Frequently Asked Questions

It is an affiliated institute of Almadinah Islamic University, U.S.A, in Phoenix, Arizona, offering top-up B.Litt (Hons), top-up M.Litt (Hons), MPhil, D.Litt and post-doctoral research in the Sunni Hanafi, Barelvi and Naqshbandi Mujaddidi tradition.

It awards legitimate religious degrees under Arizona's religious exemption (A.R.S. 32-3022) as part of Almadinah Islamic University, for use within religious organisations, religious work and religious study for religious purposes. It is not accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognised accreditor, so credits and degrees may not transfer or be accepted for licensure or secular employment.

Students with a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in the humanities, social or administrative sciences or a field related to their dissertation topic in Islam, religion or Sufism, or who have completed an alim course, may apply.

A qualified candidate can complete a top-up degree in as little as six months after writing and passing a dissertation in the chosen specialisation. The pace depends on prior-learning assessment and on the dissertation meeting the required standard.

Qur'anic and Hadith sciences, Sunnah and Seerah, Sunni Barelvi doctrine, Hanafi jurisprudence, Naqshbandi and other Sufi paths, world religions, metaphysics, leadership and governance, religious administration and management, Islamic banking and finance, and related fields.

Yes. Although our physical location is in Phoenix, Arizona, we offer e-learning because the vast majority of our students are working adults, have families or are studying other secular degree programmes. Our flexible e-learning platform lets them take up Islamic religious education or the Sufi path in writing and asynchronously. No residency is required.

Complete the admission form or email iiarmadinah@gmail.com with your qualifications and research interest.

As a religious exempt institution and not-for-profit NGO for religious education, we charge substantially lower fees than for-profit secular institutions. Financial aid is available to eligible candidates on the basis of need and merit. A written fee schedule is sent with your assessment, before you pay anything.

Almadinah Islamic University was founded by Professor Pir Dr. Abaid Ahmad, who holds a PhD in Humanities and is a Naqshbandi Mujaddidi spiritual guide.