The Preliminary
Foundations Programme

The first offering from Tahmid — a three-month in-person journey through the introductions to four classical Islamic sciences, taught with depth, discipline, and care.

3 Months
4 Sciences
15 Students Only
1 Teacher
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About Tahmid

Build the roots before the branches.

Before a student dives into the depths of Islamic scholarship, they must first acquire the keys — the introductions that unlock each discipline. This is the meaning of tamhīd, and it is the philosophy behind Tahmid.

The Preliminary Foundations Programme is Tahmid's inaugural offering. Over three months of weekly classes, students are guided through the foundational landscapes of four interconnected sciences — understanding what each science is, where it came from, who shaped it, and how to begin engaging with its books.

The programme is small by design — limited to fifteen committed students — so that every learner receives the attention, correction, and care that classical study demands.

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Three Month
Intensive
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Limited to
15 Students
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Live
In-Person
✦
Exams &
Certificates
What You Will Study

Four Sciences. Four Foundations.

An introduction to each of these disciplines — their history, their pioneers, their methodologies, and their landmark works.

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المدخل إلى علم أصول الفقه
Introduction to Usool al-Fiqh
Topics Covered
  • What is Usool al-Fiqh and what does it discuss?
  • Who first initiated this science and where is it taken from?
  • Usool al-Fiqh through the eras: the Prophet ﷺ, the Sahabah, the Tabi'een and Atba al-Tabi'een
  • The role of Imām al-Shāfi'ī in founding it as a recorded science
  • The three classical methodologies of authorship in Usool
  • An overview of foundational books in the field
  • Principles used by the different Madhāhib
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المدخل إلى علم الفقه
Introduction to Fiqh
Topics Covered
  • What is Fiqh and where is it taken from?
  • Fiqh in the time of the Prophet ﷺ, the Sahabah and the Tabi'in
  • The journey of Fiqh through the era of the Madhāhib and after
  • Fiqh in our current times
  • The development of the Ḥanafī, Mālikī, Shāfi'ī and Ḥanbalī Madhāhib
  • Biography of each Imām, exclusive characteristics, terminologies, prominent teachers, students, and books of each Madhab
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المدخل إلى علوم القرآن
Introduction to Uloom al-Qur'an
Topics Covered
  • Types of revelation and the compilation of the Qur'an
  • The Companions who were assigned to record the Qur'an
  • Compilation in the eras of Abū Bakr and 'Uthmān (RA)
  • The ordering of the Qur'an and Al-Aḥruf al-Sab'ah
  • Asbāb al-Nuzūl: types, benefits, and prominent books
  • Makkī and Madanī classifications
  • Abrogation in the Qur'an: types, wisdoms, and examples
  • The miraculous nature of the Qur'an and contemplating its verses
and more…
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المدخل إلى علم التفسير
Introduction to Tafsīr
Topics Covered
  • The difference between Tafsīr, Usool al-Tafsīr, Qawā'id al-Tafsīr and Uloom al-Qur'an
  • The difference between Tafsīr, Ta'wīl, Tadabbur and Istinbāṭ
  • Where is Tafsīr taken from? Prominent books in Usool al-Tafsīr
  • Conditions of a Mufassir — can anyone do Tafsīr?
  • Tafsīr through the eras: the Prophet ﷺ, Sahabah, Tabi'in and 4th century onwards
  • Types of Tafsīr and reasons for differences within them
  • A close study of 10 Tafsīr books — authors, methodology, characteristics
AD
Taught by

Ustadh Abdulahad Dayib

A dedicated teacher of the classical Islamic sciences, Ustadh Abdulahad Dayib brings clarity, structure, and traditional methodology to the study of the foundations. His approach emphasises understanding the architecture of each science before engaging its details — equipping students to read, navigate, and benefit from the works of the scholars who came before.

"Knowledge has a structure. Before you climb the tree, you must understand the roots."
Schedule & Location

Saturdays, set aside for sacred study.

Weekly sessions held in person at a dedicated learning space in West London.

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Every Week

Saturday
For 12 consecutive weeks
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Class Time

12pm – 6pm
Six hours of focused study
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Location

West London
Live, in-person classes only
Limited Enrolment

Only 15 seats. By application only.

15

To preserve the quality of teaching and ensure each student is given proper attention, the cohort is strictly capped. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.

Apply for Your Seat
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior Islamic studies experience to apply?
No formal background is required. This programme is specifically designed as a preliminary foundation — an entry point into the four sciences. A sincere intention, commitment to attend every session, and the ability to engage with academic English-language material is what is expected.
What language are the classes taught in?
Classes are delivered in English, with Arabic terminology introduced and explained throughout. Knowledge of Arabic is helpful but not a prerequisite.
Are the sessions recorded? Can I attend online?
This is a strictly in-person programme. Sessions are not delivered or recorded online. The format is intentional — to recreate the traditional ḥalaqah environment of presence, attention, and direct engagement with the teacher.
What happens if I miss a class?
Due to the intensive structure and the small cohort, regular attendance is essential. Students who anticipate missing more than one session should reconsider applying for this intake. Notes from missed sessions may be shared at the teacher's discretion.
Is there an exam? What about certification?
Yes. Students will sit a final assessment covering the four sciences. Upon successful completion, a certificate is awarded confirming attendance and the level of study achieved.
How will I know if my application is accepted?
All applicants will be contacted by email within 7–10 days of submission. Given the limited number of seats, we encourage you to apply early.
Will books and materials be provided?
Class notes and any required handouts will be provided. A short list of recommended texts will be shared with accepted students before the programme begins.
What is the refund policy?
We operate a strict no-refund policy. Once payment is received, your seat is secured and the funds are allocated towards the fixed costs of running the programme — including classroom rental, materials, and administration. Please ensure you can attend every session and commit fully before completing your application and payment.
Apply Now

Reserve your seat.

Complete the application below. Successful applicants will be contacted with full details, location, and payment information.

Please note: Due to fixed costs incurred in running the programme — including classroom rental, materials, and administrative arrangements — we operate a strict no-refund policy. Please ensure you can fully commit before submitting your application and payment.