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.
Shamail StudiesShamail 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.
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 with commentary on how it applies to our lives today.
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. 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 with any questions.
How can I bring the Shamāʾil Intensive to my city?
Email us at [email protected].
Gallery
Register
Upcoming Events
Tayseer Seminary's Annual reading of the Shama'il 2026
- Mon, Oct 19, 2026
- 9:00 AM
- Tayseer Seminary
- $30
This is an annual event for our students to read along with Dr. Hassan Lachheb the entirety of Ash-Shamāʾil al-Muḥammadiyya, A Portrait of the Prophet ﷺ, compiled by Imam...Read moreShow less
This is an annual event for our students to read along with Dr. Hassan Lachheb the entirety of Ash-Shamāʾil al-Muḥammadiyya, A Portrait of the Prophet ﷺ, compiled by Imam al-Tirmidhi. We invite community members and alumni to join us for this blessed gathering. 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. Morning sessions: 8:30 am - 1:30 pm (lunch included) Evening sessions: 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm. A copy of the book can be purchased at Fons Vitae . We will also have some copies available onsite for $35.
Take the next step
Interested in Shamail Studies? Reach out to learn more, or register today.