Bachelors
in Islamic Studies: (120 Credits) (Duration: 4
1/2 years) (After Diploma: 2 1/2 yrs)
Required Courses
** Required courses of Diploma program plus the following:
1. Arabic Language: Intermediate I
This course is designed to further the student's facility with Arabic phonology,
syntax, and morphology through exercises and reading of selected texts.
Students will also be introduced to the use of Arabic dictionaries and the
various systems for transliteration of Arabic words and names.
2. Arabic Language: Intermediate II
Reading of selected text from the Qur'an, the Sunnah, and
the religious literature of the classical period will be used to familiarize
students with the style, idioms, imagery, and symbolism of the language.
3. Sciences of the Qur'an ('Ulum al-Qur'an)
This is a historical overview of the sciences of the Qur'an. It will,
in particular, deal with the Compilation of the Qur'an; Asbab
an-Nusul; Naskh in the Qur'an; Categories of I'jaz
of the Holy Qur'an (focusing on Muhkam and Mutashabih,
Amthal al-Qur'an, al-Aqsam and Mushkil al-Qur'an);
Translation of the Qur'an; Tafsir of the Qur'an and
its schools (Tafsir bi-l-ma'thur and Tafsir bi-r'Ra'y).
4. Sciences of Hadith ('Ulum al-Hadith)
Meaning and authority of hadith; the Sunnah as the second
source of Islam; recording of al-Hadith and the Isnad system;
the science of Rijal al-hadith; history and methodology of Hadith
criticism, the science of al-jarh wa at-ta'dil; fabrication of Ahadith,
its causes, and the means of elimination of fabricated Ahadith; Mustalah
al-hadith; the sciences of 'ilal al-hadith, Gharib al-hadith,
and Mukhtalaf al-hadith. Also studies biographies of famous scholars
and collectors of Hadith particularly of the six Sahih.
5. Fiqh al-Sirah
A rational approach to the Qur'anic view that the Prophet Muhammad (s) is
the best model for humankind of the present era as well as of the ages to
come; Prophet Muhammad's relevance in terms of contemporary socioeconomic,
politico-cultural and religio-ethical issues confronted by man; major themes
of his message; al-Tawhid, unity of man and real architect of human
civilization; Jihad; a necessary measure for the establishment of
peace and justice; Hijrah: an alternative to safeguard Islamic identity;
Historicity of the Prophet (s) unique features of Prophetic mission, A critical
analysis of medieval, modern and post-modern Orientalists approach to the
Prophet (s).
6. Authority of the Sunnah
This course covers the following topics: Definition of the Sunnah
according to Muhaddithun, Fuqaha and Mutakallimun;
authority of the Sunnah and its necessity; arguments and evidence
to prove the authority of the Sunnah; doubts concerning the authority
of the Sunnah by groups opposed to the Ahl al-Sunnah wa 'l-Jama'ah,
especially the Shi'ites, Mu'tazilites and the Kharijites;
skepticism over the authority of the Sunnah in the modern period;
Khabar al-Ahad, definition, meaning and arguments related to its acceptance
and rejection; relationship of Sunnah to the Qur'an; the issue
concerning abrogation between the Qur'an and the Sunnah; and
Sunnah as the permanent source of law. Topics include the contributions
of Islamic scholars to the defense of the Sunnah against allegations
made by Orientalists and deviant groups of Muslims; universality of the
Sunnah; and application of the Sunnah in social, economic
and technological fields today.
7. Introduction to Fiqh and Principles of Usul al-Fiqh
Examines factors that led to the development of Islamic legal thought and
relevance of Shari'ah to contemporary Muslim societies. Shari'ah
and Fiqh, Shari'ah and man-made laws, objectives of Shari'ah.
Origin and development of Usul al-Fiqh, general survey of rules (ahkam),
sources of Shari'ah rules (al-adilla) and methods of derivation
of rules from the sources (turuq al-istinbat). This course also deals
with some of the principles of jurisprudents such as ijma', ijtihad,
qiyas, al-masalih al-mursala, istihsan, sadd al-dhara'i',
local custom and the general objective of Shari'ah.
8. Usul al-Fiqh and Asbab al-Ikhtilaf
The course deal with the following topics; al-Hukm al-Shari'ah (value
of Shariah), al-Hukm al-Taklifi, al-Wajib, al-Mandub,
al-Haram, al-Makruh and al-Mubah. Declaratory Law (Al-Hukm
Al-Wad'i) Al-Shart, Al-Sabab, Al-Mani', Al-Sahih,
Al-Fasid and Al-Batil. Al-Azimah wa Al-Rukhsah. Mahkum
Fih, Al-Ahliyyah and Al-Hakim. Deducing the law from
its sources, Al-Khass, Al-Mutlaq and Muqayyad, Al-Amr wa
Al-Nahyu. Al-Am, conflicts between Am and Khas.
Clear and unclear words. Investigates causes of disagreement among Muslim
jurists from the time of Sahabah to the establishment of schools
of Fiqh.
9. Contemporary Fiqh Issues
An attempt to develop Fiqh solutions to questions of contemporary
importance by means of methodology suited to the circumstances of modern
times. Students are challenged to reconsider the classical definition of
and conditions for Mujtahids and Muftis, and to consider the
issues of Ijtihad and Taqlid anew. A sampling of contemporary
issues will be chosen and then studied in a way that combines understanding
of the issue itself and its social context with a deep appreciation of the
teachings of the Qur'an and the Sunnah, as well as scholarship
in the classical legal sciences of Fiqh and Usul.
10. A Survey of Islamic History and Civilisation (Dirasat at-Tarikh
al-Islami)
Spread of Islam during the periods of the Rightly guided Caliphs, Umayyad
caliphate and Abbasid caliphate. Moghul invasion and the Mamluks period,
Ottoman, Moghul and Safavid periods up to 20th century. Also focuses on
main events, personalities and characteristics during these periods.
11. Islamic Ethics (Al-Akhlaq al-Islamiyyah) and Contemporary
Moral Issues
Definition, scope, and sources of ethics; relationship between religion
and ethics; centrality of Akhlaq in Islam; moral virtues; moral obligations
and duties based on the Qur'an and Sunnah showing their relevance
to the daily lives of Muslims today. Role of ethics in the progress of human
society. Surveys topics in contemporary moral issues, from philosophical
and Islamic perspectives, such as: rights and duties, freedom and authority,
justice, punishment, ethical issues related to work, profession, medicine
and science.
12. Islamic Political System and International Relations
Foundations of the political system in Islam, Allah's Sovereignty, Khilafah,
Wilayat al-Faqih, dictatorship, obedience, equality, shura,
Islamic State, Islamic Government, Bay'ah (pledge of allegiance),
its definition and nature; peace and war. Treaties and Sulh (reconciliation),
difference between Jihad and war, different types of war such as:
military, economic and psychological.
13. Al-Firaq
The course will introduce the schools of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah,
al-Khawarij, the Shi'ah, al-Murji'ah, al-Jabriyyah,
al-Qadariyyah and al-Mu'tazilah. Covers principal issues dividing
the schools; position of the Ahl al-Sunnah at the final stages of
the theological debate. This course also discusses the contemporary deviant
sects, e.g. Qadiani, Ahmadi, Parwaizi, and Nation of Islam, etc.
14. Comparative Religion: A Qur'anic Perspective
This course deals with the Qur'anic view of the 'Original Religion'; meaning
of Islam as the final Revelation and the position of other religions; the
Qur'anic treatment of Bani-Israeli traditions; the Qur'anic view
of Christianity; the life of Maryam (a), and the life and message of 'Isa
(a); the Qur'anic attitude towards people of the Book and non-believers;
nature of dialogue with people of the Book and others.
15. Islam, Human Rights and International Law
This course examines the issue of human rights on both the theoretical and
practical levels from the Islamic and Western perspectives. It also assesses
the performance of inter-governmental organizations and international conferences
and examines the debate between North and South perspectives on human rights.
Topics include: political and historical evolution of the concept, definition
of human rights and international law, the role of international organizations
and conferences, the human rights and international law- means or ends;
critical case studies. Human rights and the Muslim world and the concept
of Huququl 'Ibaad in Islam.
16. Islamic Law: Concept and Application
This module aims to acquaint students with origins and nature of Islamic
law, its historical development and the mechanism of application in Muslim
societies. Topics include: Islamic Law and society; Historical background
of the present position of Islamic law in the Muslim World; The position
of Islamic Law in the Muslim world in the second half of the 20th century;
Contemporary development of Islamic legal thought; The application of Islamic
law in the contemporary context; A brief survey of the contemporary legal
opinions concerning some frequently discussed issues.
17. Islamic Social and Economic Institutions
This course examines the emergence and spread of Islamic civilization, and
discusses in detail basic social, and economic institutions. Topics include:
Rise and spread of Islamic civilization; Islamic institutions such as family,
Masjid, Waqf; Islamic banking and other financial institutions;
Riba, Bay'a, Mudarabah, insurance; Islamic principles
of social justice, social and relief work and social integration.
18. Modern Civilization and Challenges
This course discuss the genesis and trends; American culture; socio-economic
and political issues including democracy, terrorism, racism, secularism,
nationalism and modernism; the role of media; challenges to Muslims in the
West and in Muslim countries.
19. Introduction to Philosophy
A survey course of the central concepts related to basic philosophic inquiry.
A general understanding of the main trends in philosophic thought will be
developed through the exploration of key texts and personalities in history.
The course will cover the period of the Greeks in addition to give the student
an idea of the foundations of philosophical thought.
20. Western Philosophy and Islam
This course will seek to develop first the trends that modern western philosophy
has taken. Thereafter an in-depth look at philosophy in Islam will begin
covering such personalities as al-Ghazali, Ibn Arabi, Al-Kindi. Ibn Rushd,
Shah Waliullah, Iqbal, and others. Some time will also be devoted to the
challenges Islam faces at the hands of modern, western philosophy.
21. Islam and Tasawwuf
This course will focus on the development of the Tasawwuf and the
major personalities associated with it. In its historical component a survey
of the factions that developed into what is commonly known as Sufism will
also receive a good amount of attention.
22. Psychology
By first reviewing the basic ideas underlying modern psychology this course
will develop a basis for understanding how Islam approaches the same issues
tackled by its western counterpart. A discussion of the inner nature of
man the ruh, nafs, qalb, and the relation these have
to man and society will all be discussed to some extent.
23. Future Studies
This course will focus on the future of Muslim civilization. The study will
start with an analysis of ideal systems in Islam and their applicability
to modern, changing situations. Current trends in thought in the Muslim
World will also be considered in trying to understand trajectories that
may be followed in their development. Research methodologies for investigating
the past and for developing models for the future will also be examined.
Focus will also be made on the effect of the revivalist movements and for
developing the Shari'ah as a problem solving methodology.
24. A Research Paper
Student has to select a topic from a list of recommended topics.
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