Ella Collins Institute
Foundational Cohort
Academic Year 2025–2026
Semester 1: September 13 – December 13, 2025
Semester 2: January 10 – April 11, 2026
Daily Schedule Overview
Regular Classes (Sunday–Thursday)
- 10:00–11:00 AM Arabic Grammar/Morphology
- 11:00–12:00 PM Arabic Practice/Literature
- 12:00–1:00 PM Tajwīd
- 1:00–2:00 PM Theology/Fiqh/Seminars
Evening Sessions
- Sun & Wed 5:00–6:00 PM Arabic Lab
- Wed 7:00–8:30 PM Seminars (Biweekly)
Arabic Studies
Fall 2025: Arabic Grammar & Vocabulary
Course Overview
This foundational course introduces students to essential Arabic grammar (النحو) and vocabulary building. Students will develop competency in reading classical Arabic texts through systematic study of morphological patterns and syntactic structures.
Required Texts
- تبسيط التراث (Tabsīṭ al-Turāth) by Suhaib Webb
- Fundamentals of Classical Arabic Vol. 1–2 – Husain Abdul Sattar
- مبادئ النحو (Mabādiʾ al-Naḥw) – English beginner grammar
Topics
- Introduction to Arabic alphabet and pronunciation
- Basic word formation patterns
- Definite and indefinite articles (ال)
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize and write all Arabic letters
- Understand basic grammatical terminology
- Identify definite and indefinite nouns
Readings
- Fundamentals Vol. 1, Ch. 1-2
- Mabādiʾ al-Naḥw, Introduction
- Tabsīṭ al-Turāth, pp. 1-15
Assignments
- Letter recognition exercises
- Vocabulary memorization (20 words)
- Article identification practice
Topics
- Noun cases: الرفع, النصب, الجر
- Gender and number in Arabic
- Basic sentence structure
Learning Outcomes
- Identify noun cases and their functions
- Distinguish masculine and feminine forms
- Construct simple nominal sentences
Readings
- Fundamentals Vol. 1, Ch. 3-4
- Mabādiʾ al-Naḥw, Ch. 1
- Tabsīṭ al-Turāth, pp. 16-30
Assignments
- Case ending exercises
- Gender identification drills
- Simple sentence construction
| Week | Dates | Key Topics | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Sep 27 - Oct 3 | Verb conjugation basics, الماضي (past tense) | Verb conjugation quiz |
| 4 | Oct 4 - 10 | المضارع (present tense), verb patterns | Midterm preparation |
| 5 | Oct 11 - 17 | Prepositions (حروف الجر), genitive construction | Preposition exercises |
| 6 | Oct 18 - 24 | Adjectives and agreement patterns | Midterm exam |
| 7 | Oct 25 - 31 | Demonstrative pronouns, relative pronouns | Pronoun identification |
| 8 | Nov 1 - 7 | Comparative and superlative forms | Comparative exercises |
| 9 | Nov 8 - 14 | Conditional sentences, إن and لو | Conditional practice |
| 10 | Nov 15 - 21 | Passive voice construction | Voice transformation |
| 11 | Nov 22 - 28 | Complex sentence structures | Sentence analysis |
| 12 | Nov 29 - Dec 5 | Review and text analysis | Final preparation |
| 13 | Dec 6 - 13 | Final examinations and assessment | Final exam |
Spring 2026: Arabic Morphology & Rhetoric
Course Overview
Building on foundational grammar, this course explores Arabic morphology (الصرف) and introduces students to classical rhetoric (البلاغة). Students will analyze literary texts and develop advanced reading comprehension skills.
Required Texts
- تبسيط التراث (Tabsīṭ al-Turāth) by Suhaib Webb (continued)
- Fundamentals of Classical Arabic Vol. 3 – Husain Abdul Sattar
- Intro to Arabic Morphology – Ayman Sayegh
- Access to Qur'anic Arabic – Abdul Wahid Hamid
- Select passages from البلاغة الواضحة (al-Balāghah al-Wāḍiḥah)
| Week | Dates | Morphology Topics | Rhetoric Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 10-16 | Root patterns (الأوزان), trilateral roots | Introduction to البلاغة |
| 2 | Jan 17-23 | Verb forms I-IV, pattern recognition | Simile (التشبيه) and metaphor |
| 3 | Jan 24-30 | Verb forms V-VIII | Metonymy (المجاز المرسل) |
| 4 | Jan 31-Feb 6 | Verb forms IX-X, rare patterns | Parallelism and contrast |
| 5 | Feb 7-13 | Quadrilateral roots | Rhetorical questions |
| 6 | Feb 14-20 | Broken plurals (جمع التكسير) | Ellipsis and brevity |
| 7 | Feb 21-27 | Diminutive forms | Hyperbole and understatement |
| 8 | Feb 28-Mar 6 | Comparative morphology | Midterm exam |
| 9 | Mar 7-13 | Irregular verbs and forms | Prosody basics |
| 10 | Mar 14-20 | Morphological analysis of Qur'anic text | Classical poetry analysis |
| 11 | Mar 21-27 | Advanced morphological patterns | Prose style analysis |
| 12 | Mar 28-Apr 3 | Review and synthesis | Student presentations |
| 13 | Apr 4-11 | Final examinations | Final projects |
Tajwīd (Qur'anic Recitation)
Course Overview
A comprehensive study of التجويد (Tajwīd) focusing on proper pronunciation, articulation points, and the rules governing Qur'anic recitation. Students will master both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Fall Texts
- تحفة الأطفال (Tuḥfat al-Aṭfāl)
- Tajweed Rules Part 1 – Kareema Czerepinski
Spring Texts
- الجزرية (al-Jazariyyah)
- Tajweed Rules Part 2 – Kareema Czerepinski
Fall Semester
Arabic letters, مخارج الحروف (articulation points)
الإدغام (assimilation), الإخفاء (concealment)
المد (prolongation), القلقلة (echoing)
Recitation practice, correction sessions
Spring Semester
Memorization and explanation of key verses
Subtle differences, regional variations
Interaction of multiple rules, exceptions
Individual recitation assessment, certification
Theology (ʿAqīda)
Course Overview
A foundational study of Islamic theology (العقيدة) covering essential beliefs, theological principles, and classical formulations of faith. Students will engage with primary sources and contemporary applications.
Fall 2025
Required Texts
- The Creed of Imam al-Ṭaḥāwī (Hamza Yusuf notes)
- العقيدة التوحيدية (ʿAqīda al-Tawḥīdiyya) with annotation
Key Topics
- Foundations of belief (أصول الإيمان)
- Divine attributes (صفات الله)
- Prophecy and revelation
- Eschatology and the afterlife
- Free will and predestination
Spring 2026
Required Texts
- Creed of the Masses (عقيدة العوام)
- Applied Kalām – Suhaib Webb
Key Topics
- Theological methodology (علم الكلام)
- Sectarian differences and responses
- Modern theological challenges
- Interfaith dialogue principles
- Contemporary applications
Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)
Course Overview
A comprehensive study of Islamic jurisprudence (الفقه) with parallel instruction in both Maliki and Hanafi schools of thought. Students will develop competency in legal reasoning and practical application of Islamic law.
Maliki School
Required Texts
- مختصر الأخضري (Mukhtaṣar al-Akhdarī)
- Fiqh al-ʿIbādāt – Mufti Ghiryānī
Curriculum Focus
- Purification (الطهارة)
- Prayer (الصلاة)
- Zakat (الزكاة)
- Fasting (الصيام)
- Hajj (الحج)
- Marriage and family law
Hanafi School
Required Texts
- Ascent to Felicity – Faraz Khan
- مراقي الفلاح (Maraqī al-Falāḥ) - optional
Curriculum Focus
- Methodological differences
- Comparative analysis
- Contemporary applications
- Legal maxims (القواعد الفقهية)
- Case study analysis
- Practical implementation
| Month | Maliki Focus | Hanafi Focus | Comparative Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | Purification principles | Ablution details | Water categories and usage |
| October | Prayer fundamentals | Prayer conditions | Timing and direction differences |
| November | Congregational prayer | Friday prayer | Leadership and community |
| December | Zakat calculations | Wealth categories | Modern financial instruments |
| January | Fasting rules | Exemptions and make-up | Medical and travel considerations |
| February | Hajj rituals | Umrah procedures | Pilgrimage logistics |
| March | Marriage contracts | Family obligations | Contemporary marriage issues |
| April | Commercial law | Business ethics | Modern banking and finance |
Seminars (Biweekly Sessions)
Course Overview
Biweekly seminars focusing on the ethics of learning and community service. These sessions emphasize personal development, spiritual growth, and practical application of Islamic principles in contemporary contexts.
Required Texts
- تعليم المتعلم (Taʿlīm al-Mutaʿallim) - English annotated
- Serving God by Serving Others – Suhaib Webb
Schedule
- Wednesdays 7:00–8:30 PM
- Biweekly sessions starting mid-October
- Interactive discussions and case studies
- Community service projects
Fall Semester Sessions
The Etiquette of Seeking Knowledge
Taʿlīm al-Mutaʿallim, Ch. 1-2
Choosing Teachers and Companions
Taʿlīm al-Mutaʿallim, Ch. 3-4
Honoring Knowledge and Scholars
Taʿlīm al-Mutaʿallim, Ch. 5-6
Perseverance and Dedication
Taʿlīm al-Mutaʿallim, Ch. 7-8
Time Management and Priorities
Taʿlīm al-Mutaʿallim, Ch. 9-10
Spring Semester Sessions
Introduction to Service
Serving God by Serving Others, Ch. 1-2
Community Engagement
Serving God by Serving Others, Ch. 3-4
Social Justice in Islam
Serving God by Serving Others, Ch. 5-6
Practical Service Projects
Community partnership planning
Leadership and Responsibility
Final presentations and reflection
Glossary of Arabic Terms
Grammar Terms
Tajwīd Terms
Religious Terms
About Us
Ella Little-Collins was more than Malcolm X's sister—she was a pioneering Muslim educator, community organizer, and spiritual leader in her own right.