Islam 101 & 102
Al-Ma’rifah Foundation presents you our flagship comprehensive Islamic Studies courses
Islam 101 & 102
Focusing on attaining closeness to Allah (SWT), His book and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (SAW).
https://youtu.be/HO7IlUs_dz4
Registration for 2026/27
Registration is now open!
£50 early bird discount until 24th April!
We also offer a student discount for university or college students. Please use the contact form at the bottom of the page if you would like to enquire about this, course content, payment plans, or anything else.
Topics covered
Fiqh of Worship
Tafsir
Seerah
Aqeedah
Your teachers
ImamAbid Khan
UstadhRehan Salim
UstadhMaalek Chatti
ShaykhAsad Chaudhary
Starts: Thursday 17 September 2026 from 7:45pm
Venue: Cheadle Masjid, 377 Wilmslow Rd, Heald Green, SK8 3NP
Payment plan available
Register now
Distance learning option
Topics covered
Fiqh of Dealings & Transactions
Hadith
Usool al-Fiqh
Seerah
Your teachers
ShaykhAnis Gouissem
ImamAbid Khan
ShaykhAsad Chaudhary
UstadhAmin Astewani
Starts: Thursday 17 September 2026 from 7:45pm
Venue: Cheadle Masjid, 377 Wilmslow Rd, Heald Green, SK8 3NP
Payment plan available
Register now
Distance learning option
Overview
Al-Ma’rifah Foundation is delighted to announce the return of our flagship Islamic Studies course this September, welcoming both our returning and new students. Classes will take place weekly on Thursdays, starting from the 17th of September 2026 at 7:45pm. These are a structured two-year set of courses covering elements of obligatory knowledge for all, and are ideal for students of any level.
There are four modules in each year across two semesters. These are detailed below. Each module will be taught for one hour every week, and we will cover two modules per week per semester Insha’Allah.
All classes will take place at Cheadle Masjid, 377 Wilmslow Road, Heald Green, Cheadle, SK8 3NP. However, if you have genuine obstacles to attending in-person at the venue then a distance learning option is also available. Students that sign up through the distance learning option will not receive any physical course material but will be sent digital copies instead. Please see our FAQ section below for more information.
Class Dates
Semester 1
Start Date: Thursday 17th September 2026
Half-Term Break: Friday 23rd October 2026 – Wednesday 4th November 2026
Semester Ends: Thursday 17th December 2026
Semester 2
Start Date: Thursday 7th January 2027
Ramadan Break: Friday 5th February 2027 – Wednesday 17th March 2027
Semester Resumes: Thursday 18th March 2027
Spring Holidays: Friday 26th March 2027 – Wednesday 14th April 2027
Semester Resumes: Thursday 15th April 2027
Semester Ends: Thursday 13th May 2027
Modules
- Tafsir: Surah Al-Fatihah and the Last 10 Surahs
- Reliving the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ: Makkan Period
- Fiqh al-Ibadaat (Fiqh of Worship)
- Aqeedah (Islamic Creed)
- Fiqh al-Mu’aamalaat (Fiqh of Transactions & Dealings)
- Reliving the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ: Madinan Period
- Usool al-Fiqh (The Foundations of Fiqh)
- Hadith
Testimonials
This course offers a great opportunity to gain knowledge from brilliant teachers. Classes are interactive and the course gives you the option of flexibility, with platforms such as online classes to cater for different students. The Al-Ma’rifah team are helpful and professional, and take feedback on board to deliver us with high quality content.
Sr. Sarah
After studying this course with Al-Ma’rifah, I’ve found it to be the easiest form of access to local scholars and teachers. The workbooks are very well-designed and the weekly class is something I look forward to. To me, the best thing that has come out of this course (other than seeking knowledge) is meeting new brothers on the same journey. Definitely recommend!
Br. Hamza
I have found the course to have been invaluable due to the premium quality in its materials, direct access to esteemed local scholars, and regular opportunities to connect with like-minded students. The organised curriculum focuses on spiritual growth and on what is important.
Anonymous
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Meet the Teachers
Imam Abid Khan is a graduate of Law and a teacher by profession. Having studied the Islamic Sciences with teachers in the UK, Imam Abid decided to take his studies further and spent a number of years studying at the prestigious Al-Azhar University in Egypt from which he graduated with a BA in Islamic and Arabic Studies.
In addition to his BA in Islamic and Arabic Studies he also holds a Masters in Islamic Education.
Imam Abid currently serves as the Director of Education and Assistant Imam of Cheadle Mosque in Manchester and consults with numerous charity organisations including National Zakat Foundation, Water Aid and Read Foundation.
Imam Abid Khan
Shaykh Anis Gouissem was born in Tunisia and is currently based in Manchester. Shaykh Anis graduated from Madinah University in the early 90’s and has studied under various world renowned teachers and scholars.
He regularly teaches a number of subjects at Al-Bukhary Centre in Didsbury including a commentary of Umdatul Ahkam, Al-Waraqat, Tafsir Ibn Kathir, and much more. The Shaykh is also an Imam and the Board Secretariat & Relationship Manager at the British Muslim Heritage Centre.
Shaykh Anis Gouissem
Ustadh Rehan Salim is a postgraduate in the field of International Development, from the University of Manchester. He began his studies in the UK with the respected Open school, before travelling to Egypt where he focused on Arabic & Islamic studies, as well as completing a college diploma from Ma’had al-Azhar. There, he attended the classes of Shaykh Ahmed Taha Rayyan and other respected teachers. Thereafter, he travelled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he sought employment and continued seeking knowledge, particularly Shafi’i fiqh, hadith and other subjects with local scholars. He also completed a blended BA degree in Islamic Law (Shari’ah) from the Imam Muhammad University in Riyadh.
Ustadh Rehan Salim
Ustadh Amin Astewani began his study of the Islamic sciences with Dr Akram Nadwi in 2011. He then went on to study the Islamic sciences with numerous teachers in the UK and Turkey. His current focus is on the sciences of Hadith, Islamic history and Tazkiyah.
Ustadh Amin has taught at the Oak Tree Initiative and Guidance Hub in Manchester, as well as the Ihsan Institute in Birmingham.
Ustadh Amin also obtained a PhD in English Law from the University of Manchester in 2016, and currently works as a Lecturer in Law at Lancaster University Law School.
Ustadh Amin Astewani
Ustadh Maalek began his Islamic studies from an early age with a strong grasp of the Arabic language, literature, and memorisation of the Qur’an. Although his academic education was in engineering, his passion lies in Quranic Exegesis and Reflection, as well as in Seerah and Arabic. In addition to being a Khateeb and public speaker, he has delivered many classes and workshops to people of all ages, particularly university students and young adults. His teachers are both local and international, the most famous of which is the honourable Shaykh Abdullah al-Judai.
Ustadh Maalek Chatti
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FAQs
A distance-learning option is available for individuals who have genuine barriers preventing them from attending in-person at Cheadle Masjid. Students enrolled on this option will have access to the weekly livestream as well as all class recordings, irrespective of attendance.
For students attending on-site, classes will also be recorded. However, these recordings will only be shared with those who have a valid absence and wish to review the material they have missed. At the end of the academic year, all recordings will be made available to all students.
Yes, you may choose to either:
1) Pay the total cost split into two payments – one due immediately and one due within six weeks of the course start date.
2) Pay in three monthly payments via a direct debit.
Please use the contact form to enquire about the options available.
Can I register for a specific semester or attend partly?
Unfortunately, this is not possible.
Yes, there will be an assessed exam at the end of the first semester and a final exam at the end of the year.
Please note that those students with an attendance record below 70% and insufficient exam scores will not obtain a certificate of completion at the end of the year.
I’ve completed a previous Islamic Studies course, can I still join?
Yes, you can still join if you have studied some form of Islamic Studies previously, as although some content will be similar, it will still be an excellent opportunity to recap topics and learn from esteemed instructors.
Furthermore, whilst Islam 101 has no entry requirements, students may find it helpful to have prior background knowledge in Islamic Studies if they would like to enrol in Islam 102. If you have any particular concerns, please email us at info@almarifahfoundation.org, and we will do our best to assist you.
Can I bring my friend/spouse/family?
Yes, you are more than welcome to bring your spouse, friends, or family. Please note that enrolment is required for each individual with separate email addresses.
Our course is generally aimed at 18+ and the content will be targeted accordingly. Furthermore, the venue does not have any childcare facilities to look after children during classes. Please do follow our social media channels for upcoming courses, events, workshops, and sessions that are being catered for those younger.
What is your cancellation policy?
Unfortunately, we do not offer cancellations or refunds following the start of the course. This includes any remaining balance in the case of a payment plan.
Do you offer scholarships or a reduced price?
Yes, we do offer a limited number of scholarships or a further discount for those who may be unable to afford the course fee. We also offer a student discount for university or college students. Please use the contact form to enquire about the options available.
My question isn’t answered here!
Please kindly direct your enquiry to info@almarifahfoundation.org, and we will do our best to assist you.
Contact Us
Please use the below contact form if you wish to discuss fees, course contents, or to apply for a scholarship.