Nestled in the heart of the holy city of Medina, the Islamic University of Medina was established by the Saudi government in 1997 with a noble vision: to spread the timeless message of Islam through comprehensive education. Since its inception, the University has stood as a beacon of knowledge and a bridge connecting Muslims from around the globe to the rich heritage of Islamic scholarship.

Each year, over 45,000 aspiring students apply for admission through the My Grant program, drawn by the University’s esteemed reputation and spiritual significance. From this vast pool of applicants, only 3,500 are accepted, creating a highly competitive and selective academic environment. Remarkably, 85% of the student body hails from 170 different countries, while the remaining 15% are citizens of Saudi Arabia, fostering a unique and vibrant international community.

In June 2022, this extraordinary diversity was recognized globally when the University entered into the Guinness Book of Records as the institution with the greatest student diversity. This accolade underscores the University’s role as a global hub of Islamic learning and cultural exchange.

The student population has seen significant growth over the years. As of 2019, the University had 9,604 undergraduate students, 2,692 graduate students, and 3,024 students enrolled in various institutes and courses, totaling 15,320 students. This number continues to rise, reaching 16,150 students by 2021. The Islamic University of Medina graduates are now found across the globe, carrying forward the knowledge and values imparted during their time at this prestigious institution.

The Islamic University of Medina remains committed to its mission of spreading the teachings of Islam and nurturing future leaders who will contribute to their communities and the broader Ummah.

Arabic language institute for non-Arabic speakers

Since many incoming students do not speak Arabic, the University has established a dedicated institute on campus to teach the language. This institute is housed in a separate building designed to accommodate hundreds of students. Upon admission, each student undergoes an interview to assess their skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking Arabic. Based on the results, students are placed into four different levels according to their language proficiency.

Each level requires a semester to complete. Thus, students starting at level one will need two years to finish the program and earn their diploma, during which they will achieve fluency in Arabic.

The institute offers two shifts: morning classes from 8 AM to 12:50 PM and afternoon classes beginning at 1 PM. Each lesson lasts 50 minutes, with a 10-minute break in between. The academic week in Arab countries starts on Sunday, so classes run from Sunday to Thursday.

As students progress through the levels, the coursework becomes more rigorous. At the first level, students take four subjects. By the second level, the curriculum expands to seven subjects, including lessons in Fiqh, Hadith, and the Stories of the Prophets. In my experience, the third level is the most demanding, introducing subjects like Monotheism, the Biography of Prophet Muhammed ﷺ, Tajweed, and more detailed Fiqh studies. At the fourth level, students even study the eloquence of the Arabic language. Below is a detailed list of the subjects covered at each level:

While it may seem a bit intimidating at first, rest assured that mastering Arabic at the institute is entirely achievable with consistent daily effort. The key to success lies in dedication and perseverance.

To support your journey, the institute provides all necessary study materials free of charge. Each level is distinguished by a specific color of textbooks, making it easy to follow along:

•  Green books are used for the first level, laying the foundation of your Arabic learning experience.
•  Brown books guide you through the second level, expanding your knowledge and skills.
•  Dark brown books accompany the third level, where the learning becomes more comprehensive and detailed.
•  Orange books are for the fourth level, helping you master the eloquence of the Arabic language.2422
   

Faculties at Medina University 

There are five departments one can join in Medina University to seek knowledge. Let’s go through each of these faculties briefly:

Faculty of the Quran and Islamic Sciences (Kulliyat al Qur'an al Kareem wa Dirasaat al Islamiyya)

The Faculty of the Qur'an and Islamic Sciences is renowned as the most challenging among all faculties. Admission requires students to have memorized the entire Qur'an before applying. Prospective students must pass a rigorous entrance exam that tests their knowledge of the Quran. This faculty specializes in the comprehensive study of the Qur'an, delving into its meanings and interpretations.

For those pursuing a master's degree, the faculty is divided into the following sections:

1. Qira'at - Types of Qur'anic recitation

2. Tafsir - Interpretation of the Qur'an

Faculty of Hadith and Islamic Sciences (Kulliyat Al Hadeeth Wa Dirasaat al Islamiyya )

The Faculty of Hadith and Islamic Sciences is considered the second most complex faculty at the university. It specializes in the study of the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, exploring the various sciences related to Hadith, as well as Shari'a and Islamic sciences. Students in this faculty engage deeply with the collection, authentication, and interpretation of Hadith.

The Master's program in this faculty is divided into the following sections:

1. Jurisprudence on Hadith and its Foundations

2. Sciences Related to Hadith

This faculty provides a rigorous and comprehensive education, preparing students to become experts in Hadith and its related disciplines.

Faculty of Islamic Preaching and the Foundations of Religion (Kulliyat Ad Da’wa wal Usooluddeen)

The Faculty of Islamic Preaching and the Foundations of Religion focuses on the study of Islamic beliefs, the beliefs of other religions and religious movements, and the history of the Islamic community. This faculty aims to equip students with a deep understanding of Aqidah (Creed) and the principles of Dawah (Islamic call).

The Master's program in this faculty is organized into four sections:

1. Aqidah (Creed)

2. Islamic Call

3. History of Islam

4. Education

This faculty provides a comprehensive education in the foundational aspects of Islam, preparing students to engage in informed dialogue and effectively convey the teachings of Islam.

Faculty of Sharia (Kulliyat Ash Shari’a)

The Faculty of Sharia specializes in the study of Islamic jurisprudence and its foundations. This faculty delves into the principles and applications of Sharia law, providing students with a thorough understanding of Islamic legal theory and practice.

The faculty includes the following sections:

1. Islamic Jurisprudence

2. Fundamentals of Islamic Jurisprudence

This faculty prepares students to become experts in Sharia, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to interpret and apply Islamic law in various contexts.

Faculty of Arabic Language (Kulliyat Al-Lughat Al Arabiyya)

Last but not least, the Faculty of Arabic Language specializes in the study of the Arabic language, its sciences, and literature. This faculty is dedicated to fostering a deep understanding of the Arabic language, essential for grasping the intricacies of Islamic texts and culture.

The Master's program in this faculty is divided into the following sections:

1. Linguistics

2. Rhetoric and Literature

This faculty equips students with a profound knowledge of Arabic, enabling them to appreciate and analyze its linguistic and literary aspects.

Halaqat inside the Medina University

On the university campus, students have the opportunity to attend additional classes in the so-called "Halaqat" or "study circles." These classes are designed to help students learn the correct recitation of the Qur'an, memorize the Qur'an, Hadith and other Islamic texts.

What is a Study Circle?

A study circle is a place within the mosque where students gather to learn something specific, such as memorizing the Qur'an with the help of a tutor appointed by the university. These circles provide a focused and supportive environment for deepening one's Islamic knowledge.

Popular Study Circles

There are several study circles available, with the most popular ones being:

1. Study Circle for Memorizing the Qur'an - Focuses on helping students commit the entire Qur'an to memory.

2. Study Circle for Qur'an Recitation Corrections - Helps students improve their recitation accuracy.

3. Study Circle for Qur'an Accuracy and Mastery - Designed for students who have already memorized the Qur'an and wish to perfect their recitation.

4. Study Circle for Memorizing Islamic Knowledge Texts - Aids students in memorizing essential Islamic texts and Hadith.

These study circles are held after prayers in the mosques on the University campus. There are two mosques on campus, with the Ibn Baz Mosque being the first mosque built on the University grounds.

And the second one is the mosque of Muhammad ibn Ibrahim:

In the mosque, the teacher sits near the pillars assigned to him. Students gather in a circle around him, taking turns to approach individually for study. It's a respectful and focused environment where each student listens carefully to the teacher's teachings. The setting is serene and dedicated to learning, emphasizing the tradition of passing knowledge from teacher to student in a calm and thoughtful manner.

Having a tutor who provides individualized lessons, even if they're short, is incredibly valuable and motivating for students to memorize their studies. While studying in study circles is optional, students are encouraged to participate in this collaborative learning environment.

Hard-working students are recognized and rewarded for their efforts within these study circles. Upon completing parts of their program, they receive certificates and sometimes financial bonuses. Annually, competitions are held where students showcase their memorization of Qur'anic verses and texts of Islamic knowledge, competing for prizes.

For instance, one graduate shared that a competition for memorizing Islamic texts had a first-place prize of 10,000 riyals. Later, it was raised to 12,000 riyals, which is quite impressive. These competitions aim not just to reward students, but also to acknowledge their dedication and encourage excellence in their studies. Ultimately, students engage in these activities not solely for prizes but for the pleasure of pleasing the Almighty, with hopes of receiving blessings both in this life and the Hereafter.

Central Library of the university

The University boasts an expansive library, housing an extensive collection that caters to both Islamic and secular sciences. Located within its central building, this library is equipped to support high-quality education. By 2015, it already held over 150,000 Arabic books covering a wide array of disciplines.

On the first and second floors, students can explore a vast selection of literature ranging from Islamic studies—such as creed, jurisprudence, and biographies—to various fields like Psychology, Geography, Chemistry, and more. While silence is strictly observed in most areas, designated zones allow for discussions and friendly interactions.

The library's third floor hosts a treasure trove: the Hall of Manuscripts, home to over 3,500 manuscripts, some dating back more than a millennium. Additionally, the library preserves the academic achievements of its graduates, housing thousands of Master's and PhD theses. These scholarly works are digitally archived, accessible via library computers.

For ease of access, the library maintains catalogs detailing the topics of all academic papers, aiding students in swiftly locating the resources they need. This infrastructure underscores the University's commitment to fostering comprehensive learning across Islamic and contemporary sciences.