Where the teachings of Islam become a way of life.
Darajat began as a program in 2017 in collaboration with a local community center that was led at the time by the founders of the Darajat organization. The first class included 31 women and was offered only in Arabic. The uniqueness of the program lay in providing opportunities for many adults and youth seeking authentic Islamic knowledge and training.
Darajat in Numbers
Members of the teaching staff
Professors with extensive experience and high academic qualifications
Ms.Eman Shahada
Master’s Degree in Ethics and Philosophy
Dr. Doaa Shahada
The Noble Hadith and Its Sciences
Dr. Feryal Al-Qudah
Text Linguistics and Discourse Analysis
Dr. Sondos Shahwan
Da‘wah
Ms. Razan Abideen
Islamic History
Dr. Adeeba Mustafa
Linguistic Studies
Dr. Najwa Qarqeesh
Jurisprudence and Its Principles
Dr. Omaima Hassab
Qur’anic Exegesis and Its Sciences
Dr. Hanan Mokhtar
Doctorate in Linguistic Studies
Dr. Heba Abdel-Fattah Saleh
Sharia and Islamic Studies
Dr. Rokia Jabr
Curricula and Teaching Methods
Events and activities
Registration is now open for the Academic Year 2025–2026 starts on February 1st!
Darajat Administration is pleased to announce the start of the new academic year 2025–2026, officially...
Orientation for the Academic Year 2025–2026
Date: August 16, 2025 Description: This orientation session is designed to welcome new and returning...
Chat Meeting: An Educational and Social Gathering for Women
Join us for a Chat Meeting, a seasonal and in-person gathering that brings together Arab...
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for students, graduates, and faculty members
From where are the academic certificates of Darajat Institution issued?
They are issued by the Islamic University of Minnesota.
What academic degrees are available?
Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees.
Are the offered programs only for women?
No, the programs—especially Diploma and Bachelor’s—are available for both males and females.
At what age can a student begin studying?
A student may enrol in the Diploma of Islamic Studies starting from the age of 13.
Is the study only in Arabic?
The programs are offered in both Arabic and English, and soon, God willing, in Spanish as well.
Is there a mobile application for the educational portal?
There is no application at the moment, but it may be launched in the near future.
Is it required for the student to reside in Chicago?
No, any student can participate from any state or country, since the study is conducted online.
What are the admission requirements for the institution’s programs?
For the Diploma Program: The ability to read and write in either Arabic or English.
For Bachelor's degree studies: A high school certificate or its equivalent is required.
For Master's degree studies: A Bachelor's degree in any specialization is required.
For Doctoral studies in Quranic Interpretation Sciences and Quranic Sciences: A Master's degree in Quranic Interpretation Sciences is required.
What They Said About Darajat
Masha’Allah, an excellent explanation of Islamic education that elevates the knowledge and cultural awareness of Arab women and opens wide horizons for us to learn various sciences.
What They Said About Darajat
A woman with a clear academic vision and a methodological approach.
What They Said About Darajat
Darajat elevates and benefits me, my husband, my children, and my community, because being armed with knowledge is extremely important—especially in these times filled with trials. And knowledge can only be truly beneficial through study, repetition, and testing.
What They Said About Darajat
Although I only attended twice, it was a successful experience and I felt a sense of inner peace.
What They Said About Darajat
An Arab woman in a time of foreign influence... Islamic in the face of atheism and disbelief... A woman of values challenging moral decay and loss.
What They Said About Darajat
A truly wonderful program... I found myself and proved my abilities through it. I learned many things that, unfortunately, I didn’t know before.
What They Said About Darajat
A well-organized effort for the expatriate community, enriching them with religious and cultural awareness.
What They Said About Darajat
It brought about a major change in my life, broadened my horizons, and I’ve come to know many things I was previously unaware of. I find great joy in attending the lectures… Alhamdulillah.
What They Said About Darajat
A truly wonderful institution in every sense of the word. I find great joy in it, and I wish I had discovered it earlier.
