AXIS

Academic Exploration & Inherited Scholarship (AXIS) Program

Muslims in the West are constantly navigating the tension between the vastness of the Islamic Tradition with the critical approach of the Western Academy. For this reason, the Academic Examination and Inherited Scholarship (AXIS) Program seeks to equip students with the critical focus and research-oriented perspectives found in the academy while grounding them in classical textual Hanafism. In doing so, successful students are expected to be present in the world while being able to offer solutions derived from the most established of traditions. Each stream, described in more detail under their respective sections, will function as distinct curricula, enabling students to obtain the necessary skills to succeed in either field, should they choose to specialize in either area following the completion of the program. 

We recognize that there may be some concern with regard to synthesizing the knowledge of two such diverse streams within the program, given their complexities. However, all Muslims of today, especially those on the path of knowledge, will have to contend with this dichotomy. Given that most, if not all people are already contending with a plethora of ideas for any given topic, we feel that a focused study of two diverse perspectives, with dedicated teachers, will allow students to better work through the confusion found today. The AXIS program is one built to equip students with the tools to operate effectively in the Islamic studies milieu, deeply rooted in the tradition and its artifacts, along with engagement in the academic exploration of the sciences of Islam. As such, there need not be a dichotomy in these models but a harmony that is timely for the current zeitgeist. There is no doubt that the successful completion of such an endeavor is a tall ask, but it pales in comparison to the endless heights of the mountain path that sincere scholars and caretakers of the community must climb. The teachers at Taqwa Academy are personally committed to facilitating and aiding students to whatever degree that they need so long as a student is sincere in their efforts towards knowledge. Ultimately, success is only through divine enablement.