“I have done 4 years of Islamic Studies at an Islamic institute. I was therefore not sure how much I would benefit from the diploma “Introduction to Classical Islamic Texts”. Then I decided to attend anyway with the intention of at least revising my Islamic studies. Also I was not sure how I could follow the course as English is not my first language. But just after a few minutes of attending I was highly impressed. The professional organization made it very easy for me to catch up on the missed classes. The online live-class with high technical standards and the facility to ask questions was very beneficial. So far the class has not only been a revision but much more than that. Dr Akram Nadwi has very high qualities and the depth he goes into is phenomenal. He covers many details which are indeed very hard to find anywhere else. Therefore this course, in my view, is unique in terms of the content as well as the organization. I’m quite sure that I will attend the next series as well. I would recommend these classes to everyone. Thank you very much for Cambridge Islamic Sciences Worldwide for their efforts and for providing such great seminars.” – Saber Ben Neticha, Frankfurt, Germany
“Muwatta of Imam Malik has always been a Big name that I heard, but in reality never got a chance to learn about it in order to appreciate it. Alhamdulillaah, this one day introductory class to the book gave me a good insight into the history, subject matter, methodology of the book. Dr. Akram Nadwi’s approach was very objective and that led us to think critically and appreciate this magnanimous work. The best part for me was that Dr. Akram Nadwi’s approach in teaching about the book and the Imam was on a very human level which made it even more relevant for me to relate to. Many a times, we learn about Imams and we get a picture that somehow they were super humans and this makes it difficult for us to relate to them and see the brilliance of their work despite of having human weaknesses. Alhamdulillah, excellent class, organized and beneficial. I encourage all those who are studying Islam on a serious level to consider this course as this will be a great stepping stone for them inshaAllaah.” – Faria Alam, Chittagong, Bangladesh
“The classes are uncovering treasures which is only known if you are willing to sacrifice time & money to learn from Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi. You will have a very different understanding of Islamic history after observing a wealth of knowledge not found commonly in the textbooks.” – Imran Tufail, Reading, UK
“So far in the first 2 sessions, I have learnt so much about Sahih Bukhari & Muwatta’ of Imam Malik that I would never have imagined could be learnt in a short time. Sheikh Akram have packed the lessons and info so much in the sessions that are very beneficial in understanding the books. I was sceptical in the beginning since I will be taking the course online but so far alhamdulillah I am glad I decided to take this course and would recommend others to join the course, either online or live.” – Putri Shahnim Khalid, Selangor, Malaysia
“It felt that I have come back to my country after 2 days. As an online attendee I was a little worried as to whether I could make it the whole day in front of the screen. But the course was so full of beneficial information that I could not make myself move even for a minute, lest I would miss something. For the 8-9 hours in the day, not for a single moment did I feel exhausted or bored. This course was so well informed that every moment was worth noting down in my note book. This course on Sahih Bukhari was not only some information that would help us understand the technical aspects of it, but it was delivered with such amazing tarbiyah that at the end of the course I feel spiritually uplifted Alhamdulillaah. I really look forward to the upcoming classes.” – Faria Alam, Chittagong, Bangladesh
“I am currently pursuing a Bachelors in Fiqh and usul al Fiqh from the International Islamic University of Malaysia. I pray this class will give me an in depth introduction to all of the classical texts that we will study inshaAllah. Also, Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan of Bayyinah institute, where I studied Arabc for 9 months has always had a high regard for Shaikh Akram Nadawi, and has encouraged us countless times to study under him. Alhumdulillah, I am happy to finally do so. Also, as a female, I feel Shaikh Akram Nadawi is a pioneer from amongst our current ulama who is pushing forth the scholarship of females specifically with his amazing book that he is writing on the female Muhadithoon.” – Safiya Rawat, International Islamic University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
“Firstly, it is a one-off opportunity to learn knowledge which is hard to come by anywhere else in English and taught by one of the best Muhaddith of our time. I heard Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan speak highly of Shaykh Mohammad Akram Nadwi recently and really am honoured to be able to learn from him. I really look forward to having my thoughts expanded and guided by the Shaykh as I want to be able to make changes in my own family, beginning with my children in the future and as a future teacher inshaAllah, and do not want them to have the same problems I and so many people I know have; due to fear of saying or thinking something wrong, we choose not to think much for ourselves but the Qur’an encourages thinking.” – Sharmin Chowdhury, London, UK
“The class on the methodology of Imam Bukhari was an insightful class and was testament to the scholarly aptitude of Shayk Dr.Akram Nadwi. His understanding into the science of Hadith narrators is truly profound and makes me reflect how fortunate I am to be able to have access to a scholar of his calibre. I would certainy reccomend any student of knowledge that is interested in the classical literature of Islam and wishes to gain proficiency in these texts or simply wishes to have a superficial understanding of these texts to enroll. This opportunities are rarely available and would be a great shame not to utilise such opportunities.” – Arfan Rahman, SOAS, University of London, UK
“The course exceeded my expectations. Hardly anything was not of direct relevance. Comprehensive and very informative – it will give me a great platform on which to build insha’Allah. I thoroughly enjoyed the course. The explanations and examples were excellent. Shaykh Akram peppered his presentation with humour and made a difficult subject very interesting and understandable.” – Obaidah Shaker, iERA, London, UK
“An extremely insightful introduction to the life and Sahih of Imam Bukhari. The two days aimed to convince us how intelligent, dedicated and vigourous he was and how we are indebted to him for his works. Shaykh Nadwi invited us to dive deeper into the world of Hadith and inspired us to become dedicated students of knowledge. I look forward to the next module, insha’Allah” – Ataullah Parkar, Head Teacher, Al Aqsa School, Leicester, UK
“The Introduction to Sahih Al-Bukhari was my first ever course with Sheikh Akram. Prior to this course I did not know much about the Sheikh nor of Cambridge Islamic Sciences. The experience of this was something truly unique and one I have rarely come across. I have been to a number of courses on various topics, but the Sheikhs approach to the subject matter is truly one of a kind. I have been to several courses, yet I can truly say the amount I learnt in just this weekend was on another level. The sheikh has inherited the rich classical Islamic scholarship of thinking, understanding and research that is rarely known and advocated amongst us now. He teaches purely with the intention of teaching you and not to advocate his opinions. The sheikh has a deep wisdom and gives you other perspectives of how things are, giving you a more rounded view of the bigger picture. Unfortunately this is something rarely advocated in studying Islam, and I am truly grateful to Allah for giving me the opportunity to experience this from Cambridge Islamic Sciences. I would sincerely advise anyone searching to not only learn Islam but understand and truly appreciate it as the earlier Muslims did to most definitely enrol onto this course.” – Ayan Ali, London, UK
“Prior to attending, I like many Musilms was aware of the importance and centrality of Sahih al-Bukhari to Sunni Islam and the great effort Imam Bukhari put in to compile this monumental work. But beyond that I had very little knowledge about the inner workings and methodology employed by the Imam. The course was simply amazing. I now feel that I now have at least a working overview of Sahih al-Bukhari and once again – as with all Shaykh Akram courses – my mind has been blown. I often think that attending his classes is like taking Morpheus’s “red pill” from the Matrix! May Allah reward and preserve Shaykh Akram and the Cambridge Islamic Sciences team. I look forward to the next course in the Classical Texts series and to my mind being blown once again!” – Faraz Mir, Luton, UK
“Shaykh Mohammad Akram Nadwi is truly one of the gems of our world today. His depth of knowledge and mastery of the various sciences is beyond extraordinary. He has a unique style of teaching which I find very effective. Shaykh Akram always makes relevant connections with the contemporary period, bringing to life the tradition so that we can all relate to it. His sense of humor and down-to-earth approach makes the class evermore enjoyable. The moment I found out about the Islamic Diploma course, I did not think twice and enrolled immediately. I thought to myself: “How can I let such an incredible opportunity go?” Alhamdulillah, we completed our first class on Sahih al-Bukhari, and I have already benefited tremendously. I am looking forward to the upcoming classes and encourage anyone who is interested to take part in this amazing course!” – Zakir Ahmed, New York City, USA
“Thoroughly enjoying this course so far alhamdulillah. I’ve had the pleasure of studying with Shaykh Nadwi before. What I most love about sitting in his circles of knowledge are:-
A) You learn so much from his adab alone. The way he interacts, the way he behaves, the way he treats you etc.He has to be one of the most humble teachers one has ever sat with.
B) He never wastes your time. Your arms are literally aching, trying to jot down all the information. His knowledge is very deep and broad ma sha Allah.
This course, although an introduction to the classical texts, certainly isn’t devoid of detail and depth. The grey cells are very much engaged and active throughout! Given that time is the most precious commodity one has. Studying with Sh Nadwi is *never* a waste of time. Even his digressions are pearls and gems. The course is a suitable precursor to taking ones studies to greater depths and studying with Shaykh on a regular, long term basis. Not for the fainthearted who want entertainment. Definitely for those who want classical studies and something a bit more meaty. Jazakumullahu khayran to Cambridge Islamic Sciences Worldwide.” – Somaira Wasty, Manchester, UK
“A lot of people talk about Imam Bukhari, they narrate from Imam Bukhari, they know his book to be the most authentic but they don’t really appreciate the effort, thought, and depth of Imam Bukhari in his Sahih. After only one day, our students and staff here at Bayyinah Institute have developed a profound appreciation of Imam Bukhari’s contribution and Sh. Akram’s scholarship.” – Ustadh Adam Jamal, Bayyinah Dream Instructor, Dallas, USA