Frequently Asked Questions
Who is AlMaghrib Institute for?
AlMaghrib is for anyone who would like to increase his or her knowledge about Islam! We welcome everyone, regardless of background, ethnicity, gender, nationality, or religious subscription, to attend our seminars.
How do the AlMaghrib seminars work?
AlMaghrib Institute provides seminars in a six-day, two-weekend format (Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday on consecutive weekends). The seminars take place on-location (not online) in various cities in the U.S.A and Canada. To see which cities are hosting AlMaghrib seminars, please visit our Qabeelah Page.
What are the instructors' qualifications?
AlMaghrib Institute prides itself on hiring capable and qualified instructors who are able to connect with students. In selecting instructors, we seek people who: have a higher education degree (an Islamic arts degree is preferred); have a good command of the English language; have experience teaching university-aged students; have upright character; and have a willingness to learn and adopt exciting new teaching techniques. For more information about our esteemed instructors, please visit our Instructors Page.
How do I register for a seminar?
You can register for one of AlMaghrib Institute’s seminars by going to the Enrollment Page on our website.
Are there any prerequisites for the seminars?
At the present time, AlMaghrib Institute offers seminars that are relatively introductory to the various Islamic sciences and therefore have no pre-requisites. With time, as AlMaghrib Institute and its students continue to develop; our curriculum will expand to include higher level seminars that give a deeper and more detailed treatment of these topics for our students.
Where is the course material from?
AlMaghrib Institute’s notebooks are specifically designed for its seminars. The course material is designed and developed by our instructors in conjunction with AlMaghrib Institute’s curriculum advisory committee, keeping in mind our two-weekend format. The materials that students are given in the seminars are usually a synthesis of classical and traditional texts, shaped to be more relevant and to specifically benefit modern audiences.
How are the seminars conducted?
A set of rules and procedures are detailed on the first day, with an emphasis on proper etiquette and respect for knowledge. Seminars are generally conducted in lecture format with visual aids, and with regular question and answer sessions. Additionally, AlMaghrib seminars also contain group-learning sessions, where students are divided into smaller groups to study and learn together. Activities and presentations assigned to students vary from seminar to seminar and instructor to instructor, and are clearly explained during the seminar.
How is the seating arranged?
Brothers and sisters are seated in the same classroom in two separate sections, facing the instructor. Sisters have an open, clear view of the instructor and the visual presentation. After careful thought, the seating arrangement of our seminars was chosen to allow both brothers and sisters to have access to the instructor, and at the same time maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect, privacy and comfort.
What is the level of student/teacher interaction?
AlMaghrib seminars are conducted live and in person, not via the internet. As a result of this, the level of student/teacher interaction is unchallenged by most other Islamic institutions and learning centers. Students have the opportunity to build a physical and direct connection with the instructors, including the ability to ask questions openly during the question and answer sessions and even accompany the instructors at some points for lunch and casual activities. After the seminar, students may log on to the AlMaghrib Student Forums where they can continue to interact with the instructor and fellow students long after the physical seminar has ended.
Is there an exam? Where and what kind?
After the completion of an AlMaghrib seminar, students must take a written final exam. The exam usually takes place a month after the seminar, and consists of a short answer, multiple choice, and true/false portion, and may also include a long answer essay portion. The challenge of the exam truly maximizes the benefit students attain from the seminar, and helps them retain the knowledge they have acquired.
Are AlMaghrib seminars accredited?
Even before its formal inception in 2001, AlMaghrib Institute has continually endeavored to associate itself with prestigious Muslim organizations. Of the many organizations AlMaghrib Institute has sought to cooperate and build relations with is the American Open University (AOU). From the very beginning of the relationship between the two organizations, the American Open University offered full endorsement to AlMaghrib Institute's unique bachelors program.
For the past five years, the American Open University has been accredited by Al-Azhar University (in Egypt). Though AlMaghrib Institute’s relationship has always been directly with the American Open University, AlMaghrib students have benefited, de facto, from AOU's connection with Al-Azhar.
Recently, this endorsement relationship between the two universities - American Open University and Al-Azhar - was discontinued. Because the American Open University/Al-Azhar relationship has been suspended until further notice, we wish to inform our students of the present situation and share some of the exciting steps AlMaghrib Institute is now taking. Please read on.
By the grace of Allah, in 2004, AlMaghrib Institute became the no.1 largest Islamic Arts student body in North America, surpassing all other higher Islamic education programs. This gift from Allah has offered AlMaghrib Institute the opportunity to take the responsibility head-on of designing and supporting the most sought-after Islamic Arts bachelor’s degree in North America, insha’Allah.
AlMaghrib Institute has undertaken the following steps:
> Public business offices have been established in Michigan and Ottawa.
> In 2005, seminars are scheduled to be conducted in up to 10 USA cities and 4 Canadian cities.
> Dedicated AlMaghrib staff have been assigned to such jobs as student affairs and service, communication technology, quality control management, graphic design, marketing coordination, endowment fund coordination, location logistic management, special projects, accounting and more.
> A dedicated academic department has been established to strategize the upcoming phases of AlMaghrib Institute’s development, particularly an independent accreditation process and degree for AlMaghrib students.
AlMaghrib Institute is working towards accreditation through the procedure outlined by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Presently, AlMaghrib Institute is not affiliated or accredited by any independent body, and therefore our courses are not transferable to other schools or applicable for VA Education Benefits.
For the past five years, the American Open University has been accredited by Al-Azhar University (in Egypt). Though AlMaghrib Institute’s relationship has always been directly with the American Open University, AlMaghrib students have benefited, de facto, from AOU's connection with Al-Azhar.
Recently, this endorsement relationship between the two universities - American Open University and Al-Azhar - was discontinued. Because the American Open University/Al-Azhar relationship has been suspended until further notice, we wish to inform our students of the present situation and share some of the exciting steps AlMaghrib Institute is now taking. Please read on.
By the grace of Allah, in 2004, AlMaghrib Institute became the no.1 largest Islamic Arts student body in North America, surpassing all other higher Islamic education programs. This gift from Allah has offered AlMaghrib Institute the opportunity to take the responsibility head-on of designing and supporting the most sought-after Islamic Arts bachelor’s degree in North America, insha’Allah.
AlMaghrib Institute has undertaken the following steps:
> Public business offices have been established in Michigan and Ottawa.
> In 2005, seminars are scheduled to be conducted in up to 10 USA cities and 4 Canadian cities.
> Dedicated AlMaghrib staff have been assigned to such jobs as student affairs and service, communication technology, quality control management, graphic design, marketing coordination, endowment fund coordination, location logistic management, special projects, accounting and more.
> A dedicated academic department has been established to strategize the upcoming phases of AlMaghrib Institute’s development, particularly an independent accreditation process and degree for AlMaghrib students.
AlMaghrib Institute is working towards accreditation through the procedure outlined by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Presently, AlMaghrib Institute is not affiliated or accredited by any independent body, and therefore our courses are not transferable to other schools or applicable for VA Education Benefits.
How can I invite an instructor to an event in my community?
Our instructors are on a very demanding yearly schedule. From time to time, however, they do attend community events around the country. To invite an instructor to an event in your community, please fill out our Speaker Request Form and send it to info@almaghrib.org. Insha’Allah, you should receive a prompt response from us.
How does AlMaghrib choose the cities in which to conduct seminars?
We accept proposals and advice from local communities and from people who are interested in bringing AlMaghrib to their city. For more information on how to bring AlMaghrib to your city, please email info@almaghrib.org.
When is the next AlMaghrib seminar in my city?
To see our schedule of upcoming seminars, visit our Seminars Page.
I can't afford the seminar. Is there any type of financial assistance available?
One of the strengths of AlMaghrib Institute's program is that students make a financial commitment to the seminar. This benefits AlMaghrib Institute by keeping its program financially healthy and focused on education (not fundraising). In addition, the financial commitment to the seminar benefits the student by keeping them focused away from making excuses not to attend. The truth of life in the west is that we value that to which we have made a commitment.
We understand, however, that not everyone is in the same circumstances with regard to financial means. Thus, financial assistance, including a payment plan, may be available for students. If you are interested in a payment installment plan, please register first and you will find the details for the payment plan at the bottom of the payment page which will appear after the registration page.
We understand, however, that not everyone is in the same circumstances with regard to financial means. Thus, financial assistance, including a payment plan, may be available for students. If you are interested in a payment installment plan, please register first and you will find the details for the payment plan at the bottom of the payment page which will appear after the registration page.
Why is there a tuition charged for seminars dealing with Islam?
At AlMaghrib Institute, we firmly understand that the default ruling is that Islamic knowledge should be distributed for free. We understand fully well that the AlMaghrib Institute tuition based model is not the ideal. It is not the ideal, but for a North-American post-Khalifah audience (with no Muslim governing body to financially support the da’wah, as was the past traditionally), it is the model that, based on detailed and measured experience, has worked best. Our objective is not to simply distribute knowledge for free, ignoring the effectiveness of our efforts. Our higher objective is to determine how we can get this knowledge to people in such a way that they will cherish it and use it. That is why, after much discussion, scholarly consultation, and shoora, the affordable tuition model was adopted.
To begin with, we have found that when classes are offered for free, they are typically abandoned (as is the case with most halaqahs or free online programs); while if a tuition fee is attached to a class, people respect the class even more and work harder to attend to the end. Our conclusion is that this is the consequence of living in a material society in which value is attached to a dollar amount. If the AlMaghrib seminars were $1650 per student, our society would no doubt attach more presumed value to the information. That is the consequence of a materialistic society.
At AlMaghrib Institute we envision not needing to charge money in non-materialistic communities, insha’Allah, like Mexico. In countries where the average income is less than that of the U.S.A., we have adjusted the tuition to make it easier for students, while still calling upon them to make a financial commitment to the class. Again, our highest objective is: How do we get this knowledge to the people in a way that they will cherish it and use it?
Free halaqahs and classes are everywhere and readily available. All of our instructors have in the past, and continue to, take part in these free da’wah events. The key ingredient of AlMaghrib Institute, that gives us the power to design high caliber seminars, is the affordable tuition. In the absence of the affordable tuition, our instructors would not be able to focus on teaching Islam but would instead be doing fundraising dinners, re-inventing the wheel that a good number of Islamic organizations are spinning. At AlMaghrib Institute, we sincerely understand that there are people who genuinely cannot afford the seminar, whatever the price. It was never our intention to turn away someone if he or she genuinely wished to learn, but whose financial circumstances do not permit. For such parties, an AlMaghrib financial aid initiative was established. To enquire about this program, you may email info@almaghrib.org.
In conclusion: We understand that Allah shall question us about this affordable tuition model and it is an enormous responsibility that AlMaghrib Institute is undertaking. If we were correct in this affordable tuition exception-to-the-rule model, then we ask Allah ta’ala to put even more barakah in our efforts. And if we were wrong, then we ask Allah ta’ala to not deny us the reward of those who attempted to seek the correct answer but were mistaken.
If one finds themselves in the company of good people spending time attempting to calculate the intentions of others, then we humbly remind ourselves first, for our own peace of mind, that it is Allah alone that judges the intentions, not human beings. May Allah ta'ala make all of our intentions sincerely for Him alone. Ameen.
To begin with, we have found that when classes are offered for free, they are typically abandoned (as is the case with most halaqahs or free online programs); while if a tuition fee is attached to a class, people respect the class even more and work harder to attend to the end. Our conclusion is that this is the consequence of living in a material society in which value is attached to a dollar amount. If the AlMaghrib seminars were $1650 per student, our society would no doubt attach more presumed value to the information. That is the consequence of a materialistic society.
At AlMaghrib Institute we envision not needing to charge money in non-materialistic communities, insha’Allah, like Mexico. In countries where the average income is less than that of the U.S.A., we have adjusted the tuition to make it easier for students, while still calling upon them to make a financial commitment to the class. Again, our highest objective is: How do we get this knowledge to the people in a way that they will cherish it and use it?
Free halaqahs and classes are everywhere and readily available. All of our instructors have in the past, and continue to, take part in these free da’wah events. The key ingredient of AlMaghrib Institute, that gives us the power to design high caliber seminars, is the affordable tuition. In the absence of the affordable tuition, our instructors would not be able to focus on teaching Islam but would instead be doing fundraising dinners, re-inventing the wheel that a good number of Islamic organizations are spinning. At AlMaghrib Institute, we sincerely understand that there are people who genuinely cannot afford the seminar, whatever the price. It was never our intention to turn away someone if he or she genuinely wished to learn, but whose financial circumstances do not permit. For such parties, an AlMaghrib financial aid initiative was established. To enquire about this program, you may email info@almaghrib.org.
In conclusion: We understand that Allah shall question us about this affordable tuition model and it is an enormous responsibility that AlMaghrib Institute is undertaking. If we were correct in this affordable tuition exception-to-the-rule model, then we ask Allah ta’ala to put even more barakah in our efforts. And if we were wrong, then we ask Allah ta’ala to not deny us the reward of those who attempted to seek the correct answer but were mistaken.
If one finds themselves in the company of good people spending time attempting to calculate the intentions of others, then we humbly remind ourselves first, for our own peace of mind, that it is Allah alone that judges the intentions, not human beings. May Allah ta'ala make all of our intentions sincerely for Him alone. Ameen.
Is there a discount if members from the same family are attending? What about if I am coming from out of town?
AlMaghrib Institute is focused on a university seminar model of education in which a degree is to be awarded in the end. Along these lines, AlMaghrib Institute has established an amaanah (trust) that if the affordable tuition model is to be adopted, then all students are equal in this. All discounts have therefore already been applied and offered to everyone. Additionally we offer a family discount and a group discount. Details can be found at Family Discounts and Group Discounts.
You may also enquiries about sponsorships through your local Qabeelah by contacting them directly. For their contact information please see Qabeelah Page.
You may also enquiries about sponsorships through your local Qabeelah by contacting them directly. For their contact information please see Qabeelah Page.
I'm not able to make it to the seminar. Can I be refunded my money? How do I cancel my registration?
Please see our registration policies for more information on cancellation and refund policy.
Where should I send my check for the seminar?
You can send your tuition payments to:
AlMaghrib USA
318 John R Road, Suite 346
Troy, Michigan, 48083
AlMaghrib Canada
1 Stafford Road, Suite 421
Ottawa, ON K2H 1B9
Checks or money orders should be made out to AlMaghrib Institute.
AlMaghrib USA
318 John R Road, Suite 346
Troy, Michigan, 48083
AlMaghrib Canada
1 Stafford Road, Suite 421
Ottawa, ON K2H 1B9
Checks or money orders should be made out to AlMaghrib Institute.
What is a Qabeelah/tribe? What is a liwaa?
Click HERE for detailed information regarding AlMaghrib's unique tribal system
Where should I stay if I’m coming from out of town?
If you’re attending a seminar from out of town, consult the local Ameer/Ameerah who can help direct you to a local masjid, a brother/sister who is willing to accommodate you, or a close by, inexpensive hotel. In addition, you can discuss ideas about places to stay by posting on the forums. Posting on the forums will also give you an opportunity to get to know other students who are planning on attending the upcoming seminar.
As a recommendation, www.priceline.com has some very affordable hotels. Not to sound like a commercial or anything, but you can save up to $40 - $70 by pre-booking a room in advance.
As a recommendation, www.priceline.com has some very affordable hotels. Not to sound like a commercial or anything, but you can save up to $40 - $70 by pre-booking a room in advance.
Do AlMaghrib Institute’s instructors and students subscribe to a particular methodology, movement, or group?
Our motto at AlMaghrib Institute, which we stand by, is this: we are Muslim without labels. This is something we teach in our seminars, and something all our instructors adhere to in our educational platform. Our program is all-inclusive. If you are a student wishing to study Islam in a fun and engaging style, from the classical books of Islam, without being accused or labeled and without having to listen to accusations and labels of others, then you’ve found the right institute of learning.
We do not tolerate our platform, seminars, or online forum to be a place where the honor of our Muslim brothers and sisters is violated. Issues that need to be addressed are done so in an academic manner, without mentioning individuals, nor by mentioning groups. In a very short period of time AlMaghrib Institute has been able to achieve a great deal, becoming the number 1 largest Islamic arts student body in North America. In our opinion, one of the keys to this tawfeeq from Allah is our insistence on our principle of being Muslims without labels.
To experience, register for at least one seminar and decide for yourself.
We do not tolerate our platform, seminars, or online forum to be a place where the honor of our Muslim brothers and sisters is violated. Issues that need to be addressed are done so in an academic manner, without mentioning individuals, nor by mentioning groups. In a very short period of time AlMaghrib Institute has been able to achieve a great deal, becoming the number 1 largest Islamic arts student body in North America. In our opinion, one of the keys to this tawfeeq from Allah is our insistence on our principle of being Muslims without labels.
To experience, register for at least one seminar and decide for yourself.
What are the forums and what is their purpose?
The AlMaghrib Community Forum is an online location where students can interact with each other and with the instructors of AlMaghrib at any time. Additionally, partner projects of AlMaghrib (specifically www.Khutbah.com and www.EmanRush.com) have folders on our community forum where fans of those services can join with the AlMaghrib online community.
There are many forums on the internet with a variety of focuses and moderation levels. The AlMaghrib community forum is focused on the AlMaghrib Institute seminars. It is dedicated to providing continuous support for our students and those around the world interested in the knowledge offered by AlMaghrib and its partner projects. Our moderation level is strong in order to create a safe, respectful and beneficial online destination for our female students, as well as to raise our male students in the etiquette of being a student of Islam.
We pray you’ll enjoy and benefit from our AlMaghrib community forum, another unique ingredient, alhamdulillah, in the AlMaghrib winning educational model.
There are many forums on the internet with a variety of focuses and moderation levels. The AlMaghrib community forum is focused on the AlMaghrib Institute seminars. It is dedicated to providing continuous support for our students and those around the world interested in the knowledge offered by AlMaghrib and its partner projects. Our moderation level is strong in order to create a safe, respectful and beneficial online destination for our female students, as well as to raise our male students in the etiquette of being a student of Islam.
We pray you’ll enjoy and benefit from our AlMaghrib community forum, another unique ingredient, alhamdulillah, in the AlMaghrib winning educational model.
I can only attend one weekend of the seminar. What should I do?
Because AlMaghrib Institute’s seminars are part of a degree program, there are no partial fees. Students attending one weekend of the seminar are responsible for the complete tuition. If circumstances do not allow for a student to attend both weekends of the seminar at the same location, the student may request approval to attend the missed weekend in another location.
Is babysitting provided?
AlMaghrib Institute does not provide babysitting due to the liability this may incur to the Institute. Oftentimes, individuals volunteer to organize baby-sitting arrangements during the seminar as a service to the students. You can find out more about whether such a service has been initiated for an upcoming seminar on the AlMaghrib Student Forum.
What are the seminar timings?
Seminars begin on Friday evening and continue all day, from morning to evening, on Saturday and Sunday. Seminars are usually held on Friday from 7:30 pm to 10 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 am until 8 pm. To find out the specific times the seminar will start and end, please consult your local Ameer/Ameerah.
What do I need to prepare for a seminar?
Please visit our Student Center to find out how to prepare for a seminar academically, mentally and spiritually.
If I have to miss one of the days, may I still attend?
If due to unavoidable circumstances you are unable to attend one day of the seminar, you may be absent. However, the tuition fee is still fully applicable, and the final exam does cover all of the material covered in all six days.
My son/daughter is 12 years old. May they register?
AlMaghrib Institute does not accept any student under the age of fourteen without written consent by the parent or guardian of the individual. Individuals under the age of fourteen may be subject to special consideration from AlMaghrib administration, including a phone interview or required essay. Additionally, some AlMaghrib seminars have a fixed age restriction which is enforced with no exceptions. Please email registrar@almaghrib.org to find out the procedure for allowing your son/daughter to attend.
How are the Ameers and Ameerahs chosen? What do they do?
Ameers and Ameerahs are chosen by their local student community through a process of nomination and voting. They represent the student body of their respective Qabeelah and are responsible for the organization, setup, and logistics of the seminar in their city. Additionally, they act as “cheerleaders” for class morale, unity, and commitment. Click HERE to see a list of our present Ameers and Ameerahs for the U.S. and Canada.
I have a personal/fiqhi question. How can I contact one of the instructors?
AlMaghrib Institute administration considers the contact information of our instructors to be an aamanah, a trust, which we take very seriously. As a rule, we do not give out the phone numbers, email addresses, or other personal information of our instructors. We would suggest re-directing your query to the forums or to a local imam or teacher who may be better able to assess your personal situation and give advice that is more suitable.
In regards to fiqhi rulings or fatawa, our instructors prefer re-directing such questions to those who specialize in giving rulings. The reasons for this are: the level of accountability that comes with answering questions relating to the deen; the amount of time and energy expended towards research and deriving rulings, which is better done by others who focus on this task; and the fullness of their schedules as instructors for AlMaghrib Institute and as local imams and teachers as well.
The following is a list of websites that may be helpful to those seeking out fiqhi rulings: (Note: AlMaghrib Institute does not necessarily endorse these answers.)
In regards to fiqhi rulings or fatawa, our instructors prefer re-directing such questions to those who specialize in giving rulings. The reasons for this are: the level of accountability that comes with answering questions relating to the deen; the amount of time and energy expended towards research and deriving rulings, which is better done by others who focus on this task; and the fullness of their schedules as instructors for AlMaghrib Institute and as local imams and teachers as well.
The following is a list of websites that may be helpful to those seeking out fiqhi rulings: (Note: AlMaghrib Institute does not necessarily endorse these answers.)
- Islam Question & Answer
- Assembly of Muslim Jurists in America
- Muslim American Society’s Fatwa Corner
- ISNA Fiqh Q&A by Dr. Muzzamil Siddiqui
If I have a question, concern or suggestion for AlMaghrib Institute, where may I submit it?
We welcome your feedback and would love to answer your questions! Feel free to email us at: info@almaghrib.org to share any ideas, suggestions, or ask any questions that you may have.
What do I need to prepare for a seminar?
Please visit our Student Center to find out how to prepare for a seminar academically, mentally and spiritually.