Welcome to Darajat Foundation, where Islamic teachings become a way of life.
The first command we received as Muslims revealed to Prophet Mohammed (PBuH) was “Read!” (IQRA), signifying that reading and learning are the first substantial steps to establishing healthy beneficial living. Our faith has put us on a path of learning “From the cradle to the grave”. Islamic Education is an obligation (Faridha) for all Muslims, it is a right not an entitlement.
Pursuing these pious virtues we established this Foundation. We started by opening the doors to women who were denied education opportunities. Joining our programs enhanced their self-confidence, toned their resilience and they achieved successes they never thought possible. Our next audience was our youth, with unaffordable Islamic private schools and weekend programs that serve children. We saw the disadvantage that our youth was facing in this community with limited opportunities for them to learn the basics of their religion. That is why we in Darajat are sparing no efforts to make learning Islamic studies achievable, accessible and affordable to any person 13 years or older, through a variety of tailored online programs to fit in our busy schedules.
Our foundation is based in Chicagoland in Illinois, however our teachers and students spread across the United States and even beyond to Europe and the Middle East.
Our Story
Darajat started as a program in 2017 in liaison with a local community center which was under the leadership of the Darajat organization’s founders at the time. The first class had 31 women and it was offered only in Arabic.
The program’s uniqueness provided opportunities for numerous adults and youth seeking authentic Islamic knowledge and training.
What made Darajat more appealing was the continuous resilient efforts by the administration to melt down the barriers preventing these men and women from attaining the fundamental religious knowledge they were pursuing, whether it was financial limitations, geographic accessibility, scheduling limitations, or any other obstacle.
Darajat organization was established a few years later and we are in the process of obtaining a non-for-profit license and today we have more than 400 students, males and females, enrolled in the different programs. Tens of students graduated from the Islamic Studies Diploma and Bachelors degree until today. And this year we are starting our PhD program.
Our Mission
Our Visions
Our Values
Our Mission
A renaissance educational institution that aspires to prepare an educated, conscious and confident generation that translates its knowledge and awareness into good citizenship.
Our Visions
Pioneering in facilitating the paths of science and culture, with equal opportunities for all individuals, old and young, males and females, of different affiliations and ethnicities, at the hands of competent specialists, while overcoming obstacles and challenges.
Our Values
Here at Darajat basic education is a right and not a privilege. Creative education and enlightenment have become easier, despite the challenges, while quality is our motto, building character and self-esteem and developing one’s ability to push forward is our industry.
What makes us special?
Moderate modern-day Islamic Teachings
Only one class each week
For males and females aged 13 years and above
Programs are offered in Arabic and English instruction
Students earn their degrees from the Islamic University of Minnesota
Classes are taught by experienced highly qualified instructors.
Affordable tuition and fee.
In person, online and Zoom based classes to ensuring an interactive and seamless learning experience
The students can join the program at the beginning of any year and continue to complete the required classes based on the three year rotation of programs.
General Director Message
“Where was Darajat all these years?” …
“Why didn’t I know about it before?” …
“Or more correctly, where have I been?!”
This is how one of our new students began her conversation with me in a fleeting meeting that brought us together. Then she continued: “May Allah reward Halima, who told me about Darajat. My life changed since then, even my priorities shifted. I wasted so much time on trivial activities before, like shopping. I am aware of my shortcomings now and I sense the emptiness I was in, which I did not recognize before despite having all the symptoms; unease despite abundance, snapping over trivial matters and utter complete dissatisfaction!” And she continued: “Once I joined Darajat and started learning the fundamentals of being a Muslim, which I did not know before, I began applying what I learn in my life. Regrettably, the more I learned, the more I knew how ignorant I was before. It was my turning point. I am more respectful and appreciative of Islamic knowledge, and I can taste its sweetness in my heart and soul, which radiates to those around me. Thank you, Halima, and I wish you had told me about Darajat sooner.”
Her words made me deliberate; when God put Adam on this earth, he had in his wisdom prepared for him everything that he needed for his survival.
Because man has an earthy body, the Almighty prepared all that he needed to maintain that body in terms of food, drink, clothing, transportation etc.
And because man has a soul that inhabits his body, which is his true essence and which only God understands, “And they ask you about the Soul, tell them the Soul is from the command of my Lord, and you have little knowledge” [ Surat Al-Isra: 85]. The Creator Almighty provided us with the sustenance for the souls in our bodies, and the preservation of our souls in the hereafter. Allah honored us with his guidance, and his wise book the Quran, which came as a law and a platform for all mankind, “And we reveal from the Qur’an what is healing and mercy for the believers, and the oppressors do not increase except in loss”. [Surat Al-Isra: 82]
We will not know that we are missing something if we are not aware of it. We will not know how to preserve the souls if we do not learn the beautiful teaching of Islam and the great good awaiting us, with which happiness and prosperity are achieved. However we will not be able to pursue this knowledge if we keep being preoccupied with attaining to the pleasures of the body.
From here Darajat is extending an invitation to all of you. Come and taste the sweetness of the soul in the knowledge of its Creator, His Book and His Laws… (Whoever tasted knew and who knew confessed and who confessed confessed admitted and who admitted, became addicted to what he knew) Ibn al-Qayyim
Dr. Maysa Nouri
Darajat General Director
Faculty
Dr. Ahmad Arafat
Dr. Abdul Fattah Al-Saman
Dr. Hammad Fahim
Dr. Moataz Al-Abd
Ms. Nazira Khedira
Ms. Neama Ateya
Ms. Buthaina Nouri
Dr. Faheem Qadri
Dr. Bachir Djehiche
Ms. Iman Shehadeh
Dr. Duaa Shahada
Dr. Ferial Al-Qadi
Ms. Shatha Kareem
Dr. Najwa Qaraqish
Dr. Adiba Mustafa
Ms. Razan Aabedeen
Dr. Sundus Shahwan
Dr. Raqia Jaber
Dr. Heba Abdul Fattah Saleh
Dr. Hanan Mukhtar
Dr. Oumaima Hassab
Dr. Sanaa Fadl Abbas
Dr. Shifaa Ali Al-Faqih
Dr. Najma Abdul Qadir
Dr. Hanan Mukhtar
Dr. Alia Al-Aathim
Dr. Hala Abu Amer
Dr. Iman Husain Adnan
Dr. Hanan Ahmad Abdul Latiaf AL Abwini
Dr. Zainab Zakaria Al Qudah
Ms. Sumaia Abdul Rahim
Dr. Kawthar Abdullah
Dr. Thilal Al Qudah
Admission & Programs
Darajat welcomes all students 13 years and older from the United States and world wide, that are fluent in either Arabic or English languages with access to the internet.
The duration of the program is three years designed to:
- Provide students with the basic sciences of Islamic knowledge.
- Arm students with tools and methods to manage and practice Islamic knowledge in their daily lives.
- Train students to help themselves effectively with questions and issues that require serious answers and solutions compatible with the teachings of Islam.
- Train students to refer to trustworthy and authentic sources in Islamic studies.
- The student studies at least 24 subjects in the main topics in the Islamic religion, including Quran interpretation and studies, the Prophet’s Hadiths and work, Islamic belief, and Islamic ethics.
The methodology and the requirements for this program are:
- The student chooses to study English or Arabic.
- The student studies one subject at a time.
- The student studies 5-7 subjects annually.
- The study of one topic extends over about 5 weeks.
- The student memorizes an annual course from the Qur’an.
- Diploma students plan and implement the graduation project.
- To graduate, the student must score an overall average of 70% or more.
- The duration of the program is three years when combining the study of subjects with the diploma program.
- Or the student completes the requirements within two years after the diploma.
- To enroll, the student is required to have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- To graduate, the student must score an overall average of 70% or more.
GOALS OF THE PROGRAM:
- Students applying for MA in Islamic Studies must have completed the BA degree program from any institution. Transcripts and copies of BA or BS degrees are required along with the registration fee.
- All MA students are expected to complete 45 semester credits via completion of 15 Graduate level courses for a total of 45 credits.
Diploma in Comprehensive Interpretation of the Quran
- The program is taught in three semesters. The student is required to have a bachelor’s degree in any field of study.
- To graduate, students must score an overall average of 70% or more.
Master’s degree in Quranic Sciences
- To graduate, students must score an overall average of 70% or more.
Doctorate degree in Quranic Sciences
- Applicants must have a master’s degree in any field of study.
- Required subjects are taught in a minimum of three semesters.
- Students must write a 200-page research paper.
- To graduate, students must score an overall average of 70% or more.
Master’s degree in Proper Quran Recitation
- Enhancing Quran Recitation in a practical way through a precise understanding of the theoretical provisions of Tajweed and their practical applications, and avoiding common mistakes.
- Distance Learning.
- Self-study and academic follow-up by a team of certified Quraa.
- Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent certification is required for enrollment in the master’s program.
- The duration of the Master’s study is four semesters in 12 months.
- Required graduation project: a research prepared by the student and discussed with a certified panel.
Doctorate degree in Proper Quran Recitation
- Distance Learning.
- Self-study and academic follow-up by a team of certified Quraa.
- To complete the program, students must complete ten compulsory subjects and two electives.
- The doctoral dissertation is prepared by the student under academic supervision and discussed with a certified panel.
- A master’s degree is required for enrollment in the PhD program.
Memorizing and contemplating the Qur’an in five years.
Personal, social, enlightening, and entertaining gatherings.
Faith excerpts on a weekly enlightening advocacy platform via Zoom.
A club for dialogue and thought to discuss contemporary topics or a valuable book.
A selection of various workshops in life skills facilitated by social councilors.
Registration & Fees
Students can register using the registration link below or in person at our office, please see our contact information for hours of operation.
https://form.jotform.com/230235935080148
When using the online application form, all students must submit to the office or mail/email the following documents:
- An identification proof: a copy of a valid driver’s license, ID, birth certificate or passport.
- A copy of the high school diploma or higher.
- Copies of bachelor’s or master’s degrees if required
- A copy of all your previous official transcripts.
- If the student does not use the online registration form, they are required to fill a paper form
- and submit it to the office.
Darajat accepts payments through:
- Zelle : [email protected]
- Paypal:
- Wire transfers to:
2023 - 2024 Academic Calendar
| Data | Event |
|---|---|
| Orientation | Third week of August 2024 |
| First day of classes for most programs | Last week of August 2024 |
| Ramadan & Eid Breack |
Graduation Policy
AS students need to pass all classes with minimum of %51, students need to finish their Graduation project, and pass the Quran memorization. average of accumulating grades needs to be %70 or higher.
BA students need an average of %70 or higher in the AS classes and the direct BA classes.
MA students must complete an approved thesis and/or ten courses with exams. Or finish fifteen classes with no thesis. Students need to demonstrate basic proficiency in reading the Quran.
PhD students will have the option to write a 400 -page thesis and defend it before a committee of professors or write a 200-page thesis and defend it before a committee of professors along with ten courses.
Grading System
The quality of the student’s work is evaluated according to the following scale:
| Grade | Definition | GPA |
|---|---|---|
| A (90-100) | Excellent | 4.0 |
| B (80-89) | Very Good | 3.3 |
| C (70-79) | Average – good | 2.3 |
| D (51-69) | Poor | 1.3 |
| F (50-below) | Failure | 0 |
| P | Pass | 0 |
| W | Withdraw | 0 |
F Grade and Repeated Courses
A course in which a grade of ‘I’ or ‘F’ is earned may be repeated when it’s offered .
Academic Dishonesty, Dismissal, And Appeal
Darajat foundation will not tolerate academic dishonesty and Plagiarism. Students have an obligation to maintain a high degree of academic integrity and to have behave honestly and fairly with other students. Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action ranging from warning to expulsion from the programs.
Confidentiality of Student Records and Information
Darajat has strict confidentiality policy and respects student private and academic information. No student may access another’s file. Students must display their student ID when requesting access to their student files.
Academic Advising
- Academic Advising is grounded in Darajat mission: teaching what every Muslim should know.
- Muslims are the best nation created for mankind.
Photo Gallery
TESTIMONIALS;
What they said about Darajat:
Contact us
For all inquiries, please contact us. Please visit the center or call.
8009 W. 99th ST
Palos Hills, IL 60465
Hours of Operation
Mondays & Tuesdays: 10:00am – 2:00pm Wednesdays: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Hours of Operation
Mondays & Tuesdays: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Wednesdays: 10:00am – 4:00pm
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