# Tayseer Seminary Tayseer Seminary offers immersive, classical Islamic education: seminary programs, Arabic intensives, youth programs, and spiritual journeys rooted in authentic tradition. Website: https://tayseerseminary.org/ Contact: admin@tayseerseminary.org · (865) 392-6006 · 706 Mabry Hood Rd, Knoxville, TN 37932 ## Programs ### One Year Program URL: https://tayseerseminary.org/programs/one-year/ A comprehensive curriculum that combines traditional learning, enlightening spirituality, and activism. Our One Year Seminary Program combines deep spiritual development with rigorous academic study, creating a unique space for seekers to grow in knowledge, spirituality, and purpose. Through rigorous study, spiritual cultivation, and community involvement, Tayseer Seminary’s One Year Program equips students to embark on a lifelong journey of sacred learning, self-discovery, and service to the Ummah of the Prophet ﷺ. Since its inception in 2015, the program has graduated more than 130 students who continue to make meaningful contributions to their communities, institutions, and families across the country. Quick facts: - Duration: 9-month program (September to May), full-time and in person - Location: On campus in Knoxville, Tennessee - Next Start Date: Next cohort begins in September; applications open now - Hours Weekly: 36+ hours of instruction with scholars each week - Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio ### Shamail Studies URL: https://tayseerseminary.org/programs/shamail/ Explore the beautiful characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through in-depth study of the Shamā'il of Imam at-Tirmidhi. The Living Legacy of the Prophet ﷺ The Shamā'il of Imam at-Tirmidhi is more than just a collection of hadith. It is an intimate portrait of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, painted through the loving observations of those who knew him best. Through these carefully preserved descriptions, we learn of his noble character, his daily habits, his physical appearance, and his interactions with those around him. This blessed text has served for centuries as a means for Muslims to develop a deeper, more personal connection with the Prophet ﷺ. Upcoming Shamā'il events: there are currently none scheduled. Interested in bringing the Shamā'il to your city? Email admin@tayseerseminary.org. In addition to the yearly Shamā'il reading that we host at Tayseer Seminary every fall, we have traveled in recent years to: Baltimore, MD (Islamic Society of Baltimore); Cary, NC (Islamic Center of Cary); Atlanta, GA (Anhar Institute); Irvine, CA (Rahma Center); Nashville, TN (Islamic Center of Nashville); and Boston, MA (Boston Islamic Seminary). Quick facts: - Format: Annual in-person intensive reading - Timing: Held each fall, often in Rabīʿ al-Awwal - Location: Hosted at Tayseer Seminary in Knoxville, TN, and in host cities nationwide - Instructor: Taught by Dr. Hassan Lachheb - Text: Reading Ash-Shamāʾil al-Muḥammadiyya by Imam al-Tirmidhi - Ijaza: Ijāza awarded on completing the full reading ### Second Year Program URL: https://tayseerseminary.org/programs/second-year/ For students who have completed the One Year Program: deepen your sacred knowledge through advanced Arabic and in-depth study of classical texts. Two years of disciplined immersion that builds an advanced proficiency in Arabic and a strong foundation in all the major Islamic sciences. The Second Year Program is the natural continuation of Tayseer Seminary’s One Year Program, offering students the opportunity to deepen their study of the Islamic sciences through sustained engagement with the Arabic language and classical texts. By the end of the program, students will have strengthened their Arabic proficiency, gained meaningful experience studying classical texts in Arabic, and developed a deeper connection to the intellectual and spiritual heritage of Islam. Quick facts: - Duration: 9 months (Sept - May), scholarly program - Location: Knoxville, Tennessee - Prerequisite: One Year Program ### Guided Umrah & Hajj URL: https://tayseerseminary.org/programs/umrah/ Guided visit of Makkah and Madinah with Tayseer faculty Our guided Umrah program offers more than a pilgrimage, combining spiritual growth with deep learning alongside knowledgeable scholars. Our guided Umrah program offers more than just a pilgrimage. It is a transformative journey that combines spiritual growth with deep learning. Travelers are accompanied by knowledgeable scholars who help them maximize the blessings of their time in the holy cities. The program centers on guided worship and learning across Makkah and Madinah, with sacred site visits, group learning sessions, and structured days that move from congregational Fajr prayer and morning adhkar through guided worship and evening reflection. Travelers stay in carefully selected 5-star hotels, with all-inclusive ground transport and flights, 24/7 support staff, and pre-departure educational workshops to prepare for the journey. Upcoming trips: None currently scheduled. As past traveler Saira Ahmed shared: "It was an umrah unique from prior experiences. It's a gift to have shuyukh who are knowledgeable, personable, and role models for the younger participants." Quick facts: - Duration: Comprehensive travel support - Destinations: Visiting the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah - Group Size: 25 to 30 travelers accepted on average ### Ibn Abbas Youth Program URL: https://tayseerseminary.org/programs/ibn-abbas/ A three-week summer program for Muslim youth, combining structured learning with adventurous outings and lasting friendships. Inspired by the youthful and scholarly legacy of Ibn ‘Abbas, Tayseer Seminary's Ibn ‘Abbas Youth program helps young Muslims build a deep appreciation for their tradition without losing touch with modern realities. ‘Abd Allah Ibn ‘Abbas was a young cousin of the Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace, and he grew up to be one of the most influential and consequential personalities in the history of Islam. Ibn ‘Abbas rendered legal verdicts in many fields of knowledge and his contributions were essential to the shaping of our religion. Inspired by the youthful and scholarly legacy of Ibn ‘Abbas, Tayseer Seminary is launching Ibn ‘Abbas Youth, a 3-week youth program that offers a structured environment of learning for our youth, where they can establish a deep appreciation for their tradition without losing touch with modern realities. Studies will be balanced with adventurous and enjoyable outings, designed to foster suhba among students. In addition to conveying sound scholarship to our students, tailored to the basics of their religious obligations, the program is committed to providing them with a spiritual experience that strengthens their relationship with Allah Ta‘ala and His Prophet ﷺ, a relationship that is at the very core of their identity. Quick facts: - Location: Held at the Tayseer Seminary campus in Knoxville, TN - Ages: Open to Muslim teens ages 13 to 17 - What's Provided: Daily classes plus outdoor adventures and 3 full activity days - Dates: June 2027 (exact dates finalized by early 2027) - Daily Schedule: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM (activity days may run longer) ### Summer Arabic Intensive URL: https://tayseerseminary.org/programs/summer-arabic-intensive/ An immersive five-week Arabic intensive in the blessed city of Madinah, with 100 hours of instruction, a group Umrah, and deep spiritual companionship. Join us for an immersive Arabic language journey in al-Madina al-Munawwara designed to deepen your fluency, confidence, and connection to the language of the Qur'an. Join us for an immersive Arabic language journey designed to deepen your fluency, confidence, and connection to the language of the Qur'an. The Arabic Intensive, presented by Tayseer Seminary in partnership with various organizations, offers a unique blend of rigorous language instruction and spiritual enrichment. The Arabic Intensive is offered every summer. Past programs have been held in cities such as Istanbul and Knoxville, each bringing students into a focused, immersive environment to study the language of revelation. This year the program will be held in Madinah, featuring Dr. Hassan Lachheb and Dr. Michael Dann, running from June 29 to July 31. The program combines modern and classical Arabic methods with a comprehensive curriculum suited to all proficiency levels, integrating Dhikr and Qur'an studies, cultural immersion experiences, and dynamic conversation-based activities. As past participant Nurayah Deen shared: "My teachers were incredibly dedicated to helping each of us, and the small class sizes allowed us plenty of time to ask questions and practice conversing with one another. Overall, this program was an incredible catalyst in my journey toward understanding and, Insha'Allah, mastering the Arabic language." Quick facts: - Location: Held in Madinah, Saudi Arabia - Faculty: With Dr. Hassan Lachheb and Dr. Michael Dann - Dates: Coming Summer 2027 - Format: Immersive 5-week intensive in small, interactive classes - Proficiency Levels: Comprehensive curriculum for all proficiency levels ### Audit Classes URL: https://tayseerseminary.org/programs/audit/ Explore individual classes and enrich your Islamic knowledge at your own pace. Perfect for those seeking flexible learning options. Audit individual classes at Tayseer Seminary, learning from experienced scholars while maintaining your other commitments. Auditing is open to everyone, and no prior experience is required. Tuition is $225 per class, per semester, not including books and materials. The Audit Program lets you explore individual classes and enrich your Islamic knowledge at your own pace. It is perfect for working professionals, students, and community members seeking flexible learning options. Audit students experience the best of Islamic education with flexibility: weekly class schedules, evening time slots, recorded sessions, and make-up classes make it possible to learn while managing other commitments. Classes are taught by experienced scholars and educators, with comprehensive materials, interactive sessions, and office hours that ensure personal attention. Available classes include Ulum al-Qur'an, Suluk, Tajdid, Tafsir, and Fiqh, offered across the Fall and Spring terms. Registration is straightforward: choose your classes, complete a simple application, and register to secure your spot. Registration is open for upcoming semesters. Quick facts: - Schedule: Flexible, choose from Fall and Spring offerings - Investment: $225 per class, plus course materials - Prerequisites: Open to all, no prior experience required ### One Year Arabic Intensive URL: https://tayseerseminary.org/programs/seminary-arabic/ Through our immersive Arabic program, you'll gain proficiency in Qur'anic and classical Arabic in just one academic year. Our unique approach combines traditional methods with modern language acquisition techniques. Gain proficiency in Qur'anic and classical Arabic in a single academic year through a structured, immersive program in Knoxville. Quick facts: - Duration: 9 months (Sept – May), full-time immersive program - Location: Knoxville, Tennessee, in a dedicated language-learning environment - Next Start Date: September 2026 ### Wilderness Program URL: https://tayseerseminary.org/programs/wilderness/ Experience backpacking trips that combine wilderness skills with personal growth and environmental education. Transformative outdoor adventures that combine wilderness skills with personal growth, run through Tayseer Wilderness. Our outdoor program offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and connect with nature. Through expert guidance and hands-on experience, you'll develop essential outdoor skills while fostering a deeper connection with the natural world. Programs run 5 to 7 days through various pristine wilderness areas, with small groups of 12 to 15 participants and certified wilderness instructors. All skill levels are welcome and the program is beginner friendly. Days are structured around sunrise meditation, wilderness skills training, and nature exploration in the morning; navigation practice, environmental education, and team challenges in the afternoon; and campfire discussions, stargazing, and reflection in the evening. Participants learn navigation, outdoor cooking and camping skills, and wilderness first aid, while experiencing activities such as backpacking, whitewater rafting, and horseback riding across some of America's most beautiful wilderness areas. The program builds resilience, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. For the latest programs, schedules, and registration information, visit TayseerWilderness.org. Quick facts: - Duration: 5-7 days, immersive experience - Location: Various wilderness areas in pristine natural settings - Group Size: 12-15 for personal attention - Skill Level: All levels, beginner friendly ### Online Arabic URL: https://tayseerseminary.org/programs/online-arabic/ Flexible online Arabic learning for new and continuing students across all levels, taught by native-speaking instructors in Madinah through Tayseer Seminary and the University of Prince Mugrin. Build and deepen your command of Qur’anic and classical Arabic from wherever you are. This online program helps new and continuing students build practical command of Arabic while deepening their ability to understand Qur’anic and classical texts. Its curriculum treats Arabic as one connected language: students practice communication while learning to read and understand the texts at the heart of the Islamic tradition. Instruction balances communication-based learning with grammar and morphology. Each level is designed around the student’s current ability, from a first foundation through more advanced reading, syntax, and expression. The program is offered in collaboration with the University of Prince Mugrin in Madinah. Instructors are native Arabic speakers affiliated with the university’s Global Center for Arabic Study. Quick facts: - Fall Start: September 20, 2026 - Audience: Open to new & continuing students - Format: 15 weeks online, 5 hours per week - Tuition: $450 fall semester or $800 full year (save $100) - Levels: Foundational, intermediate, and advanced tracks - Academic Support: Live weekly instruction and student discussion channels ## Pages ### Mission & Vision Learn about Tayseer Seminary: our mission, our vision, our core values, and the story of how we educate a new generation of American Muslim leaders since 2012. #### Our Story #### Our Mission #### Our Vision #### Our Core Values #### Begin Your Journey at Tayseer ### Apply to Tayseer Seminary Apply to Tayseer Seminary: review the One Year, Second Year, and Summer Arabic Intensive programs, application steps, requirements, and important dates for prospective students. #### Your Journey to Islamic Education Starts Here #### Admissions Cycles #### How to Apply #### Program Requirements #### Financial Information #### Ready to Apply? ### Contact Us Get in touch with Tayseer Seminary in Knoxville, Tennessee. Email, phone, and mailing address for admissions, donations, partnerships, and speaker requests. #### Our Team is Here to Help #### Ways to Connect #### Visit Our Campus #### Find Us ### Support Our Sacred Mission Support classical Islamic education at Tayseer Seminary. Donations help fund scholarships, faculty, and programs that train the next generation of Muslim leaders in America. #### Invest in Sacred Knowledge #### Your Impact #### How Your Donation Helps #### Ways to Give #### Give today ### Frequently Asked Questions Frequently asked questions about Tayseer Seminary admissions, tuition, housing, life in Knoxville, qualifications, accreditation, and the ijaza system. #### Admissions & Programs #### Tuition & Financial Aid #### Housing & Life in Knoxville #### Still have questions? ### Academic Calendar Academic calendar for Tayseer Seminary's 2026-27 year. Important dates for orientation, classes, conferences, retreats, breaks, and graduation. #### 2026-27 Academic Year #### Summer 2026 #### Fall 2026 #### Spring 2027 #### Questions or Ideas? ### Seminary FAQ Frequently asked questions about Tayseer Seminary admissions: tuition, housing, life in Knoxville, qualifications, accreditation, and the ijāza system. #### Seminary FAQ #### Frequently asked questions #### Still have questions? ### Tuition & Fees Tayseer Seminary tuition and fees for One Year Seminary, Audit Classes, Second Year Program, and One Year Arabic Intensive. #### Our Programs #### Financial Aid #### Have Questions? We're Here to Help! ### Request a Speaker Request a Tayseer Seminary faculty member to speak at your event. Submit speaker requests at least one month in advance. #### Invite a Tayseer Speaker #### Important Notes ### Stories of Transformation Hear from Tayseer Seminary students and alumni about their transformative experiences: classical Islamic studies, spiritual growth, and lifelong friendships forged in Knoxville. #### In Their Own Words #### Voices from our community #### Where Our Alumni Serve #### Begin your own journey ## Faculty and Partners ### Dr. Hassan Lachheb Founder and President Dr. Hassan Lachheb is the founder and president of Tayseer Seminary. He holds a Ph.D in Religious Studies from the University of Indiana, Bloomington, with a focus on theory of religion and Islamic studies. His research is focused on the intellectual history and religiosity of the Muslims in the Maghreb and Andalus. Dr. Lachheb completed his M.A. in Islamic Theology, Islamic Legal Theory, and Maliki Jurisprudence at Dar al-Hadith al-Hassaniyyah for Higher Islamic Studies in Rabat, Morocco with honors in 2000. In addition, he completed his B.A. with distinction in Arabic Language and Literature at Mohamed V University in Rabat. He also attended the Madrasa of Shaykh Abdullah al-Talidi in Tangier, Morocco where he extensively studied several disciplines including Principles of Jurisprudence (Usul al-Fiqh), Arabic Grammar, Philology, and Literature. He has also received many ijazaat (licenses to teach) from prominent scholars in Hadith, Comparative Jurisprudence (fiqh), and the Sciences of Qur'an. He has studied under several of the foremost Islamic scholars in Morocco. Dr. Lachheb is a resident scholar of the Muslim Community of Knoxville. ### Ustadha Zaynab Ansari Core Faculty & Women's Scholar-in-Residence Ustadha Zaynab has served as a member of the core faculty of Tayseer Seminary and women's scholar-in-residence since 2014. Originally from Atlanta, Ustadha Zaynab relocated to Knoxville, TN to take on this pioneering role for a Muslim community. As a full-time instructor at Tayseer Seminary, Ustadha Zaynab teaches courses in Islamic law, Qur'anic sciences, Qur'anic exegesis, Prophetic biography, American Muslim history, women in Islam, and reading and interpretation of Arabic texts. Ustadha Zaynab also serves as an adjunct instructor at several distinguished institutions, including Boston Islamic Seminary, Rabata, and Jannah Institute. Prior to her joining Tayseer Seminary, Ustadha Zaynab spent many years in the burgeoning field of online Islamic education as a consultant, writer, volunteer, and instructor. Ustadha Zaynab was blessed to have studied in the Middle East, spending her formative years in Damascus, Syria, where she was introduced to the foundations of traditional Islam and the etiquette of knowledge and spiritual purification. Upon her return from the Middle East, she enrolled in Georgia State University where she focused on interdisciplinary studies in the humanities with an emphasis on history and Middle Eastern Studies. ### Dr. Michael Dann Faculty Dr. Michael Abdullah Dann joined the faculty of Tayseer Seminary in 2020. He earned his Ph.D. in Religion at Princeton University in 2015, and his B.A. in Arabic and Islamic Studies from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 2006. Dr. Dann studied the traditional Islamic sciences in Egypt with scholars from Al-Azhar University and in Morocco at Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University. He has studied and received ijazas in hadith with scholars from throughout the Muslim world. Prior to joining the faculty at Tayseer, he served as an Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He also served as an Instructor of Arabic at Fawakih Institute and of the Islamic sciences at Nakhla Institute in Trenton, NJ and currently serves as a chaplain in local prisons. He is the translator and editor of several works from Arabic to English. His academic research and publications are focused on hadith and the early history of the Sunni-Shi'i divide. ### Ustadh Nadeem Siddiqi Faculty Ustadh Nadeem Siddiqi grew up in Knoxville where he has lived since 1977. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Economics in 2002 and from Tayseer Seminary in 2016 in its first class. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Muslim Community of Knoxville, Annoor Academy of Knoxville, Tayseer Seminary, and the Association of Muslim Chaplains. He serves on the faculty of Tayseer Seminary where he teaches a course in community activism. Ustadh Nadeem serves as a Muslim Chaplain in the local prisons and at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville for the Muslim Student Association. Ustadh Nadeem is a local investor and advisor to businesses ranging from healthcare, IT services, real estate, and hospitality industries. ### Dr. Salmaan Toor Part-Time Faculty Dr. Salmaan Toor serves as the Director of Student Services and Mental Health Support at Tayseer Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a focus on cultural competency in mental health services. His research examines the intersection of Islamic spirituality and psychological well-being in Muslim American communities. Dr. Toor completed his M.A. in Experimental Psychology at William & Mary, where he developed innovative approaches to understanding religious identity and mental health. He has served as a Clinical Psychologist at The Family Center of Knoxville since 2012, where he specializes in culturally sensitive therapeutic practices. At Tayseer, he integrates traditional Islamic concepts of mental and spiritual health with contemporary psychological best practices, helping students navigate the challenges of intensive religious study while maintaining psychological and spiritual well-being. Dr. Toor regularly presents at conferences on Islamic psychology and works to develop resources for Muslim mental health professionals. ### Dr. Khalid Shahu Part-Time Faculty Dr. Khalid Shahu serves as the Director of Arabic Studies at Tayseer Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology of Language from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, focusing on Language Policy & Planning in Post-Colonial North African Countries. He earned his M.A. degrees in Arabo-Hispanic Linguistics from Mohamed V University and Philosophy of Language from CUNY. Before joining Tayseer, he served as Teaching Assistant Professor of Arabic at UNC-Chapel Hill and founded Apex Mosque in North Carolina, where he served as Imam from 2010-2020. Dr. Shahu has authored several works including "Qur'anic Arabic: Delve and Dive in the Language of Qur'an" and "The Seekers' Path to Discover the Perfection of the Best of Creation." His extensive teaching experience includes positions at Brooklyn College, Durham Technical Community College, and North Carolina Central University. At Tayseer, he combines his academic expertise in Arabic linguistics with his practical experience in Islamic education and community leadership. Dr. Shahu continues to work on publications that form part of a comprehensive community education project. ### Muslim Community of Knoxville Partner Organization The Muslim Community of Knoxville (MCK) is the principal masjid serving the Knoxville area and a founding partner of Tayseer Seminary. Several of Tayseer's faculty serve the MCK community, and Dr. Hassan Lachheb is its resident scholar. MCK provides the local congregational and community anchor for the seminary, with daily prayers, Jumu'ah, and community programming that complement Tayseer's classroom instruction. ### Midad Partner Organization Midad is an Arabic language institute partnering with Tayseer Seminary to strengthen students' command of classical Arabic, the gateway to the Islamic sciences. The partnership supports Tayseer's Arabic curriculum with specialised language instruction, helping students build the linguistic foundation required for advanced study of Qur'an, hadith, and fiqh. ### Annoor Academy of Knoxville Partner Organization Annoor Academy of Knoxville is an Islamic school and a community partner of Tayseer Seminary. Members of Tayseer's faculty serve on its Board of Directors. The partnership connects Tayseer's seminary-level training with K–12 Islamic education in the Knoxville area, supporting a continuous pathway of Islamic learning across the community. ### University of Prince Mugrin Partner Organization The University of Prince Mugrin is a distinguished university based in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, the blessed city of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. Through its Global Center for Teaching Arabic Language to Non-Native Speakers, it stands among the most cherished centers of Arabic and Islamic learning in the world. In 2026, Tayseer Seminary signed a formal service agreement with the University of Prince Mugrin, establishing a partnership in Arabic language programs for non-native speakers. The collaboration unites Tayseer’s Arabic education and outreach across the United States with the university’s academic standing in Madinah, expanding access to authentic, high-quality Arabic instruction. ## Events - Introduction to Islamic Studies: 2025-03-15T10:00:00, Main Campus - Room 101 - Community Iftar Gathering: 2025-04-10T18:30:00, Community Hall - Spiritual Retreat: 2024-05-20T09:00:00, Retreat Center - Arabic Language Workshop: 2023-09-15T10:00:00, Language Lab - Room 201 - Islamic History Seminar: 2023-08-01T14:00:00, Main Auditorium - Community Service Day: 2023-07-10T08:00:00, Various Locations - Youth Leadership Conference: 2025-01-20T09:00:00, Conference Center - Family Fun Day: 2024-07-04T11:00:00, Community Park - Ramadan Preparation Workshop: 2024-02-15T18:30:00, Main Prayer Hall - Islamic Finance Seminar: 2024-03-01T10:00:00, Lecture Hall A - Online Arabic Classes – Fall Semester: Sun Sep 20, 2026 12:00 AM - Ibn Abbas Youth Camp: Mon Jun 1, 2026 8:00 AM, Tayseer Seminary - Madinah Arabic Intensive: Mon Jun 29, 2026 6:00 PM, Madinah - Madinah Arabic Intensive: Mon Jun 29, 2026 6:00 PM, Madinah - Madinah Arabic Intensive Full Payment: Mon Jun 29, 2026 6:00 PM, Madinah - Madinah Arabic Intensive Full Payment: Mon Jun 29, 2026 6:00 PM, Madinah - Madinah Arabic Intensive Summer 2027: Wed Jun 30, 2027 12:00 AM, Madinah - November 2026 Umrah with Tayseer Seminary: Fri Nov 20, 2026 12:00 AM, Makkah/Madinah - Tayseer Seminary's Annual reading of the Shama'il 2026: Mon Oct 19, 2026 9:00 AM, Tayseer Seminary - November 2026 Umrah with Tayseer Seminary: Fri Nov 20, 2026 6:00 AM, Makkah/Madinah ## Media Playlists - Banu Isra'il And Us: 7 videos - Daily Dhikr: 1 videos - Ramadan Reflections: 3 videos - Graduations: 7 videos - Shama'il with Dr. Hassan Lachheb: 4 videos - "When God Calls Us" with Tayseer Faculty: 14 videos - Divine Traditions of Dhul Hijjah with Tayseer Faculty: 5 videos - Community: 6 videos