The Inkpot to the Grave syllabus was designed with the intention of building strong students of knowledge, providing them with a solid foundation in each science, and levelling up with them – called ‘Tadarruj’ in Arabic (التدرج).
The books have been carefully chosen to complete the skillset of the student and giving them what they need in order to become future scholars In Shā Allāh.
The syllabus has been approved, after thorough revision, by some of the scholars, namely:
1) Shaykh ‘Abdul-Muhsin Al-Qāsim (Imām and Khatīb of Al-Masjid An-Nabawī)
2) Shaykh Haytham Sarhān (Student of Ibn Uthaymīn and former teacher at Al-Masjid An-Nabawī)
3) Shaykh Muhammad ‘Abdul-Karīm Al-Ishāqī (PhD candidate in the faculty of Hadīth at the Islamic University of Al-Madīnah)
The syllabus is made up of different levels. Currently we are on Level 1, which consists of the following books:
1) Al-Usūl Ath-Thalāthah (The Three Fundamental Principles – Aqīdah)
2) Al-Qawā’id Al-Arba’ (The Four Principles – Shirk/Aqīdah)
3) Tafsīr Al-Fātihah Wa Qisār Al-Mufassal (Exegesis of Al-Fātihah and the Short Chapters – Tafsīr )
4) Ad-Durūs Al-Muhimmah Li ‘Āmatil Ummah (Important Lessons for Every Muslim – Tafsīr/Aqīdah/Fiqh/Manners)
5) Al-Arba’ūn An-Nawawiyyah (The 40 Hadīth of Imām An-Nawawī – Hadīth)
6) Ta’dhīmul ‘Ilm (The Glorification of Knolwedge – Ettiquetes of a Student of Knowledge)
7) Al-Mukhtasar Al-Mufīd Li Sirati An-Nabī Al-Mustafā Wa Shamāilih (The Concise Beneficial Summary of the life of the Prophet ﷺ and His Characteristics – Sīrah)
1. Al-Usūl Al-Thalāthah
This is the first scholarly text that is studied “From the Inkpot to the Grave” syllabus. It is a summarised text authored for beginners regarding religious aspects which are obligatory upon every person to learn. The book is based upon the three questions of the grave; Who is your Lord? What is your Religion? And who is your Prophet?
It is taught in a simple and easy manner using the explanation of Shaykh Haytham Sarhān (May Allāh preserve him) who is a former teacher in Al-Masjid Al-Nabawī. The explanation has graphs and tree diagrams to facilitate learning. Constant revision and recall are also done by the teacher ensuring that the knowledge is engraved into the hearts of the students.
This book is foundational to the syllabus as it caters to beginners, intermediate and higher-level students. Since it is essential in the science of ‘Aqīdah (Islamic beliefs), the muhaddith Ibn Bāz (May Allah have mercy upon him) taught this book over one hundred times whilst he was a judge in Al-Dilam. Therefore, the college aims to give it just as much importance as the scholars have.
We ask Allāh سبحانه وتعالى to allow us to pass the test in our graves.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4nWiA0P5vjJOj6GB_TagMaAjOLf2ULwa
2. Al-Qawā’id Al-Arba’
This is the second scholarly text that is taught in the “From the Inkpot to the Grave” syllabus. It is a summarised text authored for beginners clarifying issues regarding Shirk, by going through four principles of Shirk mentioned in the Qur’an. This allows the student to have a better understanding of Shirk and keeping their belief safe from doubtful matters. This book is placed here to ensure a beginner can keep their belief in Islamic monotheism pure from shirk.
It is taught in a simple and easy way using the explanation of Shaykh Haytham Sarhān (May Allāh Preserve him) who is a former teacher in Al-Masjid Al-Nabawī. The explanation has graphs and tree diagrams to facilitate learning. Constant revision and recall are also done by the teacher, ensuring that the knowledge is engraved into the hearts of the students.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4nWiA0P5vjLccSN83b2Bf1ClbTAcNpVc
3. Tafsīr Al-Fātihah Wa Qisār Al-Mufassal
This book, authored by Shaykh Salih Al-Usaymī, which goes through the Tafsīr (exegesis) of Surah Al-Fātihah (Chapter 1 in the Quran) and from Surah Ad-Dhuhā (Chapter 93) till Surah An-Nās (Chapter 114). These are chapters which are not only small, but the majority of people have memorised and recite on a daily basis. For example, Surah Al-Fātihah is recited a minimum of 17 times in the daily obligatory 5 prayers alone. Hence it is incumbent upon every Muslim to understand the speech of their Lord to take heed. Furthermore, it increases the quality of their prayer as they’re able to understand and ponder upon what they’re reciting.
Note: The book is currently only available in Arabic. The teacher does verbally translate the book as he conducts the lessons (the notes of the students provided should help), however he has been informed that some brothers are currently working on its translation. The book will be uploaded here once received In Shā Allāh.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4nWiA0P5vjJ3HkkUNPSFZdoMzRZMd5ES
4. Al-Durūs Al-Muhimmah Li ‘Āmmatil Ummah
Important Lessons for Every Muslim
An essential book for every Muslim at all ages. It covers the core tenants of the religion, from; a simple Tafsīr (exegesis) of Surah Al-Fātihah (Chapter 1 in the Quran) and from Surah Al-Zalzalah (Chapter 99) till Surah Al-Nās (Chapter 114) explanation of the important matters of Aqīdah (Islamic beliefs); explanation of the 5 pillars of Islam including jurisprudence of Salāh (Prayer), Zakāh (Charity), Sawm (Fasting), Hajj (pilgrimage); and even how to bury the dead. It also concludes with a section on Islamic etiquettes and mannerisms, which are vital for a student to beautify themselves with. The book is exactly what the title suggests, important lessons for every Muslim! This instructor ensures the students are instilled with this foundational knowledge, hence making it part of the syllabus.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4nWiA0P5vjLF2kvxuGlb_Q_pyk-nF8yr
5. T’adheemul ‘Ilm
The Glorification of Knowledge
A foundational book, authored by Shaykh Salih Al-Usaymī, should be the first book that a student of knowledge studies in order to develop their mannerism and methodology when it comes to seeking knowledge of the religion of Allah. This text clarifies the characteristics a student of knowledge must adorn themselves with, ensuring that they are behaving correctly with regards to their teachers, books, colleagues, self and knowledge in of itself. The book helps a person pave a way of seeking knowledge, and is an emphasised text when building the foundations of seeking knowledge.
This text is core to the syllabus, as many students learn knowledge but their behaviour and manners are not improved, the reason for this is that they assumed manners are innate and not acquired; when the reality is that a person must learn manners before knowledge. Hence the teacher has made this book a vital part of the first level at the Inkpot College.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGOfVOabwhqGo-mrKU3FThBKsVIw5PshE