THE 3-WEEK ALIM SUMMER PROGRAM
For over 25 years, the American Learning Institute for Muslims (ALIM) has been dedicated to spreading Islamic Literacy among Muslims. We are pleased to announce our 26th annual ALIM Summer Program intensive, taking place at Benedictine University in Illinois. This three-week faith-affirming intensive provides an exceptional opportunity to enhance your knowledge, connect with students from diverse backgrounds, and strengthen your faith.
The ALIM Summer Program intensive is designed to educate and empower Muslims with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Our curriculum covers traditional subjects like Fiqh, Tafsir, and Sirah, as well as contemporary issues including Islam in America, Modernism, Sectarianism, and Liberalism.
The ALIM Summer Program intensive is designed to educate and empower Muslims with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Our curriculum covers traditional subjects like Fiqh, Tafsir, and Sirah, as well as contemporary issues including Islam in America, Modernism, Sectarianism, and Liberalism.
Participants in our intensive will engage with esteemed scholars through interactive and discussion-based courses. With a maximum of only 50 students per class, each student receives personalized attention and becomes part of a close-knit learning community. Our inclusive classroom environment encourages students to ask questions freely and form lasting bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood. Additionally, with a network of over 1,200 ALIMni, students have the opportunity to connect with fellow Muslims from around the world, enhancing their learning experience and opening up networking opportunities.
Embark on a transformative educational journey that combines critical thinking skills with a strong Islamic foundation. Gain access to exclusive courses and esteemed scholars at our annual three-week faith-affirming ALIM Summer Program! Apply now to secure your spot among the 50 graduating students of 2025. Start the application process today to take advantage of scholarships and payment plans available for those in need of financial assistance. Join us and become a valued member of our thriving academic community.
Embark on a transformative educational journey that combines critical thinking skills with a strong Islamic foundation. Gain access to exclusive courses and esteemed scholars at our annual three-week faith-affirming ALIM Summer Program! Apply now to secure your spot among the 50 graduating students of 2025. Start the application process today to take advantage of scholarships and payment plans available for those in need of financial assistance. Join us and become a valued member of our thriving academic community.
Submit an interest form
ALIM Class of 2025
Summer Program overview
The ALIM Summer Program focuses on developing critical thinking skills while promoting true Muslim character through an interactive, stimulating curriculum designed to provoke thought while emphasizing moral values. ALIM's Core Scholars are highly trained and hold Ph.Ds, ensuring a high level of academic expertise.
The study of tradition fosters critical thinking, whereas the contemporary courses invoke tradition, thus empowering participants with the tools to balance contemporary realities with traditional sciences. Moreover, the Summer Program imbibes students with the tarbiyyah (training) to fortify their personal identity while inspiring them to work for the improvement of society. Students also learn much from each other as they create ties of brotherhood and sisterhood that span the nation and globe.
Scholars & Courses
|
Core Courses:
|
Previous Courses:
|
Admission
Regular Registration: ($3,250)
Late Registration: ($3,500): Ends 6/30/25
Deposit: $250
In need of a financial scholarship or want to learn more about payment plans? Learn more below!
Late Registration: ($3,500): Ends 6/30/25
Deposit: $250
In need of a financial scholarship or want to learn more about payment plans? Learn more below!
Program Fees:
Pay Here (Payment is submitted after applying, completing interview and receiving an acceptance email)
Fees include class tuition, materials, housing, food, and field trips. There is a slight discount for those who will be commuting daily (all students are highly encouraged to live on campus to experience the full ALIM program; those outside of the Canton area are required to live on campus). All students (commuter or on-campus) must commit to attending all classes and on-time.
Payment Plans:
For your convenience, we offer payment plans. Pay your full ALIM tuition in five easy payments of $650. Learn more here.
Refunds:
No accepted student is turned away due to lack of funds. Please fill out a financial aid form after you are accepted to the program.
Sponsor a Student: If you would like to sponsor a student or know someone who can, please click here. Questions? Email us here and read our FAQ's.
Pay Here (Payment is submitted after applying, completing interview and receiving an acceptance email)
Fees include class tuition, materials, housing, food, and field trips. There is a slight discount for those who will be commuting daily (all students are highly encouraged to live on campus to experience the full ALIM program; those outside of the Canton area are required to live on campus). All students (commuter or on-campus) must commit to attending all classes and on-time.
- Deposit: $250 to save your seat
- Total Tuition and Fees with Lodging = $3250 (including the deposit)
- Total Tuition and Fees without Lodging (commuters) = $2500 (including the deposit)
Payment Plans:
For your convenience, we offer payment plans. Pay your full ALIM tuition in five easy payments of $650. Learn more here.
Refunds:
- Withdraw before June 1: full refund (minus CC processing fees)
- Withdraw after June 11: forfeit deposit (tuition will be refunded)
- Withdraw after June 25: no refund at all (deposit or tuition)
No accepted student is turned away due to lack of funds. Please fill out a financial aid form after you are accepted to the program.
Sponsor a Student: If you would like to sponsor a student or know someone who can, please click here. Questions? Email us here and read our FAQ's.
frequently asked
What is the purpose of the ALIM Summer Program?
As Muslims, many of us 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 25+ 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 Sulaiman 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 25+ 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 Sulaiman 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.
What knowledge do I need 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 will the format of the program be?
Experience high-quality and comprehensive instruction from our team of experienced scholars and activists in a classroom-like atmosphere during the day. Our instructors actively encourage student engagement and are readily available to address any questions or concerns. Classes run from morning till early evening, allowing for breaks for prayer and meals. With over 160 hours of meticulously planned instruction, students receive an educational experience that surpasses the intensity of a full spring semester in college. Every evening brings a varied schedule, from fun-filled activities like sports and games to productive study groups for reviewing course material. Once a week, students can look forward to a special outing or event such as sightseeing, mosque visits, or relaxed BBQs.
Do you offer scholarships?
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! Pay your full ALIM tuition in three easy payments of $1,083. Learn more about payment plans here.
What does tuition cover?
Tuition includes room and board, meals, and transportation on field trips. Students are responsible for covering transportation to and from the program and any additional purchases such as additional meals, snacks, and items for the apartment such as sheets and bedding
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.
Should I bring anything with me?
Yes, we recommend bringing the following:
- Qur’an with translation (Note: Also bring a Qur’an specifically for recitation)
- Laptop/Tablet (for note taking and all reading materials will be sent electronically)
- Notebooks/paper and pens/pencils/highlighters
- Full size bed sheets, blanket, pillow, and a towel
- Toiletries (Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Soap, Shampoo/Conditioner, Towels, Shower Shoes, Hair Brush, etc.)
- Laundry Detergent for laundry machines (this can also be purchased upon arrival)
- Hangers and Clothing: Warm, Cold, Recreational
- Shoes (at least one pair for recreation)
- Optional: Blow Dryer
- Optional: Additional money for personal use (Instacart orders etc.).
- Qur’an with translation (Note: Also bring a Qur’an specifically for recitation)
- Laptop/Tablet (for note taking and all reading materials will be sent electronically)
- Notebooks/paper and pens/pencils/highlighters
- Full size bed sheets, blanket, pillow, and a towel
- Toiletries (Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Soap, Shampoo/Conditioner, Towels, Shower Shoes, Hair Brush, etc.)
- Laundry Detergent for laundry machines (this can also be purchased upon arrival)
- Hangers and Clothing: Warm, Cold, Recreational
- Shoes (at least one pair for recreation)
- Optional: Blow Dryer
- Optional: Additional money for personal use (Instacart orders etc.).
I'm traveling from out of state. What dates should I book my transportation?
The program is this July 2025– final dates TBA. Students should arrive on the first day preferably prior to 3 pm, in order to be there for evening orientation session and should leave on the last day, preferably in the afternoon, so they have time to cleanup before leaving.
Read more FAQ's here. For more questions, please email us at [email protected] and [email protected]
ALIMni Testimonials
Join a network of 1,200+ ALImni
|
|
Meet 2023 Alimni
|
ALIM provided me with the proper foundation of Islam. All the scholars are phenomenal and come with different teaching styles. Each instructor incorporates diverse viewpoints of Islam—it’s important to have all the information about Islam so we can be empowered to make informed decisions on how we want to practice our faith and raise our kids in the future.” — Hadia Ali, Master’s in Biomedical Sciences, Loyola University |
|
ALIM gave me a sense of brotherhood, belonging, and taught me how to not only maintain my deen but also grow it. The program taught me how to go about my life and also left me with a lot of questions about how I want to continue to pursue Islam. — Muhamad Mussani, Computer Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison |
|
The amazing thing about ALIM is having the opportunity to engage with scholars inside and outside of class. The faculty has modeled diversity in thought and opinion within the Islamic tradition and the courses embody the idea of American Muslims in ways I haven’t seen before. The unique emphasis on grounding Islam within the U.S. context makes the content especially relevant to our present-day lives. As a convert, this has been particularly meaningful to me." — Kate Bridges-Lyman, Master of Divinity, University of Chicago. |
|
This program allowed me to see Islam through different lenses and it made me realize no matter how different we all are, we all connect through Islam." — Shaheed Price, revert, husband, completing a Bachelor’s in Black Studies |
|
ALIM has empowered me to want to dig deeper into Islamic studies. After being disconnected from religion for a long time, the knowledge I’ve gained has inspired me to study more and maybe even attend the program again!” — Keyana Price, revert, wife, completing a Bachelor’s in Psychology. |
ALIM summer program Blog
|
By: Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans
|
WHAT MAKES THE ALIM SUMMER PROGRAM SPECIAL?
|
"Embracing diversity without succumbing to relativism is one of the greatest cultural achievements of Islam. Many students appreciate the ALIM SP because it embodies this ethic. As one of our previous students brilliantly put it: “It’s one thing to simply share physical space with people from other backgrounds; it’s entirely another to negotiate mutually exclusive truth claims with people whose experiences are completely different than mine and feel at home doing so. I feel as though we’re all collectively benefitting from one another.” Her insightful comments actually brought the Qur’ān to mind..." |
2024 ALIM Summer Program Afterword
By: Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans
|
"...When instructors are intellectually honest (which shouldn’t be confused with conviction-lacking 'objectivity') students are given license to find themselves within the tradition. The result, which was highlighted by capstone projects completed by the students, is that students develop wildly diverse ideas about the utility of what they’ve learned. For example, one group of students developed a prototype of a social networking app while another group of students laid out an imaginary blueprint...."
|
Apply as a FACILITATOR
Are you interested in being a facilitator at the ALIM Summer Program?
The ALIM summer program has, alhamdulillah, been successful since its inception in 1998. An integral part of the program lies with the two ALIM counselors, who remain on-site for the duration of the program. Their contributions are invaluable and as such discounts to their tuition’s are provided. If you are interested in being a counselor and have attended the ALIM Summer Program before, please fill out the form below!