"Kulliyat An Nabawi" typically translates to "The Prophetic College" or "The College of the Prophet." This term could refer to an institution or program focused on studying the life and teachings of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad.
The College of the Prophet's Mosque
Few people are aware that within the sacred confines of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, there exists a prestigious higher educational institution known as the “College of the Prophet’s Mosque.” This college is not just an academic establishment but a unique center of Islamic learning deeply rooted in the historical and spiritual significance of its location. It serves as a beacon of knowledge and piety, offering an unparalleled educational experience that integrates traditional Islamic teachings with modern educational methodologies.
The College of the Prophet’s Mosque provides students with an extraordinary opportunity to study in one of the holiest sites in Islam, where they are surrounded by an atmosphere of spirituality and devotion. This setting enhances their educational journey, enriching their studies with a sense of purpose and reverence. The college attracts students from all over the world, drawn by the chance to learn under the esteemed scholars and to immerse themselves in the rich Islamic heritage that the mosque represents.
The educational programs at Masjid al-Nabawi offer an immersive exploration of essential Islamic disciplines such as fiqh, hadith, and tawheed, under the guidance of revered scholars renowned worldwide for their expertise. Nestled within the historic Masjid al-Nabawi, the esteemed College of the Prophet's Mosque offers two distinctive academic paths: Ma'had, which lays a strong foundation in Islamic studies, and Kulliyah, a comprehensive bachelor's degree program designed to deepen scholarly insights. These programs are meticulously crafted to equip students with a profound understanding of Islamic teachings and principles.
Very few people know of this golden opportunity to study Islamic sciences in the masjid an nabawi.
Students from diverse cultural backgrounds and corners of the globe converge here to benefit from this unparalleled educational opportunity, which is generously provided free of charge and open to both male and female learners. The environment at Masjid al-Nabawi fosters a rich exchange of knowledge and ideas, cultivating a community of scholars dedicated to advancing their understanding of Islam. This inclusive learning atmosphere not only nurtures academic excellence but also empowers students to become informed leaders and ambassadors of Islamic wisdom in their respective communities and beyond.
This islamic science college, which opened on 10/16/1431 AH (09/25/2010), welcomes students with a high school diploma who wish to pursue further studies in Shariah sciences. There are no age restrictions, although exams must be passed for admission.
Not only do male students have the opportunity to study at the College of the Prophet’s Mosque, but female students also have access to this golden opportunity. The college welcomes female applicants who meet the requirements, providing them with the same high-quality education and resources. The inclusion of female students reflects the college’s commitment to comprehensive Islamic education and equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender. This environment fosters a diverse and inclusive academic community where both men and women can pursue their scholarly ambitions and contribute to the advancement of Islamic knowledge.
The college is located within the corridors of the Prophet's Mosque (peace and blessings be upon him). Since its inception, the number of students has grown rapidly. In 2016, the college had 567 students. By the beginning of 2022, this number had risen to 1,623 students, including 500 female students.
Mission of the College:
"Providing an outstanding academic Sharia education at the Mosque of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) through scientific competence, the use of modern educational technologies, activation of institutional partnerships, and community involvement in serving students of Islamic sciences."
Vision:
"A leading scientific beacon and authority in legal education with outstanding results."
Departments available in the College of Masjid An Nabawi -
Here are the departments of study available in the Kulliya of Masjid al-Nabawi:
1. Department of Sharia: This department focuses on Islamic jurisprudence and its foundations. It aims to qualify specialists in jurisprudence who can apply their knowledge to benefit both local and global communities. Registration is open to both male and female students.
2. Department of the Noble Qur’an and its Sciences: Dedicated to the memorization and interpretation of the Quran, this department is exclusively for male students. Its goal is to deepen understanding and application of the Quranic teachings.
3. Department of Sunnah and its Sciences: Similar to the Department of the Noble Qur’an, this section is also for male students. It focuses on the study and application of the Prophetic Sunnah and its various sciences.
4. Department of Arabic Language: This department is concerned with the Arabic language as used in the Noble Qur’an and its literature. It aims to qualify specialists in Arabic language and literature.
5. Department of Aqidah (Creed): The Department of Aqidah teaches the correct creed and clarifies deviant beliefs. It aims to distance Muslims from incorrect beliefs and promotes a moderate Islamic faith. The department prepares students to effectively convey and establish the correct understanding of Islam in society.
Each department plays a crucial role in nurturing scholars who are equipped to serve their communities and uphold the teachings of Islam with integrity and knowledge.
Curriculum and study plans for the departments -
Here is the study plan for the Creed department. Despite having fewer study hours compared to other faculties, all courses are designed to provide essential knowledge for those seeking deeper understanding of the Islamic creed:
Let's briefly go through the curriculum in the Department of Aqeedah.
For the first semester, we have 19 hours for 10 subjects, i.е. 2 hours for almost every subject. And these items:
• Holy Quran level 1,
• Introduction to the Study of Creed,
• Introduction to the study of Sharia,
• Islamic Culture,
• Biography of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
• History of two shrines
• Introduction to learning Arabic,
• Hadith Study Level 1,
• Introduction to the study of sects,
• Research methodology.
In the second semester, we have the same 19 hours a week, but in 8 subjects, so in some subjects the number of teaching hours increases. And these items:
• Holy Quran level 2,
• Introduction to the study of the Qur'an,
• Creed, level 1,
• Fiqh, level 1,
• Jawamiul Kalim hadith,
• Annahw (is a key part of Arabic grammar),
• Righteous Predecessors
• Hadith Study Level 2.
Now let's move on to the seventh semester, which also has 19 hours in 8 subjects, such as:
• Eloquence,
• Sects, level 4,
• Creed, level 7,
• Fundamentals of fiqh,
• Annahw level 5,
• Program for the Study of the Christian Religion,
• History and study of narratives,
• Sources of knowledge and education.
And after the eighth semester, study ends, as the student graduates from college.
curriculum for the Department of Quranic Studies -
Curriculum for Department of SunNah -
Curriculum for the department of shariah -
it has more study hours than any other department-
Curriculum from the Department of Arabic
Final Thoughts
Meeting these conditions may seem daunting, but with determination and the right preparation, it is entirely achievable. And may Allah make it easy for you.
Conclusion note
To aspiring students considering enrollment at the College of the Prophet's Mosque, remember that this journey is not just about academic achievement but about deepening your understanding of Islam and preparing yourself to serve your community with knowledge and wisdom. Despite the challenges and high standards, the rewards are immense. By studying here, you are not just gaining knowledge but embodying a tradition that spans centuries—a tradition of scholarship and leadership that continues to shape the Islamic world.
The opportunity to study within the sacred walls of the Prophet's Mosque is a privilege that few can experience. It's a chance to connect with the rich heritage of Islam and to contribute meaningfully to its future. Whether you aspire to become an Imam, a teacher, or a scholar, this college offers a nurturing environment where you can grow spiritually, academically, and professionally.
So, if you feel called to deepen your faith, and expand your knowledge of Shariah, Hadith, Quranic studies, or Arabic language, take the first step today. Embrace the challenges, strive for excellence, and trust in Allah's guidance. Your journey at the College of the Prophet's Mosque awaits, where every lesson learned and every hurdle overcome brings you closer to fulfilling your purpose and serving your community with honour and integrity.
There is a list of requirements that applicants must meet if they want to enter the College of the Prophet's Mosque. There are certain requirements for male students and certain requirements for female students.
Let's start off with the requirements for male students. They can be found on the college website, but everything is written in Arabic. We will present them here in English for the ease of the readers.
There are nine conditions to be met, but don't let the number intimidate you—they're quite manageable.
Requirements for Male Students
There are nine conditions to be met, but don't let the number intimidate you—they're quite manageable.
1. High School Diploma: The first requirement is straightforward: you must have a high school diploma to enroll in a higher education institution, just like in any other country.
2. Recency of Diploma: The second condition states that no more than five years can pass since you obtained your high school diploma. However, the administration often makes exceptions, especially for foreign applicants. There are students in this college who are in their 40s, and one student is nearly 50 years old. He worked as a teacher in his country before recently enrolling in the college. So, you shouldn't worry too much about this condition, as exceptions are common.
3. Good Ethics: The third condition is to be a person of good ethics.
4. Passing Interviews: The fourth requirement involves passing interviews. One student who successfully passed the interview explained the process. There are two interviews that applicants go through, both held within the walls of the Prophet’s Mosque.
- Written Examination: The first is a written exam that includes general questions about Islam and specific questions related to the division you’ve chosen, such as Hadith, Sharia, or Quran.
- Oral Examination: If you pass the written exam, you move on to an oral exam. In this oral exam, you will be asked various questions about Islam in general and your chosen division. Passing this exam, along with meeting all other conditions, allows you to enrol in the college.
5. Medical Fitness: The fifth condition is to be medically fit. One brother who enrolled at the college was asked whether he had to undergo some tests to prove his good medical condition. He said that no medical tests were required. So, it appears you just need to look healthy to meet this requirement.
6. Permission from Employer (for those working in Saudi Arabia): The sixth condition applies only to those who work for the Saudi government or Saudi companies. If such a person wants to enroll at the College of the Prophet’s Mosque, they must obtain permission from their employer, since their primary reason for being in Saudi Arabia is work, not study. If the employer allows them to study, the college administration will accept it, and this condition will be met.
7. Residency or Business Visa: The seventh condition is similar to the sixth but applies to those who do not work for companies but are residents or have a business visa. You must be a resident of Saudi Arabia, or have a business visa to enroll in the college. This visa can be obtained if you find a sponsor—a Saudi citizen who officially hires or invites you. Many international students use this method, and it is completely legal.
8. Previous Academic and Disciplinary Record: The eighth condition is clear—you should not have previously been terminated from the college for academic or disciplinary reasons or from another university for disciplinary reasons.
9. Quran Memorization: The ninth condition hinges on which section of the college you want to join. To join the department of Sharia or the Quran, you have to memorize 15 parts of the Quran before enrolling, which is half of the Quran. To join the department of Sunnah, Aqidah, or Arabic language, you only need to memorize 5 parts of the Quran. While this might seem challenging, it's a testament to your dedication and commitment to your studies.
Documents required for Application -
All that you need is:
A copy of the resident ID card. Every resident of Saudi Arabia has it.
High school certificate.
An application which is filled out online. The admission happens twice a year, therefore they accept applications twice a year. And as it states here “You can follow the dates of admission and registration via the college account on Twitter”.
You will also need an approval from your sponsor that he allow you to study in the college.
Two recommendation letters. You need to find two students whether from the college or from the Islamic University and ask them to write a recommendation letter for you.
You will also need to provide photos, and a relational file (yellow).
Document from Absher (if applying on a business visa, then the data on the visa) that clarifies the expiry date of the resident ID card for non-Saudi.
What is the Abshir program? Saudi Arabia has an app that everyone uses these days. It provides many things and one of them is that it shows the expiration date of your ID. Therefore, this requirement is easy to fulfil if you are an official resident of Saudi Arabia.
Requirements for female students
Not only do male students have the opportunity to study at the College of the Prophet’s Mosque, but female students also have access to this golden opportunity. The college welcomes female applicants who meet the requirements, providing them with the same high-quality education and resources. The inclusion of female students reflects the college’s commitment to comprehensive Islamic education and equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender. This environment fosters a diverse and inclusive academic community where both men and women can pursue their scholarly ambitions and contribute to the advancement of Islamic knowledge.
Let's talk about what female students need to meet to get into this college. It's a bit tougher for them than for male students because there are fewer female students, so the competition is higher. The reason for this is that graduates from here usually become community leaders, and traditionally, these roles are held by men. That's why there are more male students. However, it's great that they also teach female students here at the College of the Prophet’s Mosque. Now, let's see what the requirements are:
For female students, the requirements are similar to those for male students, such as passing written and oral exams and being medically fit. However, there are additional conditions:
1. High School GPA: The GPA from high school must be at least "Very Good" (B grade) or at the very least "Good" (C grade).
2. Quran Memorization: Female students must memorize 15 parts of the Quran before enrolling in the college. This is a unique requirement that sets a higher standard for Quranic knowledge.
Regarding Quran memorization, while the requirement is set at 15 parts, there might be flexibility, especially for foreign students. They may consider applicants who have memorized fewer parts, but this is not guaranteed.
As for required documents, female students need to provide all the same documents as male students, except instead of recommendation letters, they need a written consent from their guardian or "Waliyy " in Arabic. This ensures that proper authorization is given for their enrollment.
These requirements highlight the rigorous academic and religious standards upheld by the College of the Prophet's Mosque, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their roles as community leaders and scholars of Islam.
Yes, the Islamic University of Madinah offers scholarships to eligible international students who demonstrate exceptional academic merit and financial need. These scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, and other living expenses during the duration of the student's program. Interested applicants can inquire about scholarship opportunities and eligibility criteria directly with the university's admissions office or visit the official website for more information.
Yes, proficiency in the Arabic language is a prerequisite for admission to the Islamic University of Madinah. As the medium of instruction is primarily Arabic, students are expected to have a strong command of the language to successfully engage with the academic curriculum and participate in classroom discussions. Applicants may be required to demonstrate their Arabic language skills through standardized tests or interviews conducted by the university.
The Islamic University of Madinah has specific admission requirements that prospective students must meet to be considered for admission. These requirements may vary depending on the program you're applying for, but typically include academic qualifications equivalent to a high school diploma, proficiency in the Arabic language, as well as submitting official transcripts, certificates, and any other relevant documentation. Additionally, candidates may need to pass standardized tests such as the Test of Arabic as a Foreign Language (TOAFL) or the Arabic Language Proficiency Test (ALPT).
The two major courses provided in masjid an Nabawi are: 1. Ma’had Al Haram 2.kulliyathu Haram (Bachelor’s Degree)
The most important document required for admission to both the Ma’had and Kulliyah is the Iqama. Additionally, you must submit your personal documents. For bachelor's degree admission, higher secondary certificates are also required.
An Iqama is a residence permit issued to expatriates in Saudi Arabia, allowing them to live and work in the Kingdom. To obtain an Iqama, the following steps are typically involved:
1. Sponsorship: Secure a sponsor, usually an employer, who will facilitate the application process. 2. Work Visa: Obtain a work visa from a Saudi consulate or embassy, which involves providing necessary documentation such as a passport, employment contract, and medical reports. 3. Arrival in Saudi Arabia :Once the work visa is issued, travel to Saudi Arabia. 4. Medical Examination: Undergo a medical examination in Saudi Arabia to ensure you meet health requirements. 5. Iqama Application:The sponsor submits the Iqama application to the Ministry of Interior, providing the necessary documentation and paying the applicable fees. 6. Issuance :Once approved, the Iqama is issued, and the holder is registered in the national database.
The Iqama must be renewed periodically, and the holder must comply with the Kingdom's regulations and requirements.
There are no specific qualifications required for enrollment at the Ma'had.
At Masjid an-Nabawi, there is no fully online study system. However, students can enroll as "Munthasib" students, allowing them to study online but requiring them to attend exams in person within the mosque.
There are three types of enrolment at Masjid al-Nabawi:
1. Munthadhim :Students attend in-person classes at Masjid al-Nabawi and are required to sit for offline exams.
2. Munthasib :Students study online but must appear for exams in person at Masjid al-Nabawi.
3. Musthami’ (Observer):Students can attend classes at Masjid al-Nabawi without exam obligations, and they are not officially enrolled as students of the institution.
Yes, women can study and learn in Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, Saudi Arabia. The mosque allows women to attend and participate in learning activities, including religious studies and educational programs. It's a significant place for both men and women to deepen their knowledge of Islam and its teachings.
To stay and study in Masjid an-Nabawi, women typically need to have an iqama (residence permit) in Medina. This requirement often entails being accompanied by a mahram as part of local regulations and cultural norms. These guidelines ensure compliance with the protocols governing access and activities within the mosque premises.
Many students studying at Masjid an-Nabawi opt for shared accommodations with up to four individuals, which offers a cost-effective solution. Alternatively, students can also find individual apartments near the mosque premises.
No ,The institution does not provide accommodations; however, numerous organizations offer free housing and meals for students in Waqf buildings throughout Medina.
Yes, Both male and female students receive monthly stipends, distributed either monthly or per semester, depending on the arrangement.
The Students have the opportunity to enroll in the Ma'had, where they are taught foundational Arabic grammar and introduced to core subjects of Islam such as fiqh, hadith, and tawheed.
Yes, As mentioned earlier, students residing in Saudi Arabia have the option to enroll as Munthasib, allowing them to attend biannual offline exams at Masjid an-Nabawi while pursuing online studies.
No, Students of any age can study at Masjid an-Nabawi. However, for universities in Saudi Arabia, there is typically an age restriction of 25 years. Masjid an-Nabawi does not impose any age restrictions.
You can approach Gate 25 at Masjid an-Nabawi for further details on completing admission.
Students are required to undergo both entrance exams and interviews for admission to both Ma'had and Kulliyah programs.
For Ma'had, the entrance exam typically includes basic questions on Arabic grammar and fundamental Islamic knowledge that all students should know. In contrast, for Kulliyah (bachelor's degree), applicants are expected to have memorized 15 Juz' of the Quran (Kuzhimanna) and face more challenging questions reflecting the higher academic level.
Yes, The minimum requirement is typically 50% marks to demonstrate passing eligibility.
Yes, it is indeed possible for married individuals to pursue studies.
For a bachelor's degree (Kulliyah), the duration is typically 4 years, whereas for Ma'had programs, the duration can range from 3 to 6 years.