About Us
“Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make a path to Paradise easy for him.”
(Sahih Muslim).
Enrollment for our December Madarij class is now open.
Please fill out the waitlist form to secure your spot early
“Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make a path to Paradise easy for him.” (Sahih Muslim). This hadith highlights the immense value and reward of seeking knowledge in Islam, emphasizing it as a noble journey that brings one closer to Allah. In a world filled with distractions and challenges, the pursuit of authentic Islamic knowledge provides clarity, purpose, and guidance, helping individuals to lead lives grounded in faith.
The Madarij program is designed as a transformative journey for those who seek to deepen their understanding of Islam and apply its teachings in every aspect of life. Inspired by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah’s Madarij as-Saalikeen (“The Stages of the Seekers”) and its concept of gradual growth, this program guides students through structured levels of Islamic knowledge. Whether you are just beginning your path to learning, strengthening foundational concepts, or aspiring to engage in dawah and scholarship, Madarij provides a clear and supportive path forward.
The Arabic term madarij, meaning “stages” or “gradations,” reflects the program’s four structured levels, each advancing students from essential Islamic concepts to deeper levels of understanding. The curriculum encompasses core topics like Aqeedah (belief), Fiqh (jurisprudence), Tafseer (Quranic exegesis), Hadith, and Tazkiyyah (self-purification). Each level connects students with classical Islamic texts and the wisdom of esteemed scholars, bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary life.
Madarij emphasizes not just knowledge acquisition but also its practical application. Students are guided to implement the timeless teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, empowering them to lead lives that are pleasing to Allah and aligned with Islamic principles.
Our Priorities
- Teaching the essentials that every muslim is responsible for in a professional and authentic manner
Reconnecting individuals to authentic scholars and sources that represent the teachings of the Quran and sunnah
Giving people the tools and criteria to acquire knowledge and eventually lead communities
Establishing Arqam as a globally known and best in class learning platform and experience
Providing student focused support that makes seeking knowledge a focus for individuals, families and communities
Sheikh's Bio
Sheikh Ibrahim Zidan (may Allah preserve him) has dedicated much of his life to seeking and teaching Islamic knowledge. He graduated from Darul Uloom College at the University of Cairo with a degree in Islamic Studies and Arabic Language, and studied under esteemed scholars in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, earning an Ijazah in the six major books of Hadith. In addition, he holds bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Chemistry from Alexandria University and an MBA from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). Sheikh Ibrahim actively teaches through various platforms, regularly hosting programs on Huda TV and Zad, and serves as the Imam of Masjid Haqq in Lombard, where he teaches Aqeedah, Fiqh, Tafseer, and Arabic.
Who is this Program For?
This course is for EVERYONE. Our intention for this course is for every muslim to have access to the knowledge that is considered mandatory for them to know. The reason this knowledge is mandatory is because it covers the day to day situations and needs of a muslim who is actively seeking the pleasure of Allah and avoiding the fitan and tribulations of Satan and this world. Whether you have previously studied or are just beginning your path of knowledge, this course is a great place to start and offers the flexibility to pick the classes and time commitment that work best for you.
Islamic learning on your terms
The Madarij program is designed for everyone. Whether you are a busy professional, a stay-at-home parent, or a student, you can choose a path that fits your schedule and commitments. Each semester runs for 20 weeks, and you have three flexible tracks to select from:
- Intensive: Complete the program in 2 years (4 semesters)
- Part-time: Complete the program in 4 years (8 semesters)
- Self-paced: Take as long as you need
No matter your circumstances, there’s a modality that works for you. The key is to begin—start your journey of knowledge today.
Course Curriculum
Core Subjects
- Aqeedah (Creed): Foundations of belief in Allah, His angels, books, messengers, the Hereafter, and divine decree.
Texts: Aqeedah Tahawiyyah, Aqeedah Wasateeyah, Usool as-Sunnah, Sharh al-Sunnah - Fiqh (Islamic Rulings): Worship, financial dealings, family rulings, inheritance.
Text: Akhsar al-Mukhtasarat - Tafseer & Recitation: Study of Surahs Qaf–Nas with Tajweed.
Text: Tafseer as-Sa’di - Arabic: Core grammar and Qur’anic vocabulary.
Text: Ajrumiyyah - Hadith: Memorization and explanation of 200 foundational narrations.
Texts: Imam Nawawi’s 40 Hadith, Ibn Rajab’s Jaami’ al-‘Uloom wal-Hikam
Supplementary Studies
Manners of Seeking Knowledge (Manners of the Student), Seerah (Al-Fusool), Tazkiyyah (Purification of the Soul), Usool al-Fiqh & History of Fiqh, and Uloom al-Qur’an (Sciences of the Qur’an).
Program Logistics
The overall program consists of four academic semesters. Each academic semester is approximately 20 weeks long followed by a 1-2 week period for review and final exams. In order to complete the program students will need to complete four semesters that span the subjects listed above. Other logistics include:
- Location: Zoom / Virtual
- Program Instruction: Sheikh Ibrahim Zidan
- Modality: ON Demand recordings of weekly classes with one live session per week (for each course) with Sheikh Ibrahim
- Vacation / Breaks: breaks for Ramadan, both Eids and between semesters
- Semester duration: 20 Weeks
- Assessment Approach: 1-2 quizzes a month and final exam at the end of the semester (for each course)
- Program Launch Date: November 2025
- Application Deadline for October 31,2025
Madarij is more than just an Islamic studies program—it is a place where people seeking sound knowledge and correct Aqeedah rooted in the understanding of the Salaf.
Through dedicated study of the Qur’an, authentic Hadith, and classical texts, students are nurtured upon the foundations of Tawheed, clarity in belief, and a deeper connection to the deen.
May Allah ﷻ accept our efforts, purify our intentions, and make Madarij a means of guidance, unity, and preservation of correct belief for generations to come.
Ameen.
Address: 1620 S Highland Ave, Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 519-4336
Email: info@salmas6.sg-host.com
Website: www.madarij.org
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Qur’an 3:103)
May Allah keep us steadfast upon the truth.
Jazakum Allahu Khayran.