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As an American convert to Islam, IAU continues to be a blessing from Allah, the All-Mighty. The only way to assure myself that I was, in fact, practicing this deen as proscribed by the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the final prophet and messenger, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), was to formally study it.
As a new Muslimah, I was shy to ask a lot of questions of the local imam, and it was very difficult to access his schedule. But in the IAU classroom setting or via distance learning, first of all, you have regular, direct contact with an Islamic scholar, someone whose understand has been tested and verified as an heir to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
The instructors have been seeking knowledge all of their lives, so they are quite happy to assist your learning journey. You are encouraged to ask about anything that is on your mind, and you are free to explore ideas and work out misunderstandings. Actually, this is the whole point: to make sure that you have a proper, genuine understanding of this great deen.
My intention to study was not to become a scholar. I desperately needed to learn the difference between Truth and culture and social pressures from people who possessed, digested and acted with authentic knowledge, and take whatever I absorbed first into my own heart and practice, and then to any new sister seeking support.
The lessons learned from my studies at IAU continue beyond the classroom. Everyday, I thank Allah, the All-Wise, for giving me this opportunity. Formally studying my deen has helped me to strengthen my certitude in Allah (swt), to raise my iman, to build my dawah skills, and, to find opportunities and blessings throughout the world that would not have been opened to me without IAU.
I strongly urge you to start a journey of formal knowledge with IAU. Start with foundational courses like Aqida and Ethics in Islam and see where it might lead you. I am sure that you will not regret a single moment of your effort.
Sr. Azeeza Mohamed
IAU Graduate, Associate Degree
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