Empower. Learn. Grow.
Inspiring growth through nurturing education built on a sacred foundation.
Traditional Education in a Modern Context
The Qalam Foundation aims to bring the Islamic tradition to life in the modern context. To that end, the Qalam Seminary strives to create educated Muslims and community leaders by means of education, spiritual development, and mentorship. Qalam views itself in light of a 1400-year-old tradition of finding practical solutions to humanity’s problems within the sources of Islam and its tradition. The creation of educated Muslims is a vital part of this tradition, and it is through the Seminary that Qalam makes its contribution.
Begin Your Islamic Studies Journey Today.
In 2013, the Qalam Foundation launched a one-year Islamic Studies program in Dallas, Texas known as the Qalam Seminary. Since then, we have carefully crafted three educational pathways: a one-year Classical Arabic program, a two-year Islamic Studies program, and a five-year ʿĀlimiyyah program, with each program serving as the foundation for the next and catering to unique needs in the community. Our curriculum was developed by our seasoned faculty keeping in mind both the longstanding scholarly tradition of our ummah and the pressing needs of our society today.
Today, many of our graduates serve as community leaders, imams, and teachers across the country. To learn more about the the program offerings at the Qalam Seminary, please visit the Academics page. To learn more about the prerequisites and cost, please visit the Admissions page.
Taʿlīm
Education. We believe in a traditional classroom setting in which students read and translate classical Islamic texts and receive commentary from qualified scholars. Students thereby inherit the knowledge of the Islamic tradition and become part of a chain that stretches back, through the luminaries of Islam, to the Prophet himself (peace be upon him). True knowledge comes from one heart to another, through the guidance of a text and the commentary of a living teacher.
Tarbiyah
Spiritual Development. Education is enlivened by a constant awareness of the impact of knowledge upon the life of the student and the surrounding community. Faculty members strive to set an example for students not only in their scholarly expertise, but also in their conduct and character. Students are encouraged to think of their time at Qalam as a time of self-improvement and spiritual growth, not merely as occupational training or intellectual exercising. In turn, students should strive to become role models for the wider community, serving in whatever capacity for which they are qualified and able, including the roles of imam, youth director, researcher, tutor, and more. As with taʿlīm, tarbiyah also takes place through a chain from teacher to student, and from student to the community at large.
Ṣuḥbah
Fellowship. The relationship between faculty and students must be complemented by the relationship of students among themselves. Students find a home away from home on campus, and they make friendships with their peers that last a lifetime. Students are encouraged to be a good influence on others, to compete with one another in good conduct, and to counsel one another to truth and patience. Every student contributes in some way to the creation of campus culture, so students should be mindful that their contribution is for the better. Through this culture, students enjoy the comradery of their brothers and sisters, who often become some of their most important teachers.
Our Approach
With our three-pronged approach of taʿlīm, tarbiyah, and ṣuḥbah – education, spiritual development, and fellowship – we have meticulously developed a five-year ʿĀlimiyyah curriculum keeping in mind both the longstanding scholarly tradition of our ummah and the pressing needs of our society today. This catered curriculum is taught by seasoned faculty who serve not only as instructors to the students, but also as mentors. We eagerly look forward to continuing the noble tradition of sacred knowledge with the amazing men and women who have decided to dedicate their lives to serving the deen of Allah ﷻ.
Studying at the Seminary
“I never knew how much I needed Qalam until I had the opportunity to study at the seminary. In a society where women aren’t afforded the same opportunities, Shaykh AbdulNasir Jangda and Qalam have made it their goal to provide a space where women not only receive the opportunity to study, but are dignified in doing so.”
— Faduma W.