1. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims
  2. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

14 Questions

At what point can I study philosophy in the Hawza of Najaf? Can I study it alongside my Muqadimat (introductory level studies), or is there a specific time for it?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Essential Islamic knowledge is which helps you knowing then teaching others the Islamic teachings. Arabic, Quran, Fiqh,, Hadeeth and Logic is to start with. Philosophy comes later after building a strong base of Islamic knowledge.

'Philosophy has many types including Islamic and non Islamic philosophy. You should not waste your time in non Islamic philosophy which does not guide you to Allah, nor help you guiding others to the teachings of Ahlul Bayt (AS).

Your teachers in Hawza should be able to assess your progress in your Islamic studies then guide you when you need to study philosophy.

Wassalam.
I aspire to join the Hawza in Najaf, but my Arabic skills are not very strong. Although I can read and write, I struggle to comprehend the majority of what I read. Should I work on improving my Arabic proficiency before joining the Hawza?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Improving your Arabic before going to the Hawza in Najaf is very useful so that you can understand the classes in Hawza. You can improve your Arabic in Najaf itself by taking a condensed course in Arabic for few months before starting Hawza studies.

Wassalam.
How does one get admission into the Hawza of Najaf? Is there a website to apply like we do for the Hawza of Qom, or is there another way?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Simply you can contact any scholar or a school in Najaf and get admission in the Hawza in Najaf Ashraf according to your standard of Islamic knowledge then start your course.

'There are websites of schools which be fiund online.

'Wassalam.
Are there English classes in the Hawza in Najaf? If not, what level of Arabic language understanding is needed to study there? And where can I find information on their courses?
Zaid Alsalami

Bismihi ta'ala

As far as there being an English speaking curriculum, or madarasa is concerned, in Najaf al-Ashraf, I do not think there is such an establishment. 

However, I also do not recommend that if you were interested in joining the Hawzah, that you study only in English. It is imperative that a Hawzah student not only learns Arabic, but also masters it. Ultimately, you are going to be working not just with Arabic Hawzah texts, but also the Quran and hadith, and with deeper insight and stronger comprehension. 

You will be able to pick up on the language quickly, and learn it like how all other non-Arabs have learnt it. 

As for information, I have a FB page where I have put together some sources and material for Hawzah studies. Hopefully it will be of benefit:

https://www.facebook.com/Hawzah-Studies-Resource-Page-1424569624476422/

With prayers for your success.