Q: What is the goal/vision of the Marifa program?
A: At a time when the teachings of Islam are constantly under attack with a myriad of opinions about every religious matter, and people quoting the Quran and Sunnah to promote their own interpretations of Islam, it has become more important than ever to take a serious, structured, and well-grounded approach to learning the sacred sciences.
The Marifa program goals are:
The Marifa program goals are:
- To realize how little we know
- To appreciate the richness of the Islamic scholarly tradition
- To distinguish normative Islam from its aberrant interpretations
- To develop the ability to answer questions about Islam with clarity and accuracy
- To become inspired to practice Islam with conviction, sincerity, and excellence
Q: What is the age group for the Marifa program?
A: Adults aged 18 and above (college and post-college age).
Q: Is this a full-time program?
A: No, the Marifa program is thoughtfully structured as a part-time option to accommodate individuals with busy schedules, such as working professionals.
Q: How long does it take to complete the program?
A: The Marifa program spans a 2-year curriculum of Islamic Sciences classes, designed to be taken on a part-time basis.
Q: After graduation are you considered a Scholar/Aalim?
A: No. While completing the program provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of Islamic Sciences, it does not confer the title of a scholar.
Q: Do we have to complete the entire program?
A: No, you have the flexibility to enroll in specific classes as they are offered. Completion of all classes is necessary only for the certificate of completion for graduation.
Q: Do we have to take classes every semester?
A: No, classes are offered on a rotating basis, allowing students to choose classes that align with their schedules.
Q: Do I have to take the classes in order?
A: While not required, it is highly encouraged to take the classes in order, as they progressively build upon one another.
Q: Are classes offered online or in-person only?
A: The Marifa program offers a hybrid format, with both online and in-person options. While in-person attendance is encouraged, it’s not obligatory. Classes are offered at the Islamic Association of Collin County (IACC) and Islamic Association of Allen (IAA).
Q: Do the courses have an attendance requirement?
A: There are five courses in the Marifa program that require a minimum of 70% attendance either in-person or online (with camera on) for receiving credit. Those classes are:
- AQD 101 – The Creed of Ahl al-Sunnah
- FQH 101 – The Fiqh & Heart of Worship
- FQH 203 – Criminal Law
- FQH 301 – Contemporary Legal Issues & Fiqh of Minorities
- TZK 201 – Stations of the Seeker
Q: Are there recordings available in case class is ever missed?
A: Yes, every class is recorded and uploaded to the student portal (OneDrive). Students have access to the recording until the end of the semester or class period.
Q: What is the difference in doing a course on-demand vs online?
A: On-demand courses are pre-recorded, while online classes are conducted live.
Q: Are there any exams and/or assignments?
A: Yes, most classes have assignments such as homework, quizzes, exams, and/ or projects which are required to receive credit for the class.
Q: What if I am not able to commit to completing all the assignments and exams?
A: You may attend the class as an auditor, which allows you to attend and benefit from the class without having to do any assignment or receive a grade. Note that for the class to count for a grade, assignments need to be completed.
Q: Can I take a class which has prerequisites?
A: Yes, most classes are open to all students, but grades are held until prerequisites are fulfilled.
Q: Are discounts, scholarships, or financial aid available?
A. Yes, we always offer an early bird special for our classes. We also offer a family discount: two or more members of the same immediate family enroll into the Marifa course, a student discount, and Taqwa volunteer discount. Scholarships and financial aid are offered on case-to-case basis. Please email TaqwaAdmin@planomasjid.org for more information.
Q: Do I need to have a background in Islamic studies to join the program?
A: No.
Q: Where is Taqwa Seminary located?
A: At the Islamic Association of Collin County (IACC), in Plano, Texas and the Islamic Association of Allen (IAA), in Allen, Texas.
Q: Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
A: For more information, email marifa@planomasjid.org. We look forward to welcoming you to our next class!
FAQ
Q: What is the goal/vision of the Marifa program?
A: At a time when the teachings of Islam are constantly under attack with a myriad of opinions about every religious matter, and people quoting the Quran and Sunnah to promote their own interpretations of Islam, it has become more important than ever to take a serious, structured, and well-grounded approach to learning the sacred sciences.
The Marifa program goals are:
The Marifa program goals are:
- To realize how little we know
- To appreciate the richness of the Islamic scholarly tradition
- To distinguish normative Islam from its aberrant interpretations
- To develop the ability to answer questions about Islam with clarity and accuracy
- To become inspired to practice Islam with conviction, sincerity, and excellence
Q: What is the age group for the Marifa program?
A: Adults aged 18 and above (college and post-college age).
Q: Is this a full-time program?
A: No, the Marifa program is thoughtfully structured as a part-time option to accommodate individuals with busy schedules, such as working professionals.
Q: How long does it take to complete the program?
A: The Marifa program spans a 2-year curriculum of Islamic Sciences classes, designed to be taken on a part-time basis.
Q: After graduation are you considered a Scholar/Aalim?
A: No. While completing the program provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of Islamic Sciences, it does not confer the title of a scholar.
Q: Do we have to complete the entire program?
A: No, you have the flexibility to enroll in specific classes as they are offered. Completion of all classes is necessary only for the certificate of completion for graduation.
Q: Do we have to take classes every semester?
A: No, classes are offered on a rotating basis, allowing students to choose classes that align with their schedules.
Q: Do I have to take the classes in order?
A: While not required, it is highly encouraged to take the classes in order, as they progressively build upon one another.
Q: Are classes offered online or in-person only?
A: The Marifa program offers a hybrid format, with both online and in-person options. While in-person attendance is encouraged, it’s not obligatory. Classes are offered at the Islamic Association of Collin County (IACC) and Islamic Association of Allen (IAA).
Q: Do the courses have an attendance requirement?
A: There are five courses in the Marifa program that require a minimum of 70% attendance either in-person or online (with camera on) for receiving credit. Those classes are:
- AQD 101 – The Creed of Ahl al-Sunnah
- FQH 101 – The Fiqh & Heart of Worship
- FQH 203 – Criminal Law
- FQH 301 – Contemporary Legal Issues & Fiqh of Minorities
- TZK 201 – Stations of the Seeker
Q: Are there recordings available in case class is ever missed?
A: Yes, every class is recorded and uploaded to the student portal (OneDrive). Students have access to the recording until the end of the semester or class period.
Q: What is the difference in doing a course on-demand vs online?
A: On-demand courses are pre-recorded, while online classes are conducted live.
Q: Are there any exams and/or assignments?
A: Yes, most classes have assignments such as homework, quizzes, exams, and/ or projects which are required to receive credit for the class.
Q: What if I am not able to commit to completing all the assignments and exams?
A: You may attend the class as an auditor, which allows you to attend and benefit from the class without having to do any assignment or receive a grade. Note that for the class to count for a grade, assignments need to be completed.
Q: Can I take a class which has prerequisites?
A: Yes, most classes are open to all students, but grades are held until prerequisites are fulfilled.
Q: Are discounts, scholarships, or financial aid available?
A. Yes, we always offer an early bird special for our classes. We also offer a family discount: two or more members of the same immediate family enroll into the Marifa course, a student discount, and Taqwa volunteer discount. Scholarships and financial aid are offered on case-to-case basis. Please email TaqwaAdmin@planomasjid.org for more information.
Q: Do I need to have a background in Islamic studies to join the program?
A: No.
Q: Where is Taqwa Seminary located?
A: At the Islamic Association of Collin County (IACC), in Plano, Texas and the Islamic Association of Allen (IAA), in Allen, Texas.
Q: Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
A: For more information, email marifa@planomasjid.org. We look forward to welcoming you to our next class!
