Introduction

The American Learning Institute for Muslims is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, charitable organization based in Michigan dedicated to empowering Muslims through targeted education. ALIM provides substantive knowledge in all relevant aspects of Islamic Sciences but goes beyond these basic building blocks and teaches critical thinking intertwined with the elements of true Muslim character as applied to these subjects. This leads to basic Islamic literacy, which allows for the development of empowered Muslims through meaningful discourse and true intellectual and spiritual development.

ALIM is a specialized institute. ALIM is not committed to making scholars of its students; rather it seeks to produce Islamically literate members of society that will have a positive effect on Muslim society as well as the society at large. Islamic Literacy goes well beyond the simple memorization or passive reception of texts. ALIM provides tools that allow a student to seek and process knowledge critically, with the proper balance of the Mind and Heart. These students will be able to engage scholars in a productive discourse that allows for mutual development and the true coming of an Islamic Renaissance.

In any successful culture and society there are several role-players that facilitate development and perpetuation. These role-players must communicate effectively. Effective and meaningful discourse necessarily requires a lingua franca or common language whereby the participants in a discussion may convey their ideas and experiences clearly. ALIM seeks to provide the lingua franca as well as the environment in which scholars, professionals, activists, artists, writers, community leaders and members of Muslim society might engage each other effectively and develop strategies and possibilities for Islamic society and culture. This is Muslim empowerment!