A Structured Programme in the Islamic Sciences.

Why Choose This Programme?

Study Classical Texts
Learn directly from works that have been taught for centuries.

Qualified Instruction
Study under experienced teachers rooted in the classical tradition.

Traditional Learning Environment
Weekly in-person classes at Sakina House.

Structured Pathway
Designed as the first stage of the Saeed Institute's Islamic Studies pathway.

Faith & Character
Develop not only knowledge but also worship, sincerity, and character.

Certificate Awarded
Receive a certificate upon successful completion of the whole programme.

Grounded in the Hanafi Legal and Intellectual Tradition

Designed for committed adult learners, the two-year part-time Foundation Programme provides a structured introduction to the core Islamic sciences. Students study foundational fiqh,ʿaqīda, tasawwuf, ethics of learning, and other essential disciplines, gaining a coherent grounding in the Hanafi scholarly tradition and a firm basis for further study. For students who wish to progress toward more advanced scholarship, Classical Arabic is offered separately as a complementary pathway.

Programme Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students should be able to:

- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the foundational beliefs, practices and ethical teachings of Islam.

-Understand the key rulings of Hanafi fiqh relating to worship and everyday religious practice.

-Explain the main principles of ʿaqīdah at an introductory level and recognise important theological terms and concepts.

-Understand the role of tasawwuf and spiritual refinement in Islamic life, including sincerity, character, discipline and self-accounting.

-Develop a coherent overview of the life of the Prophet ﷺ, major events of the sīrah, and their significance.

-Gain introductory familiarity with the major Islamic sciences, including hadith, uṣūl al-fiqh and the broader scholarly tradition.

-Read and engage with selected traditional texts under teacher guidance and understand how such texts function within the Islamic scholarly tradition.

-Develop the adab, study habits and intellectual discipline required for further Islamic study.

-Distinguish between foundational knowledge, scholarly disagreement and matters requiring specialist guidance.

-Build a firm foundation for progression to more advanced study in the Islamic sciences, with Classical Arabic pursued separately where required.

A Pathway for Lifelong Learning

Islamic Foundations is not intended to be a standalone course. It serves as the first stage of the Saeed Institute's long-term vision for Islamic education, preparing students to progress into more advanced Islamic Studies programmes in the years ahead.

Our aim is not simply to teach students what to think, but to equip them with the foundations, discipline, and appreciation of the Islamic scholarly tradition that will enable them to continue seeking knowledge throughout their lives.

Knowledge in Community

Sacred knowledge has always been transmitted through companionship, discussion, and shared learning. By studying at Saeed Institute, students become part of a growing community of seekers committed to learning, worship, and service.

Programme Details for Year 1

Teachers

Year 1 is taught by Shaykh Siddiq Mitha.

Books/Texts Studied

Students will study selected traditional texts and carefully prepared teaching materials appropriate to foundation level.

Proposed Year 1 Subjects
The following modules are indicative and may be subject to change.

Aqidah: (Aqidat al-Dardir or similar)

Hanafi Fiqh: Tuhfat al-Muluk by al-Razi (Chapters on worship)

Selected Readings from al-Madkhal ilā al-Fiqh al-Ḥanafī

Tasawwuf: Adab Suluk al-Murid by Imam al-Haddad.

Ethics of Study: Ta’lim al-Muta’allim by al-Zarnuji

Fees (Academic Year 2026/27)

£700 (paid in three instalments)

Introductory Tuition Fee:
A special reduced fee applies to the first cohort of the Foundation Programme. Future programme fees may be subject to revision.

Class Times & Start Date

Start Date: Sunday 4th October 2026 / End date: 25th July (Provisional)

Class times: Sundays - 10.30 am till 2.30 pm

Duration

Two Years - Students apply and enrol for each year separately.

Venue

Sakina House, 59 Bridgeman Pl, Bolton BL2 1DW

Entry Requirements

  • Age 18+

  • No formal prior study required

  • Commitment to regular attendance and study

  • Ability to read the Qurʾan/Arabic script, if required

Progression

Graduates may progress to intermediate study within the Seminary, alongside Classical Arabic where required.

Teaching Approach

The Foundation Programme is taught through a traditional, text-based approach adapted for the needs of contemporary adult learners. Students engage closely with carefully selected texts under the guidance of a teacher, with emphasis placed on explanation, discussion, clarification and the gradual building of a coherent understanding of each discipline.

Teaching is not limited to the transmission of information. The programme seeks to cultivate sound study habits, intellectual discipline, adab, reflection and a serious relationship with sacred knowledge. Students are encouraged to revise regularly, ask questions, make notes and develop the ability to read traditional works with increasing confidence.

Where appropriate, memorisation, guided reading, practical application and structured assessment are used to reinforce learning. The aim is to provide students with a firm and well-ordered foundation upon which more advanced study can later be built.

Enrolment

If you are interested in enrolling on this programme, please fill out the form below to register your interest. Once we receive your form, you will be contacted with further details. The Application Deadline is: 27/08/2026

APPLY HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This course is taught fully in English and no Arabic is needed. However, we expect students to be able to read the Arabic script.

  • Course books are not provided. However, they will be made available for purchase.

    Any handouts that are not published books, will be made available to all students for free.

  • Unlike many introductory courses, Islamic Foundations is built around the study of four classical texts in fiqh, creed, spirituality, and the etiquette of seeking knowledge. Rather than isolated lessons, students follow a structured curriculum that combines authentic scholarship, spiritual development, and practical application. The programme also serves as the first step towards the Saeed Institute's future advanced Islamic Studies pathway.

  • Yes. The course is open to both males and females

  • Students will be encouraged to review their notes, revise key concepts, and complete light reading between classes. While the workload is manageable, consistent revision will greatly enhance the learning experience.

  • Islamic Foundations has been designed as the first stage of the Saeed Institute's educational pathway. Graduates will be well prepared to continue into the Institute's future advanced Islamic Studies programmes as they are introduced.

  • We are committed to making Islamic education as accessible as possible. A limited number of partial scholarships and financial assistance may be available for students experiencing genuine financial hardship.

    If the course fee would prevent you from attending, please contact us in confidence to discuss your circumstances. Each request is considered on an individual basis, and while we are unable to guarantee assistance, we will do our best to help where possible.

  • Please contact us on: courses@saeedinstitute.org

  • Students who live at a considerable distance from the institute may apply to attend the programme online.