“I truly believe that I left this program feeling completely transformed. I have started to achieve a connection with the Quran that I never imagined I would ever feel. There were so many times within the program where I physically felt my heart becoming more and more at peace. Now, I think I understand my role and what it really means for me to live based on a Quranic worldview."

“For a long time, I felt as though such programs only existed out of state, and were thus, such transformative and enriching experiences were unattainable for me. This program completely reshaped my value system and how I choose to live my life moving forward. It also provided me with a critical foundation and understanding of the experience of a student pursuing Islamic knowledge. I also made beautiful connections with people from across the nation doing very important work to advance the virtues of Tawhid, Tazkiya, and Umran in their locales."

“The most valuable takeaways from the winter program for me were the friendships and bonds I formed, as well as the insight into checking in on my heart versus just focusing on my mind. I also gained a deeper understanding that the Qur'an is a unified whole, and it contains everything we need—it truly is the playbook of life. These insights have been transformative and will continue to shape my approach to both personal growth and how I engage with the world."

“What I appreciated most is that this [program] wasn’t just philosophical theory. It was practical. The program gave me the tools and confidence in myself to look at Islam as a living, breathing guide that offers wisdom for modern dilemmas, rather than just a set of rituals we do without reflection."

“What I am learning is like the blue ocean and listening to the lectures is only a small part. After lectures, I am led to read articles, dive into research and I find a new ocean."

“The IOK Winter Program totally changed my perspective on and implementation of Islamic teachings in life. It took me closer to the Quran and Sunnah and gave me a methodology in which I could tackle the challenges of our day and time with wisdom, conviction, and clarity."

“Alhamdulillah, I have a new perspective on life through emulating the guidance of the Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophets SAW. This program has enhanced my confidence in the Qur'an and understanding its meaning in a broader context. The knowledge gained has made me understand the need to soften the heart to accommodate new changes (new knowledge)."

“I believe the biggest insight offered by the program was the ability to not just see Islam through a single lens. Especially, when it has so many stories that can help me relate to it on a personal level... I have learned to become closer to Islam and connect it more to my day-to-day life.”

“This program has transformed my approach to engaging with the Quran and Sunnah when analyzing contemporary as it encourages a more holistic reading of Islamic texts, considering their broader context and objectives rather than isolated interpretations. I have developed a more critical and analytical approach to Islamic scholarship, encouraging engagement with diverse perspectives while maintaining core Islamic principles.

“The spiritual insights offered by the instructors throughout this course have been extremely thought-provoking, they’ve cemented for me what it means to see with your heart."

“This program has transformed my approach to engaging with the Quran and Sunnah when analyzing contemporary issues by emphasizing contextual understanding and critical reflection. It has deepened my ability to extract relevant principles and apply them thoughtfully to modern challenges like living as a minority in the west. It has also ensured my conclusions align with Islamic values while remaining practical."

“The new knowledge and insights I have gained during this program have expanded my worldview in a very influencing and positive way. I began to take a new point of view on things from an Islamic perspective and it made me feel a lot more comfortable. I am able to always find ways to implement Islam into my life no matter what I'm doing."

“The program has made me not only more knowledgeable about how to use the Quran and Sunnah, but more confident in using them. Now, if I’m curious about something, it feels almost like second nature to turn to the Quran myself."

“The knowledge and insights that I have gained during this program have allowed me to see things through a multifaceted perspective... I have more of a passion for research, I am more aware of my state (mindfulness), and I am striving to improve my character and the condition of my heart."

“This program has opened my eyes to the layers of what Allah means by his verses and how clear he makes it compared to all other world views."

“The most spiritual and intellectual insights that had the most profound impact on me are the organization and expansion of my prior knowledge and relationship with the Quran, the Sunnah, the practice of the companions, the teaching of the scholars, and the Islamic civilization."

“This whole experience was very transformative and took me from simply looking at the Quran to being able to properly engage with it. There's a difference between simply calling yourself a Muslim versus actively and constantly living a life by the Quran and exemplified by the sunnah."

“I realized from this program that Islam is not a static religion but instead, the means of life that flows."

“[I learned that] my understanding of myself, my value, my role and my perspectives are determined in accordance to how I align with the Quran and the prophetic way of life."

“I am growing spiritually by picking up and reading the Quran in a new light and with a new perspective. I am growing intellectually through my increased understanding of the jurisprudential differences within the Islamic tradition. In my relationship with others, I am more cognizant of my spiritual mission in this world."

“All the instructors were very welcoming and well versed in there subject and made each class feel as enriching as the next; the instructors were really the highlight of each lesson."

“Although I have been thinking about the heart for a while now...I have never sat and pondered the verses about Allah revealing the Quran onto the heart. I continue to be in awe of possessing the vessel of the Quran in me."

“This was a beneficial program, and I was able to take information away from this I want to share with my own community."

“Overall, this has been a very transformative experience, alhamdullilah! I definitely feel as though there has been a shift in perspective and I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge in the future, in shaa Allah!"