Shamail Studies

Explore the beautiful characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through in-depth study of the Shamā'il of Imam at-Tirmidhi.

About the program

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.

As an annual event often held in Rabīʿ al-Awwal, students read along with Dr. Hassan Lachheb the entirety of Ash-Shamāʾil al-Muḥammadiyya, A Portrait of the Prophet ﷺ, compiled by Imam al-Tirmidhi.

At a Glance

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

Experience the Prophet's ﷺ characteristics

A comprehensive approach to studying the Prophet ﷺ, from his physical description to his daily practices, his social interactions, and his connection with the natural world.

In-Depth Study of Prophetic Characteristics

Detailed exploration of the Prophet's ﷺ physical description, character, and daily practices, drawn from the loving observations of his companions.

Connection to the Natural World

Insights into the Prophet's ﷺ relationship with nature, food, sleep, and the rhythms of daily life as recorded in the hadith collection.

Social Interactions & Relationships

Understanding the Prophet's ﷺ conduct with companions, family, neighbours, and strangers, with practical lessons for community life today.

Spiritual Practices & Worship

Examining his patterns of prayer, dhikr, fasting, and the personal devotional life that shaped his character.

Reading with Living Scholarship

Read the entire Shamāʾil al-Muḥammadiyya under the guidance of Dr. Hassan Lachheb across the full intensive.

Receiving an Ijaza

Students who attend the full program receive an ijāza connecting them to the chains of transmission of this beloved text.

A tradition of travel

Bringing Shamāʾil to your city

In addition to the yearly Shamāʾil reading we host at Tayseer Seminary every fall, we have travelled to host communities and masājid across the country in recent years.

Tayseer Seminary (home)Cities we have travelled to

★
Knoxville, TN
Tayseer Seminary · yearly reading every fall
1
Baltimore, MD
Islamic Society of Baltimore
2
Cary, NC
Islamic Center of Cary
3
Atlanta, GA
Anhar Institute
4
Irvine, CA
Rahma Center
5
Nashville, TN
Islamic Center of Nashville
6
Boston, MA
Boston Islamic Seminary

Interested in hosting? Email [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shamāʾil?

Shamāʾil is a selection of hadith compiled by the ninth-century scholar at-Tirmidhi that presents our Beloved Prophet ﷺ through the companions that surrounded him.

Do I need to register to attend in-person?

Yes. Registration is required for everyone attending in person.

Do I need to purchase a book?

We recommend you purchase your book from [Fons Vitae](https://fonsvitae.com/product/a-portrait-of-the-prophet-as-seen-by-his-contemporaries/). We also have copies available for sale on-site during the event. You can also pay online and pick up in-person, or [contact us](/connect) with any questions.

How can I bring the Shamāʾil Intensive to my city?

Email us at [email protected].