Al-Hidayah Institute — Muslim Community Center

For over 30 years, the Muslim Community Center has been dedicated to delivering top-tier education in Quran and Islamic Studies. Al-Hidayah Institute is a natural extension of this commitment, responding to the growing demand for more frequent and in-depth Quranic studies. Alhamdulillah, we have consolidated our resources to create a comprehensive Quran-centric program that caters to these needs across various levels.

Program Structure:

Our Quran Reading Program is structured into three levels, culminating in a final part-time memorization course. Each level spans approximately two semesters:

Quran 100 (Introduction to Quran): This foundational course is designed for beginners to master Arabic letter recognition and the basics of Quranic recitation. The “Easy Quran Reading” text, along with supplemental materials and multimedia resources, will be used. By the end of this course, students will be proficient in recognizing and pronouncing letters in various forms, progressing to reading words and ayaat of the Quran. No prerequisites are required.
Quran 150 (Reading Fluency): This course emphasizes proper articulation, introduces tajweed rules, and enhances reading fluency. The goal is to enable students to read comfortably from the mushaf before applying tajweed rules. The primary text will be “Tajweed Made Easy.” Prerequisite: Completion of Quran 100 or passing an examination demonstrating mastery of the material.
Quran 200 (Introduction to Tajweed): This level focuses on the theoretical foundations and practical application of tajweed. Students will study pronunciation rules, elongation, pauses, assimilation, letter characteristics, and the etiquettes of Quranic study. Completion of this coursework prepares students to begin memorization. Prerequisite: Completion of Quran 150 or passing an examination demonstrating mastery of the material.
Quran 250 (Part-time Memorization): Students will embark on a structured journey to memorize the Quran while deepening their understanding of its teachings. Effective memorization techniques will be taught, starting with shorter surahs and gradually progressing to longer ones. Tajweed rules will be applied during memorization to ensure accurate and beautiful recitation. Regular assessments will track progress, and successful students will earn an ijazah, certifying the authenticity of their knowledge passed down through an unbroken chain of teachers to the Prophet Muhammad (saw). Prerequisite: Completion of Quran 200 or passing an examination demonstrating mastery of the material.

Course Logistics:

Each semester consists of 22 hours of instruction spread over a 12-week period, concluding with a final exam. Individual virtual review sessions will also be available. Students will be placed in sections tailored to their unique needs. Classes are held on Saturdays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Throughout the program, students will not only learn the fundamentals and beauty of Quranic recitation but also how to apply the Quran’s guidance in their daily lives. A minimum of 2 hours of study outside of class each week is required to ensure successful completion and progression.

Enrollment Information:

The Fall semester of the Quran Program for Adults begins on Saturday, September 14. Registration is now open and can be completed at tinyurl.com/AHIFall24. In-person testing is required to finalize registration. For any questions or concerns, please contact us at AHI@mccmd.org.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the tuition for each semester?
Tuition is $150 for the entire 12-week course. Financial aid is available to those in need. Our mission is to teach the Quran to as many people as possible, and we are committed to ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent anyone from participating.
How will I be placed?
Placement testing occurs two to three weeks before the semester begins.
Who are the teachers?
Our instructors are highly qualified Quran teachers with years of experience. Each teacher is carefully vetted to ensure mastery of the material and will remain with students for the entire semester, with equally qualified substitutes available if necessary.
How long is the entire program?
Students starting from the beginning can expect to complete the program in six semesters, roughly two years. However, many students will not start at the introductory level, allowing them to complete the program sooner.
Do you offer virtual classes?
While we do not currently offer full virtual classes, we provide weekly virtual review sessions with the teacher. If a student will be absent for an extended period, they may arrange extended virtual sessions with the teacher, depending on availability. We also recommend exploring other excellent online programs for those seeking a fully virtual experience.
What is the class structure?
Classes begin with a review or introduction to the day’s lesson, followed by practice using the textbook or Quran, and reading to the teacher for correction and improvement.
Are all classes offered every semester?
We typically offer Quran 100 (Introduction to Quran) and Quran 150 (Reading Fluency) every semester, but availability may vary depending on student enrollment.
Do you offer Arabic and Islamic Studies?
We plan to gradually introduce Arabic and Islamic Studies classes over the next year. These classes will cover a range of topics and may not follow a sequential structure like our Quran courses. More details will be provided as these programs develop.

Contact Information:
For further inquiries, please reach out to our Institute Director, Br. Sami Said, at ahi@mccmd.org.