The Foundations Program

A one-year online Islamic Studies course designed to
anchor individuals of any background with the fundamentals of their faith.

Comprehensive

A 9-month journey covering the essentials of Islamic Knowledge: Qur’an, Hadith, Fiqh (Islamic Law), Theology, and Islamic History.

Accessible

All classes are taught online by qualified Islamic scholars making Islamic education accessible right from your own home, without location barriers. 

Flexible

Classes run Monday-Thursday,
from 9 AM - 1 PM (CT), with breaks on federal holidays, ensuring a structured and steady pace. Students can enroll part time or full time.

Community-Focused

The Foundations program goes beyond academics, fostering a a supportive online community for faith and learning.

What makes the Foundations curriculum unique?

No Pre-requisites 

This program offers a structured curriculum with no Arabic requirement, making core subjects clear and accessible for all learners, regardless of their background. 

Post-Caliphate History

The Foundations Program examines Islamic history beyond the Seerah and Caliphate, drawing practical lessons from great Muslim dynasties like the Abbasids, Ottomans, Al-Andalus, and Ottomans.

Part Time or Full Time 

Students can pursue the program part time (minimum of two class periods) or full time, allowing them to balance Islamic studies with work, school, and family while progressing at a pace that fits their schedule.

Fiqh beyond Worship

This course explores Fiqh beyond worship, covering family law, business ethics, and financial transactions. By studying these often overlooked areas of Fiqh, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how Islamic law applies to real-world situations.

A Holistic Learning Experience

Foundations students use a dedicated learning portal to access readings, slides, quizzes, and instructor feedback.

Students can attend class live (synchronously) at designated class times and through class recordings (asynchronously) which ensures flexibility for students with busy schedules. The organized student platform keeps everything in one place for a seamless learning experience.

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

O V E R V I E W

The Foundations Schedule

Timings remain the same for both fall and spring term, but courses alternate. 

01

 9:00 - 9:50 AM CT 

The Prophetic Biography & Islamic History | Purification of the Soul

02

10:00 - 10:50 AM CT

Islamic Law &  Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence 

03

11:00 - 11:50 AM CT

Qur'anic Sciences | Study of Juz 29 & 30 

04

12:00 - 12:50 PM CT 

Hadith Sciences & Study of Sahih Bukhari 

Meet the Instructors

Qari Noman hussain
Qari Noman Hussain serves as the Associate Director and a faculty member at the Qalam Seminary. He was born and raised in Chicago, IL. Upon completing the memorization of the Quran, Qari Noman traveled to South Africa to further his education in the Islamic sciences at Darul Uloom Zakariyya. Graduating at the top of his class in 2009, he earned authorizations (ijazāt) in several Islamic sciences, specializing in Quranic sciences such as tajwīd and the ʿasharah qirāʾāt (ten modes of recitation). For the past 15 years, Qari Noman has dedicated himself to serving the Chicago and Milwaukee communities. In addition to his roles as an Imam and Resident Scholar, he has served as a hifẓ teacher, high school instructor, chaplain, and leader of interfaith groups and civic coalitions. Qari Noman is also the founder of Oasis Chicago, a space committed to creating social-spiritual experiences for young professionals and families. 
Ustadha Fatima Lette


Ustadha Fatima Lette is an instructor at Qalam- at the Academy, the Seminary, and at Qalam's intensives. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a B.A. in Psychology. She went on to graduate from the ‘Alimiyyah program at the Qalam Seminary. Born and raised in Atlanta, GA, she continues to serve her community as a teacher at the Roswell Community Masjid. She is also a teacher at the Roots Community Space while also overseeing the Education department's mission by managing high-level operations and supporting curriculum and instructional design.


Ustadha Rabbia Razzaque

Ustadha Rabbia Razzaque serves as the Head of Adult Education at Qalam Academy, a program dedicated to making Islamic education accessible to all, especially adults and young professionals. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and graduated from Qalam’s Alimiyyah program in 2020. Ustadha Rabbia is passionate about encouraging students on their journey of seeking sacred knowledge and serves as an instructor at the Qalam Academy, as well. 
Ustadha Faizah

Ustadha Faizah Hoque is a graduate of the ʿĀlimiyyah program at the Qalam Seminary and has earned her B.A. in Communication from George Mason University. She currently serves as an ʿĀlimiyyah Teaching Assistant on the academic team at Qalam, where her passion for Islamic education and student development guides her work supporting students throughout their academic journeys.

Ustadh Basil Farooq

Ustadh Basil Farooq grew up in the UAE and Bay Area. He completed his memorization of the Quran at the age of 14. Later, he completed his study of the ten canonical qirā’āt of the Quran and received authorization (ijāza) to transmit and teach them at Recite with Love. He completed BAs in Economics and Applied Mathematics from UC Berkeley in 2019 and is a graduate of the ’Alimiyyah Program at Qalam Seminary in Dallas. He works as an economist in the antitrust litigation industry and serves as Resident Imam at the West Valley Muslim Association.

Basil is also involved in research and writing under the supervision of his teachers. He has a particular interest in linguistics, theology, philosophy and poetry with a dream of making the ideas of the intellectual giants of our tradition accessible to American Muslims.