Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the ALIM Summer Program?
Many of us, as American Muslims, have to face constant questioning on issues such as: belief in a God, the role of faith in one’s life, the relevance of Islam in the current, cultural context, and what is our individual responsibility within that context.
For 20 years, the ALIM Summer Program has empowered American Muslims through Islamic Literacy by providing life-changing courses and experiences led by renowned scholars, such as: Dr Sherman Jackson, Dr Muneer Fareed, Dr Ali Solaiman Ali, and Ust. Ubaydullah Evans. We have been blessed to have guest scholars through the years, including: Imam Mohamed Magid, Dr Ingrid Mattson, Dr Umar Faruq Abd-Allah, Imam Zaid Shakir, and many others.
For 20 years, the ALIM Summer Program has empowered American Muslims through Islamic Literacy by providing life-changing courses and experiences led by renowned scholars, such as: Dr Sherman Jackson, Dr Muneer Fareed, Dr Ali Solaiman Ali, and Ust. Ubaydullah Evans. We have been blessed to have guest scholars through the years, including: Imam Mohamed Magid, Dr Ingrid Mattson, Dr Umar Faruq Abd-Allah, Imam Zaid Shakir, and many others.
Is the program focused on a certain ideology?
ALIM’s ideology is one of inclusion and respect for all ideologies within the Islamic framework. We believe in the free marketplace of ideas. As such, it does not seek to impose a certain ideology on its students. Our programs will explore the different perspectives on any given issue in order to encourage critical thinking. If this methodology can be considered an ideology, then that is what ALIM espouses.
Any educational program carries with it some sort of philosophy and this program is no different. This philosophy is not easily described but one might label it an academic/social/practical approach to Islamic Studies. Our instructors include accomplished scholars as well as experienced activists familiar with the Muslim American landscape. The content of the program is composed of the different views of these instructors. The program is not affiliated with any particular group, party, or organization (i.e. Ikhwan, Sufiyyah, Salafiyyah, Hizbut-Tahrir, etc.). The program’s content may concur with or contradict the views of any given group or ideology on many issues but it is unlikely that the program as a whole can be categorized under one group’s ideology or as opposing an ideology in its entirety.
Any educational program carries with it some sort of philosophy and this program is no different. This philosophy is not easily described but one might label it an academic/social/practical approach to Islamic Studies. Our instructors include accomplished scholars as well as experienced activists familiar with the Muslim American landscape. The content of the program is composed of the different views of these instructors. The program is not affiliated with any particular group, party, or organization (i.e. Ikhwan, Sufiyyah, Salafiyyah, Hizbut-Tahrir, etc.). The program’s content may concur with or contradict the views of any given group or ideology on many issues but it is unlikely that the program as a whole can be categorized under one group’s ideology or as opposing an ideology in its entirety.
What will the format of the program be?
The program will run in a classroom-type setting during the day. Our instructors encourage students to engage the material and are very open to questions and inquiry. Classes run from the morning through the early evening, with breaks for prayer and meals.
The evening portion of the program varies. Students will organize fun activities, like sports and games or may gather for study groups to review course material.
One day a week, the program sets aside time for a special outing or event. Typically, we go sightseeing, visit local mosques and Islamic organizations, or just have a BBQ and free-time. In all, the program allows for intellectual, spiritual, and social growth.
The evening portion of the program varies. Students will organize fun activities, like sports and games or may gather for study groups to review course material.
One day a week, the program sets aside time for a special outing or event. Typically, we go sightseeing, visit local mosques and Islamic organizations, or just have a BBQ and free-time. In all, the program allows for intellectual, spiritual, and social growth.
What knowledge do I need to have beforehand?
While there is no set level of knowledge, it is necessary to have at least a basic understanding of Islamic principles. This means that one should know the basics of prayer, be familiar with the meaning of the Qur’an, know the general life of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him), and be familiar with at least a few common hadith. This program will assume at least this basic knowledge and it is unlikely that one would benefit without this level of exposure. If you are not sure you meet this level, please contact us at [email protected].
What kind of commitment do I have to make?
This is an intensive educational program and the commitment required is great. There are no shortcuts to learning and we have a limited amount of time. Students are expected to attend all of the activities/classes unless there is a reasonable excuse. Without full attendance, the effectiveness of the program cannot be guaranteed. In addition, poor attendance on the part of one student affects the experience of all of the students.
Insha-Allah the program will be interesting and stimulating enough that commitment will not be a problem. There will also be plenty of opportunity to build brotherhood/sisterhood and for recreational activity insha-Allah.
Insha-Allah the program will be interesting and stimulating enough that commitment will not be a problem. There will also be plenty of opportunity to build brotherhood/sisterhood and for recreational activity insha-Allah.
Do I have to pay my deposit while I apply, or after I’ve been accepted to the program?
With limited spots in the summer program, the application process is first come first serve. An applicant is not officially accepted into the program until they have submitted their deposit. Those applicants who apply and have paid their deposit, get higher priority than those who apply without submitting a deposit. If an application is not approved, then the deposit will be fully refunded.
Is the tuition expensive?
Students are getting over 160 hours of quality, planned instruction from experienced, well-qualified scholars and activists. Most of these instructors have taught or are teaching at top universities so they are well prepared for intensive education. There are more hours of instruction in the ALIM Summer Program than one gets in a full spring semester of college.
The fees are all inclusive: courses, materials, housing, meals, and outings. The program committee has striven to get the best deals in every area of cost trying to make the tuition as reasonable as possible. ALIM does not deny students who have difficulty paying fees. Please fill out our financial aid application to request assistance.
The fees are all inclusive: courses, materials, housing, meals, and outings. The program committee has striven to get the best deals in every area of cost trying to make the tuition as reasonable as possible. ALIM does not deny students who have difficulty paying fees. Please fill out our financial aid application to request assistance.
Will brothers and sisters be separated?
The housing accommodations for brothers and sisters are separated. The day-time instruction will be in the same classroom with brothers on one side and sisters on the other. Other activities may be completely separated depending on the format (i.e. brotherhood/sisterhood activities are completely separated, lectures are not). Some Q/A sessions may be set aside exclusively for sisters or exclusively for brothers as well. All participants are expected to practice modesty and Islamic etiquette throughout the program (and beyond insha-Allah).
Will there be other levels and additional programs in the future?
Insha-Allah ALIM plans on offering several levels of this program in the future. This might include more intensive study of fewer topics as well as an Arabic component. There may also be think-tank like conferences in the future for former participants. These programs are still being developed.
Is there any homework and will there be any exams?
There will be reading that the students will be expected to prepare for each day; however, the instructors will try to be reasonable. An educational program cannot be effective without some preparation on the part of the student. There will be no exams; however, the instructors may choose to evaluate students in class by asking them questions on the readings. The program is too intensive and too time constrained to offer effective examinations, so students are left primarily to their own initiative.
Is there any pre-reading for the program?
ALIM has not mandated any pre-reading for the program; however, some pre-reading may be recommended by some of the instructors. All such information will be forwarded to students prior to the program in an official Welcome Packet.
What is the nearest airport to the program location?
The nearest airport is either O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International Airport (MDW). Both are equidistant from Benedictine University.
Can we record the sessions?
Individuals are ONLY allowed to record sessions for personal use AFTER obtaining permission from the individual scholar.
Will we be able to ask questions?
Yes. ALIM encourages an interactive environment in its classes and we encourage you to ask any and all questions. Certain professors may prefer to take their questions all at once at the end of a session, but most will encourage and allow you to ask questions throughout a session. Please be respectful of other students, however, and try to keep your questions focused on the session at hand and allow for others to do the same.
Do we get any academic credit for this course?
No. Unfortunately, academic credit is not available at this time for the summer program.
Is the food halal/zabiha?
Yes. All food is zabiha.
What is the refund policy?
- Withdraw before June 15: full refund
- Withdraw after June 15: forfeit deposit (tuition will be refunded)
- Withdraw after July 1: no refund at all (deposit or tuition)