Course Structure

  • 1. Types of Revelation, Makkī/Madnī, Reasons for Revelation (Sabab an-Nuzūl) and Abrogation

    Synopsis: This session explores the different types of revelations in Islam, distinguishing between Makki and Madani revelations based on their period and place of revelation. It delves into the contexts that prompted specific revelations and the concept of abrogation (Naskh), where certain earlier verses were superseded by later ones. The session aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances and reasons behind the revelations in the Quran.

  • 2. Preservation of the Quran in the Time of the Prophet ﷺ, Sayyidunā Abū Bakr and ʿUmar

    Synopsis: This session covers the historical processes involved in preserving the Quran during the Prophetic lifetime and the subsequent caliphates of Abu Bakr and Umar. It highlights the methods used for memorization and written compilation, the roles of key companions, and the establishment of a standardized text to ensure the Quran's integrity for future generations.

  • 3. The Aḥruf and Qirā’āat – Part 1

    Synopsis: This session introduces the concept of Ahruf (the seven modes of recitation) and Qirā’āat (the different readings) of the Quran. Part 1 focuses on the origins, significance, and variations within the Aḥruf, exploring how these modes facilitated the Quran's accessibility to diverse Arab tribes and preserved its meanings.

  • 4. The Aḥruf and Qirā’āat – Part 2

    Synopsis: Continuing from Part 1, this session delves deeper into the Qirā’āat, examining the recognized canonical readings, the scholars associated with them, and the rules governing these recitations. It emphasizes the importance of these variations in understanding the Quran's linguistic and theological depth.

  • 5. The Making of the Mushaf

    Synopsis: This lesson provides an overview of the regional variations in Qur’anic Mushafs, focusing on the historical development of six sciences including orthography (Rasm), diacritical marks (Ḍabt), verse enumeration (ʿAdd al-Āy), pause signs (ʿAlāmāt al-Waqf), variant readings (Qirā’āt), and section divisions. Participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity in Qur’anic copies and the precision involved in maintaining the Qur’an's oral and written traditions.

  • 6. I’jāz al-Qur’ān

    Synopsis: This session explores the concept of I’jāz al-Qur’ān, the inimitable and miraculous nature of the Quran. It analyzes the various methods that the scholars, past and more recent, developed to prove the inimitability of the Qur’an. It also challenges misconceptions that pervade in post-colonial arguments for the miracle.

  • 7. Translation

    Synopsis: This session addresses the complexities and challenges involved in translating the Quran into different languages, focussing primarily on the history and practice of translation into English. It discusses the limitations of translation in conveying the Quran's full meaning and beauty, and various practice in trying to transmit that beauty through the medium of translation.

  • 8. Modernists and the Qur’an

    Synopsis: This session investigates the approaches of modernist towards the Quran. It evaluates their methods of interpretation, their responses to contemporary issues, and responds to many of the theological issues and underlying causes for their mistaken understandings.

  • 9. Interpretation of the Qur’an

    Synopsis: This session provides an overview of the principles and methodologies of Tafsir (Quranic exegesis). It covers the major classical and contemporary approaches, the role of Hadith, linguistic analysis, and the context in which the Quranic verses were revealed, aiming to equip participants with tools for deeper understanding.

  • 10. Etiquette towards the Qur’an (How to do Tadabbur)

    Synopsis: This session outlines the proper etiquette and manners to be observed when interacting with the Quran and provides guidelines for Tadabbur, the reflective and contemplative study of the Quran to derive personal and spiritual insights.

  • 11. Tadabbur in Practice

    Synopsis: Building on the previous session, this practical session demonstrates how to apply Tadabbur to daily Quranic study. It includes a joint Tafsīr study of a portion of the Qur’an led by the teacher.

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Course Instructors

Mufti Taqi Usmani
Muftī Taqī ʿUsmānī is one of the most highly respected and influential scholars of Islam in the world today. The author of 143 books on various topics relating to Islam, he has contributed considerably to multiple fields of Islamic research, from Hadith studies all the way to Islamic finance. He currently serves as the Chairman of Wifaq ul Madaris Al-Arabia, along with being the charman for various Shariah Boards across the world. The recipient of multiple awards from governments and scholarly bodies, he has been described by his dear friend, HRH Prince Ghazi as, ‘A beautiful mind if ever there was one’.

Shaykh Dr. Sohaib Saeed
Dr. Sohaib Saeed is a leading expert in Quranic studies with a rich academic background, including a degree in Tafsīr from Al-Azhar University and a PhD from SOAS, University of London. He founded the Ibn ‘Ashur Centre for Quranic Studies and has received accolades for his translations of classical tafsīr works. Dr. Saeed has taught at various universities and Islamic institutions and is involved in significant Quranic projects like Quran.com.

Shaykh Yousef Wahb
Shaykh Yousef Wahb is an Islamic scholar with degrees from Al-Azhar University and the University of Windsor, and he is currently pursuing a PhD in Islamic Law at the University of Chicago. He teaches Islamic Law, serves as Research Director at the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, and is actively engaged in community service through various initiatives.

Shaykh Dr Sohail Hanif
Shaykh Sohail studied with many scholars in Jordan, and is a senior student of Shaykh Dr Salah Abu al-Hajj and Shaykh Ali Hani. He was the Head of Sciences at Qasid Arabic Institute in Amman and also the BA manager at Cambridge Muslim college. He has expertise in Islamic law, having studied extensively with traditional scholars in Jordan, and holds a PhD from Oxford University. His PhD thesis, which explores Islamic legal epistemology, won the 2019 prize of the British Association for Islamic Studies. He is currently the CEO of the National Zakat Foundation.

Maulana Shoaib Shah
Maulana Shoaib Shah graduated from Jameah Uloomul Qur’an, Leicester in 2008 and has been teaching there since, specializing in Arabic, Fiqh, Tafsir, and Ulūm al-Qur’an. He has translated and edited numerous classical Islamic texts, including "Etiquette of the Learner" and "Ibn Kathīr’s Stories of the Prophets." He also holds a master’s degree from Markfield/Newman University, focusing on the legal implications of the Qira’at.

Maulana Dr Zeeshan Chaudhri
A graduate of Imam Zakariyya Academy in London with a PhD on Deoband from SOAS University in London. Currently teaches for various institutes including Whitethread Institute.

Shaykh Ziyad Batha
Shaykh Muhammad Ziyad graduated from Darul Uloom Leicester with licenses in Qur'an memorisation, the Seven Qur’anic Readings, and ʿĀlimiyyah. He completed an MA in Islamic Studies at SOAS University of London, focusing on the Qur'an. Additionally, he holds a Diploma in Education and Training and has Qualified Teacher Status. Based in London, he teaches Qur'an and Islamic Studies at a secondary school, lectures on Hadith at a female seminary, edits Islamic literature, volunteers as an imam, and appears on various Muslim TV channels.

Maulana Asim Ayub
Graduated from Darul Uloom Bury in 2016 and has a Masters in Economic History from the London School of Economics, first class. Currently works as an editor and translator at Turath Publishing.