Foundation Level of the Islamic Studies Course

The Foundation Level of the Islamic Studies Course is crafted to give learners a solid starting point. This level introduces key ideas and foundational knowledge that help students understand Islam and its teachings in a straightforward, easy-to-understand manner.

Introduction to Quranic Studies

This section aims to familiarize students with the Quran. It covers the significance of the Quran in Islam and its role as the central religious text for Muslims. Students will begin their journey by learning about the structure and themes of the Quran.

Overview of the Quran’s structure and history

In this part, students will explore how the Quran is organized, including its chapters (Surahs) and verses (Ayahs). They will also learn about the history of how the Quran was revealed and preserved, giving them a deeper appreciation of its importance in Islam.

Basic Tajweed rules for proper recitation

Here, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of Tajweed, which are the rules for correctly pronouncing Arabic letters when reciting the Quran. This ensures that students can recite the Quran as it was intended.

Introduction to major themes in the Quran

In this section, students will delve into some of the major themes of the Quran, such as guidance for leading a moral life, stories of past prophets, and teachings on faith, patience, and gratitude. These themes will help students grasp the core messages of the Quran and how they relate to everyday life.

Fundamentals of Islam

The Islamic Studies Course introduces the core beliefs and practices that form the foundation of a Muslim’s life. Understanding these fundamentals is crucial for living according to Islamic principles.

Five Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam are the essential acts of worship every Muslim must follow. These include the declaration of faith (Shahada), prayer (Salah), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), giving to charity (Zakat), and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). Each pillar plays a vital role in shaping a Muslim’s relationship with God and their community.

Six Articles of Faith

The Six Articles of Faith outline the beliefs every Muslim holds. These include belief in Allah (God), His angels, His books, His prophets, the Day of Judgment, and divine destiny (Qadr). These beliefs are central to a Muslim’s understanding of their faith and the world.

Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

The life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the final messenger of Islam, is covered in this section. It discusses significant events from his early years in Mecca to his role in spreading the message of Islam. Students will explore his character, including his honesty, kindness, and perseverance, and how he faced challenges with patience and faith.

Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life is rich with lessons in personal conduct, leadership, and devotion to God. His example provides a model for ethical behavior and moral integrity, demonstrating how to live a life according to Islamic principles. By studying his actions and decisions, students can gain insights into handling various aspects of their lives, from personal relationships to community leadership.

Understanding the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) helps Muslims connect more deeply with their faith. His experiences and teachings offer practical guidance on living a righteous life and maintaining a strong connection with God. This knowledge not only strengthens one’s faith but also inspires Muslims to embody the values he exemplified in their daily lives.

Arabic for Beginners

This course section introduces students to the Arabic language, focusing on the basics essential for understanding and engaging with Islamic texts.

Arabic alphabet and pronunciation

Students will begin by learning the Arabic alphabet, which consists of 28 letters. They will practice pronunciation and become familiar with how each letter sounds in different positions within words. This foundational knowledge is key to reading and reciting the Quran accurately.

Basic vocabulary related to Islamic terms

This section covers essential Islamic terms and phrases that students will frequently encounter. They will learn basic vocabulary related to Islamic practices, prayers, and key concepts, helping them better understand and communicate within an Islamic context.

Simple Quranic verses and their meanings

Students will study simple verses from the Quran, focusing on their meanings and interpretations. By learning these verses, students will gain insights into the teachings of Islam and improve their connection with the Quran on a personal level. This practice will also aid in recognizing common themes and messages within the sacred text.

Intermediate Level

The Intermediate Level of the Islamic Studies Course expands on the foundational knowledge, offering a deeper exploration into Quranic interpretation and Islamic teachings. This level introduces more complex concepts, providing students with a richer and more comprehensive understanding of Islam.

Quranic Exegesis (Tafsir)

In this section of the Islamic Studies Course, students will delve into Quranic exegesis, or Tafsir, which involves interpreting and explaining the verses of the Quran. Students will study the methods and principles used by Islamic scholars to understand the meanings and contexts of these verses.

Principles of Tafsir

Students will learn the essential principles of Tafsir, including historical, linguistic, and theological approaches to interpreting the Quran. Understanding these principles is key to accurately analyzing and explaining the Quranic verses.

Study of Selected Surahs and Their Interpretations

This part focuses on an in-depth study of selected Surahs (chapters) from the Quran. Students will explore their themes, messages, and the context of their revelation, helping them grasp the deeper meanings and practical implications of these Surahs.

Contextual Understanding of Quranic Verses

Students will learn how to interpret Quranic verses within their historical and social contexts. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding by considering the circumstances surrounding the revelation and their relevance to modern issues.

Hadith Studies

The Hadith Studies section offers an in-depth look into the sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). These Hadiths are vital for understanding how to practically apply Islamic teachings, as they provide detailed examples of how the Prophet implemented and lived out Islamic principles. By studying these accounts, students gain valuable insights into the Prophet’s guidance on various life aspects, such as worship, morality, and relationships.

This section highlights the complementary role of Hadith with the Quran, offering additional context and clarification of its teachings. Students will learn how the Prophet’s actions and words serve as a model for Muslims, demonstrating the practical application of Islamic values in everyday life. Understanding Hadith helps students comprehend the deeper meanings of Islamic practices and principles, making it easier to incorporate them into their personal and communal lives.

Introduction to Major Hadith Collections

Students will be introduced to key Hadith collections, including Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawood, and others. They will learn the significance of these collections and how they contribute to the broader understanding of Islamic teachings.

Authentication of Hadiths (Isnad and Matn)

This part covers the methods used to authenticate Hadiths, focusing on Isnad (the chain of narrators) and Matn (the text of the Hadith). Students will learn how scholars evaluate the reliability of Hadiths to ensure their authenticity.

Practical Application of Hadiths in Daily Life

Students will explore how Hadiths can be applied in everyday life, offering practical guidance on behavior, ethics, and decision-making. By learning to integrate these teachings into their daily routines, students will deepen their understanding of Islamic principles and practices.

Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh)

Islamic Jurisprudence, or Fiqh, involves understanding and interpreting Islamic law based on the Quran, Hadith, and other traditional sources. It covers both acts of worship and daily dealings, guiding Muslims on how to live in accordance with Islamic principles.

Sources of Islamic Law

The main sources of Islamic law include:

• Quran: The holy book providing direct guidance.

• Hadith: Recorded sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

• Ijma’ (Consensus): Agreement among Islamic scholars on specific legal matters.

• Qiyas (Analogy): Reasoning by analogy to apply established laws to new situations.

Fiqh of Worship (Ibadat)

The Fiqh of worship deals with the rules for acts of worship, including:

• Prayer (Salah): Guidelines for performing the five daily prayers.

• Fasting (Sawm): Rules for fasting, especially during Ramadan.

• Charity (Zakat): Guidelines for giving a portion of wealth to those in need.

• Pilgrimage (Hajj): The steps for performing the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Contemporary Fiqh Issues

In modern times, Fiqh addresses new issues faced by Muslims, such as:

• Islamic Finance: Aligning modern financial systems with Islamic principles.

• Bioethics: Questions regarding medical ethics, like organ transplants and genetic engineering.

• Environmental Concerns: Islamic perspectives on environmental protection and climate change.

• Digital Technology: How technologies like AI and social media fit within Islamic law frameworks.

Specialization Tracks

The Specialization Tracks are crafted to deepen your expertise in specific areas of Quranic studies, helping you achieve mastery in various aspects of Quranic Arabic and its interpretation. These tracks offer targeted learning opportunities to enhance your skills in working with Quranic texts.

Quranic Arabic Mastery

This track is designed for those seeking a deep understanding of the Arabic used in the Quran. It provides an extensive exploration of Quranic Arabic to ensure proficiency in interpretation and comprehension.

• Advanced Arabic Grammar and Morphology: Study the rules of syntax (Nahw) and word formation (Sarf), essential for accurate understanding of Quranic verses.

• Quranic Vocabulary and Linguistics: Expand your knowledge of key Quranic terms, explore linguistic nuances, and learn contextual meanings to fully appreciate the text.

Translation and Interpretation Techniques

Gain essential skills for translating and interpreting Quranic texts through various methods, ensuring the original message is preserved. This section covers classical and modern Tafsir approaches to deepen your understanding.

Islamic Leadership and Dawah

Focus on developing leadership skills rooted in Islamic principles to guide your community effectively.

• Public Speaking and Khutbah Preparation: Learn to structure speeches and engage audiences in delivering impactful sermons.

• Community Engagement and Management: Discover strategies for fostering unity and addressing challenges within Muslim communities.

• Interfaith Dialogue and Dawah Methods: Learn respectful and effective ways to communicate Islamic teachings, promoting understanding among different faiths.

• Islamic Finance and Economics

• Understand the fundamentals of Islamic finance, focusing on ethical guidelines shaping economic activities.

• Principles of Islamic Economics: Explore core principles like fairness, justice, and the prohibition of interest (riba).

• Islamic Banking and Finance: Study profit-sharing models and key financial instruments that align with Islamic values.

• Zakat Management and Islamic Charity: Learn about the role of Zakat and its management in supporting social welfare and economic justice.

Capstone Project

In the final step of the Islamic Studies Course, students conduct independent research on a chosen topic in Quranic studies or Islamic sciences, demonstrating critical thinking and comprehensive understanding. Findings can be presented as a scholarly paper or multimedia presentation.

Continuous Assessment

The Continuous Assessment process keeps students engaged and reinforces learning throughout the course.

• Regular quizzes test knowledge of Quranic verses and Hadiths, ensuring a solid grasp of key concepts.

• Practical assignments like leading prayers help build confidence in applying Islamic teachings.

• Online discussion forums foster collaborative learning and idea sharing among students.