Foundations Program

At Mufid Seminary, we seek dedicated and passionate individuals who aspire to deepen their understanding of Islam and make meaningful contributions to their communities. To ensure a strong and committed student body, we have established the following eligibility requirements for our applicants:

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Commitment to the Full Program

The Foundations Program is a structured, two-year journey in Islamic learning. Students must commit to the full program duration, participating in all required courses and attending mandatory in-person intensives. Furthermore, the Foundations Program follows a structured class schedule that falls between 6–9 PM EST on weekdays. While specific course times shift each semester, students must reserve this time to accommodate class changes and avoid scheduling conflicts.

Students in the Foundations Program are required to attend two in-person Weekend Intensives per year, typically held at the start of the Fall and Spring semesters. These intensives take place in cities such as Washington D.C., Dearborn (MI), and other major metropolitan areas. While students are responsible for their own travel, Mufid Seminary provides accommodations and offers limited travel stipends based on financial need.

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Foundational Islamic Knowledge:
A sincere commitment to learning is more important than formal training in Islamic sciences. While familiarity with Quran, Hadith, Theology (Aqa’id), Prophetic Biography (Seerah), and Islamic Law (Ahkam) is helpful, the Foundations Program is designed to strengthen and expand that knowledge. Students from diverse educational backgrounds join our program to deepen their understanding and engage meaningfully with Islamic tradition.

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Prior Education:
Applicants must either have earned or be currently enrolled to earn an Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

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Residency:
Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or Canada.

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‍Arabic and Quranic Proficiency:
Applicants should know the Arabic alphabet and have the ability to read the Quran, even if they cannot understand any of it. This proficiency is essential for engaging with primary Islamic texts and for success in our programs.

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English Language Proficiency:

For non-native English speakers, submission of TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate proficiency in English.

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‍Statement of Purpose:

As part of the application process, applicants must submit a Statement of Purpose (approximately 500-700 words) reflecting on their motivations for joining the Foundations Program and their aspirations in Islamic learning. This statement helps us understand each student’s background, interests, and goals while ensuring alignment with the program’s objectives.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss their reasons for applying to Mufid Seminary, the role of Islamic knowledge in their personal and spiritual development, and the challenges they see facing the Muslim community in North America. They may also reflect on their long-term aspirations in Islamic learning and how they hope the Foundations Program will help them achieve those goals. While responses do not need to follow a rigid structure, they should be thoughtful, structured, and demonstrate a sincere commitment to learning.

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Two (2) Letters of Recommendation:

Applicants must submit two Letters of Recommendation from individuals who can speak to their intellectual readiness, ability to engage in structured learning, and personal qualities that will contribute to their success at Mufid Seminary. These letters should be submitted by the applicant along with their application rather than being sent directly by the recommender.

Recommenders should be individuals who have had direct experience with the applicant’s academic, professional, or personal development. This may include a professor or mentor familiar with the applicant’s ability to study and engage with complex material, a professional supervisor who can speak to their work ethic and discipline, or a community leader who has observed their commitment to faith, service, or leadership. Letters should provide specific examples of the applicant’s strengths, particularly their critical thinking, discipline, and ability to engage meaningfully with structured coursework.

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‍Character Reference Letter:

In addition to the Letters of Recommendation, applicants must submit a Character Reference Letter from a religious scholar who can attest to their commitment to Islamic principles, moral character, and sincerity in pursuing Islamic knowledge.

This letter should come from a recognized religious scholar, teacher, or community leader who has personally interacted with the applicant. It should provide insight into the applicant’s spiritual character, ethics, and readiness to engage in Islamic scholarship. The recommender should describe their relationship with the applicant and highlight their sincerity, discipline, and conduct in an Islamic learning environment.

While the Foundations Program is designed to help students develop their Islamic foundations, this letter ensures that applicants are genuinely invested in the pursuit of knowledge and will contribute positively to the learning environment.