Radiance of Faith
(Year 1: Certificate in Foundational Islamic Studies)
A Sacred Foundation that Transforms Hearts
- Online
- Ust. Safiyya Dhorat, Ust. Nurana A-Ghani & Ust. Isma Kauser
- Starts 16th September 2025
- 105 Hours
Note: If you would like sign-up and pay in monthly instalments, please email admin@almuhsinat.org
This one-year program is designed to provide a strong grounding in Islamic essentials (fard al-‘ayn), whether you continue to the second year or not.
What You’ll Gain:
- Qur’anic Engagement: Move beyond recitation to meaningful engagement with the Divine Word.
- Practical Fiqh & Spirituality: Worship and daily life grounded in sound spirituality.
- The Prophetic Way: Seerah and Shama’il as your guide for modern challenges.
- Personalised Support: At the heart of this journey are two private 1-2-1 mentoring sessions (Term 1 & Term 3), ensuring your learning is tailored to your pace, questions, and spiritual growth
- Why Study with Us? Learn from classical texts with modern relevance, in a structured yet flexible programme designed for busy lives, while enjoying the sisterhood and support of like-minded seekers.
Course Instructors
Ustadha Safiyya Dhorat, Ustadha Nurana Abdul Ghani & Ustadha Isma Kouser
Instructor Biographies:
Ustadha Safiyya Dhorat, founder of Al Muhsinat, is an Islamic scholar with extensive training under traditional scholars since 2001. She holds a Diploma in Contextual Islamic Studies and Leadership from Cambridge Muslim College (2015) and an MA in Islamic Studies from SOAS. She has studied advanced Tafsir, Arabic grammar, rhetoric, and inheritance laws under Shaykh ‘Ali Hani in Jordan. Currently, Ustadha Safiyya teaches in London and successfully runs ‘Spiritual Birth,’ a birth preparation course for Muslim couples.
Ustadha Nurana Abdul-Ghani, a founding member of Al Muhsinat, is an Islamic scholar and dentist. She graduated from Nur Ul Ilm in 2020 under Shaykh Tauqeer and has taught at Safar Academy. Beyond her academic contributions, she has led numerous philanthropic initiatives, including fundraising for the underprivileged globally. Her dedication has been instrumental in realising the mission of Al Muhsinat.
Ustadha Isma Kouser completed the Alimiyyah programme in 2019 before pursuing Arabic studies in Morocco the following year. She went on to graduate from the Cambridge Muslim College in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies. With over seven years of teaching experience across diverse settings, including classrooms and private sessions, she has delivered lessons in Tajweed and Islamic Studies to both children and adults. At Al-Muhsinat, she has taught two courses: Tafsir of Surah Yasin and Lugha on the Classical Arabic Foundations Year 1 programme. She continues to advance her studies in the traditional Islamic sciences, aspiring to deepen her knowledge and understanding.
Days & Timings
Tuesdays, 8pm – 9.30pm
Thursdays, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Term Dates
Term 1
Week commencing: 15th September – 13th December 2025 (13 weeks)
Term 2
Week commencing: 5th January 2026 – 15th February 2026 (6 weeks)
Term 3
Week commencing: 13th April – 5th July 2026 (11 weeks) (one week off for Dhul Hijja & Eid)
Course Fees
£899
(Early bird offer £799)
Module 1: Fiqh, Spirituality & Ethics
is comprehensive study of Ascent to Felicity (Maraqi al-Sa’adat) offers a deep and practical understanding of Hanafi fiqh, grounded in classical scholarship and enriched with spiritual insights. The course is designed to help you not only learn the rulings, but to connect with the wisdom, beauty, and transformative power behind them.We will cover:
- Creed (Aqidah): Understanding the foundations of belief that anchor the heart.
- Purity (Taharah): The rulings of wudu, ghusl, and cleanliness, and the spiritual state of purity that prepares the heart for worship.
- Salah: The obligations, sunnahs, and etiquettes of prayer, as well as the inner presence that makes it the “coolness of the eyes.”
- Zakah: The rulings of almsgiving and the purification of wealth, alongside the spiritual generosity it cultivates.
- Sawm: The legal rulings of fasting and the spiritual self-restraint that transforms the soul.
- Udhiya: The rulings of sacrifice and the meanings of devotion and submission it symbolises.
- Zabiha: The rulings on lawful slaughter and their connection to gratitude and respect for Allah’s creation.
- Hunting: The regulations and ethical considerations, linking skill, sustenance, and consciousness of Allah.
Throughout the course, we will explore the spirituality of every topic—how each act of worship shapes the heart, disciplines the self, and draws the believer closer to Allah.
By the end of the 30 weeks, you will have both the practical fiqh and the inner appreciation of these pillars of faith and practice, equipping you to live Islam with clarity, confidence, and devotion.
Module 2: Tafsir and Tadabbur Reflecting between the lines
Foundations of Reflection
Introduction to Tadabbur: How to approach the Qur’an with contemplation
Surah Al-Fatiha: The “Opening of Openings” – Understanding its depth and connection to the rest of the Qur’an
The Art of Qur’anic Storytelling: Lessons from the story of Nuh (AS) in Surah Hud
Linguistic & Thematic Analysis: Unpacking key words and broader meanings
Surah Hud – Trials, Patience & Divine Wisdom
Deep dive into Surah Hud: Themes of prophethood, resilience, and divine justice
Reflective Journaling: Personal applications from the stories of the prophets
Group Discussions: How these lessons apply to modern challenges
Surah Waqiah – The Inevitable Reality & Divine Provision
Select passages from Surah Waqiah: Reflections on the Hereafter, gratitude, and sustenance
Literary & Spiritual Themes: The Qur’an’s unique style and its impact on the heart
Throughout the Course students will explore key topics in the science of ‘ulum al-Qur’an
Module 3: Seerah & Shama'il
Foundations of the Prophetic Mission
Themes: Pre-Islamic Arabia, Divine Preparation, Early Revelation
Key Topics:
The spiritual and social landscape of Jahiliyyah Arabia.
Abrahamic roots: Ibrahim (as), Hajar, and Ismail’s legacy in Mecca.
Birth, childhood, and early signs of prophethood.
The first revelation
Early converts and the secret da’wah.
Trials & Triumphs in Mecca
Themes: Persecution, Steadfastness, Divine Support
Key Topics:
Quraysh’s opposition and the persecution of Muslims.
Migration to Abyssinia: A test of faith and diplomacy.
The Year of Sorrow and the transformative Night Journey (Isra’ wal Mi’raj).
The search for sanctuary: Preparing for Hijrah.
Building the Medinan Ummah
Themes: Community, Statecraft, Spiritual Warfare
Key Topics:
Hijrah to Medina: Establishing the first Islamic society.
Brotherhood (Mu’akhah) and the Constitution of Medina.
Sacred battles: Badr, Uhud, and Khandaq as spiritual lessons.
Treaties and diplomacy: Hudaybiyyah’s strategic wisdom.
Victory & Completion
Themes: Conquest, Legacy, Eternal Light
Key Topics:
Fath Makkah: A model of mercy and forgiveness.
The Farewell Sermon: A blueprint for humanity.
The Prophet’s ﷺ passing and the continuity of his sunnah.
Special Focus: Shama’il
The Prophet’s ﷺ Character (Shamail):
Physical appearance, daily habits, and spiritual presence.
Miracles and their deeper meanings.
Universal Lessons:
Prophetic diplomacy, interfaith relations, and social justice.
Applying the Sirah in modern contexts.
Living Connection:
The Ummah’s bond with the Prophet ﷺ through salawat
In-Person Day Retreat
Exclusive entry to our annual Women’s Day Retreat in East London on the 5th July 2026.
Course Completion Certification
- Complete Year 1 to earn your Certificate in Foundational Islamic Studies, demonstrating a grounding in essential knowledge.
- For those who wish to continue, Year 2 leads to a Diploma in Foundational Islamic Studies through advanced study and an option element of teacher training (students will need to enrol for this in August 2026)
What Our Students Say
Hear from those who have studied Radiance of Faith and gained a foundational grounding in Islamic Studies.
