Reflections at TCI
Student Reflections
Explore their stories and see how The Classical Institute can be the foundation for your own academic and personal growth. Join us on this journey and embrace the reformative impact of a classical education.
“I began tailored training in Arabic in 2021 after having attended the Traditional Sciences and Qur’anic Circle classes for several years. The tailored training is exactly as described: specific and personal to each student. Dr Ismail chose texts that were suited to my level, aligned with my interests and goals for learning Arabic, and that targeted my weaknesses in the language.”
Dr Ismail’s classes consistently foster a non-judgemental environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and asking questions. Each session is interactive and engaging, and I find I am constantly pushed to grasp the content at a deeper, more intellectually fulfilling level rather than merely settle for surface understanding.
The varied seminars delivered by guest speakers throughout the year have also given me invaluable insights into topics I hadn’t previously studied, such as philosophy and classical education, and exposed me to different disciplines which I am now motivated to explore further.
I can confidently say that studying at TCI is a truly unique opportunity and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a stimulating and forward-thinking education rooted in classical values.
TCI’s holistic approach to education emphasises personal development beyond just the subject matter, and creates an environment conducive to both academic and spiritual growth.
Dr Sarah Mehanna, Solihull UK
“Providing a bridge between the Islamic intellectual tradition and the broader Western intellectual heritage, The Classical Institute grants its students the unique opportunity to immerse oneself in a myriad of disciplines, all of which are relevant to the development of the self. TCI has privileged me with a rare environment whereby edification is privileged above all other objectives. The diverse curriculum, spanning across several languages, canons, and ideologies, has enabled me to expand my intellectual horizons significantly.”
TCI’s mission to facilitate intellectual and spiritual progress through classical education has been evident in every aspect of its programming. The seamless integration of traditional pedagogical approaches with modern methods has rooted my education in historical depth and relevance to contemporary, practical contexts. Additionally, the gracious, inclusive, and welcoming environment provided by the institute has helped foster a deep respect for education. The sense of community and the collaborative spirit cultivated by the institute’s staff and faculty have greatly enhanced my learning experience, allowing me to engage deeply with the material and with my peers. This nurturing environment has been instrumental in developing a community of critical thinkers who support one another in the pursuit of lifelong learning. The Classical Institute not only equips its students with knowledge but also instills in them a profound respect for the traditions and values that shape our world, making it a truly transformative educational experience.
Most importantly, TCI provides its students with the honor of studying with Shaykh Dr. Badreldeen Ismail al-Husayni, a true intellectual paragon of the time. His intense familiarity with various relevant epistemologies provides a learning environment that is unparalleled — truly one of a kind in this age. His profound knowledge and deep understanding of both Islamic and Western intellectual traditions creates a unique educational experience. Under his guidance, students are exposed to a depth of learning and a level of scholarly rigor that is exceptionally rare. His ability to bridge different epistemological frameworks not only enriches our academic journey but also inspires us to pursue knowledge with integrity and intellectual curiosity.
Abdelhamid Arbab, New Jersey US
“I have undertaken a tailored training program under the auspices of Dr Ismail at The Classical Institute for six years as well as attending a course on advanced Arabic literature.”
Dr Ismail was able to accurately assess my needs and interests to tailor my Arabic learning and pitch his teaching at the appropriate level, as a result I have made excellent progress especially in the areas of grammar and syntax. He has a clear passion for language and a deep understanding of classical Eastern and Western traditions which became more apparent as we extended our studies to Islamic legal theory, theology, philosophy and spirituality.
As a student I was able to draw on numerous resources from various traditions and Dr Ismail was able to gently direct my own reading into subjects of my own interest including logic, history and philosophy.
I have had the privilege of attending several seminars at The Classical Institute covering varying topics from the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, classical education and hagiology: specifically on the life of a great saint of Alexandria. All the speakers were well informed, academically gifted in their fields of interest and engaging speakers. The seminars were exceptionally well organised, welcoming and enjoyed by the attendees.
On a personal note, this unique opportunity over the previous years has had a transformative experience on myself intellectually, morally and spiritually. I embarked on the journey of a classical education relatively late in life yet the benefits I see within my own experience are great. I would recommend unreservedly, for anyone to undertake the courses or a tailored training program at The Classical Institute under the tuition of Dr Ismail to broaden all your horizons and help you to transcend the mundanity of everyday modernity.
Dr Imran Khan, Birmingham UK
MB BCh FRCOphth
Consultant Ophthalmologist and Vitreoretinal Surgeon
University Hospital Stoke-on-Trent
“The tailored training program has been a wonderful journey of learning and discovery. I began studying with Dr Ismail 18 months ago where we have been covering texts on hadith and Islamic spirituality.”
Using the core texts as a framework, Dr Ismail draws on his expertise in the classical sciences such as philosophy, Arabic language, history, theology and Islamic legal theory to make every lesson stimulating and thought provoking.
On a personal level, I acutely recognise the significant deficiencies in my earlier education. My perceived academic success at a prestigious school and university had in fact stifled my thinking and restricted my education.
The tailored training program is suitable for anyone with a desire to gain real learning - regardless of previous knowledge and experience. I had never considered myself a student of knowledge and had put off commencing my studies for over 1 year.
I am very grateful that I took the first step. Studying with Dr Ismail has been a profoundly transformative experience; both intellectually, and spiritually. It has given me an appreciation of classical Eastern and Western learning, ignited a sincere desire to seek knowledge and helped engender critical thinking.
The fruits of my studies are also shared by family. Following every lesson, I enthusiastically discuss the topics with my wife and children when I return home. They have also attended many of my classes and the excellent seminar series.
Dr Abdul-Jabbar Ghauri, Birmingham UK
Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist
“I have been part of the tailored training program with Dr Ismail for over 7 years now. We have covered numerous topics regarding Islamic tradition, hadiths and Qur’anic translation.”
Dr Ismail’s teachings have instilled vast knowledge of the topics but also various methods of how to approach these works. Using different methods to understand traditional texts, I have been able to understand how the hadiths and Islamic texts can relate to both the time they were revealed but also to the modern generation and the lessons that can be learnt from each verse.
Dr Ismail’s teachings have allowed me to develop my critical thinking skills, encouraging me not to take everything at face value but to study it in depth, and that every word and letter has meaning in it. His teachings allow me to input my thoughts and continuously develop how I conceptualise different topics. He has shown me that learning is not something that can be achieved in a few years but is a lifelong mission.
Muhammad Umar, Solihull UK