Al-Sirat Program
A journey of a lifetime that transforms Muslim seekers through knowledge, travel, mentorship and a carefully crafted curriculum over the course of nine months.
Al-Sirat Program
A journey of a lifetime that transforms Muslim seekers through knowledge, travel, mentorship and a carefully crafted curriculum over the course of nine months.
What is Al-Sirat Program?
Launching in April 2025, Al-Sirat Program is your opportunity to learn how to live a life aligned with the rhythms of the Quran. Over the course of three seasons, you will be educated on the depth and sophistication of Islam as a living tradition, become familiar with the various isms of the modern world, and be equipped with tools to protect your mind, heart, family and livelihood in our current Australian context. Under the guidance of esteemed scholars, participants will be guided to transform themselves and the world around them.
Your Opportunity Awaits
- Dive into 3 learning areas that correspond to fundamental aspects of Muslim life
- Attend 4 immersive knowledge-retreats from April to October
- Receive education and mentorship from 3 world-class teachers
- Perform guided activities in between retreats to promote growth and reflection
- Embark on a transformative end-of-program grand tour in December
Explore 3 Fundamental Aspects of Muslim Life
Building Prophetic Communities: Family, Relationships & the Path to Noble Character
Teacher: Ust Saara Sabbagh (Mel)
This course explores the central role of character development in fostering healthy relationships, harmonious families, and meaningful community connections. Rooted in Islamic teachings and inspired by the prophetic model, participants will examine virtues such as sincerity, humility, patience, and gratitude. Topics include self-purification, family stewardship, and navigating relationships through a Quranic framework. Practical insights will help participants overcome spiritual ailments and embody prophetic traits in their interactions with others. This course is an in-depth exploration of The Clarification of Noble Character by the esteemed scholar Habib Umar bin Hafiz, illuminating the path to developing virtuous character as guided by the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Key Questions
- How does developing a strong faith-centred identity influence our character, decision-making, and interactions with others?
- What strategies can be employed to maintain sincerity and consistency in our worship and personal development amid life’s distractions?
- How can we foster a mindset of accountability in our daily habits to better align our lives with the prophetic model?
- What role does tazkiyat al-nafs (refinement of the self) play in fostering a strong marital relationship, nurturing healthy family dynamics, and building a harmonious community?
Key Terms
Tazkiyatul nafs, sidq al-niyyah, ikhlas, khuluq, adab, mujahada, taqwa, mukhalfattul nafs, muraqaba
Living with Purpose: Career, Livelihood & Community Economy
Teacher: Ust Mohammed Naushad (Mel)
This course provides Muslims with an ethical framework of right livelihoods, Islamic economic principles, and community-focused living. Participants will examine the pitfalls of the modern economic system, including its focus on individualism, consumerism, and unsustainable practices in the face of civilisational collapse, and learn how to align their lives with values indigenous to the worldview of Islam. Topics include meaningful work, stewardship as purpose, and creating intentional communities that contribute to a moral and thriving society.
Key Questions
- What is Mu’amalah? What is economics?
- How do we fulfil our ethical, economic, and communal responsibilities?
- How do we establish a thriving community?
- What can I do to help build more sustainable ecologies of right livelihood?
- How do we subvert capitalism? What Islamic alternatives do we have?
- How does my work become worship? Does my work align with Islamic principles?
- What is my calling? How do I make my career God-centric?
- How can I find better balance?
Key Terms
Hikmah amaliyya, Ilm ut tadbir an nafs, ilm ut tadbir al manzil, ilm ut tadbir al khilaafa, vocation, calling, ethics, economy, community
Living Islam in a 21st Century World
Teacher: Dr Samir Mahmoud (Syd)
This course explores a wide range of themes to help equip Muslim seekers with the tools to better understand the modern world, how to navigate it, and how to change it. Participants will learn about the emergence of the modern world and the Islamic concepts, ideas, frameworks, principles, and practices that can help them navigate the complex issues that constantly arise from it and the myriad transformational pathways out of it. Some of the issues include atheism, consumerism, individualism, reductionism, nationalism, relativism, materialism, genderism, sacred activism, and many others.
Key Questions
- How do I fortify my faith in the modern world?
- What is the Islamic view of the human being? How is it different from materialist views?
- Can I make sense of the current debates on gender? If so, how?
- How do I protect myself against individualism? Consumerism, etc.?
- Can Islam help me confront materialistic views? If so, how?
- How did the modern world emerge? How did it become so dominant?
- How do I transform myself?
- How can I change the world around me?
Key Terms
maratib al-wujud, maratib al-‘ulum, maratib al-usul, maratib al-ahkam, futuwwah, tazkiyah, ithar, fitrah, burhan, siyasah shar’iyyah
Building Prophetic Communities: Family, Relationships & the Path to Noble Character
This course explores the central role of character development in fostering healthy relationships, harmonious families, and meaningful community connections. Rooted in Islamic teachings and inspired by the prophetic model, participants will examine virtues such as sincerity, humility, patience, and gratitude. Topics include self-purification, family stewardship, and navigating relationships through a Quranic framework. Practical insights will help participants overcome spiritual ailments and embody prophetic traits in their interactions with others. This course is an in-depth exploration of The Clarification of Noble Character by the esteemed scholar Habib Umar bin Hafiz, illuminating the path to developing virtuous character as guided by the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Key Questions
- How does developing a strong faith-centred identity influence our character, decision-making, and interactions with others?
- What strategies can be employed to maintain sincerity and consistency in our worship and personal development amid life’s distractions?
- How can we foster a mindset of accountability in our daily habits to better align our lives with the prophetic model?
- What role does tazkiyat al-nafs (refinement of the self) play in fostering a strong marital relationship, nurturing healthy family dynamics, and building a harmonious community?
Key Terms
Tazkiyatul nafs, sidq al-niyyah, ikhlas, khuluq, adab, mujahada, taqwa, mukhalfattul nafs, muraqaba
Living with Purpose: Career, Livelihood & Community Economy
This course provides Muslims with an ethical framework of right livelihoods, Islamic economic principles, and community-focused living. Participants will examine the pitfalls of the modern economic system, including its focus on individualism, consumerism, and unsustainable practices in the face of civilisational collapse, and learn how to align their lives with values indigenous to the worldview of Islam. Topics include meaningful work, stewardship as purpose, and creating intentional communities that contribute to a moral and thriving society.
Key Questions
- What is Mu’amalah? What is economics?
- How do we fulfil our ethical, economic, and communal responsibilities?
- How do we establish a thriving community?
- What can I do to help build more sustainable ecologies of right livelihood?
- How do we subvert capitalism? What Islamic alternatives do we have?
- How does my work become worship? Does my work align with Islamic principles?
- What is my calling? How do I make my career God-centric?
- How can I find better balance?
Key Terms
Hikmah amaliyya, Ilm ut tadbir an nafs, ilm ut tadbir al manzil, ilm ut tadbir al khilaafa, vocation, calling, ethics, economy, community
Living Islam in a 21st Century World
This course explores a wide range of themes to help equip Muslim seekers with the tools to better understand the modern world, how to navigate it, and how to change it. Participants will learn about the emergence of the modern world and the Islamic concepts, ideas, frameworks, principles, and practices that can help them navigate the complex issues that constantly arise from it and the myriad transformational pathways out of it. Some of the issues include atheism, consumerism, individualism, reductionism, nationalism, relativism, materialism, genderism, sacred activism, and many others.
Key Questions
- How do I fortify my faith in the modern world?
- What is the Islamic view of the human being? How is it different from materialist views?
- Can I make sense of the current debates on gender? If so, how?
- How do I protect myself against individualism? Consumerism, etc.?
- Can Islam help me confront materialistic views? If so, how?
- How did the modern world emerge? How did it become so dominant?
- How do I transform myself?
- How can I change the world around me?
Key Terms
maratib al-wujud, maratib al-‘ulum, maratib al-usul, maratib al-ahkam, futuwwah, tazkiyah, ithar, fitrah, burhan, siyasah shar'iyyah
Building Prophetic Communities: Family, Relationships & the Path to Noble Character
This course explores the central role of character development in fostering healthy relationships, harmonious families, and meaningful community connections. Rooted in Islamic teachings and inspired by the prophetic model, participants will examine virtues such as sincerity, humility, patience, and gratitude. Topics include self-purification, family stewardship, and navigating relationships through a Quranic framework. Practical insights will help participants overcome spiritual ailments and embody prophetic traits in their interactions with others. This course is an in-depth exploration of The Clarification of Noble Character by the esteemed scholar Habib Umar bin Hafiz, illuminating the path to developing virtuous character as guided by the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Key Questions
- How does developing a strong faith-centred identity influence our character, decision-making, and interactions with others?
- What strategies can be employed to maintain sincerity and consistency in our worship and personal development amid life’s distractions?
- How can we foster a mindset of accountability in our daily habits to better align our lives with the prophetic model?
- What role does tazkiyat al-nafs (refinement of the self) play in fostering a strong marital relationship, nurturing healthy family dynamics, and building a harmonious community?
Key Terms
Tazkiyatul nafs, sidq al-niyyah, ikhlas, khuluq, adab, mujahada, taqwa, mukhalfattul nafs, muraqaba
Living with Purpose: Vocation, Livelihood & Community Economy
This course provides Muslims with an ethical framework of right livelihoods, Islamic economic principles, and community-focused living. Participants will examine the pitfalls of the modern economic system, including its focus on individualism, consumerism, and unsustainable practices in the face of civilisational collapse, and learn how to align their lives with values indigenous to the worldview of Islam. Topics include meaningful work, stewardship as purpose, and creating intentional communities that contribute to a moral and thriving society.
Key Questions
- What is Mu’amalah? What is economics?
- How do we fulfil our ethical, economic, and communal responsibilities?
- How do we establish a thriving community?
- What can I do to help build more sustainable ecologies of right livelihood?
- How do we subvert capitalism? What Islamic alternatives do we have?
- How does my work become worship? Does my work align with Islamic principles?
- What is my calling? How do I make my career God-centric?
- How can I find better balance?
Key Terms
Hikmah amaliyya, Ilm ut tadbir an nafs, ilm ut tadbir al manzil, ilm ut tadbir al khilaafa, vocation, calling, ethics, economy, community
Living Islam in a 21st Century World
This course explores a wide range of themes to help equip Muslim seekers with the tools to better understand the modern world, how to navigate it, and how to change it. Participants will learn about the emergence of the modern world and the Islamic concepts, ideas, frameworks, principles, and practices that can help them navigate the complex issues that constantly arise from it and the myriad transformational pathways out of it. Some of the issues include atheism, consumerism, individualism, reductionism, nationalism, relativism, materialism, genderism, sacred activism, and many others.
Key Questions
- How do I fortify my faith in the modern world?
- What is the Islamic view of the human being? How is it different from materialist views?
- Can I make sense of the current debates on gender? If so, how?
- How do I protect myself against individualism? Consumerism, etc.?
- Can Islam help me confront materialistic views? If so, how?
- How did the modern world emerge? How did it become so dominant?
- How do I transform myself?
- How can I change the world around me?
Key Terms
maratib al-wujud, maratib al-‘ulum, maratib al-usul, maratib al-ahkam, futuwwah, tazkiyah, ithar, fitrah, burhan, siyasah shar'iyyah
Retreat Dates & Outline
- Foundations of Noble Character: An Introduction (Ust Saara)
- Cultivating Patience and Forbearance (Ust Saara)
- Truthfulness in Intention, Speech, and Action (Ust Saara)
- Principles & Purpose: Ethics, Economics, Politics (Ust Naushad)
- The Great Divide: Islamic Economy vs Western economy (Ust Naushad)
- Birth of Modern World (Dr Samir)
- Circles of Cultivation (Dr Samir)
- Mechanisms of Changing Our Condition (Dr Samir)
- 2 x Special Activities (TBA Soon)
- Strengthening Family Ties and Bonds (Ust Saara)
- Honouring Parents – a Key to Allah’s Pleasure (Ust Saara)
- Navigating Gender Roles, Marriage, and Modern Challenges (Ust Saara)
- The War against God: Riba & Capitalism (Ust Naushad)
- Fair Trade: Sound Money, Justice and Wealth Circulation (Ust Naushad)
- Changing the Self (Dr Samir)
- Ethics & Being a Muslim (Dr Samir)
- Futuwwah (Dr Samir)
- 2 x Special Activities (TBA Soon)
- Living with Mercy: A Prophetic Approach (Ust Saara)
- Spreading Joy: Bringing Happiness to Others (Ust Saara)
- Circle of Influence: Friendships that Shape our Lives (Ust Saara)
- The Good work: Self, Other and the Common Good (Ust Naushad)
- Taking back the economy: Social permaculture and an alternative nation (Ust Naushad)
- A Manifesto for Social Change (Dr Samir)
- Living Ethically (Dr Samir)
- Global Challenges (Dr Samir)
- 2 x Special Activities (TBA Soon)
- Embracing Gratitude as a Way of Life (Ust Saara)
- Striving for Excellence in All Endeavors (Ust Saara)
- Embodying Noble Character in Thought, Word, and Deed (Ust Saara)
- Vocational diversity for self-reliant communities (Ust Naushad)
- Thinking Big, Collectively: fulfilling my calling for the Ummah (Ust Naushad)
- Rabat in the Modern World (Dr Samir)
- Lessons from the Cave (Dr Samir)
- Surviving the Crises (Dr Samir)
- 2 x Special Activities (TBA Soon)
Mentors
Ust Saara Sabbagh
Saara Sabbagh is the Founder and Chair of Benevolence Australia, a faith-based, non-profit community organisation established in 2008. Benevolence Australia is dedicated to providing education and support to converts and reconnecting Muslims in Melbourne, fostering a sense of belonging and spiritual growth.
Saara’s foundation in Islamic teachings originates from her time in the city of Hama, Syria, where she had the privilege of studying under esteemed female scholars. This experience provided her with a solid grounding in faith and spirituality, as well as valuable insights into their practical application in today’s world.
As a qualified couples therapist and meditation teacher, Saara blends her spiritual grounding with professional expertise to offer specialised classes in personal development, marriage mentoring, and spiritual growth. With over three decades of experience in community leadership and education, Saara has developed a range of impactful programs, including her latest initiative, Good Beginnings—the first pre-marriage mentoring program tailored specifically for Muslim couples in Australia.
Ust Mohammed Naushad
Mohammed Naushad graduated with the Dean’s Commendation Award in Australia’s first Philosophy, Politics, and Economics program from La Trobe University, where he also taught economics. He was the head of English at ISAR Istanbul Research and Education Foundation and co-founded Fraser’s GAMSAT Tuition, SANAD Australia, and First Philosophy.
Recently he helped establish the Institute of Regenerative Livelihoods which focuses on reviving the Islamic community through traditional mu’amalah, ecology, and Islamic community economics. Professionally, he works in vocational education and assessment, having advised the Australian and foreign governments on education as a consultant. He is currently teaching western intellectual history at Melbourne Muslim Seminary and developing a course on political theory at First Philosophy.
Dr Samir Mahmoud
Dr. Samir is Academic Director of Usul Academy, and Lecturer on the Diploma in Islamic Psychology at the Cambridge Muslim College.
He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from esteemed Ivy League institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford, and MIT complemented with extensive expertise in traditional Islamic studies.
Recently he was Assistant Professor at the Lebanese American University. He has a BA (Hons) in Anthropology & Politics with a focus on multicultural theory and comparative religion, and an MA in Architectural History, Theory & Urban Design with a focus on the traditional townscape from the University of New South Wales, Sydney Australia. He also holds an MPhil in Theology & Religious Studies with a focus on comparative philosophy and aesthetics. He completed a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Dr. Timothy Winter (Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad).
Alongside his academic studies, he has pursued knowledge of the Islamic sciences under traditional scholars, particularly in Tripoli, Lebanon.
Ust Saara Sabbagh
Saara Sabbagh is the Founder and Chair of Benevolence Australia, a faith-based, non-profit community organisation established in 2008. Benevolence Australia is dedicated to providing education and support to converts and reconnecting Muslims in Melbourne, fostering a sense of belonging and spiritual growth.
Saara’s foundation in Islamic teachings originates from her time in the city of Hama, Syria, where she had the privilege of studying under esteemed female scholars. This experience provided her with a solid grounding in faith and spirituality, as well as valuable insights into their practical application in today’s world.
As a qualified couples therapist and meditation teacher, Saara blends her spiritual grounding with professional expertise to offer specialised classes in personal development, marriage mentoring, and spiritual growth. With over three decades of experience in community leadership and education, Saara has developed a range of impactful programs, including her latest initiative, Good Beginnings—the first pre-marriage mentoring program tailored specifically for Muslim couples in Australia.
Ust Mohammed Naushad
Mohammed Naushad graduated with the Dean’s Commendation Award in Australia’s first Philosophy, Politics, and Economics program from La Trobe University, where he also taught economics. He was the head of English at ISAR Istanbul Research and Education Foundation and co-founded Fraser’s GAMSAT Tuition, SANAD Australia, and First Philosophy.
Recently he helped establish the Institute of Regenerative Livelihoods which focuses on reviving the Islamic community through traditional mu’amalah, ecology, and Islamic community economics. Professionally, he works in vocational education and assessment, having advised the Australian and foreign governments on education as a consultant. He is currently teaching western intellectual history at Melbourne Muslim Seminary and developing a course on political theory at First Philosophy.
Dr Samir Mahmoud
Dr Samir is Academic Director of Usul Academy, and Lecturer on the Diploma in Islamic Psychology at the Cambridge Muslim College.
He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from esteemed Ivy League institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford, and MIT complemented with extensive expertise in traditional Islamic studies.Recently he was Assistant Professor at the Lebanese American University. He has a BA (Hons) in Anthropology & Politics with a focus on multicultural theory and comparative religion, and an MA in Architectural History, Theory & Urban Design with a focus on the traditional townscape from the University of New South Wales, Sydney Australia. He also holds an MPhil in Theology & Religious Studies with a focus on comparative philosophy and aesthetics. He completed a PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Dr. Timothy Winter (Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad).
Alongside his academic studies, he has pursued knowledge of the Islamic sciences under traditional scholars, particularly in Tripoli, Lebanon.
Investment
$1500
- end of program grand tour priced separately
- financial aid available
Eligibility & Recruitment Process
To join the program, participants must be:
- Over the age of 18
- Living in Australia and can travel to retreats on their own
- Is able to commit to the program
- Demonstrated passion to serve others
Key dates:
- Submit enrolment application by March 9, 2025
- Interview rounds from March 9 to March 23, 2025
- Offer letters distributed on March 24, 2025
FAQs
Where will the end-of-program grand tour be?
We are still in the process of finalising details for the grand tour and will release them soon.
Where will the retreats be held and what will happen in them?
The retreats will be held at the Seaside Garden Retreat located in Central Coast, NSW, and consist of (i) 2 x 60-90 minute sessions from each teacher (i.e. 6 sessions in total), (ii) 2 x special activities e.g. astronomy & stargazing, archery, permaculture & reading trees, etc., and (iii) free time to bond with your cohort and teachers. Each retreat will begin on Friday evening after work hours and end on Sunday midday.
What if I cannot afford the program fee?
We have financial aid for participants who cannot afford the full fee. If you are applying for financial aid, you will be asked to enter more details in the application form. We will also try our best to present you with payment plans and options which accommodate to your unique circumstance.
What age should participants be to enter this program?
This program is for Muslims of any age above 18. We encourage diversity in age as this enriches the learning experience for all participants.
Do I need to be able to attend all of the retreats?
Yes, attendance at all retreats is mandatory.
Will I be able to commit if I am a full-time working professional/student?
Yes. We opted for a retreat-model as opposed to a weekly-class model for this program so that it could especially accommodate full-time workers or students. Across 39 weeks (i.e. 9 months), you are only required to attend in-person classes for 8-12 days (i.e. 4 weekends), excluding the grand tour. You can take your time to arrive to each retreat after work hours on Friday evening as main classes begin the morning after. You will also finish classes by Sunday midday, so you should arrive back home by 3-5pm max, leaving you with plenty of time to rest before work the next day. In between each retreat, you will be tasked with guided activities, however, these can be done at your own pace across 2 months. Sound easy?
The retreats will be held at the Seaside Garden Retreat located in Central Coast, NSW, and consist of (i) 2 x 60-90 minute sessions from each teacher (i.e. 6 sessions in total), (ii) 2 x special activities e.g. astronomy & stargazing, archery, permaculture & reading trees, etc., and (iii) free time to bond with your cohort and teachers. Each retreat will begin on Friday evening after work hours and end on Sunday midday.
- Strengthening Family Ties and Bonds (Ust Saara)
- Honouring Parents – a Key to Allah’s Pleasure (Ust Saara)
- Navigating Gender Roles, Marriage, and Modern Challenges (Ust Saara)
- The War against God: Riba & Capitalism (Ust Naushad)
- Fair Trade: Sound Money, Justice and Wealth Circulation (Ust Naushad)
- Changing the Self (Dr Samir)
- Ethics & Being a Muslim (Dr Samir)
- Futuwwah (Dr Samir)
- 2 x Special Activities (TBA Soon)
Apply Now!
It’s time to embark on the journey of a lifetime. A journey that will transform, reshape, and enlighten. Ready to step on the path? Your Al-Sirat journey is just an application away.
