Abū Dardāʾ reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever travels a path seeking sacred knowledge, Allah will facilitate his path to Paradise. The angels lower their wings for the student of sacred knowledge, pleased with what he is doing. The creatures in the heavens and earth seek forgiveness for the religious scholar, even the fish in the water. The superiority of the religious scholar over the devout worshipper is like the superiority of the full moon over the other heavenly bodies. The religious scholars are the heirs of the prophets. The prophets leave no money as a bequest, rather they leave knowledge. Whoever seizes it has taken a bountiful share.” (Related by Abū Dāwūd and Tirmidhī).
Many senior scholars in Syria, Iraq, etc. did not study the sacred sciences full time in a formal institution. They attended circles of knowledge with great masters of the tradition for decades concurrently with their secular studies and professions until they gained mastery of those subjects themselves. At times, they even surpassed their counterparts who graduated from formal institutes of learning as they had no worldly motivation to seek sacred knowledge and would focus on a couple of books at a time, aiming for mastery rather than passing exams and rushing to complete a degree. The Riwaq program aims to provide an opportunity for serious seekers of sacred knowledge in Dallas/Fort Worth to gain a deeper appreciation for classical Islamic thought through regular weekly readings of classical texts, methodically progressing through beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of study.
Abū Dardāʾ reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever travels a path seeking sacred knowledge, Allah will facilitate his path to Paradise.
The angels lower their wings for the student of sacred knowledge, pleased with what he is
doing. The creatures in the heavens and earth seek forgiveness for the religious scholar,
even the fish in the water. The superiority of the religious scholar over the devout
worshipper is like the superiority of the full moon over the other heavenly bodies. The
religious scholars are the heirs of the prophets. The prophets leave no money as a bequest,
rather they leave knowledge. Whoever seizes it has taken a bountiful share.” (Related by
Abū Dāwūd and Tirmidhī).
Many senior scholars in Syria, Iraq, etc. did not study the sacred sciences full time in a formal institution. They attended circles of knowledge with great masters of the tradition for decades concurrently with their secular studies and professions until they gained mastery of those subjects themselves. At times, they even surpassed their counterparts who graduated from formal institutes of learning as they had no
worldly motivation to seek sacred knowledge and would focus on a couple of books at a time, aiming for mastery rather than passing exams and rushing to complete a degree. The Riwaq program aims to provide an opportunity for serious seekers of sacred knowledge in Dallas/Fort Worth to gain a deeper appreciation for classical Islamic thought through regular weekly readings of classical texts, methodically progressing through beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of
study.
QUESTIONS?
Email us at riwaqteam@planomasjid.org
FAQ
Q: What does “Riwaq” mean?
A: In traditional Islamic architecture, the riwaq was the arcade or portico beneath the columns that served as a transition space between the open courtyard and the interior region of a mosque, providing shade for the visitors. Over time, the riwaq became a place where traditional circles of sacred knowledge would be held, thus becoming a staple of not only Islamic architecture but Islamic learning as well. The image below shows the riwaq of al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo, Egypt:
Q: What is the aim of the Riwaq Program?
A: To provide an opportunity for serious seekers of sacred knowledge in Dallas/Fort Worth to gain a deeper appreciation for classical Islamic thought through regular weekly readings of classical texts, methodically progressing through beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of study.
Q: Is Riwaq a part of the other Taqwa Seminary programs (like Marifa or Falah?)
A: No. Riwaq is an independent, stand-alone program. It can be attended on its own, or concurrently with the other programs available through Taqwa Seminary if someone chooses to do so.
Q: What is the required age for students of the Riwaq Program?
A: College and up. High schoolers may attend the program upon the approval of the shaykh only if they display an exceptional level of maturity.
Q: Is this a full-time program?
A: No, the Riwaq program is designed for people who wish to learn the sacred sciences at a higher level using the classical approach without giving up their professional career.
Q: How is the program structured?
A: Currently, the program will offer intermediate level Shāfiʿī Fiqh on Sunday mornings. Eventually, the goal of the program is to teach beginner, intermediate and advanced level texts in each of the seven major Islamic sciences: Quran, Hadith, ʿAqīda, Fiqh, Tazkiya, Lugha, and Uṣūl al-Fiqh.
Q: How long does it take to complete the program?
A: The Riwaq program does not have an end date like other programs. Instead, it cycles through the seven major Islamic sciences starting with a beginner-level text, followed by an intermediate-level text, and finishing with an advanced-level text. The pace of an individual course depends on the aptitude of the students. The focus of the program is on memorization and comprehension, not degrees or standardized testing.
Q: After graduation are you considered a scholar?
A: No, for two reasons. Firstly, there is no graduation and secondly, the program is designed to prepare dedicated students of knowledge with the appropriate tools to study further.
Q: Do we have to complete the entire program?
A: No, you have the flexibility to enroll in specific classes as they are offered.
Q: Do we have to take the classes in a specific order?
A: No. However, Riwaq follows the traditional method of learning where one does not study a higher- level text without mastering the level before it.
Q: Are classes offered online or in-person?
A: All classes are exclusively offered in-person. There are no plans for a hybrid format in the future.
Q: Will I receive Ijāza (certification) at the end of each course?
A: Only select courses will provide Ijāza at the end. Other courses will provide a Certificate of Completion indicating the text studied. In either case, both a displayed mastery and a minimum of 70% attendance are required from the student.
Q: Are there recordings available in case class is ever missed?
A: Every class will be recorded and uploaded to a portal that is accessible on a per-request basis to students enrolled.
Q: How do I enroll in a course?
A: Enrollment is as simple as joining the WhatsApp group and attending class in-person.
Q: Are there any exams or assignments?
A: The focus of the Riwaq Program is on memorization and comprehension, not degrees or standardized testing. Throughout the course the shaykh will regularly ask questions to the students to gauge their understanding. Therefore, reviewing one’s notes and reading the text before coming to class are mandatory. If a student does not display sufficient understanding, he or she may not be eligible to receive Ijāza.
Q: Are there prerequisites in order to enroll in each course?
A: No. However, Riwaq follows the traditional method of learning where one does not study a higher level text without mastering the level before it. Furthermore, although the program does not require proficiency in the Arabic language, the student will not gain mastery over the text without it.
Q: Do I need a background in Islamic studies to join the program?
A: No.
Q: Do I need to know Arabic to join the program?
A: Arabic proficiency is not required to enroll in the program. However, the student will not gain mastery over the text without it.
Q: Where is Taqwa Seminary located?
A: At the Islamic Association of Collin County (IACC), also known as Plano Masjid. The address is 6401 Independence Pkwy, Plano TX. 75023
Q: Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
A: Please email riwaqteam@planomasjid.org.
