The Tarbiyya program is an Ilhaam Institute initiative aimed at engaging young Muslims with a deep understanding of Islamic teachings and practices, while also instilling in them the ability to navigate their daily lives in the Western World.
The program aims to encourage critical thinking through a series of interactive workshops, debates & guest lectures to provide students with the skills to engage in discourse that is having a profound impact in the western world going forward. The program builds to focus on individual development by building on their strengths, addressing weaknesses, and instilling a pride in their Islamic identity.
The program is designed for young adults (17+) who are at a crucial stage in their Islamic development. As they embark on their journey towards independence and exposure at a range of diverse ideas and perspectives, whether through university or work, this program aims to introduce various topics and discuss the Islamic position within these and methods of navigating where one is absent.
The program is designed to be accessible to mature students who are willing to engage in a wide range of topics. The program is delivered entirely online, with opportunities to meet in person. This program presents a beautiful opportunity to deepen their knowledge of our beautiful faith, develop a deeper relationship with Allah, build friendships with like-minded individuals and grow their skills to positively contribute to themselves and others.
In short, the Tarbiyya program aims to equip young Muslims with the tools to confidently navigate the complexities of living in western culture while staying true to orthodox Islam. By the way of discussions, talks and debates – the aim is to foster critical thinking skills on multifaceted topics and promoting a desire to learn and tackle obstacles, confusion and doubt facing the community in a positive manner.
A brief look at the curriculum can be found here.
June 2025 Update
Over the past two years, we’ve successfully completed an engaging and thought-provoking program in pursuit of meaningful Islamic learning. Covering a range of classical and contemporary topics, the program has laid a strong foundation in both traditional sciences and relevant modern discourse.
📘 Year 1 (23-24) Highlights:
- Usul al-Tafsir – Introduction to the Foundations of Tafsir
- Mawlid – Origins and Practice
- Introduction to Islamic Scholastic Theology (Ilm al-Kalam)
- Palestine Special – Context and Contemporary Relevance
- LGBT and Islam – Navigating Modern Discourse
- …and more
📗 Year 2 (24-25) Highlights:
- The Four Imams – Lives and Legal Methodologies
- Secularism – Historical Roots and Contemporary Responses
- Biography of the Prophet – Stories and Lessons
- Repentance and Forgiveness – Cultivating Spiritual Depth
- The Crusades – Deep Dive into the Time of Nur ad-Din Zengi & Salahuddin Ayyubi
- …and more
📕 Year 3 (25-26) Plan:
- Atheism – From Origins to Action
- Usul Al Hadith – Introductions to the Foundations of Hadith
- The Ummayds – Governance, Scholarship and Legacy
- Guidelines to Gender Interaction – Guidance through various communal settings
- Tazkiyyah – Steps towards cleansing the heart
- …and more
Tarbiyya Program Introduction
Tarbiyya Program Q+A
Please do take a look at the FAQs below for more information.
To register your interest, please click the link below and complete the form:
Tarbiyya Program Interest
Testimonials
Zakariyya
Since embarking on the Tarbiyya program it has been very beneficial in increasing my faith and knowledge of Islam. The syllabus is very well thought out encompassing all aspects like Islamic development, history, social dynamics, sciences and Tazkiyyah. Furthermore, the structure ensures that each lesson is engaging and involves all students as we start off with a 15 minute discussion about current topics, then spend some time going through the chosen book. This is something I have majorly benefitted on as it gives me the opportunity to read and gain knowledge from an Islamic book in my own time but also be able to verify and discuss anything that I have learnt in class. The rest of the lesson time is then dedicated to the core topic which changes based on what is planned and also events happening in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
We gathered the answers to some popular questions below.
If you can’t find your question below feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.
Who can apply to the program?
The program is opened to young men aged 17+.
This program is exclusive to serious candidates and applicants will be enrolled provided the program suits them which will be discussed following interest in the program.
How long are the classes?
Classes run once per week for 75 minutes each. The class will be split between covering the class topic, book club and discussions around current world affairs.
How much does it cost to enrol for the program?
Fees are charged at £10 per hour (£12.50 per session).
The payment will be collected monthly/termly and will be charged on average at £50 per month (4 sessions per month)/£150 per month (3 months per term)
When are the classes taking place?
Classes take place on Tuesday evening at 7pm
How are classes conducted?
Classes will be conducted online with classroom sizes being capped to 13 students to encourage students maximum opportunity to engage with the class’s contents.
In the case that students are unavailable for that week’s class, students will have access to the recordings to catchup.
Will class style be varied?
Teaching will be varied dependent on topic with some taking on debate style learning whilst at other times being akin to a lecture.
Guests will be invited on from time to time to discuss certain topics in detail and an opportunity to meetup in person with the teacher and classmates.
How long does the program run?
The program is intended to run for 3/4 years, subject to completion of the program. Please find a brief list of the contents to cover above the FAQs. A more detailed program will be given to the students prior to beginning the program.
Ilhaam Institute 