Maktabمكتب
We strive to empower Muslim youth with Islamic knowledge, values, and the confidence to lead lives of service, devotion, and positive impact.
We operationalize this mission by providing top-quality Islamic education classes for children in our community.
The Maktab Program is designed to deliver top-quality Quran and Islamic Studies classes to students ages 6-14. The program has established a welcoming learning environment that is reliant on knowledgeable and skilled teachers, creative and age-appropriate methods of instruction, opportunities to build a strong sense of community, and support to apply Islam to our daily lives.
Knowledgeable & skilled teachers
Creative, age-appropriate instruction
A strong sense of community
Support to apply Islam to daily life
Our Quran Curriculum
The Quran was sent as a book of guidance for all of mankind to be learned, reviewed, and pondered upon. Learning to read the Quran in its original Arabic form, just as it was revealed, is the first step in a lifelong journey of truly connecting with its message.
MFC's Maktab Program offers a foundational Quran Program that includes five levels of study. Students are placed in classes by their ability levels.
QaidahLevels 1 to 3
- Foundational Arabic Literacy
- Introduction to Tajweed
- Complete Review
LiteracyLevels 4 to 5
- Refinement of Pronunciation
- Mastery of Tajweed Rules
- Increased Fluency and Accuracy
In addition to studying Arabic, students at each level will be introduced to memorization of one or more Suwar (plural of Surah) to build reverence of the Quran as a book of guidance. Teachers will cover the Makhraj (proper pronunciation), Tafseer (explanation of verses, context, and lessons), special qualities of the surah, and Tadabbur (contemplation of the verses).
Quran P.E.A.R.L.S
This year, we will be introducing Quran P.E.A.R.L.S as a means to Ponder, Engage, Apply, Remember, and Live the Quran. These are Ayat (verses) or ahadith from the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, that extol the benefits associated with the use of the Quran and the lessons found within it.
Our Islamic Studies Curriculum
Students in our Islamic Studies classes are grouped by age in a welcoming learning environment with age-appropriate instruction and opportunities to nurture close connections with their peers. We believe these connections are important to develop a positive identity as a Muslim and to establish the MFC community as a resource and support mechanism from an early age.
Islamic Studies classes are designed to increase love for Allah as our Creator and Sustainer and build knowledge and understanding of Islamic guidance. The Program will introduce the IQRA Wise series as our foundational text. The coursebooks and workbooks are designed for Grades 1-8. Instruction focuses on the pillars of Islam and Iman, means of worship, mechanics of salat, details about the lives of the prophets, Islamic character and manners, and the guidance provided by Prophet Muhammad's legacy, ﷺ. Teachers bring creative teaching methods and supplemental materials to our classrooms, including multimedia resources, art projects, games and puzzles, and engaging discussions about how to explore the world using an Islamic mindset.
Fiqh
Fiqh
Providing students with an understanding of the essential rulings of worship in Islam, including prayer, fasting, zakah, and other acts of devotion. Through studying Fiqh, students will gain the knowledge and confidence to practice their faith correctly, nurturing a lifelong connection with Allah.
Aqa'id
Focusing on developing a sound understanding of Islamic beliefs, especially the names and attributes of Allah. This will build a strong foundation of faith, helping students deepen their trust in Allah and recognize His presence in their daily lives.
Seerah
Introducing students to the life and mission of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. By studying his character, leadership, and teachings, students will gain timeless lessons on faith, resilience, and compassion, inspiring them to apply his example in their own lives.
Akhlaq
Learning the importance of good character, such as honesty, patience, respect, and responsibility. Students are guided to embody these values in their interactions, shaping them into individuals who contribute positively to their families and communities.
Tarikh
Exploring the stories of the 25 Prophets mentioned in the Quran, learning the challenges of their days, and how they led their people while remaining steadfast in their faith. These rightly-guided servants are inspiring examples of how Allah's guidance can be put into practice to overcome adversity, instill humility and gratitude, and contribute to the spread of Islam.
Adab
Teaching the proper etiquette and manners that Islam encourages in daily life, from showing kindness to others to respecting elders and practicing gratitude. Through Adab, students learn how to live with dignity, respect, and thoughtfulness.
Late Registration Now Open
We are now accepting late registrations for our 2026-27 school year through Monday, October 5. Note that Quran and Islamic Studies classes are FULL on Sundays but we have space in all levels on Saturdays and the Monday/Wednesday evening schedules. Seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please complete the application online as soon as possible and wait for further instructions. The application fee of $150 per student is due at submission and includes a $25 late charge.
Maktab Moments
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Testimonials
Wonderful Islamic curriculum and relevant themes with excellent activities.
Sister Nafisa made learning so much fun for my 1st grader. He came home every day telling us about all the things they did in school. I appreciated the weekly themes, the focus on salat, and the going to Jumuah where the kids got to practice being in Jama'at. This was a very well-thought-out curriculum mashaAllah.
Like how they make creative and fun so kids can enjoy while learning.
This camp provided much more than activities and lessons. You created a welcoming Islamic environment where AbdulMalik was able to learn about Allah, the Qur'an, salat, good character, and the beauty of our Muslim community. From the daily Islamic Studies themes and art projects to Qur'an instruction, prayer preparation, lunch, recess, special programming, and the end-of-camp celebration, your efforts helped make this a meaningful and enjoyable experience for him.
Your work in guiding our children toward knowledge, prayer, Qur'an, good manners, and love for their deen is truly valuable. May Allah accept it from every person who contributed, whether seen or behind the scenes.
Alhamdulillah, our kids loved the summer camp and we are happy to say that kids had most learning at MFC compared to all other Sunday Schools/Camps we have tried in the past.
LOVED end-of-camp event and again, I was so impressed with my children's response! Thank you for all of your efforts. May Allah accept from all of you!
The structure and timing of the Quran class was excellent and worked well. MFC provides a curriculum suitable for all sorts of students on all different levels. The resources provided to us teachers were extremely beneficial.
Introducing Islam through themes was a very successful experience as students participated maximum and enhanced their understanding of Islam's relevance to their present life and contemporary world.
The environment was great. My students had a lot of space and were able to learn in a very effective manner.
FAQs
Everything families ask us about the Maktab school year.
Reach out to the head of the Maktab program, Principal Zahirah Lynn Eppard.
Go to Get In Touch ↓01When do classes start and how long is the semester?
Classes for the 2026-27 school year start the weekend of September 26, 2026. The 30-week school year will run from Saturday, September 26, 2026, through Wednesday, June 16, 2027. All classes will now be held in the MFC Gateway Masjid, 7168 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046. Our Maktab school corridor is in Suite 100.
02Is there an age requirement?
The Maktab Quran and Islamic Studies programming is designed for children ages 6-14. To be eligible for class this school year, students must:
- Be at least 6-years-old by September 1, 2026, and have finished KG in the 2025-26 school year
- Not be more than 14-years-old on September 1, 2026, regardless of the grade entered
03When are classes scheduled?
Parents can choose options that work for their unique schedules during the following cohort schedules:
It is our intention to offer every level on every cohort day. Note that a minimum number of students will be necessary to support the opening of these sessions on a specific day and time.
04How much is the tuition?
Tuition fees are calculated for the full year. For the 2026-27 school year, tuition for one class, either Quran or Islamic Studies, costs $480 per year or $60 per month. Parents can choose to pay for the tuition in full or in monthly installments.
An annual application fee of $125 will be charged for each student to cover processing, books, and other resources.
05Do you offer financial aid?
MFC is committed to ensuring that all community members have access to top-quality Islamic education programs regardless of income. We work closely with our MFC Zakat Committee to provide full and partial scholarships promptly to families in need.
06Does my community sustainer donation cover the cost of Maktab Program classes?
The tuition costs for the program can be offset by the MFC monthly community sustainer donation. Families must be in an active donation status from September 2026 through June 2027 for the CS discount to be credited.
Note that the CS discount does not apply to the annual application fee, which must be paid for each student in the program.