It is incumbent upon each and every Muslim to know their faith. I’m talking about knowing one’s faith beyond just the five pillars and basic Sunday School information. We should have an understanding about the history of the deen particularly, the Seerah, the biography of the Prophet Muhammad SWS. It’s also important to be able to read and understand the Quran given that for many of us Arabic is not our first language. Gaining the tools to unlock the meaning behind hadith and Quran is something we can only acquire through proper education. The question many of us have is where? Where can I obtain the lessons needed to become a more educated Muslim? 

Over the last few decades, there has been a great initiative to create institutions that can provide such knowledge in America. Instead of going abroad to traditional madrasas, you can learn from the comfort of your own country in full-time seminary programs in states across the country both in-person or online. These U.S institutions have qualified scholars that can provide you with the knowledge needed to take the next step in your spiritual practice. Here are four top institutions that you can seek knowledge from.

1. Qalam

Qalam Institute provides access to professional teachers at a beautiful campus in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas. Qalam offers a full-time seminary program, online classes, and weekend intensive workshops. You can study the Islamic studies, Seerah, Arabic/Tajweed, and other subjects that will help improve your day-to-day practice. There is also the Roots program that offers community gatherings and weekly halaqas that are live-streamed and on a podcast. 

2. Miftaah

Similarly, Miftaah institute based in Warren, Michigan also has a sprawling campus that offers lots of programs for students seeking knowledge. They have a full course load of weekend or year-long classes, seminary programs, and weekly halaqas. The teachers are often found doing pop-up workshops in mosques across the country. Check out their website to see if they’re coming to a location near you next!

3. Rabata

This nonprofit is based in Minnesota and led by Dr. Tamara Gray is an Islamic institution for women, by women. It not only offers classes that you can obtain certifications in, but it provides access to a community of women that you can grow with in friendship and faith. Rabata offers online Arabic, tajweed and Islamic science courses. It also provides classes that women especially should know regarding the fiqh of menstruation and marriage/ divorce. They offer certifications for tajweed and hadith, and have recently opened a university for those seeking a BA. It’s a wonderful institution that women of all ages can benefit from.