Live Islam
New Muslims Academy
Welcome to the New Muslim Academy, an collected educational program designed to guide you through the foundational aspects of Islam over six months. This curriculum is thoughtfully structured to take you from the basics of Islamic belief and practice to full integration into the Muslim community. Through weekly sessions, interactive learning, and community engagement, you’ll develop a solid understanding of the Quran, Hadith, Islamic history, and essential practices, all while building meaningful relationships within the community.
The Academy is yet under development and the details below is meant to help new muslims structure their learning about Islam and priorities over the first six months of their journey. We continue to develop this section by adding materials and point to groups and classes you can engage with in the Bay Area.
Everyone is different, so it is important to pace yourself and take the time to learn and practice. You can finish this program in 3 months or 2 years. What matters is quality and consistency.
Program Overview
- Duration: 6 Months
- Structure: Weekly sessions (approximately 2 hours each)
- Components:
- Quran Reading and Recitation
- Understanding Hadith
- Islamic Beliefs and Practices
- Islamic History
- Community Integration Activities
- Personal Development and Spiritual Growth
Curriculum Outline
Below is a detailed breakdown of the 6-month program.
Month 1: Foundations of Faith
Goals:
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- Introduce fundamental Islamic beliefs
- Begin learning the Arabic alphabet and basic Quranic recitation
- Understand the significance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Hadith
- Establish connections with fellow new Muslims
Weekly Activities:
Week 1
- Beliefs: Introduction to the Six Articles of Faith
- Belief in Allah, angels, revealed books, prophets, Day of Judgment, and divine decree
- Quran Reading: Introduction to the Arabic alphabet (Part 1)
- Community: Orientation session and meet-and-greet
Week 2
- Beliefs: Understanding Tawhid (Oneness of Allah)
- Quran Reading: Arabic alphabet (Part 2)
- Hadith: Introduction to Hadith literature and its importance
- Community: Pairing with a study buddy or mentor
Week 3
- Beliefs: The role of prophets in Islam
- Quran Reading: Basic vowel markings and pronunciation
- Hadith: Studying selected Hadith on faith and character
- Community: Join a group discussion on personal experiences
Week 4
- Beliefs: The concept of the Hereafter and accountability
- Quran Reading: Reading simple words and short phrases
- Islamic History: Overview of the life of Prophet Muhammad (Seerah) – Part 1
- Community: Attend a local mosque event or online gathering
Month 2: Establishing Worship
Goals:
-
- Learn how to perform the five daily prayers
- Continue improving Quranic reading skills
- Deepen understanding of the Prophet’s life
- Begin integrating into communal worship
Weekly Activities:
Week 5
- Practices: Importance of Salah (prayer) in Islam
- Prayer Workshop: Learning the physical movements and recitations (Part 1)
- Quran Reading: Short Surahs (chapters) for prayer (e.g., Al-Fatihah)
- Community: Observe a congregational prayer at the mosque
Week 6
- Practices: Purification – Wudu (ablution) and Ghusl (full bath)
- Prayer Workshop: Practice sessions with guidance (Part 2)
- Hadith: Hadith on prayer and purification
- Community: Join a small group for prayer practice
Week 7
- Practices: Understanding the timings and importance of the five daily prayers
- Quran Reading: Reciting short Surahs (e.g., Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas)
- Islamic History: Life of Prophet Muhammad (Seerah) – Part 2
- Community: Participate in a community service activity
Week 8
- Practices: Introduction to Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and Dua (supplication)
- Quran Reading: Reading practice and Tajweed basics (proper pronunciation)
- Hadith: Exploring Hadith on the virtues of remembrance and supplication
- Community: Attend a lecture or workshop at the mosque
Month 3: Deepening Knowledge
Goals:
-
- Expand understanding of Islamic rituals and ethics
- Begin studying selected Hadith and their applications
- Continue progress in Quranic recitation
- Strengthen community bonds
Weekly Activities:
Week 9
- Beliefs: Introduction to the Quran – structure, themes, and preservation
- Quran Reading: Practice with a focus on Tajweed rules
- Hadith: The significance of the Hadith Qudsi
- Community: Join a Quran study circle
Week 10
- Practices: Zakat (charity) – concepts and calculations
- Quran Reading: Recitation practice with feedback
- Hadith: Studying Hadith on charity and generosity
- Community: Volunteer for a charitable initiative
Week 11
- Practices: Fasting in Islam – principles and spiritual benefits
- Quran Reading: Introduction to Tafsir (exegesis) of short Surahs
- Islamic History: Major events in Islamic history (Part 1)
- Community: Break fast together (if during Ramadan) or attend a communal meal
Week 12
- Beliefs: Angels and their roles in Islam
- Quran Reading: Continued recitation and memorization
- Hadith: Exploring Hadith on ethical conduct and manners
- Community: Participate in a community discussion on ethics
Month 4: Living Islam
Goals:
-
- Apply Islamic principles to daily life
- Learn about Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) basics
- Explore Islamic history further
- Engage actively in community life
Weekly Activities:
Week 13
- Practices: Halal and Haram – dietary laws and ethical consumption
- Quran Reading: Recitation of longer verses
- Hadith: Hadith on lawful earnings and honesty
- Community: Attend a halal cooking class or workshop
Week 14
- Practices: Islamic dress and modesty guidelines
- Quran Reading: Emphasis on fluency and expression
- Islamic History: Major events in Islamic history (Part 2)
- Community: Clothing drive or modest fashion event
Week 15
- Beliefs: Understanding destiny (Qadar) and trust in Allah
- Quran Reading: Introduction to stories of the prophets in the Quran
- Hadith: Reflecting on Hadith about patience and reliance on God
- Community: Support group session on dealing with life’s challenges
Week 16
- Practices: Family life in Islam – marriage, rights, and responsibilities
- Quran Reading: Recitation practice and group reading
- Hadith: Studying Hadith on family and social relations
- Community: Attend a family event or seminar at the mosque
Month 5: Strengthening Faith
Goals:
-
- Deepen spiritual practices
- Explore advanced topics in Hadith and Quran
- Understand the diversity within the Muslim community
- Solidify community relationships
Weekly Activities:
Week 17
- Beliefs: Signs of the Day of Judgment and life after death
- Quran Reading: Memorization of additional Surahs
- Hadith: Hadith on accountability and the afterlife
- Community: Participate in a workshop on Islamic eschatology
Week 18
- Practices: The importance of seeking knowledge in Islam
- Quran Reading: Introduction to Quranic themes and reflections
- Islamic History: Contributions of Islamic civilization to the world
- Community: Visit an Islamic museum or cultural center
Week 19
- Practices: Introduction to Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) – understanding rulings
- Quran Reading: Tafsir sessions on selected verses
- Hadith: Studying Hadith methodology and classifications
- Community: Join a study group focusing on Fiqh topics
Week 20
- Beliefs: Understanding different schools of thought in Islam
- Quran Reading: Advanced recitation techniques
- Community: Attend an interfaith dialogue or panel discussion
Month 6: Integration and Empowerment
Goals:
-
- Achieve confidence in practicing Islam independently
- Fully integrate into the Muslim community
- Develop plans for continued learning and personal growth
- Celebrate achievements and milestones
Weekly Activities:
Week 21
- Practices: The Hajj pilgrimage – rituals and significance
- Quran Reading: Recitation review and assessment
- Hadith: Reflecting on Hadith about the virtues of Hajj
- Community: Attend a Hajj workshop or presentation
Week 22
- Beliefs: The role of intention (Niyyah) and sincerity in worship
- Quran Reading: Personal reflection on favorite verses
- Islamic History: Islam in the modern world and contemporary issues
- Community: Participate in community service or outreach
Week 23
- Practices: Balancing faith and daily life – work, education, and leisure
- Quran Reading: Planning for continued Quran studies
- Hadith: Applying Hadith to modern challenges
- Community: Networking event with professionals and community leaders
Week 24
- Conclusion: Review of key learnings and personal growth
- Personal Development: Setting goals for the future
- Celebration: Graduation ceremony and community recognition
- Community: Join or start a mentoring program to support future new Muslims
The New Muslim Academy is designed to provide a comprehensive and supportive environment for you to learn, grow, and integrate into the Muslim community. By the end of this six-month journey, you’ll have:
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- A solid understanding of Islamic beliefs and practices
- The ability to read and recite basic Quranic verses
- Familiarity with key Hadith and their applications
- Insight into Islamic history and its relevance
- Strong connections within the Muslim community
- A personal plan for continued growth and learning
Enrollment Information
How to Join:
-
- Registration:
- Visit https://liveislam.org/academy to sign up.
We look forward to supporting you on this enriching journey. May this program be a source of knowledge, friendship, and spiritual fulfillment for you.