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One Year Program

A comprehensive curriculum that combines traditional learning, enlightening spirituality, and activism.

About the program

The Tayseer Experience

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.

The Tayseer Experience

At a Glance

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

Knowledge

A comprehensive and holistic introduction to the core sciences of the Islamic scholarly tradition.

Knowledge

Methodology of Religious Knowledge

Students will embark in an in-depth study of the Book of Knowledge from the Ihya ulum-al-Din of Imam al-Ghazali. The class promotes the importance of seeking knowledge in a methodological and meaningful way that ultimately leads to personal and communal growth.

Ulum ul-Qur'ān and Tafsir (Exegesis)

Starting with an introduction to the Qur'ānic sciences, students learn the spiritual, linguistic, and sociological aspects of the Qur'ān, eventually ending the semester with a holistic analysis of at least one full Surah.

Tawhid (Theology)

Knowing one's creed is the most important component of our faith. After a thorough survey of Islamic intellectual history, students learn about God, the Unseen, and the Afterlife based on the celebrated Creed of Imam al-Tahawi.

Seerah (Prophetic Biography)

A journey through the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) and his companions' lives emphasizing relevant lessons for individuals, families, and communities today.

Hadith Studies

An in-depth study of the basic terminology and sources of Hadith, along with extensive commentary on some of the most influential short compendia of Hadith.

Fiqh (Jurisprudence)

A detailed study of the fiqh of worship: purification, prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, and zakat. While comparative approaches are considered, emphasis is placed on one of the four schools of Sacred Law.

Islam and Modernity

Students examine the intersections and conflicts between Islam and modernity, the roots of Islamophobia, and ongoing debates about Islam's relationship with the West and the influence of post-modernism and secularism on Muslim societies.

Spirituality

Forge a profound and everlasting relationship with the Divine through daily dhikr, Qur'an study, daily prayer in congregation, qiyām, ribāṭ, and spiritual retreats.

Suluk

Often described by students as a mirror to their soul, the Suluk class explores strategies for spiritual refinement laid out in some of the most influential works in the field. The instructor also addresses the practical issues students face in applying spiritual solutions to their different and shifting realities.

Spirituality

Activism

Community service projects are centered as an essential part of a holistic educational experience.

Activism

Tajdid (Activism)

Revival of communal commitment to the Qur'ān and Sunnah is essential in any effort to establish a Prophetic Community. Students explore issues preventing communities from reaching their full potential, the Qur'ānic concept of stewardship, and how to overcome those challenges through governance and policy.

Islam in America

An overview of the history of Islam in the United States, from the faith of enslaved West African Muslims through later waves of immigration and African American movements. Students trace how Muslims have been part of the American story from its earliest days, moving between periods of acceptance and suspicion, and how a distinctively American Islam took shape through religious freedom, racial politics, and the civil rights struggle.

Counseling

Led by a licensed clinical psychologist, this class is an introduction to the field and principles of mental-health counseling. Students learn practical skills for effective engagement with their communities, plus a wellness component on stress mitigation, healthy coping skills, and work-school-life balance.

Islam and Modernity

Explore how Islamic principles inform faithful engagement with contemporary questions and modern life.

Our campus community

Situated on a scenic campus in Knoxville, Tennessee, Tayseer Seminary offers the perfect blend of urban accessibility and natural beauty. Our three-story facility includes modern classrooms, a student commons, a library, and prayer spaces, while the surrounding woodland provides space for outdoor classes and activities.

Students are part of Knoxville's growing Muslim community, with easy access to multiple masajid and Islamic centers, halal restaurants and markets, weekend trips to the Great Smoky Mountains, and rich cultural opportunities in a vibrant university town.

Our campus community

Upon graduation

Complete your journey equipped with knowledge and the ability to make a real impact

You'll Receive

  • Official Tayseer Seminary Diploma
    A recognized certification of your comprehensive Islamic education.
  • Letters of Recommendation
    Support for your future academic or professional pursuits.
  • Access to Alumni Network
    Join a growing community of graduates worldwide.
  • Ongoing Mentorship
    Continue receiving guidance post-graduation.

You'll Be Prepared To

  • Reorient Your Life Toward the Hereafter
    Develop habits, perspectives, and priorities that place worship and the remembrance of Allah at the center of your life.
  • Serve Others with Purpose
    Embody the values of khidma, companionship, and community engagement wherever Allah places you.
  • Navigate Contemporary Challenges
    Apply traditional wisdom to modern contexts.
  • Continue Your Growth
    Build upon your foundation of knowledge.

Take the next step

Interested in One Year Program? Reach out to learn more, or register today.