What is the Preservers Scholarship?

The Preservers Scholarship at Bayan offers an opportunity for the Preservers of the Qur’an to expand and implement their sacred knowledge in service of its divine mission. This scholarship supports these esteemed individuals by equipping them with the Islamic and interdisciplinary knowledge needed to contextualize and apply the Qur’anic message within their communities, fostering holistic insights and impactful leadership that is built upon the timeless wisdom of revelation.

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Background

The Preservers Scholarship is for men and women who have memorized the Qur'an in its entirety (huffaz, or preservers) and at are teaching it to the next generation of Muslim Americans.  The Prophet (S) said, "The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and tech it." [Bukhari]. The process of learning involves memorizing the ancient, miraculous, preserved, and divine Word of God, a book of 600 pages.  It also includes a vast array of complex sciences from phonetics and elocution to hermeneutics and calligraphy, as well as regular review and performance in the prayers.

 

Preservation of the Qur'an consists not only the words of the holy book but also its meanings.  In each of these, a rigorous method of certification is required such that each Preserver is attached via unbroken links into a chain that connects them to the Prophet himself, continuing to emanate in the same fashion that it did when he recited it fourteen millennia ago as it was revealed to him by Allah.   

 

Vision

The preservers of today uphold this sacred duty of safeguarding the Word of Allah for generations to come, and Allah is the ultimate Protector.  Bayan is committed to providing these preservers with Islamic and interdisciplinary knowledge, along with skills to make a significant impact to pass on the faith..

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Full-Tuition Award

Funds are disbursed incrementally to cover 80% of tuition for all coursework during each semester at Bayan/CTS until completion of:

• 48 units of the 2-year MA degree (approximately $48,000)

• 75 units of the 3-year MDiv degree (approximately $75,000)

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Full-Time Versus Part-Time Enrollment

While degree-students who are enrolled part-time at Bayan will be considered for this scholarship program, students who are enrolled on a full-time basis will be given preference both in terms of initial and on-going eligibility, 

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Initial Eligibility

• Student has been granted admission to Bayan's MA or MDiv. degree program at Chicago Theological Seminary

• Student is a citizen/legal resident of the United States of America

• Student is a full-time Qur'an teacher, in terms of memorization and/or recitation

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Scholarship Application Requirements

• Academic merit (entering cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above*) 

• Personal vision statement with emphasis on significant leadership and/or scholarly engagements in the community (750 words)

• Professional growth plan (500 words)

• Résumé (upload as attachment)

• 1 letter of endorsement from a community leader (upload as attachment)

• 1 letter of recommendation of applicant’s choice (upload as attachment)

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Deadline to Apply for Admission and Scholarship Consideration 

• For Fall term start: June 15

• For Spring term start: November 15

• For Summer term start: March 15

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Maintaining Eligibility 

• Maintain continuous enrollment (per school’s policies)

• Maintain 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA

• Continue role in teaching Qur'an on a full-time basis

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*  Each applicant is evaluated based on overall qualifications and extenuating circumstances may be taken into consideration. In general, a Bachelor’s degree is required for admission, but an exemption may be granted in certain cases.

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