1. D a rul Hi km a h
Darul Hikmah is an educational organization which aims to
preserve, promote, and propagate the faith and tradition of
Islam through programs that address the spiritual and social
needs of the contemporary Muslim community.
Under the guidance of traditional scholarship, Darul Hikmah’s
programs are designed to enlighten Muslims of all backgrounds
in the fundamentals of their faith, with the goal of empowering
them to live as upright citizens, students of knowledge, seekers
of spiritual purification, and propagators of faith.

2. April 1, 2011 obtaining. These students are an inspiring reminder
that age is not a barrier to learning. With the recent
Dear Students and Supporters, inclusion of modern educational tools, such as the
online student portal, and in-class visual aids, the
Assalâmu ‘alaykum, Darul Hikmah Academy’s committed administration
and learned faculty offer a special experience for the
Since 2006, Darul Hikmah has aimed at meeting the mature seeker of knowledge.
growing desire among American Muslims to learn
and practice Islam. In these early years of Future: Planning and Funding
development, we have learned a great deal, and the
organization has rapidly grown and changed for the Darul Hikmah is now in a development phase. In the
better. Fueled by your criticism and your moral and coming two years, our hope is to round off the
financial help, our efforts have come very far, and Academy’s curriculum. Improvements in the
with more of the same they can go much farther. Academy will appear in the form of refined internal
structure, broader course offerings, and better
2006–Present classroom presentation. The administration and
faculty are working on forming departments and
The annual three-day retreats, held since Darul strengthening the working . It is our hope to develop
Hikmah’s launch, have been very popular with a practicable coursework in Arabic and Quran (which
wide swath of the Muslim community in pose a special challenge because of their strong
Chicago—youth, adults, and families—and have had a language requirement) and implement it alongside
deep impact on many. The themes have centered on the current courses in Islamic Principles (usûl),
promulgating core Islamic values, as understood Hadith, Fiqh, and Seerah. In all decisions, we seek to
through the Quran and the Prophetic model, and make the curriculum accessible to the
instilling them in the attendees. Lectures, forums, English-speaking Muslim and relevant to the modern
and workshops on various subjects and at various context.
venues have extended this summertime learning
opportunity to other students during other months Greater academic focus and refinement will, Allah
of the year. willing, have an outward effect on our annual retreats
and other targeted programming. The retreats will
Darul Hikmah’s scholastic centerpiece is its retain their motivational quality, and workshops will
weekend academy, held from fall through spring. offer presentations by learned scholars in both
Currently in its fourth successful year, it has proved sacred and secular domains. For example, an
a leader in Muslim adult education in Chicago. While informative workshop was recently held on
most schools and programs focus on children’s inheritance from a perspective that unified Islamic
education—essential indeed—the population of and US law. Both retreats and workshops will provide
Muslim adults, long neglected, is growing both in intensive learning opportunities to underserved
number and eagerness to learn. The young Muslims communities, within Chicago and without, and others
especially are quickly emerging as community who are not be able to attend the Academy.
leaders and productive participants in all aspects of
American life, and so their sacred education is To meet these goals, Darul Hikmah needs your
paramount. For the first time this year, after much financial support. We ask every student and
anticipation and planning, Darul Hikmah has supporter to make a recurring commitment of
developed the curriculum and classroom setting to $20 a month. Our target is 500 donors. To give, visit
accommodate equally another crucial segment of darulhikmah.com or call our Managing Director,
Muslim America: women. Nearly seventy women are Brother Adnan Faiz at (847) 903-7860.
registered for the Spring 2011 term, and we expect
to reach full capacity in the fall. In addition, the On behalf of Darul Hikmah, I thank you for your
Academy does not forget the venerable community support and your present and future contributions.
members who, after many years of dedication to
career and family, wish to devote some of their later Sincerely,
years to seeking the knowledge that their Bilal Ali
obligations may have till now prevented them from President

3. “
"While attending college, I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to attend such
a quality institution of learning and with a group of teachers whose golden chain goes back
to the Prophet (s). Sometimes, after an exhaustive and spiritually-draining week at school,
this academy spiritually revitalizes me and brings a sense of peace and tranquility that I’ve
been longing for many years. All in all, I've learned some very important life lessons and this
experience is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I am truly humbled to be
“
called a student of such an academy. "
Abdul Mannan Shamsuddin, 21, College Student and UICMSA President
I’m really happy I decided to attend the Darul Hikmah Academy this year. What I appreciate
most is how thorough the scholars are in their lectures and how deep they are willing to take
their students. I’ve listened to stories from the Seerah that I’ve never heard before, learned
to truly appreciate the intricate science of Hadith preservation, and been introduced to
differences of opinion within Fiqh that have illustrated the flexibility and wisdom that
encompasses our faith. The scholars fully respond to the academic curiosity of their students
and respect their cultural need to ask questions and understand the source of religious
beliefs and practices. Learning from such knowledgeable, open and sincere individuals has
truly been inspirational and I highly encourage others to take advantage of this unique
“
opportunity.
Aisha Arif, 25, High School Teacher
Attending Darul Hikmah Academy (going on 2 years now) was the best decision I ever made.
I learn so much every week from my teachers on how to become a better educated Muslim.
The teachers are all exceptional and very passionate about the deen. The connections I have
received from my Ulamaa are much closer and deeper than any of my previous academic
professors. I have found when having good intentions there is no limit to the benefits I
receive from the Academy. This is the best investment I have ever made for this dunia and
“
the next.
Mazen Khatib, 50, Business Entrepreneur
As a student for almost 2 years, I have found Darul Hikmah to be a life changing experience.
With an organized administration that is very responsive to feedback to the great range of
classes offered to the incredibly knowledgeable and talented teachers the program has been
a phenomenal experience. For me, the highlight of the program is the rare opportunity to
spend time and develop a relationship with our scholars. The scholars really value the
teacher student relationship and are willing to work with their students in and out of class.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Darul Hikmah Academy.
Amir Bari Siddiqui, 25, Medical Student

4. GIVE BACK.
DONATE ONLINE.
Darul Hikmah needs your financial support. We ask every
student and supporter to make a recurring commitment
of $20 a month. Our target is 500 donors. To give, visit
darulhikmah.com or call our Managing Director,
Adnan Faiz at (847) 903-7860.
www.darulhikmah.com