“And say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.'”
(Quran 20:114)
Islam and Self-Development Programme (Cert.)
Applications are now open for our 10-day transformative programme at Al-Mahdi Institute, running from 7th to 18th September 2026.
Transform your understanding of Islam, yourself, and the world.
Have you ever questioned the purpose of your existence? Do we truly have free will, or is our destiny predetermined? Why does suffering exist, and how do we make sense of it? What lies at the heart of Islam beyond its rituals and traditions?
If these questions resonate with you, the Islam and Self-Development Programme (ISDP) is your opportunity to challenge your perspective, enrich your spiritual journey, and gain a deeper understanding of Islam, yourself, and the world.
The Islam and Self-Development Programme is a transformative 10-day residential course taking place from 7th to 18th September 2026, and is designed for those eager to deepen their understanding of Islam while engaging in both intellectual and spiritual growth. Moving beyond rituals and traditions, this programme provides a unique opportunity to critically explore faith, reason, and self-discovery while tackling some of the most profound questions in Islamic thought.
Led by highly experienced scholars with both seminary and academic expertise, this immersive course introduces students to explore, debate, and reflect on four key areas:
Islamic Law and Contemporary Challenges
Explore the evolution of Islamic law, from its origins to its impact on today’s world. Understand the balance between tradition and change, the role of jurists, and how Islamic rulings shape your life. Through engaging discussions on human rights, ethics, and contemporary challenges, you'll gain the tools to understand and assess the ongoing relevance of Islamic law in secular and multi-faith societies.
Islamic Philosophy, Theology, and Mysticism
Explore questions on faith, existence, beauty, love, and beyond. Dive into philosophical and theological debates on God's existence and mystical insights into life's deeper meanings. This course blends intellectual exploration with personal growth, offering a unique opportunity to reflect on the relationship between faith, reason, and the human experience to understand modern-day challenges and ethical dilemmas.
Islam in the Contemporary World
Explore Islam as a dynamic and diverse global tradition shaped by history, culture, and everyday life. Examine how Muslims understand and practise Islam across different contexts, from family and community life to politics, media, and global society. Engage with key debates around authority, interpretation, gender, race, and belonging, while discovering how Islam is lived, interpreted, and contested in the contemporary world.
Scriptural Insights
Explore the core texts of Islam, from the Qur'an and its key debates to the rich traditions of Hadith and Islamic history. You'll dive into the depths of supplicatory texts like Sahifa Sajjadiyya and Nahj al-Balagha, while discovering how these texts shape Islamic thought and spirituality. With a focus on understanding the Qur'an, Hadith, and history, this course will give you a deeper connection to the foundations of Islam and how they continue to influence the world today.
Programme Objectives
The Islam and Self-Development Programme introduces students to Islam as an intellectual tradition with diverse fields of study, different methods of interpretation, and ongoing scholarly debate. The programme focuses on developing clear thinking and analytical skills as foundations for engaging religious questions thoughtfully and responsibly.
Islamic Foundations
Build a foundational understanding of key Islamic disciplines, including law, theology, Qurʾānic interpretation, philosophy, and mysticism.
Scholarly Debate
Explore why Muslim scholars reach different conclusions and how interpretive methods shape Islamic debates.
Intellectual Humility
Learn to distinguish between certainty and interpretation while recognising the responsibility of engaging religious knowledge.
Engaging Complexity
Develop the confidence to approach difficult questions without oversimplifying or avoiding ambiguity.
Integrating Knowledge
Navigate diverse sources and unresolved questions to develop greater intellectual coherence.
Rigorous Thinking
Cultivate careful reasoning and conceptual clarity as essential elements of intellectual and religious development.
Programme Structure & Fees
The Islam and Self-Development Programme runs in-house at Al-Mahdi Institute for 10 days each September. No prior knowledge of Islamic studies or Arabic is required, making the programme accessible to anyone interested in personal, intellectual, and spiritual growth.
The full programme fee is £600, which covers all tuition, learning materials, and meals throughout the programme, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and refreshments. Participants will also have access to AMI’s library and study facilities, as well as the opportunity to take part in optional discussion circles and sessions. Students who may find it difficult to cover the full programme fee are encouraged to contact us at [email protected] to discuss available support.
Flights and travel to and from the Institute are not included in the fee, and accommodation costs are separate. However, for participants travelling from outside the local area, our team can assist with providing accommodation options near the Institute. Personal expenses during the programme are also not included.
Spaces are limited, and early registration offers a significant 20% discount on course fees, reducing the fee from £600 to £480 available until 26th March 2026. For further information, please download the prospectus or contact [email protected]
Meet Your ISDP Teachers
Hear From Previous ISDP Students
FAQ's
The Islam & Self-Development Programme is a 10-day residential course at AMI that explores faith, reason, identity, spirituality, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
No — it is open to all, regardless of background in Islamic studies or Arabic skills.
The ISDP explores key themes in Islamic law, theology, philosophy, psychology, and spirituality, addressing contemporary issues such as identity, gender, Islamophobia, etc, alongside engagement with core texts including the Qur’an and Hadith.
Yes — participants receive a certificate of completion at the end of the programme.
The Islam & Self-Development Programme runs as a short 10-day residential course, held annually in September. Enrolment opens in March each year. Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yes. The Islam & Self-Development Programme provides a strong foundation for further study in Islamic thought and personal development. While ISDP is a standalone certificate programme, it can help prepare students for further study via the Hawza Programme at AMI.
The standard fee for the ISDP is £600, and an early-bird discount is available for early registrations. The fee includes all teaching, learning materials, meals (lunch and dinner), and refreshments during the 10-day residential course. Early registration is recommended due to limited spaces.
Yes — the ISDP is open to international participants. The course is a 10-day residential programme held at Al-Mahdi Institute in Birmingham, UK. Participants travelling from outside the local area can contact [email protected] for a range of accommodation options nearby the Institute.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Download Prospectus
Download the full Programme Prospectus for all the information you need. Access the ISDP course structure, timetable, faculty information, and more.
Enquire about Logistics
If you’re travelling from outside Birmingham, we can provide a range of accommodation options close to the Institute. Contact to discuss available options.
Secure Your Place Now
Apply early to benefit from our early-bird discount (20% off), available until 26th March 2026. Don’t miss your chance to join this transformative programme!