On-campus, live via Skype or YouTube, and on demand
Sessions
Scheduled
Seats
Available
Synopsis
Our introductory ‘Islamic Spirituality for Beginners’ course is a one-year part-time programme, which has been curated specifically to further foundational Islamic knowledge, and to introduce spiritual aspirants to the academic and spiritual heritage of Islam, and more specifically; Tassawuf (Sufism) and the Islamic concept of excellence (Ihsan).
Upon completion of this course, students will acquire rudimentary knowledge pertaining to Tasawwuf and the spiritual development of a Muslim; with a particular focus of on some of the most cardinal elements of the religion such as sincerity, truthfulness, inspirations, remembrance of Allah, religious cautiousness, conscious awareness, reliance, asceticism, love, and similarly their opposites; which are the diseases of the hearts such as insincerity, hypocrisy, arrogance, greed, etc.
Our flexible setup means you can study in person and on-campus, or benefit from our interactive options and study online; either via live stream, or on demand.
This programme is ideal for any level of student, regardless of background or experience.
Admissions
Who does not truly acquire this discipline will die persisting on major sins without being aware
Who is This Course For
This course is perfect for those beginning to walk the spiritual path in order to ready the heart for its final destination at the station of ‘ihsan’ and beyond.
Admissions Requirements
This programme has no requirements, and is open to anyone aged 16+.
Admission for all Essential Islam courses are administered by our course facilitation team. Applications for the ‘Islamic Spirituality for Beginners L1’ must be submitted through our online portal: simply fill out the application form and click the 'enrol now' button.
Attendance is mandatory, students risk being withdrawn from the programme for a lack of commitment (see our terms and conditions for more details).
Cohorts and Deadlines
The programme is offered once per year. The next cohort starts in September 2023.
We encourage applications to be submitted early, as we anticipate a high volume of applications for this course.
Programme
Unit 1
Adab al-Suhba
Unit 1 focuses on Imam al-Sha'rani's masterpiece on the etiquettes every seeker must adopt during their spiritual journey whilst: alone with God, in the company of one’s Shaykh, and with the brethren.
Unit 2
Jami’ Karamat Al-Awliya
A perfect primer for those aspiring closeness to God, unit 2 uses Shaykh Yusuf al-Nabahani's widely accepted book to narrate the miracles attributed to the Friends of Allah.
Unit 3
Lata'if al-Minan
In this unit we use Shaykh Abu Al-Abbas Al-Mursi book to introduce students to the spiritual gifts and insights of the great men of Allah, and their utter devotion to God.
Unit 4
Tateer Al Manam
The final unit centres around on Shaykh Abdul-Fattah Yafi'i's Tateer al-Manam, which explores the subject of witnessing Allah in a dream.
Student Experience and Course Delivery
This is a Blended Learning course which is taught in the classroom as well as being supported by distance learning resources, weekly live classes led by academic instructors, personal 1-2-1 academic tutor assistance, and a dedicated student liaison team.
Streamlined through our unique e-learning platform, all our blended learning courses are delivered as follows:
On Campus OptionLearn in a traditional learning environment; classes are taught using blending learning, so available in the classroom or online
Live Virtual ClassroomClasses are streamed live over Skype in high-definition video, as well as studio quality sound.
On-Demand ResourcesClasses are recorded and archived, allowing unlimited playback for student support and parental aid, as well as flexible learning.
Student Support GroupStaff-moderated discussion forums using WhatsApp and Google Classroom
Student IntranetAccess to the course's Google Classroom platform; an easy to use forum that features all the course material, resources, media, homework, and exams.
Taught in EnglishThe course is taught and explained in English.
Awards and Accreditation
Through this course, students will develop a wide range of skills, underpinned by the true essence of faith and the practical application of core Islamic traditions.
Certificates will be awarded upon the successful completion of the course.
Road Map to Further Education
All our courses are distinctively tailored in order to kick-start transformational change within our communities, which is why we are confident that we have the right route for every learner.
As experts in propagating higher Islamic education for lifelong learning, our flexible programmes are a great way to continue your personal development, further your Islamic study, or progress your career as an Islamic instructor.
Shaykh Mufti Wajid Iqbal descends from a noble family of scholars. Most notably, his mother’s uncle was the honourable Shaykh Mufti Abdul Hakim, the Grand Mufti of Kashmir.
Under traditional tutelage, Shaykh Mufti Wajid has completed all aspects of the highly revered ‘Dars-i-Nizami’ curriculum; remarkably never missing a class of sacred knowledge over a 11 year period, which culminated in being authorised in iftah at the age of 27.
As well as being the founder and head principal at Essential Islam, Shaykh Mufti Wajid is an Imam at the Jamiyat Tabligh-ul-Islam Victor Street Masjid, as well as a Friday prayer preacher at the Bradford Central Mosque. He has been teaching all aspects and levels of the Islamic sciences in Bradford and further afield for well over a decade, whilst also being a stand bearer for spirituality in the local and wider community.
Venue
Since You're Here...
… we have a small favour to ask. We are benefitting more people than ever before, as we have emerged as a leader in the propagation and dissemination of traditional, Sunni Islam. Through our seminars, digital media content, publications, lectures, tours, and classes, we continue to revive the tradition of learning and teaching in Islam.
Almost all our projects operate at a loss, as our only goal is to strengthen our communities by tackling issues of disadvantage and exclusion head-on. So, you can see why we need to ask for your help. The work we are blessed to undertake at Essential Islam’s takes a lot of time, money, and hard work to produce. But we do it because we believe in our mission – because it might well be your perspective, too.
On a very limited budget, our small team of hard-working volunteers have brought benefit to over 37 million people around the world. We have also been fortunate enough to raise of £1,700,000 for charity to help our fellow Muslims in different parts of the world.
Now imagine what could be achieved with better resources and support?