Diwan writes, ideal candidates are community members who want to love and serve their people, as Sayyidnā Anas ibn Mālik did, and who want to connect themselves with the living tradition of Islam in order to do it.

Anas ibn Malik Program
Imam al-Dardir Advanced Studies ProgramFive yearsKarla is studying hereOmar is studying here

A structured path for those seeking a deeper and more grounded understanding of Islamic knowledge, rooted in traditional scholarship. The first two years place a large emphasis on developing a foundation in the Arabic language. Students choose from several tracks according to their goals and availability, including full-time, part-time, Arabic-focused, and accelerated options, so the program meets those beginning the journey and those building on an existing foundation alike.

Five years of three twelve-week terms. Full-time classes Monday through Thursday, 9:30am to 1:30pm, on site in Laguna Hills; part-time is half that. Students may attend online, and recordings support flexible learning.

Imam al-Dardir Program
04

Online · for women

Rabata

Women teachers, faith leaders, and community stewards, taught by women.

The educational work of Rabata, built on the conviction that a better society grows through the educational and spiritual development of women by women, amplifying the female voice in scholarship and graduating teachers and religious leaders ready to serve their communities.

Ribāṭ RiversteadStudying here since 2018

Course-based study across the Islamic sciences, taken term by term, which makes it a gentle place to begin for anyone who cannot yet commit to a multi-year program.

Riverstead catalog
Ribāṭ UniversityAccredited

The accredited branch of Ribāṭ Riverstead, run by the same women, for students who want their study to carry formal academic standing.

Ribāṭ University

Know a program that belongs here?

If there is an institution teaching the traditional sciences where converts are genuinely received and well taught, I would be glad to hear of it. This list grows by study, one program at a time.

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