Our Beginnings
Founded in 2017, Darajat began as a collaborative initiative with a local community center, led by the visionaries who would later establish the Darajat Organization. Our inaugural cohort of 31 women participated in a fully Arabic program, setting the tone for Darajat’s commitment to authentic Islamic education. From the very beginning, Darajat has been dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for adults and youth to access genuine Islamic knowledge, deepen their understanding of the Qur’an and Sunnah, and nurture their spiritual growth.
Darajat By the Numbers
Our Teaching Team
Guiding students with expertise and excellence
Ms.Eman Shahada
Master’s Degree in Ethics and Philosophy
Dr. Doaa Shahada
PhD in Hadith and Its Sciences
Dr. Feryal Al-Qudah
Text Linguistics and Discourse Analysis, Associate Professor
Ms. Shatha Kareem
Tajweed and Quran Recitation
Dr. Sondos Shahwan
PhD in Islamic Da'wah
Dr. Razan Abideen
Islamic History
Dr. Habeeba Mustafa
PhD in Linguistic Studies
Dr. Najwa Qarqeesh
Jurisprudence and Its Fundamentals , Professor Doctor
Dr. Hanan Mokhtar
Dr. Hanan Ahmed Abdel Hafeez Al-Obwini PhD in Tafsir (Qur’anic Exegesis) and Qur’anic Sciences
Dr. Heba Abdel-Fattah Saleh
PhD in Qur’anic Exegesis and Sciences
Dr. Rokia Jabr
Curriculum and Teaching Methods of Islamic Education,Assistant Professor
Events & Highlights
Registration is now open for the Academic Year 2026–2027 starts on February 1st!
Darajat Administration is pleased to announce the start of the new academic year 2026–2027, officially...
Orientation for the Academic Year 2026-2027
Date: June 03, 2026 Description: This orientation session is designed to welcome new and returning...
Dardashat An Educational and Social Gathering for Women under the title “Blessed Marriage”
Join us for a Chat Meeting, a seasonal and in-person gathering that brings together Arab...
Frequently Asked Questions
Darajat FAQs: Guidance for Students, Graduates, and Faculty
Who issues Darajat’s academic certificates?
All academic certificates are officially issued by the Islamic University of Minnesota.
What academic programs and degrees does Darajat offer?
Darajat offers Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in a range of Islamic disciplines, including Islamic Studies, Quranic Sciences, and others!
Are Darajat programs only for women?
No, Darajat programs are open to both men and women.
At what age can a student begin studying?
A student may enrol in the Diploma of Islamic Studies starting from the age of 13.
What is the minimum age to enroll at Darajat?
Eligibility for enrollment starts at age 13, varying by program.
Are the courses taught only in Arabic?
No! Darajat has both Arabic and English departments, offering programs in each language. We also plan to offer courses in Spanish in the near future, In Sha’ Allah.
Do students need to live in Chicago to enroll?
No, Darajat programs are fully accessible online, allowing students from anywhere in the world to enroll and participate.
What are the admission requirements for the programs?
Associates Degree Programs: Meet age requirement
Bachelor's Degree Programs: A high school certificate or its equivalent is required.
Master's Degree Programs: A Bachelor's degree in any specialization is required.
Doctoral studies in Quranic Interpretation Sciences and Quranic Sciences: A Master's degree in Quranic Interpretation Sciences is required.
Is there a mobile application to access course materials?
Yes, students can access all course materials, resources, and announcements through our mobile-friendly educational portal.
Are the classes conducted in-person or online?
All classes are conducted live online through Zoom, allowing students to participate from anywhere in the world.
Student Testimonials
Our students share their experiences and insights, highlighting the quality of education and the values that guide our institution.
"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."
Student"Although I only attended twice, it was a successful experience and I felt a sense of inner peace."
Student"A truly wonderful program. I found myself and proved my abilities through it. I learned many things that, unfortunately, I didn’t know before."
Student"Darajat has taught me that even through all these trials, being patient and remaining close to Allah (swt) will bring you closer to the answers and solutions to all my problems."
Student"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."
Student"A truly wonderful institution in every sense of the word. I find great joy in it, and I wish I had discovered it earlier."
Student"They say time is money, but I wouldn't be able to put a price on the time I spent in Darajat."
Student"Darajat has transformed my perception of being a Muslim , influencing parts of my life I didn't know could be touched through the pursuit of i'lm."
Nasreen Shehab
Diploma student in Arabic Islamic StudiesThe Darajat Foundation strives to build a conscious and committed generation, capable of excelling in their academic and personal lives.
Majda Al-Khatib
StudentDegrees of unwavering determination
Shatha Mounir
Darajat one of the Three Deeds That Continue After Death
Wujood Al-Jayousi
🌱 Darajat… A lamp that illuminates the path for those who walk the road of knowledge; whoever tastes, knows, whoever knows, draws deeply, whoever draws deeply acknowledges, and whoever acknowledges becomes devoted to what they have known—Darajat, the safety valve
Sawsan Hassan
Darajat Foundation is a distinguished Islamic institution that provides distance learning, enabling me to study Islamic sciences with ease at any time, and helping to deepen my correct understanding of my religion.
Ayat Ayash
Would you like to obtain a Sharia specialization in memorizing the Qur’an and Hadith? Enroll with Darajat for expert guidance and easy access to your goal—wherever you are in the world.
Du‘a’ Abu Aliya
Darajat Foundation is a distinguished scientific and cultural institution that offers the finest worldly and religious knowledge on a golden platter. It does so with the help of an outstanding cadre of professors—men and women—who hold the highest academic degrees and possess qualities that make students love the subjects they teach, all delivered in an elegant and exceptional manner. May God reward them greatly. Therefore, I advise everyone, young or old, to consider enrolling in this remarkable scientific institution and not to miss the opportunity—to learn, gain experience, and enjoy the company of knowledgeable and inspiring scholars.
Mona Al-Safarini
I thank God that I am with Darajat. Mashallah, what a wonderful education! The teachers’ way of presenting the knowledge is truly excellent. May God reward them with the best.
Dania Abaas
For the elevation of both worlds… Darajat
Hadia Hijazi
Darajat, a never-ending source of knowledge
Somaya Al- Hajaj
Darajat Foundation is an institution that cultivates the mind, instills values, and teaches that knowledge is the path to awareness and life.
Farida Masoud
I learned about the Darajat program from one of my friends, and I was very happy about it because it had always been my dream to study when I was young. Now I have finally started, and I have successfully completed my bachelor’s degree at the age of 70. I will now begin my master’s degree, and God willing, I will continue on to a PhD. It is truly a joyful experience. Studying through Zoom from home is very comfortable, as I can be in my own house with my coffee, water, and everything I need. I would like to sincerely thank those behind the Darajat program, as they are kind and understanding people who truly consider the circumstances of older adults. May God reward them with all the best.
Layla Da'mas
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful I extend my sincere gratitude to the Studies Center — this great institution that embraced me and gave me the opportunity to learn. These were years filled with valuable experiences and knowledge that will accompany me throughout my life. Today, I stand with great pride and deep appreciation for every teacher who was a light on my path, and who left an unforgettable mark on my educational and academic journey. You imparted knowledge with dedication, pushed me to become better, and instilled in me confidence and ambition. May God reward you all with the greatest of blessings, and may you remain beacons of knowledge and giving.
Nisreen Mahmoud Kamil Shada
Allah the Almighty said: ﴾And the favor of Allah upon you has been great﴿ Indeed, by Allah, Your favor upon me, O Lord, is truly immense — so all praise be to Allah, a praise befitting Your majesty and greatness. Praise be to Allah, Who blessed me with the completion of a great milestone in my academic journey — the attainment of a Master's degree in the specialty of Quranic Recitation from the American Open University, under the supervision of the Dirasat Institution.
Sawsan Mohammad Hassan
I cross the feelings of gratitude with words that I write for you. Today, at the Darajat Center, which has had a great impact on my education. You were a source of light in my life, a way I live by and find guidance in its glow. I stand today carrying in my heart all the meanings that were planted within me. In the pursuit of knowledge and learning, and your constant care for us to become better. May Allah place it on the scale of your good deeds. May Allah reward you with all goodness, for you are beacons of knowledge and giving. May Allah protect and watch over you in this blessed institution.
Zainab Khalil Faraj Allah
