Bismillah –r-Rahman-r- Rahim.

Being able to apply, be accepted, and attend AIC on a scholarship for the last four years has been equivalent to me hitting the lottery for a million dollars. This has been a blessing and a mercy, not only to be able to attend college but an Islamic college. In my opinion we have the best professors. Dr. Shabana Mir, Dr. Omer Awass and Dr. Jawad Qureshi are top of the line. They know their subject matter and their presentations are impeccable. I really enjoyed studying the Hadith course taught by Dr. Quereshi; he had us map Isnads, the chain of transmissions from three or four hundred years after the Prophet back through the Sahabas and to the Prophet (pbuh). That was a very rewarding exercise to see how the Hadith Sciences developed.

I joined AIC in 2013 as a freshman in the undergraduate program. When I look back, I am pleased with my decision to join AIC; when I first heard about it from a friend of mine, I felt butterflies in my stomach. Studying Islamic studies in Chicago was beyond my imagination. From the beginning, I knew that it was going to be a challenging path for me; I hadn’t been in school for several years, I had 4 little children, and I had many miles to drive. I never forgot the support and dedication of my professors to make me feel that I am a good addition to this school.

Over the years, AIC broadened my perspective on Islam. When I graduated, I was aware of the various motifs in the Muslim community and the richness that faith provided me.

Dr. Awass’ exceptional classes introduced me to the types of topics in Islam that I had no prior knowledge of before, for example, Islamic Finance. In one semester, students were able to identify Islamic finance terms and analyze conflict finance situations from an Islamic Perspective.

I truly enjoyed taking classes from Dr. Mir for many reasons. In my view, Dr. Mir brought the excitement of getting true Islamic knowledge (‘Ilm) to AIC. Even the design of her syllabus relayed to me how committed she is teaching. Even in small ways, she was encouraging and made sure that we comprehended the importance of education. Dr. Mir. expanded our horizon and connected us with many contemporary scholars and authors and created engaging conversations for us. Dr. Mir’s classes provided me with insight to examine my role as a 21st-century Muslim woman in America and helped me to traverse difficult situations.

The education that AIC provided to me was incomparable in many ways. I deepened the understanding of my religion through the use of traditional and modern tools from experts in the field with small class sizes in an environment that was familial. These are only but a few of the reasons why I enjoyed my time at AIC.

Since the quest for knowledge is a part of the tradition of our beloved Prophet, AIC provides seekers to follow this path by offering classes deeply rooted in the tradition and creates an environment for art and science.

“As a student at American Islamic College who has recently completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Islamic Studies, I can attest to the high quality of learning that is offered at this new and growing institution… The education I received here has enriched my overall understanding of Islam.

I believe AIC is unique in that it integrates the classical Islamic tradition with relevant liberal arts education. This approach provides a broader perspective of Islam as it is applied to contemporary issues facing Muslims. Here at AIC we engage Islam in a context that responds effectively to the new political as well as scientific developments. An example of relevant Islamic studies is evident in the need to address modern day Islamic finance products. The study of Islamic Legal Reasoning, fiqh, provides a Shariah compliant model for adapting conventional finance instruments to Islamic law.

Islamic Studies at AIC prepares students for a productive life today and in the future. Education affords students the opportunity to realize the universality of Islamic teachings and orientates Muslims to identify and make major contributions to new social as well as scientific needs. Socio-political issues are researched and rigorously debated. AIC’s professors insist that students apply the Quranic command to think rationally and constructively.

AIC’s unique educational approach is one that both Muslim and non-Muslim students can appreciate. The school’s current student body has a diverse make-up which enriches the shared learning experience and provides a more appreciative perception of the contemporary Muslim community. We here at AIC have been fortunate to have students from Africa, Middle East, Eastern Europe, America, including a Native American Muslimah. These are all factors that have enhanced my experience here at AIC. It has afforded me the opportunity to deepen my personal understanding of the religion of Al-Islam while contributing to my development as an Arabic teacher at my mosque.”