FIQH COURSES
The Fiqh courses introduce students to foundational aspects of Islām, focusing on key elements of fiqh (Islāmic jurisprudence). These courses cover the role of fiqh in Islamic law and delves into the legal rulings of essential practices such as purity, prayer, Zakāt, fasting, and Ḥajj, equipping students with both the legal knowledge and spiritual understanding needed to strengthen their faith and practice.
FQH 110: Introduction to Fiqh
This course is designed to build a foundation for understanding the field of Islāmic jurisprudence (fiqh). Students will study the development of fiqh, learn its sources, and understand the reason for differences in legal opinion amongst scholars. This course is designed to develop an appreciation for the field of fiqh and its contributors, along with an understanding of the connection between the application of fiqh and a Muslim’s relationship with Allah Ta'ālā.
FQH 120: Fiqh of Purity and Prayer
This course aims to familiarize students with the legal rulings of purity (tahārah) and ritual prayer (salāh) within Islām. The initial weeks of the course will focus on the spiritual and legal dimensions of facets such as general purity, wudhū, and ghusl, and then it will transition into covering the rulings and spiritual aspects surrounding ritual prayer
FQH 130: Fiqh of Zakāt, Fasting, and Ḥajj
This course is centered upon the legal rulings of Zakāt, fasting, and Ḥajj in Islām. This course will be separated into three sub-modules – one for each of the mentioned topics. Students will gain familiarity with each of these pillars, and discussions will include contemporary rulings related to each. The course aims to strengthen students’ ability to uphold these pillars by equipping them with knowledge of the legal and spiritual dimensions of these foundations of the faith.
‘AQĪDAH COURSES
The ‘Aqīdah courses are designed to strengthen students’ understanding of the fundamental beliefs in Islām. These courses will cover essential concepts such as belief in Allāh Ta'ālā, prophethood, angels, and the Hereafter. They also address common objections and misconceptions surrounding Islām, equipping students with the confidence and knowledge to defend and affirm their faith.
AQD 110: Core Beliefs of Islām I
This course focuses on establishing a strong foundation for students’ belief in Allāh Ta’ālā by covering general proofs for the existence of God, specific evidences for believing in Allāh Ta’ālā, as well as covering the belief in the Attributes and Qualities of Allāh Ta’ālā. Additionally, students will explore arguments against modern belief systems, such as atheism and modernism.
AQD 120: Core Beliefs of Islām II
This course covers some of the major beliefs in Islām, including the beliefs in prophethood, angels, divine scriptures, and the Hereafter. Students will study the core beliefs (‘aqāid) pertaining to each of these tenants and explore their proofs.
AQD 130: Fortifying Faith
This course equips students with knowledge regarding common objections against Islām. Students will dive into misunderstood Qur’ānic verses and Prophetic Ḥadīth and explore controversial questions and objections against Islām. This course seeks to provide students with confidence on such topics, to empower them with the ability to respond to, defend, and deconstruct ideas raised against Islām.
ḤADĪTH COURSES
The Ḥadīth courses are designed to build a foundation of understanding the Ḥadith sciences and its role in Islāmic law. Initial courses will allow students to understand the theoretical aspects of the Ḥadith sciences, and the latter courses allow students to sit in class gatherings of Ḥadith which fortify one’s faith and provide life lessons to be implemented.
HAD 110: Introduction to Hadīth
This course aims to equip students with foundational knowledge of the Ḥadith sciences, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of this Islāmic science. Students will explore its basic principles, historical development, methodologies, and significance in Islāmic scholarship. Additionally, discussions will encompass key concepts, terminology, and critical issues surrounding the authenticity and transmission of Ḥadith.
HAD 120: 40 Hadīth of Imām Nawawī
This course studies the 40 Ḥadith of Imam Nawawi, a pivotal collection which encapsulates core Islāmic teachings. Each Ḥadith is a concise narration of Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, emphasizing moral principles, ethical conduct, and spiritual insights. Throughout the course, students will explore these teachings, enhancing their understanding of Islāmic values and their relevance in today's world.
HAD 130: Shamā’il of the Prophet ﷺ
This course explores Imam Tirmidhi’s Shamā’il Muhammadiyyah, a compilation of Ḥadith detailing the Prophet ﷺ, including his physical attributes, moral qualities, and exemplary conduct. Derived from various authentic sources, the Shama'il provides insight into the life and character of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, allowing students to strengthen their connection and love for him صلى الله عليه وسلم.
TAFSĪR COURSES
The Tafsīr courses offer an exploration into the interpretation of the Qur'ān, focusing on key Surahs and their meanings. These courses aim to connect students with the meaning of the Qur'ān, particularly often recited surahs, to develop a deeper connect with the Book of Allah Ta’ala, and to be a motivation for delving deeper into exploring the Tafsīr of Qur'ān.
TFS 110: Introduction to the Science of Qur'ān
This course offers an introduction to the sciences of Qur’ān, exploring the various methodologies that pertain to Qur’ānic preservation, textual analyzation, and implementation. Through the course, students will learn the status which the Qur’ān holds in the life of a Muslim and in the preservation of the teachings of Islām.
TFS 120: Tafsīr I - Surahs from Juz ‘Amma
This course seeks to connect students with oft-recited surahs of the Qur’ān by covering Surah Fātihah and the concluding surahs of the Qur’ān. Students will cover the translation, background of revelation, and explanations of each surah. Additionally, discussions will focus on practical points which can be extracted from these surahs and how such points can be implemented in one’s life.
TFS 130: Tafsīr II - Select Surahs
This course introduces students to the Qur’ānic commentary of select surahs from the Qur’ān, such as Surahs Mulk, Yasin, Kahf, and Rahmān. Students will cover the translation, background of revelation, explanations, and practical points from surah. This course seeks to connect students to these surahs and provide an impetus for making them part of one’s life.
SĪRAH COURSES
The Sīrah courses offer a look into the life of the Prophet ﷺ, focusing on the transformative Meccan and Madinan periods. By studying the historical, social, and spiritual contexts of these pivotal eras, students will gain a deeper appreciation of the foundations of Islām and the challenges faced during its early propagation. These courses aim to inspire a meaningful connection with the life and mission of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. Below are the detailed descriptions of each course.
Class Title: Meccan Sīrah
This course offers an exploration of the Meccan period of the life of the Prophet ﷺ, a pivotal era that laid the foundation for Islāmic belief and practice. Students will study the societal background of pre-Islāmic Arabia, the early life of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, and events in his life following his receiving of revelation until his migration to Madīnah. This course enhances understanding the historical, social, and spiritual context of Islām during the initial years of its propagation by the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.
Class Title: Madinan Sīrah
This course delves into the Madinan period of Prophet’s ﷺ life, a transformative era marked by the establishment of the first Islāmic community, the development of key Islāmic principles, and the expansion of the Muslim community. Through this course, students will explore the significant events, challenges, and achievements that shaped the early Muslim community in Madīnah.
Spirituality
The Islāmic Spirituality courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the essence of spirituality in Islām, rooted in the Qur'ān and Sunnah. These courses guide students through the journey of spiritual refinement by addressing misconceptions, uncovering the path to closeness with Allāh Ta'ālā, and exploring the importance of purifying the heart. Through practical and theoretical insights, students will be equipped to nurture their relationship with Allāh and strive for spiritual excellence.
SPR 110: Islāmic Spirituality I
This course introduces students to the true meaning of Islāmic spirituality and seeks to dispel misconceptions about it through proofs found in the Qur'ān and Sunnah. Students will then cover excerpts from texts on Islāmic spirituality to help illustrate steps to be taken by seekers of spiritual perfection to elevate their closeness to Allāh Ta'ālā.
SPR 120: Islāmic Spirituality II
This course dives into the core of one’s spirituality – the heart. Through this course, students will explore spiritual diseases which detract from one’s efforts towards spiritual reformation as well as their remedies. Moreover, students will explore praiseworthy qualities which all Muslims must strive to imbibe.