1. Certified Islamic Studies A-Level (Online) for Men and Women

As-salāmu-alaikum-wa-rahmatullāh.

Course: Cambridge International AS and A Level Islamic Studies (9488). This is an internationally recognised course and qualification. 

If you’ve always wanted to study Islam formally in a structured manner (in English), then this is the ideal course for you whether you’re a male or female. You do not have to do the exam at the end of the two years, but if you do, it is a University of Cambridge Advanced Level Examination recognised by every college and university worldwide. Furthermore, this course is adapted and taught by Abu Khadeejah in light of the Qur’ān and Sunnah, and the understanding of the early Muslim scholars.

I have had several requests asking if students can still enrol on the 2022 to 2025 Cambridge A-Level Islamic Studies courses. The answer is yes. I have decided that whoever wishes to join us can do so. New students will be given access to all the previous class notes, recordings (all classes are recorded) and articles – so really, it’s not too late. I have designed each week as a stand-alone lesson which means that previous knowledge is not essential (though it may be helpful). This course is open to men and women, and the fees are reasonable.

2. When should you begin?

Start date for keen students: Beginning of any month.
New Term Candidates: September 2023 but you can join anytime.
Payment: 3 months in advance.

The A-Level course consists of 4 Shareeʿah Content Headings referred to by the Cambridge University Board as ‘papers’ because each one refers to an exam paper that is normally taken by students at the end of the course. Our students are not required to take the exam if they choose not to. However, if they take the A-Level exam, the awarding body is the Cambridge University Exam Board. So, each ‘paper’ of the four ‘papers’ covers dozens of subjects and topics (just read the syllabus from the PDF below) spanning hundreds of pages of study notes, hundreds of hours of video lectures and recordings. Each year, Abu Khadeejah teaches two of the four papers, and he has arranged the subjects in such a manner that he can take on a new cohort of students every September for a period of two years, and they will complete all four ‘papers’ and every topic in that time. So, in Year 1, he ordinarily teaches Papers 1 & 2, and in Year 2, he teaches Papers 2 & 3. So, it does not matter which year you join ― as long as you stay the full two years you will have completed all four papers. Furthermore, even if you do not sit the exam, but you have completed 80% of the homework, Abu Khadeejah will issue you a certificate of completion and success as long as you are a person of Sunnah upon the way of the Salaf, and you can provide a character reference.

A sample achievement certificate from Abu Khadeejah. However, if you take the exam with the Cambridge Examination Board and pass, your certification will be recognised by every university in the world.

3. Course Lecturer

Abu Khadeejah (Waheed Alam), BEng, Hons, PGCE.

“A little about myself that you may not know—I am a teacher, father, and grandfather. I care about the Islamic education of our young men and women. I am a graduate and a qualified teacher with over 25 years of experience in teaching Islam. I wish the best for you, so I expect my students to pay attention, work hard and be sincere in seeking knowledge.”

4. Course Name

Cambridge International A-Level Islamic Studies (9488). This is an internationally recognised qualification (for whoever passes the exams). A good grasp of English is a requirement for this course.

5. Duration

Two academic years—two hours per week, loosely following the UK schools’ term timetable. A month is considered as eight hours of learning. Extra hours of tuition may be required for some candidates before their exams. Lessons are conducted each Tuesday from 1 pm to 3 pm (UK time) (inshā-Allāh).

6. Previous Knowledge

Previous knowledge of Islam is not a requirement to join this course (as stated by Cambridge International in their syllabus). Please download and read the complete syllabus here: www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/636058-2024-2026-syllabus.pdf

7. Course Certification and International Recognition

“UK NARIC, the national agency in the UK for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills, has carried out an independent benchmarking study of Cambridge International AS & A Level and found it to be comparable to the standard of AS & A Level in the UK. This means students can be confident that their Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications are accepted as equivalent, grade for grade, to UK AS & A Levels by leading universities worldwide.” (Source: Cambridge International Islamic Studies course syllabus. ‘We think the Cambridge curriculum is superb preparation for university.’ p. 2, Duke University, USA.)

8. Method of Teaching

Live interactive online video/audio classes with Abu Khadeejah in a classroom format. Conducted via Google Classroom or a similar platform.

9. Stay in Touch

You can stay in touch with Abu Khadeejah via WhatsApp, and we’ve set up a dedicated Telegram group for all those registered for the A-Level Islamic Studies course so you can communicate with us, ask questions, seek clarification, interact with other students, and share notes.

10. Syllabus Overview

The Islamic Studies syllabus enables learners to gain a better understanding of the religious writings, history, and current affairs of Islam. As a result, they are able to think and argue intelligently about the subject. 

The syllabus is broad and ranges from the beginnings of Islam to the variety of beliefs and practices of Islam and the basis of Islamic law. Learners develop knowledge about aspects of the rich Islamic heritage and reflect on the role played by Islam today. (As stated by Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2022.)

11. Overview of the ‘Four Papers’ that you will be Studying (inshā’-Allāh)

We intend to teach this course from the perspective of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamāʿah (The People of Sunnah and the Main Body, i.e., those who follow the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and cling to the path of his noble Companions, may Allah be pleased with them) following in that the methodology and traditions of the early Ahlul-Ḥadīth scholars: The People of Ḥadīth adhere to the narrations authentically reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions―and regard that to be more important than the individual opinions of those who came in later times. We intend to take nothing for granted―every aspect of the syllabus will be studied critically. Students will be taught to analyse texts, theories and assumptions of various Islamic orientations and compare them to the Creed, Methodology and Fiqh (Jurisprudence) of the early scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah, Ahlul-Ḥadīth and the Salaf As-Ṣālih (The Righteous Predecessors are the Companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the three generations of Muslims who came after them) ―then draw conclusions and formulate views.

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We will be teaching these subjects in a format that will enable students to pass the A-Level Islamic Studies (inshā’-Allāh). This is an A-Level course and therefore requires students to read around topics and not just rely on the two hours a week from the lessons. Having said that, Abu Khadeejah will teach the students well (inshā’-Allāh), explain things thoroughly, interact with them, and answer their questions.

12. Abu Khadeejah’s Teaching Approach

Abu Khadeejah’s teaching approach is informal because it is more engaging (especially for younger people), nevertheless, the body of knowledge that he’ll be covering over these two years will build a solid foundation of Islām for the rest of their lives (inshā’-Allāh).

Abu Khadeejah is a lecturer and facilitator—so, effort and hard work will have to come from you. If you have a very busy life and schedule and cannot spare about two hours each week independently researching, reading, and listening, you need to reconsider before you enrol. Having said that, if you just want to learn and benefit without taking exams at the end of the two years, you are welcome to join us!

13. Exam Entry

Candidates will be responsible for submitting entries for exams at the relevant exam centres locally or internationally. You should research whether you are able to reach an examination centre before enrolling on this course. Visit: www.cambridgeinternational.org/exam-administration/private-candidates/

If you’re still interested in studying and taking the exam, then please read the Cambridge Islamic Studies Syllabus thoroughly as this course will require commitment.

14. Course fees

The fee will be £40 GBP per week per student (based on two hours of direct learning each week), to be paid 3 months in advance—discounts will be offered for those who pay in advance. Discounts are offered for students who pay 3 months or 6 months in advance. You can pay by Debit Card from anywhere in the world or by PayPal.

You will need to send the 3-monthly payments at least 7 days before the first lesson for each 3-month period. You will be notified when the payment is due. Any delay in payment will result in denial of access to the classes.

You will not be reinstated into the class until the full monthly payment is received, even if this results in you missing some lessons.

The fee is £160 (GBP) a month per student (8 hours of learning)—to be paid 3 months in advance, and that comes to £480.00 (GBP). Discounts are offered for students who pay 3 months or 6 months in advance:

£420 for 3 months paid in advance (saving of £60).
£800 for 6 months paid in advance (saving of £160).

IMPORTANT: Please add the student’s name and the words ‘A-Level’ as the reference alongside your payment—that allows us to track the source of all payments. Email us a screenshot (or WhatsApp) once you have made the payment as confirmation that it has been received from our side. Please remember that there are no refunds offered once you’ve enrolled and paid. So, make sure this course is for you! May Allah bless you.

You can leave the course at any time you choose without penalty (or hard feelings) but let us know at least one week before the next payment is due. Once the 3 or 6 monthly fee is paid, no refund will be given, so it would be advisable to complete the lessons for that period.

If you are unwell, busy at work or on holiday, the fees will not be refunded, nor carried over into the next month or months. We will expect students to catch up on any missed work—all the classes are recorded so you can catch up and revise anytime.

You will not be charged during term or half-term holidays or for teacher absences. So, you only pay for the actual lessons.

Please remember throughout, this is A Level, so students must take their studies seriously, it requires commitment.

15. The Course Headings

Many of you may be wondering what topics will be covered during the course. The link to the syllabus has been added elsewhere in this document, but here is a brief outline:

Paper 1 Islamic beliefs and practices:

Section A: The Qur’an and Sunnah
Section B: Islamic beliefs, practices, and ceremonies

Paper 2 Islamic law (Shariah) and its application:

Section A: Schools of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh)
Section B: Diversity of schools of thought

Paper 3 Heritage of Islam:

Section A: The Umayyads and ʿAbbasids
Section B: Islamic world heritage

Paper 4 Islam in the modern world:

Women in Islam
Islam and pluralism
Leadership of the Muslims

16. Online Classroom: How it Works

1. You will need a Gmail (Google email) account. Once you’ve set it up, please email us from the Gmail account, with your full name. Please choose a username that is simple such as an actual name or a kunyah, e.g., ‘abdullah.jones’, ‘abu.zainab’, ‘umm.taalibah1999’, etc. This makes it easy for us to recognise individual students.

Our email is: admin.sa@abukhadeejah.com  

2. Your assignments will be submitted via “Google Docs” which you’ll have access to through your Gmail account.

3. Lesson Format: We intend to use “Google Classroom” to conduct the classes. Please take time to familiarise yourselves with both. Don’t worry too much if you cannot grasp it immediately, we will help you along.

4. You will need to have regular access to a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer for use in lessons and for submitting assignments. Smartphones will not be sufficient.

5. A-level students are adults and used to studying. So, please attend on time, pay attention to the class, and take notes or make mind-maps. This will form the backbone of your work.

6. We will compile helpful class notes/study-articles (PDF format) that will aid you in learning the relevant topics that will ensure you’ll pass the final exam at the end of the two academic years, inshā’-Allāh. All the classes will be recorded for you to revise or catch up in case you miss lessons.

Please make sure that you store all your A-level material in a single easily accessible folder. By the end of the two years, you will have a lot of material, inshā’-Allāh.

17. Methods of Payment

Please pay straight after submitting the Agreement Form otherwise you will not be enrolled on to the course.

💳 CARD PAYMENTS: Follow this link to our Revolut Bank:
https://revolut.me/alamaklimited

➡️ Please add the name of the student when paying followed by “A-Level” when paying.

💷 If you have a UK BANK ACCOUNT, pay by bank transfer:

Beneficiary: ALAMAK LIMITED
Account number: 96794615
Sort code: 04-00-75

➡️ Please add the name of the student when paying followed by “A-Level” when paying.

💳 By PAYPAL: Follow this link:
https://www.paypal.me/alamaklimited?locale.x=en_GB

➡️ Please add the name of the student followed by the words “A-Level” when paying, and email us once payment has been made.

All Queries: admin.sa@abukhadeejah.com

18. Apply Today

If you are interested, please read this detailed PDF carefully, complete the form and return it via the email provided in the document:

📌 Download the A-Level Islamic Studies course content and application form HERE

📌 Download the agreement page and fill it in as a Word document if you prefer HERE

📌 Fill in the Agreement Form HERE (and follow the payment links above or below).

Follow this link for official information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alamak-limited/

Allah bless you.

19. Conclusion

Once again, we welcome you to these A-level courses. Please download and read the complete syllabus here: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/636058-2024-2026-syllabus.pdf

وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله وبركاته

Admin at ALAMAK Limited
Email: admin.sa@abukhadeejah.com
Registered company: ALAMAK Limited, 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JQ

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20. A Question from a Prospective Student

I am interested in this course but I want to know whether it’s worth it. What is the difference between taking this course and one who reads the free Islamic material on Shaikh Abu Khadeejah’s website, or other Islamic books recommended by the Shaikh that can be purchased from a bookstore?

Answer:

In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy.

Yes, it is possible. However, it is like buying an A-Level book in biology and reading it at home without attending college and without a teacher—or picking up Buloogh Al-Marām of Ibn Hajr and reading it from cover to cover to learn Islamic Fiqh. No doubt, you will benefit but it is undirected study—and when you do not have a class that you know you must attend weekly, most people lose the enthusiasm, and leave their A-Level biology book (or Buloogh al-Marām) unread except for a few chapters. Furthermore, a qualified teacher can explain things that are not apparent in the direct reading of the text—things that require extensive reading and understanding from other source materials.

Additionally, as it relates to A-Level Islamic Studies (Cambridge), there is no published study guide, so Abu Khadeejah has produced his own study notes specifically for his students that are not available elsewhere.

The students who attend the lessons know that they have to get through a lot of material in just two hours of direct learning a week, and then they are given homework that is marked, so they are encouraged to solidify their understanding and memory of the subject. 

The lessons are delivered via live video classes, the audio are recorded and PDF study notes are delivered to the students through the Google Classrooms portal.

So, as you can see, studying in a classroom environment for just two hours a week is far more beneficial than trying to study alone without guidance. Also, knowing you have paid for the course gives you a further incentive to attend! And guidance and success are with Allah, the Most Kind and Generous.

May Allah bless you.
Admin.

21. A-Level Course Overview Image Gallery

Course for Boys Only

1. Weekend Islamic Studies Course for Boys Aged 9+ (iGCSE format)

This course is quite a lot easier than the adult A-Level course.

Days: Every Saturday, inshā’-Allāh, and you can enrol at any time.
Time: 12 pm to 1 pm (UK time), please adjust to your local time.
The first 3-month payment should be made immediately upon application.
Subsequent payments should be made at least 7 days before each three-month session begins.
🚦 Note that the subject matter is topical in places according to our times.

Online Islamic Studies course for males (boys) age 9+. Weekend class with Abu Khadeejah ʿAbdul-Wāhid. Ideal for those busy with school or work.

2. Application Form: Islamic Studies for Males 9+

📌 Download the Boys’ Islamic Studies course content and application form HERE

📌 Download the agreement page and fill it in as a Word document if you prefer HERE

📌 Fill in the Agreement Form HERE (and follow the payment links below).

Please read all the details right here in the PDF below:

Boys-9-Islamic-Studies-2023-v8

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Women and Girls Only

1. Women and Girls: Online IGCSE Islamic Studies Course

Please visit: Women’s Islamic Studies Website

4. Application Form: IGCSE Islamic Studies Course for Women:

Online IGCSE Islamic Studies Course for females age 18+ (exam optional). Class with Dr Naheed Anwar. Limited places. Contact details are on the poster below:

Download, fill in, and email it back:

IGCSE-Application-2023-v7

والحمد لله رب العالمين وصلى الله على نبينا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين

سبحانك اللهم وبحمدك أشهد أن لا إله إلا أنت، أستغفرك وأتوب إليك.

Abu Khadeejah Abdul-Wāhid.
Copyright 2023. No part of this Islamic Studies marketing material and content can be copied or plagiarised. What is compiled here is the effort, right and intellectual property of the author (by Allah’s permission and bounty) and the website abukhadeejah.com.