Why Egypt?
Looking to study Islamic Sciences?
If one is looking to pursue studies in the Arabic language, then look no further. Egypt and Cairo in particular have a plethora of teachers available to take a student from knowing the basics of the alphabet to an advanced level of Arabic. In many cases it would be best for a student to learn the basics of Arabic grammar in ones home country and then come to Egypt. However, if one decides otherwise then there is still much to be gained albeit when it comes to grammar they may struggle slightly in the beginning due to the new grammar terms and lack of familiarity to them in their native language.
A student can choose to study privately with teachers, or if they prefer a more scheduled day, they can attend a structured program of study at an Arabic institute (Markaz).
Cairo is home to one of the oldest institutions of Islamic learning in the world, Al - Azhar University, which has produced scholars for generations. Hence, there isn’t a lack of teachers, rather the key is building good links with teachers and students so you know where or who to go to when requiring a teacher for a specific subject.
There are many options a student can choose from whether they prefer to organise their period of study themselves or not. Some of the possible options are below in no specific order:
What subjects can you study in Egypt?
One of the great things about Egypt is that once a student has a fairly good level of Arabic, they can generally select a book they want to study and find a teacher who is competent in the subject to sit with. Generally, any subject in the Islamic sciences can be studied here from the basic to advanced level. However, what I have found is that networking and building relationships with both teachers and students is key to finding good teachers and reaping the most benefit from Cairo.
Below we have compiled a list of subjects a student can study in Egypt.
If one is looking to pursue studies in the Arabic language, then look no further. Egypt and Cairo in particular have a plethora of teachers available to take a student from knowing the basics of the alphabet to an advanced level of Arabic. In many cases it would be best for a student to learn the basics of Arabic grammar in ones home country and then come to Egypt. However, if one decides otherwise then there is still much to be gained albeit when it comes to grammar they may struggle slightly in the beginning due to the new grammar terms and lack of familiarity to them in their native language.
A student can choose to study privately with teachers, or if they prefer a more scheduled day, they can attend a structured program of study at an Arabic institute (Markaz).
Cairo is home to one of the oldest institutions of Islamic learning in the world, Al - Azhar University, which has produced scholars for generations. Hence, there isn’t a lack of teachers, rather the key is building good links with teachers and students so you know where or who to go to when requiring a teacher for a specific subject.
There are many options a student can choose from whether they prefer to organise their period of study themselves or not. Some of the possible options are below in no specific order:
- Arabic language study in an Institution usually 5 days a week.
- Private language study with teachers according to the student needs.
- Ruwaq-Al Azhar - An organised program run by the Al-Azhar Masjid which covers the basics of the Islamic sciences. There are a number of different levels of study.
- Quran memorisation programs in an Institution.
- Private study for Tajweed and Ijaazaat in Quran.
- Al-Azhar University.
- Open lessons at Al-Azhar Masjid and the surrounding areas.
- Maqamat studies - This is generally taught privately in Cairo and villages such as Tanta.
One of the great things about Egypt is that once a student has a fairly good level of Arabic, they can generally select a book they want to study and find a teacher who is competent in the subject to sit with. Generally, any subject in the Islamic sciences can be studied here from the basic to advanced level. However, what I have found is that networking and building relationships with both teachers and students is key to finding good teachers and reaping the most benefit from Cairo.
Below we have compiled a list of subjects a student can study in Egypt.
Arabic Grammar (Nahw) and Morphology (Sarf) and General Arabic Language for Beginners: This is the most common speciality and almost all teachers are competent in Arabic grammar as it is taught to students throught their school years as well as University for specialists in Arabic language and literature. Generally, I have found that I have gained the most benefit from graduates of the Faculty of Dar-al-Ulum, Cairo University or those from the Faculty of Arabic language at Al-Azhar University. However, as a beginner student, most will find a competent teacher even if they haven’t attended the above two universities. If a student wants to save themselves from the hassle of finding a teacher they can choose to attend a structured Arabic program in an Institute which will include the basics of Arabic grammar, morphology, rhetoric, language and literature.
Rhetoric (Balaagha) and Arabic Literature (Adab): Some of the greatest witers in the Islamic world studied and spent time in Egypt. Some common works well know among the both the intellectual class, scholars and general society are the works of Sheikh Ali Al-Tantawi and Mustafa Sadiq al-Rafi’i. As well as these contemporary scholars one can find teachers to sit with, learn and discuss literary styles, rhetoric of scholars modern and old.
Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) and Principles of Jurisprudence (Usul al-Fiqh): A student can find teachers and scholars who are extremely well qualified in Islamic Law whatever form that may take. Some advanced students may even get to sit with a scholar in their home and work through books of Fiqh and Usul. There are timetables published at Al-Azhar University and on their facebook page جامعة الأزهر where a student will find the required information regarding days on which lessons are held, timings, and subjects taught.
There are also Institutions other than Al-Azhar University in Nasr City, Muqattam as well as New Cairo where classes are held teaching Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh.
Tafseer and Hadith Sciences:
Quran Memorisation and Tajweed: Memorisation is something that is largely dependant on the students own efforts. However, through a structured program and accountability to a teacher, one can be well on the way to memorising the Quran. There are Institutions such as the famous Ma'sarawi Institute, located in Nasr city as well as many others dotted across Cairo that provide lessons for memorisation and tajweed. The majority of these institutions will also provide an Ijaaza on completion of studies.
Logic (Mantiq), Islamic scholastic theology (Ilm-al-Kalam) and Islamic creed (Aqeedah): Without delving into too much detail if one is looking for the above subjects they can also find teachers at Al-Azhar University and elsewhere. Al-Azhar tends to focus more on Ash’ari aqeedah but Egypt is a very diverse place and you can find scholars and students from across the world. As a result, if a student is looking for a specific creed he will find a teacher for that viewpoint.
Benefits of studying in Egypt
Egypt right now is a great option for students mainly due to the price of living. Food and accommodation are fairly cheap and private tuition is also very reasonable. Depending on a students spending and diet, one can generally get through a year of study comfortably with around ~$6000 although this will vary depending on the student.
A student coming to study in Egypt is also bound to meet a diverse bunch of students some of whom may be from a very different background. This is a great opportunity to understand other viewpoints and have healthy discussions with other students. After a period of study in Egypt, one is bound to have built friendships that will last and built connections with Muslims working within Muslim communities across the world.
Rhetoric (Balaagha) and Arabic Literature (Adab): Some of the greatest witers in the Islamic world studied and spent time in Egypt. Some common works well know among the both the intellectual class, scholars and general society are the works of Sheikh Ali Al-Tantawi and Mustafa Sadiq al-Rafi’i. As well as these contemporary scholars one can find teachers to sit with, learn and discuss literary styles, rhetoric of scholars modern and old.
Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) and Principles of Jurisprudence (Usul al-Fiqh): A student can find teachers and scholars who are extremely well qualified in Islamic Law whatever form that may take. Some advanced students may even get to sit with a scholar in their home and work through books of Fiqh and Usul. There are timetables published at Al-Azhar University and on their facebook page جامعة الأزهر where a student will find the required information regarding days on which lessons are held, timings, and subjects taught.
There are also Institutions other than Al-Azhar University in Nasr City, Muqattam as well as New Cairo where classes are held teaching Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh.
Tafseer and Hadith Sciences:
Quran Memorisation and Tajweed: Memorisation is something that is largely dependant on the students own efforts. However, through a structured program and accountability to a teacher, one can be well on the way to memorising the Quran. There are Institutions such as the famous Ma'sarawi Institute, located in Nasr city as well as many others dotted across Cairo that provide lessons for memorisation and tajweed. The majority of these institutions will also provide an Ijaaza on completion of studies.
Logic (Mantiq), Islamic scholastic theology (Ilm-al-Kalam) and Islamic creed (Aqeedah): Without delving into too much detail if one is looking for the above subjects they can also find teachers at Al-Azhar University and elsewhere. Al-Azhar tends to focus more on Ash’ari aqeedah but Egypt is a very diverse place and you can find scholars and students from across the world. As a result, if a student is looking for a specific creed he will find a teacher for that viewpoint.
Benefits of studying in Egypt
Egypt right now is a great option for students mainly due to the price of living. Food and accommodation are fairly cheap and private tuition is also very reasonable. Depending on a students spending and diet, one can generally get through a year of study comfortably with around ~$6000 although this will vary depending on the student.
A student coming to study in Egypt is also bound to meet a diverse bunch of students some of whom may be from a very different background. This is a great opportunity to understand other viewpoints and have healthy discussions with other students. After a period of study in Egypt, one is bound to have built friendships that will last and built connections with Muslims working within Muslim communities across the world.
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