Number of classes: 6 (1 hour per class)

In this course the chapter on the specific qualitied of the Prophet ﷺ, from Ghāyah al-Muntahā is explained by shaykh Yūsuf bin Ṣādiq. Mar‘ī al-Karmī wrote in al-Ghāyah about some of the qualities of the Prophet ﷺ and rulings that were specific to him ﷺ, detailing the Ḥanbalī position in these issues. Shaykh Yūsuf provides more details and clarification in his explanation on this text. In order to further one’s knowledge regarding the Prophet ﷺ, it is highly recommended and beneficial to learn about these specific qualities and rulings.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Classes: Wednesday 9 pm (Cairo time)
Number of classes: 20 (1 hour per class)

The starting point for learning the fiqh Madhab of Imam Ahmad. Bidayah al-'Abid, authored by Shaykh 'Abd al-Rahman al-Ba'li covers the essential worships including: Tahara, Salah, Fasting, Zakat, Hajj & Umrah and Jihad. The primer equips the student with the primary masa'il needed to practise the madhab as well as a solid foundation to build further fiqh studies upon.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 12 (1 hour per class)

In this chapter the student learns about various topics such as, the meaning of ‘Ramaḍān’, it’s unique qualities, the virtues of Laylah al-Qadr and whether it’s better than the night of Jummu‘ah, and the tarāwīḥ prayer.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out for the studied chapter(s).

Classes: Saturday 10pm (Cairo time)

Number of classes: 14 (1 hour per class)

In this course the first part of the important book Al-Manhaj al-Aḥmad fī Dar°I al-Mathālib allatī tunmā l-Madhhab al-Imām Aḥmad, by Shaykh ‘Abd Allāh bin Ṣafwān al-Qadūmī, is taught by Shaykh Yūsuf b. Ṣādiq Al-Ḥanbalī.

In this book the author responds to certain issues in fiqh and ‘aqīdah that in his time were falsely attributed to the Ḥanbalī Madhhab. He clarifies these issues at length, in doing so showing the correct stances of the traditional Ḥanbalī madhhab. In essence he responded to certain positions of Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah that that can’t be attributed to the madhab including: the issue of three divorces, visiting the grave of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ and others related to the ‘aqā°id of the Ḥanābilah.

This is a very important course for students of the Ḥanbalī Madhhab who want to learn about the correct positions of the authentic Ḥanbalī Madhhab regarding certain sensitive issues in fiqh and ‘aqīdah; and how its scholars responded and dealt with the opinions of shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah. It is an especially relevant course due to some cults still clinging to his position in these matters, perceiving them to be positions that represent the Madhhab.

This is the first part of a two-part series that will cover the entire book. This part will focus on the fiqh related issues, while the second part will focus on the issues of ‘aqīdah.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out for the studied chapter(s).

Classes: Saturday 10 pm (Cairo time)
Number of classes: 50+ (1 hour per class)

Pre-requisite: studied Bidayah al-'Abid and passed its exam

A Hanbali fiqh course covering the Ibadah section of the famous Hanbali primer 'Umdah al-Talib by shaykh Mansur b. Yunus al-Buhuti. This course is geared towards the beginner and pre-intermediate student. And the student will learn the acts of worship in a detailed and broad manner according to the Hanbali Madhhab.

The course is still ongoing, and is at the start of bab al-Zakah.

There will be an exam in the Ibadah section of 'Umdah al-Talib when the course is concluded. 

Upon completion of the course/exam an ijāzah is handed out.

Nombre de cours: 7 (1 heure par leçon)
Enseignant: Nuraddin al-Hanbali

Lum'ah al-I'tiqad, le célèbre traité de aqidah hanbalite écrit par l'imam Ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi,constitue la référence de base en matière de 'aqidah hanbalite,et est l'un des principaux ouvrages de l'école écrits dans ce domaine.

Dans ce livre, l'imam Ibn Qudamah présente les bases de la croyance islamique, traitant de ses sujets principaux tels que les Nobles Attributs d'Allah, Exalté soit-Il, et l'approche des savants hanbalites à leur sujet, al iman et al qadr, les éléments liés à l'invisible et les droits des Compagnons, ainsi que d'autres questions telles que l'obéissance au Calife,al ijma' et al taqlid.
Ce cours s'attachera à expliquer le texte de l'ouvrage conformément aux principes Hanbalites-Atharis,restant fidèle et honorant par là le sens voulu par son auteur. Les étudiants intéressés par la véritable approche hanbalite de la aqidah devraient s'inscrire et l'étudier!

Information importante: Avoir étudié ce texte avec la Madrasah est un pré-requis, permettant d'accéder à d'autres cours de 'aqidah plus avancés déjà proposés ou à venir.

Le cours est désormais terminé, il n’est accessible qu’à travers des enregistrements.

Tous les cours sont en français.

Il y aura une évaluation à la fin du cours et une ijazah sera accordée si celle-ci est réussie.

Number of classes: 5 (1 hour per class)

In this course the student will study one of the first authentic texts in ‘aqīdah authored by the great Imām of the Madhhab, Aḥmad bin Ḥanbal. In it, Imām Aḥmad highlights the foundations of the ‘atharī aqīdah, covering all of its major points that subsequent books of aqīdah have expounded on and added to. Studying this text will provide the student with basic knowledge of the atharī ‘aqīdah and gives some historical insight into the development of the atharī ‘aqīdah in general. The text is explained by Shaykh Yūsuf b. Ṣādiq al-Ḥanbalī, which ensures the intended meaning of the original author is preserved as much as possible, staying withing limits of the Ḥanbalī-Atharī approach in ‘aqīdah.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are given in Arabic (if needed students can interact in English with shaykh)

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 4 (1 hour per class)

In this course the student will study one of the first authentic texts in ‘aqīdah authored by the great Imām of the Madhhab, Aḥmad bin Ḥanbal. In it, Imām Aḥmad highlights the foundations of the ‘atharī aqīdah, covering all of its major points that subsequent books of aqīdah have expounded on and added to. Studying this text will provide the student with basic knowledge of the atharī ‘aqīdah and gives some historical insight into the development of the atharī ‘aqīdah in general. The text is explained by Shaykh Yūsuf b. Ṣādiq al-Ḥanbalī, which ensures the intended meaning of the original author is preserved as much as possible, staying withing limits of the Ḥanbalī-Atharī approach in ‘aqīdah.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 4 (1 hour per class)

In this letter Imām Aḥmad replies to a request by caliph al-Mutawakkil to detail some issues of ‘aqīdah. In it Imām Aḥmad presents amongst others his ‘aqīdah with regards to the uncreated nature of the Qurān, his views on argumentation with innovators, and the method of belief. This letter is an important source for knowing and studying the ‘aqīdah of Imām Aḥmad, and the Ḥanbalī-Atharī ‘aqīdah in general.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 8 (1 hour per class)
Instructor: Abū Yahya Naveed Raza,  who is one of the senior students of Shaykh Yūsuf b. Ṣādiq al-Ḥanbalī.

Lum’ah al-I’tiqād, the famous book in Ḥanbalī ‘aqīdah, by Imām Ibn Qudāmah al-Maqdisī, is the basic source for the Ḥanbalī ‘aqīdah and one of its most important books. 

In this book Imām Ibn Qudāmah lays the groundwork, discussing the principle topics in ‘aqīdah such as Allāh’s lofty Attributes and the Ḥanbalī approach towards them, imān and qadr, the matters of the unseen and the rights of the Companions, as well as other topics like the ruling of obeying the caliph, ijma and taqlīd. 

This course will focus on explaining the text according to the Ḥanbalī-Athari perspective, and will therefore stay true to and honour the intended meaning of its author. Those who are interested in the true Ḥanbalī-Atharī perspective in ‘aqīdah should join and study!  

Important: Having completed Lum’ah al-I’tiqād with the Madrasah is a pre-requisite for many of the more advanced courses in ‘aqīdah that are either already offered by the Madrasah (or will be offered in the future).

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

There is an assessment at the end of the course and an ijazah will be granted on passing.

Number of classes: 21 (1 hour per class)

Pre-requisite: studied Lum'ah al-I'tiqād and passed its exam

In this course Shaykh Yūsuf b. Ṣādiq al-Ḥanbalī teaches and comments on his own written commentary of the primary text Lum‘ah Al-I‘tiqād, titled: Hāsiyah al-Muwaffaq. The course provides more detail, explanation and clarification of Hāsiyah al-Muwaffaq, making the student able to both better understand this ḥāshiyah as well as the main ‘aqīdah text written by Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Qudāmah.

This course is a must for the student who finished Lum’ah al-I’tiqād and wants to advance his knowledge of the Ḥanbalī-Atharī ‘aqīdah. 

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 4 (1 hour per class)

This course focuses on one of the early middle phase poems in Atharī ‘aqīdah, written by al-Kalwadhānī who was one of the most important early Ḥanbalī scholars. Generally accepted, the poet represents the ‘Aqīdah of the Ḥanābilah in a concise yet comprehensive way.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 20 (1 hour per class)

One of the early classical ‘aqīdah books of the Ḥanbalī tradition is Sharḥ al-Sunnah. Nowadays, the book unfortunately

has fallen victim to misinterpretation by the Salafī/wahābī sect, distorting its meanings, explaining it in a way that diverts it from the intended meaning of the author, forcing it to suit their opinions.

The explanation of Shaykh Yūsuf bin Ṣādiq is from the perspective of a traditional Ḥanbalī scholar, using their methods and findings to explain the book in a Ḥanbalī fashion, bringing the book back to the way of the Ḥanābilah.

This course is suitable for those who already followed a basic Ḥanbalī ‘aqīdah course, such Uṣūl al-Sunnah or Lum’ah al-I’tiqād and want to further their elementary/pre-intermediate knowledge in ‘aqīdah.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 20 (1 hour per class)

In this course the well-known text by al-Imām Abū ‘Uthmān al-Ṣābūnī titled ‘Aqīdah al-Salaf wa Aṣḥāb al-Ḥadīth, is taught and explained by Shaykh Yūsuf b. Ṣādiq Al-Ḥanbalī.

In this book Imām al-Ṣābūnī penned down, in a clear and concise way, the ‘aqīdah of the Salaf, the people of ḥadīth and the Imāms of the Muslim Ummah, mentioning the āyāt, aḥādīth and āthār they rely upon.

Unfortunately, this work has in recent times been used by the Salafī cult as a means to propagate their corrupt ‘aqīdah. They have distorted the text by either explaining away clear statements or mistranslation, thereby altering the intended meaning of the author.

The lessons consist of a reading of the Arabic text and English translation, this is then followed by an explanation of the lines and correcting mistakes in the translation. The student will learn the ‘aqīdah as intended by the author, become familiar with the various evidences and the correct methodology of the People of ḥadīth in ‘aqīdah.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 10 (1 hour per class)

This course will have the student engaged in studying the ‘aqīdah of Sīdī Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qādir al-Jīlānī, which is his ‘aqīdah as found in the book Al-Fuyūḍāt al-Rabbāniyyah. This is an important book because it is one of the few reliable sources for his ‘aqīdah, authored by the Shaykh himself and authenticated by the followers of the Qādirī ṭarīqah. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that in this work the shaykh approaches the subject of ‘aqīdah from a taṣawwuf perspective using more terms and concepts found amongst them.

It is highly recommended to study this course together with the course that focused on the ‘aqīdah of the shaykh from his famous book al-Ghunyah, thereby bringing together his two approaches in ‘aqīdah.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Start: May 10th, 2023
Classes: Saturday 10 pm (Cairo time)
Number of classes: 15 (1 hour per class)

Pre-requisites: completed the Lum’ah and Hashiyah al-Muwaffaq courses

In this second instalment of Qadūmī's Manhaj al-Aḥmad, the focus is on the aqidah section of the book.

The author lays down the Hanbali/Athari ‘aqīdah whilst formulating important principles regarding it and discusses at length some of its most persistent misunderstandings and false attributions, showing the correct stances of the traditional Ḥanbalī madhhab.

This is a very important course for students of the Ḥanbalī Madhhab and others who want to learn the correct and authentic positions of the Madhhab. It is especially relevant due to some cults still clinging to misunderstandings and false attributions, erroneously perceiving them to be positions that represent the Madhhab.

This is the second part of a two-part series that will cover the whole book. This part will focus on the aqidah related issues, while the first part focused on issues of fiqh.

All the classes are in English.
The ones who attend both courses will, at the end of the second course, receive ijāzah to the author.
If you are interested, then please leave a comment.

Classes: Thursday 11 pm (Cairo time)

Number of classes: 16+ (1 hour per class)

Pre-requisite: studied Lum'ah al-I'tiqād and passed its exam.

This course is the next instalment in the Ibn Qudāmah programme covering his well-known book ‘Taḥrīm al-Naẓar fī Kutub al-Kalām', taught by Shaykh Yūsuf b. Ṣādiq Al-Ḥanbalī.

In this book Ibn Qudāmah sets out his arguments in prohibition of Kalām. In it the shaykh delves into the subject of kalām and ta°wīl and details the Ḥanbalī position regarding them. Furthermore, Ibn Qudāmah clarifies key issues in ‘aqīdah such as the Ḥanbalī position regarding the Divine Attributes, the issue of taqlīd and ijtihād in ‘aqīdah and the correct approach to the akhbār aḥad. While studying this book the student will deepen their understanding of these issues building on what Ibn Qudāmah already laidc out Lum’ah al-I’tiqād.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Classes: Wednesday 10pm (Cairo time)

Number of classes: 40 (1 hour per class)

This course focusses on the ‘aqīdah part from the book al-Ghunyah lil-Ṭālibī Ṭāriq al-Ḥaqq. Although the book is widely known by people and attributed to Sidi Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qādir al-Jīlānī it is not the most authentic source for his views, due to differences and some problematic statements found in the various editions of the book. In this course the ‘aqīdah section from al-Ghunyah will be taught by Shaykh Yūsuf bin Ṣādiq al-Ḥanbalī in a critical way, comparing its relevant ‘aqīdah sections to what is found in Al-Fuyūḍāt al-Rabbāniyyah; this in order to verify and amend what is present in al-Ghunyah. The aim of this study is to realise a wholistic and true understanding of the ‘aqīdah of this great and important Ḥanbalī scholar.

All the classes are given in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 13 (1 hour per class)

One of the treatises penned by Ibn Rajab al-Ḥanbalī. In it he discusses many topics concerning knowledge, such as beneficial and non-beneficial knowledge, branches of the latter type, signs of both types of knowledge, their foundations, and the difference between the way of the Salaf compared to the way of the khalaf (latecomers) and the first way being the superior one. As is typical for Ibn Rajab’s writing he focusses on one subject whilst bringing many aspects from various Islamic sciences together, such as uṣūl al-fiqh, ‘aqīdah and taṣawwuf. Studying this work is highly beneficial for those who want to deepen their knowledge regarding the methodology of the Salaf and strengthen their own practicing of this approach.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 13 (1 hour per class)

Pre-requisite: has studied the Lum’ah al-I’tiqād course with the Madrasah

In this book, Shaykh Muwaffaq al-Dīn Ibn Qudāmah details the Ḥanbalī position regarding Allāh’s lofty Attribute al-Kalām, as well as the affirmation of it consisting of Ḥarf and Ṣawt. This in-depth study will go beyond what he concisely stated on these topics in his famous work Lum’ah al-I’tiqād, and is therefore a good next step in the advancement of one’s study of the Ḥanbalī ‘aqīdah.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 15 (1 hour per class)

Pre-requisite: studied Lum'ah al-I'tiqād and passed its exam

In this course the small treatise titled Dhamm al-Ta°wīl is the main focus of study. In the book the author refutes the people of kalām and their practice of ta°wīl of Allah's Attributes and consequently clarifies what the way of Salaf was in dealing with the verses and aḥādīth of the Attributes.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course and passing the survey an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 31 (1 hour per class)

Pre-requisite: studied Lum'ah al-I'tiqād and passed its exam

One of the important intermediate books in Ḥanbalī ‘aqīdah is Qalā°id al-'Iqyān written by the late phase scholar Ibn Balbān. It is one of the books the Ḥanābilah of the latter phase have relied upon a great deal when it comes to representing the Ḥanbalī position in ‘aqīdah.

This course can only be studied when the student has already followed the course covering Lum’ah al-I’tiqād and past its exam. Preferably the student has also studied Ḥāshiyah al-Muwaffaq with shaykh Yūsuf.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Classes: Sunday 11pm (Cairo time)

Number of classes: 30 lesson (1 hour per class)

Originally written in Persian, and translated as the Garden of the Hadith Scholars, it is a well known anthology of Hadith sciences which includes major books of Hadith, important scholars. It is an extremely popular work amongst scholars of Hadith, especially those from the Indian-Subcontinent. Due to the original work being written in Persian, the lesson will solely focus on the English translation. 

The course will provide the students with biographical information on famous and important scholars such as: Imam Malik, Imam Ahmad, Ibn Hibban and al-Bayhaqi. As well as details on the various types of hadith collections/works, such as Musnad, Mu’jam, Musannaf and Sunan, including the most important titles of each category. This is an excellent course for the student who wants to broaden their knowledge of important branches/topics in the hadith sciences. 

All the classes are given in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah will be given.

Number of classes: 5 (1 hour per class)

Risalah Abū Dāwud is an early treatise on mustalaḥ written by the famous ḥadīth narrator and specialist Abū Dāwud al-Sijistani – who is both well known for his Sunan compilation and being one of the early companions of Imām Aḥmad. In this treatise he sheds light on his methodology in the science of ḥadīth, explaining some of its basic terminology and inner workings. 

This course is for the Ḥanbalī student, as well those who are interested in Mustalaḥ al-Ḥadīth in general, who wish to deepen their understanding of this noble science from an authentic historical Ḥanbalī perspective.  

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are given in Arabic (if needed students can interact in English with shaykh)

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 11 (1 hour per class)

Pre-requisite: studied al-Tadhkira and passed its survey.

This course consists of an explanation of the famous primer in mustalaḥ al-Ḥadīth, titled Nukhbah al-Fikar, penned by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalānī. While being a basic primer it contains all the main issues which will help the student develop a solid understanding of this science. Studying al-Tadhkirah first before moving unto al-Nukhbah facilitates the study of al-Nukhbah.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Classes: Saturday 11pm (Cairo time)

Number of classes: 6 (1 hour per class)

Pre-requisite: studied Al-Tadhkirah with the Madrasah and passed its survey.

In this course Shaykh Yūsuf bin Ṣādiq al-Ḥanbalī will provide an introduction into the science of al-jarh wa al-ta’dīl (criticism and praise) using the muqadimmah of Bahr al-Damm fīman Takallama fīhi al-Imām Ahmad bi-Madh aw bi-Dhamm (The sea of Blood regarding whom Imam Ahmad spoke in praise or slander) written by Ibn 'Abd al-Hādī.

The course will cover elementary principles in the science of praising and criticising narrators of hadith, equipping students of hadith with the foundation to continue studies in this field. Is praise always given the priority over criticism? Are all criticisms valid? Who’s praise or criticisms are considered? All this and more will be covered in the course. The students will also be provided examples of practical application by delving into some of Imam Ahmad’s opinions and rulings on certain narrators which form the majority of the book.

The full course will consist of two instalments, 6 classes covering the muqadimmah focusing on its theory, and 6 classes geard more toward its practical application going through some of the narrators and examples given by Ibn 'Abd al-Hādī.

Registration is automatically for the full course. Following only one of its instalments is possible but should be made clear in the registartion form.

All the classes are given in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Classes: Friday 10pm (Cairo time)

Number of classes: 8 (1 hour per class)

This course consists of an explanation of the famous primer in mustalaḥ al-Ḥadīth, titled al-Tadhkira fī ‘Ulūm al-Ḥadīth, penned by Ibn Mulaqqin. It is a very small and concise primer in which the author sums up the most important points of the science, which will aid the student by providing an overview and a framework on which follow-up studies can be build. 

All the classes are given in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Classes: Monday 10pm (Cairo time)
Number of classes: 40 (1 hour per class)

This course focuses on al-Thulāthiyyāt, which is a compilation of aḥādīth found in al-Musnad in which there are only three narrators between Imām Aḥmad and the Prophet ﷺ. In this course the text will be read in both Arabic/English and Shaykh Yūsuf bin Ṣādiq al-Ḥanbalī will offer explanation on the aḥādīth based on Sharḥ Thulāthiyyāt authored by the Shaykh and Muḥaddith Muḥammad bin Aḥmad al-Safārīnī al-Ḥanbalī.

All the classes are given in English

After attending the full course and upon successful completion of an assessment survey, participants will receive an ijāzah for both al-Thulāthiyyāt and al-Safārīnī’s Sharḥ.

Number of classes: 26 (1 hour class)

This comprises of a commentary of Shaykh Yusuf b. Sadiq Al-Hanbali on the famous forty hadith collection of Imam al-Nawawi. In his commentary shaykh Yusuf will rely on the original classical commentary written by Najm al-Din al-Tufi al-Hanbali. In addition to this shaykh Yusuf will also narrate the ahadith that Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali added to the compilation of al-Nawawi as found in his Jami' Ulum wa al-Hikam. Thereby enabling the student to narrate, after completion of the course, a total of 50 ahadith from al-Nawawi and Ibn Rajab. Durling the lessons the ahadith are read in Arabic, followed by a translation and explanation of them.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Classes: Sunday 10pm (Cairo time)

Number of classes: 15 (1 hour per class)

This course will focus on the study of the famous text by al-Imām al-Nawawī: al-Taqrīb wa al-Taysīr li-Ma’rifah Sunan al-Bashīr al-Nadīr. The text itself is an abbreviation of the foundational text in the field of mustalaḥ, by Ibn al-Ṣalāḥ, titled Kitab ‘Ulum al-Ḥadīth. Al-Taqrib is an excellent primer for the student who has already covered a basic text in mustalaḥ, wanting to further develop his or her grasp on the subject matter, seeking to broaden ones understanding of the science by adding more branches and details.

For student who hasn’t studied an introductory text before, they will be offered the recordings on al-Tadhkirah by Ibn Mulaqqin, which was taught by Shaykh Yūsuf b. Ṣādiq in late 2020.

All the classes are given in English

Upon completing a survey at the end of the course the student will receive ijāzah.

Number of classes: 3 (1 hour per class)

An introduction to the Musnad of Imām Aḥmad bin Ḥanbal written by Hāfiẓ Abū Mūsā al-Madīnī. In his work he discusses some of the specifics and virtuous of the Musnad collection of Imām Aḥmad. Through this course the student gets familiarized with this important work in ḥadīth. Because the course is an introduction, it also serves as a prerequisite for other future courses related to the Musnad.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 8 (1 hour per class)

In general, the science of muṣtalāḥ al-Ḥadīth has been dominated by the Shāfi’ī approach and understanding of this science. However, the Ḥanābilah, who have traditionally always been people of Ḥadīth, have their own approach and choices in this science which are not commonly known – even to the Ḥanbalī student.

The course is focused on the original text Irshād al-Sābilah li-Ma'rifah Usūl al-Ḥadīth 'inda al-Ḥanābilah, authored by shaykh Yūsuf b. Sādiq al-Ḥanbalī. In this text the author expounds on these Ḥanbalī choices and their approach in the field of Usūl al-Ḥadīth.

This course is for the Ḥanbalī student, as well as those who are interested in mustalaḥ al-ḥadīth in general, who wish to acquire this knowledge and deepen their understanding of this noble science from an authentic Ḥanbalī perspective. 

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 4 (1 hour per class)

This course focuses on the important Hadith texts of Imām Abū Dāwūd titled, Risālah Imām Abū Dāwūd ilā Ahl Macca. Imām Abū Dāwūd is considered one of the earliest Ḥanbalī scholars as he is one the direct students of Imām Aḥmad. Therefore, the text establishes some of the basics of the Ḥanbalī madhab in the science of ḥadīth. The student will learn the basics of the Ḥanbalī approach in mustalaḥ al-Ḥadīth, and familiarize himself with some of their choices in this science.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Classes: Monday to Thursday11:59pm (Cairo time)
Number of classes: 16 (30 min per class)

During Ramadan Shaykh Yusuf will hold short teaching sessions focused on reading and explaining selective surahs of the Quran, based on the important Hanbali tafsir: Rumuz al-Kunuz, written by al-Ras'ani al-Hanbali.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Class: Wednesday 10pm (Cairo time)

Number of classes: 10 (1 hour per class)

In this course Shaykh Yūsuf bin Ṣādiq al-Ḥanbalī will provide an introduction into the science of Uṣūl al-Tafsīr, focusing on Muqaddimah fī Uṣūl al-Tafsīr authored by Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah. The course will cover the general principles of tafsīr that aid in understanding the Quran leading to the knowledge of the correct explanation of its meanings. The course will also develop the student’s ability the ability to differentiate between various forms of tafsīr.

This course will be a pre-requisite for future course(s) in Uṣūl al-Tafsīr.

All the classes are given in English

The ones who attend the classes will receive an ijāzah at the end of the course.

Starting date: May 11th, 2023
Classes: Thursday 10 pm (Cairo time)
Number of classes: 6 (1 hour per class)

The Diwaan of al-Mutanabi is the collection of poetry by al-Mutanabi, his work in poetry has been celebrated for centuries. In this course shaykh Yusuf al-Hanbali will focus on one of the Diwaan's poems, explaining it based on the well known Sharh of Abi al-Baqaa al-'Ukbari al-Hanbali.

This course is especially interesting for students who wants to start their studies into classical Arabic poetry and literature, broadening their understanding of it, all through a classical and well accepted explanation.

The poem will be read in Arabic, an English translation for it will also provided. All the classes are in English, but it may be so that parts of the explanation are expressed in Arabic and then will be rendered into English.

An ijāzah will be granted for the studied poem, it may also be expanded to include the whole Diwan and/or the Sharh (depending on possible future courses).

Start: February 22, 2023
Classes: Wednesday 11 pm (Cairo time)
Number of classes: 15 (1 hour per class)

This is the third instalment in the study of Al-Tadhkirah by al-Imām al-Qāḍī Ibn Jamā‘ah.

It focuses on the manners of the student himself, his manners towards his teacher, his fellow students and the lessons he attends. A must to learn and know for any serious student of knowledge.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the full 5 part course an ijāzah is handed for the complete book.

Number of classes: 27 (1 hour per class)

This is the second instalment in the study of Al-Tadhkirah by al-Imām al-Qāḍī Ibn Jamā‘ah.

Course part 2, focusses on teacher’s guidelines, which is the second chapter of Al-Tadhkirah, in which Ibn Jamā‘ah lays down guidelines for the teacher regarding himself, his students and his teachings.

By studying this course, one will learn about the things the teacher should avoid, the objectives of education, how lessons should be conducted and what manners to adopt.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the full 5 part course an ijāzah is handed for the complete book.

Number of classes: 62 (1 hour per class)

At the center of this course stand the book Mukhtasar al-Ifadat written by Ibn Balban al-Hanbali. The book is divided in three parts covering fiqh, adab and 'aqidah. It is an excellent book for the beginner/pre-intermediate student to develop a well rounded understanding of these three sciences, and even the one who already studied other books by Ibn Balban will find new perspectives, additions and nuggets of wisdom in this book. With regards to this course the focus lies on the adab section of the book. Various topics related to adab will be covered, such as:

• The virtuous of knowledge,
• Enjoining good and forbidding evil,
• The manners of having pets and how to treat animals
• Doing dhikr in groups,
• The rulings of lowering gaze,
• And many more issues in adab.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out for the section on adab from Mukhtasar al-Ifadat..

Number of classes: 4 (1 hour per class)

The programme will focus on the book Tadhkirah al-Sāmi wa al-Mutakkalim fī Adab al-‘Ālim wa al-Muta’allim written by the classical authority on this subject al-Imām al-Qāḍī Ibn Jamā‘ah.

This course shaykh Yūsuf bin Ṣādiq al-Ḥanbalī will focus on the first chapter of al-Tadhkirah in which the virtuous of knowledge and the people of knowledge are laid out by Ibn Jamā‘ah. The student will learn about the virtuous of knowledge, its scholars, the relevant aḥādīth and āthār of the Salaf on this subject, and more. After this course the student will have a solid basis to further study the chapters on adab from the work of Ibn Jamā’ah.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the full 5 part course an ijāzah is handed for the complete book.

Classes: Saturday 9 pm (Cairo time)
Number of classes: 10 (1 hour per class)

This text is a concise explanation of the famous Hizb or wird (litany) written by Imām Yahya bin Sharaf al-Nawawī. Since its origination, the Hizb of al-Nawawī has been read by scholars and laity to enforce their regular rememberance and praise of Allāh swt. Having received much attention, praise and acceptance by the scholars of Islām, it was explained many times. Imām Hassabn al-Shatti, one of the important latter phase scholars of the Madhhab, understood the importance of this hizb and set out to write an explanation that was both concise in nature and deep in understanding. 

Al-Shatti provides a deeper understanding of the Hizb and enriches its practical application which aids one remembering and praising ones Lord to a much deeper and more sincere degree.  

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Classes: Thursday 10pm (Cairo time)

Number of classes: 8 (1 hour per class)

The focus of this course is the treatise, Dhamm mā alayhi Mad'ū al-Tasawwuf, by Imam Muwaffaq al-Din Ibn Qudāma. In it he lays down guidelines for the correct practice of tasawwuf and denounces some practices of the sufis of his time including singing, dancing, playing the tambourine and raising the voice for dhikr while thinking these were forms of closeness to Allah.

This short work is full of rare benefits which are important for the seeker of the spiritual path, aiding not only in guidance along the general paths of spirituality but also shedding light on the Imam’s individual outlook to Tasawwuf.

All the classes are given in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 6 (1 hour per class)

The Ḥanābilah have always been known for their distinctive approach in the various Islamic sciences, especially fiqh and aqā°id. Lesser known, especially in recent times, is their emphasis on taṣawwuf with the major Ḥanbalī figures having been followers of the spiritual path. While Sidi Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qādir al-Jīlānī is a major example of this, he is certainly not the earliest one who emphasised its importance and laid out guidelines. Even in the early centuries of the Madhhab, contributions were made in the field of taṣawwuf.

To honour this age-old tradition Al-Madrasah al-Ḥanbaliyyah has set up this course, covering an important chapter on the characteristics of the (ṣūfī) murīd (disciple), from the book Al-Tawakkul, authored by al-Qāḍī Abū Ya’lā, taught by Shaykh Yūsuf b. Ṣādiq Al-Ḥanbalī.

In it al-Qāḍī Abū Ya’lā lays down important guidelines for the disciple of the spiritual path and the characteristics they should seek to acquire.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

The ones who attend the classes will receive an ijāzah for this specific chapter at the end of the course.

Number of classes: 18 (1 hour per class)

In the text Risālah fi Ta°yīd Madhhab al-Sufiyyah shaykh al-Shaṭṭī provides a detailed Ḥanbalī perspective in support of the madhhab of the Ṣūfiyyah and some of its most distinguished proponents. This course is important in order to better understand and appreciate taṣawwuf from a Ḥanbalī perspective, and establish a nuanced view regarding some of its adherents.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 6 (1 hour per class)

This course is a follow up of Guiding Principles of Taṣawwuf (part 1) course. In this second instalment an additional set of guiding principle is laid out and explained by Shaykh Yūsuf bin Ṣādiq. These next set of principles can be added to the first set and further function as guidelines for the seeker of the spiritual path.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 5 (1 hour per class)

Fees: 15 GBP

This course centres on the text Qawā°id al-Ṭarīq al-hadhab min Nafaḥāt al-Bāz al-Ashhub, in which Shaykh Yūsuf combines and explains short yet important principles of taṣawwuf based on the teachings of Shaykh al-Islām ‘Abd al-Qādir al-Jilānī.  These principles function as guidelines for the one traversing the spiritual path. In this part of the course a set of eight principles is discussed.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 13 (1 hour per class)

This text covers some of the advices of the esteemed scholar Ibn Qudāmah al-Maqdisī that are related to taṣawwuf, such as: the need to act, nullifiers of deeds and seeking nearness to Allāh. Highly practical, full of spiritual insight, nuggets of wisdom and free from difficult to grasp concepts and terminology, this is an ideal book for the one who wants to take some first steps into Ḥanbalī taṣawwuf and tazkiyah.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 33 (1 hour per class)

Futūh al-Ghayb is one of the greatest and important books written by Sīdī Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qādir al-Jīlānī on the subject of taṣawwuf and tazkiyah. It comprises of separate discourses in which the author deals with various topics related to the aforementioned sciences. This course focuses on the first seven discourses of the book and explains them in detail so the intend of the author can be properly grasped by the student. Both the text as well as the explanation will provide theoretical and practical insights for the student. In the future other courses will be offered, teaching other discourses oof the book, inshallah finishing it completely.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out for the covered discourses.

Number of classes: 6 (1 hour per class)

One of the smaller works in taṣawwuf from the pen of Ibn Shayk Al-Ḥazamiyyīn, who was one of the students of Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah who used to praise him for his taṣawwuf. Being a concise treatise, it presents important aspects of taṣawwuf in both a theoretical as well as practical light, making it a beneficial work for the students who seeks a practical introduction into taṣawwuf. The topic of the book is furthermore interesting because it addresses the scholars and students of knowledge from a Ḥanbalī ṣūfī perspective.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Starting Date: January 28

Classes: Saturday 4 pm (Cairo time)

Number of classes: 6 (1 hour per class)

One of the famous and important works penned by Ibn Rajab al-Ḥanbalī.In this work Ibn Rajab establishes and strengthens the position that one should rely on the four madhhāhib, following one of them in matters of religion, while at same time he effectively closes the door to any other position in this matter. It is a highly beneficial book on the topic of the defence of the madhhāhib, and should be studied by Muslims in general and the serious student of the Islamic sciences specifically. The explanation of shaykh Yūsuf bin Ṣādiq helps to make the text more accessible, clarifying certain points and elaborating more on concepts brought forth by Ibn Rajab.   

All the classes are given in Arabic (if needed students can interact in English with shaykh)

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Class: Tuesday 11pm (Cairo time)
Number of classes: 15+ (1 hour per class)

In this course is a reading and explanation of the book Al-Sawā°iq al-Ilāhiyah fī al-Radd ‘alā al-Wahābiyah written by Shaykh Sulaymān bin ‘Abd al-Wahāb.

The author, who is the older brother of Muḥammad bin ‘Abd al-Wahāb, and a well-respected and major figure in the Ḥanbalī madhhab, wrote this work in order to refute the erroneous ideology of its founding figure and the Wahabi cult it produced, seeking to expose its errors and misguidance and show their opposition to traditional Islām and Ḥanbalī scholarship in particular.

All the classes are given in English

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 6 (1 hour per class)

This course comprises of an original modern-day Ḥanbalī critique on Muhammad b. Abdul-Wahhab’s treatise the Nullifiers of Islām. 

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 4 (1 hour per class)

This course consists of an explanation of the short pamphlet of Imām al-Safārīnī, in which he refutes the claim that acting upon the books of fiqh is impermissible because they are a supposed innovation.  This course is beneficial to be studied together or after Ibn Rajab’s refutation, because they both focus on defending the classical scholarly way of seeking/learning knowledge. From the aspect of building a good methodology and solidifying one’s practice both books are very important.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are given in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 8 (1 hour per class)

One of the famous and important works penned by Ibn Rajab al-Ḥanbalī. In this work Ibn Rajab establishes and strengthens the position that one should rely on the four madhhāhib, following one of them in matters of religion while effectively closing the door to any other position in this matter. It is a highly beneficial book on the topic of the defence of the madhhāhib, and should be studied by Muslims in general and the serious student of the Islamic sciences specifically. The explanation of shaykh Yūsuf bin Ṣādiq helps to make the text more accessible, clarifying certain points and elaborating more on concepts brought forth by Ibn Rajab.   

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Nombre de cours: 4 (1 heure par leçon)

Enseignant: Nuraddin al-Hanbali

Ce cours est une introduction au sujet important,mais souvent négligé,des principes du Madhhab Hanbalite. Il permet à l'étudiant de découvrir un grand nombre de sujets,tels que les différentes époques de l'histoire du Madhhab,les principaux savants ayant vécu au cours de chacune d'elles ainsi que leurs œuvres,mais aussi la question du Mu'tamad,sa définition et la façon de le trouver,les différentes branches de l'école,et plus encore. Le cours présente également la terminologie propre au Madhhab (Riwayah de l'Imam Ahmad,Wajh,Ashab,etc…). Il s'agit d'une excellente introduction,destinée aux individus débutant l'étude du Madhhab,ou aux membres des autres madhahib désireux de posséder une vue d'ensemble du Madhhab Hanbalite.

Tous les cours sont en français.

Il y aura une évaluation à la fin du cours et une ijazah sera accordée si celle-ci est réussie.

Ce cours est une pré-requis,nécessaire pour en étudier un autre plus détaillé : The Foundational Principles of the Hanbali Madhhab.

Number of classes: 15 (1 hour per class)

Pre-requisite: completed 'the Introduction into the Hanbalī Madhhab' course.

This course is for the Ḥanbalī student who is serious about his study and is dedicated to better understand the inner workings of the Madhhab. Through this course he will become familiar with the foundational principles, specific terminology, methods of study and primary books of the Ḥanbalī Madhhab. It will also form an essential basis for him to build his further knowledge of the Madhhab upon. The book The Foundational Principles of the Ḥanbalī Madhhab is an excellent aid for the student to attain the above. Shaykh Yūsuf bin Ṣādiq, the author of this beneficial work, will go through the text line by line, not only adding further exposition and background but also furnishing it with a new layer of commentary.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.

Number of classes: 4 (1 hour per class)

Teacher: Abu Yahya, Naveed Raza al-Hanbali

This course introduces the student to important but often neglected principles and foundations of the Hanbali Madhab. The student will study a wide range of topics such as the phases of the Madhab, the most importance scholars from each phase and their works, what the Mu'tamad of the madhab is and where it can be found, the different branches of the madhab as well as other topics. The student will also be introduced to madhab specific terminology such as the riwayah from Imam Ahmad, Wajh, Ashab etc. The course will serve as an excellent introduction for those wanting to begin their study of the madhab or for those from other madhahib wanting a general overview of the Hanbali Madhab.

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

This course is a pre-requisite for the follow up course: The Foundational Principles of the Hanbali Madhhab.

Classes: Monday 11pm (Cairo time)

Number of classes: 20 (1 hour per class)

In the Manāqib al-Imām Ahmad, Ibn al-Jawzī compiled a huge number of stories, descriptions, virtues and aqidah, fiqh and tasawwuf and zuhd opinions of Imām Ahmad, narrating them with his own chains of transmission. 

The course will provide the students with the opportunity to study the Hanbalī Madhhab from the perspective of it's founder, bringing various sciences together to develop a more holistic understanding of the Madhhab.

Due to the volumnious size of the book, the course will be run in instalments with each focusing on one or a few topics at a time until the book is complete.

The first instalment (which is completed) will cover the twelve chapters of the Manaqib, and revolve around the topic of biography; detailing aspects from the younger years of imām Ahmad b. Hanbal and his search for knowledge.

The second instalment will cover chapters thirteen to nineteen of the Manaqib, and deals with the praises of his contemoraries and successors, those who sought his blessings and his fame.

In each course Shaykh Yūsuf b. Ṣādiq will read from the Arabic text and provide explanation where needed. The English translation will also be read to facilitate the students’ learning experience.

All the classes are given in English.

Upon completion of all installments an ijāzah is handed out for the full book, there are no ijazaat for individual installments.

Number of classes: 5 (1 hour per class)

In this intensive course shaykh Yūsuf bin Ṣādiq al-Ḥanbalī covers the book Mukhtaṣar al-Sirah al-Nabawiyah li-Ibn Sayyid al-Nās, authored by Muḥammad bin Sa’īd al-Sūsī al-Marākashī. This work is a summary of the widely known Sirah book Nūr al-‘Uyūn authored by Ibn Sayyid al-Nās, and serves as a beautiful introduction into the topic of the Sirah of the blessed Prophet ﷺ. 

This course has ended, completion is through recordings.

All the classes are in English.

Upon completion of the course an ijāzah is handed out.