Course Descriptions
Listed below are brief descriptions of courses offered. They include all courses offered in both the Associate and Bachelor’s degree programs. You can find more detailed descriptions by logging into your student account and clicking on “Courses”.
Core Courses
Analytical Tafseer I (3 Credits)
An explanation of Part 30 (Juz ‘Amma) of the Holy Qur’an based on classical and contemporary works. Attention will be given to the major themes covered within the Juz as well as the historical context of the verses, their reasons for revelation, and the relevant traditions (ahadith) that further clarify their meanings.
Analytical Tafseer II (3 Credits)
This course is a Qur’anic exegesis (tafseer) of Surat al-Kahf and Surah al-Hujurat from the Qur’an based on classical and contemporary works of tafseer. The course will explore major themes addressed in these chapters, the historical context of the verses, reasons for revelation, and the relevant hadith literature that further clarify their meanings.
Analytical Tafseer III (3 Credits)
This course covers the explanation of Surah an-Noor, a very special Surah which deals with many common social issues, including adultery, fornication, the issue of falsely blaming anyone of adultery, the story of false accusations against Aisha RA, modesty in dress and interaction between the genders and teaching our children social values.
Arabic as a Second Language I (4 Credits)
This course is for students wanting to take their first steps into the Arabic language. It aims at giving students the essential syntactic, morphological, lexical and analytical tools to access Quran, Hadith and further comprehend simple Arabic and Islamic texts in English. This is achieved by developing a strong foundation in the theory of Arabic grammar, morphology and rhetoric, and further implemented through the application of a theory to read texts in classical Arabic including the Quran, with supplemental reinforcement through writing and listening. It is also based on equipping students with a broad vocabulary of words found in the Quran and Islamic disciplines.
(Prerequisite: Placement test)
Arabic as a Second Language II (4 Credits)
This course introduces a more advanced level in the study of Arabic language by improving the four skills of reading comprehension, writing, speaking and listening. It further provides more nuanced appreciation of utilizing verbal constructions to convey various senses of the past, (past continuous, recent past and far past), and distinguishing between the active and passive and transitive/ intransitive verbs. It also attempts to familiarize students with common modifications of the nominal sentence, using إن and كان and to increase student’s ability to translate classical Arabic texts. Additionally, the students will recognize classical Arabic words, roots, and phrases in speech through listening, while also enriching their Arabic vocabulary through reading Arabic stories.
(Prerequisite: Arabic as a Second Language I or Advanced Placement Exam)
Arabic as a Second Language III (4 Credits)
Prerequisites for Arabic III will be either successful completion of Arabic III semester or individualized test by instructor. The class will consist of a detailed analysis of Arabic texts, including hadith books and Quran tafseer. Students will be expected to proceed in learning grammar lessons from pre-recorded videos. The test at the end of the semester will comprise of translation of an Arabic text, and translating an English article into Arabic.
(Prerequisite: Arabic as a Second Language II or Advanced Placement Exam)
Arabic as a Second Language IV (4 Credits)
More advanced texts will be introduced, with students expected to read without any harakaat/tashkeel on the letters. The objective is for students to become self-reliant in reading advanced Arabic texts so they can pick up any tafseer and understand it with the help of a dictionary. The key text will be the Arabic version of At-Tafseer Al-Tahleeli. Students are also expected to purchase the following dictionaries to help them in analyzing the texts: Hans Wehr Arabic to English (for English speakers) and Misbaahullughaat Arabic to Urdu (for Urdu speakers).
(Prerequisite: Arabic as a Second Language III or Advanced Placement Exam)
Biography of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) – Formerly Fiqh of Seerah (3 Credits)
This course is a biographical analysis of the Last Prophet (saw) based on authentic sources, allowing students to develop love and appreciation for the Prophet (saw) ,understand why
particular Qur’anic passages were revealed, develop the ability to compare his times with ours in various respects, and fortify one’s knowledge on the compelling reasons to believe in his prophethood.
Contemporary Islamic Thought – Formerly Critical Thinking and Logic (3 Credits)
In this course, students will examine critical thinking and logic from an Islamic perspective, the etiquette of disagreement, as well as the major groups and movements in the area of Islamic activism. In addition to this, there is mentored free reading of various books pertaining to contemporary Islamic thought.
Dawah: Methodology and Practice (3 Credits)
The course is designed to examine the virtue and purpose of inviting to the message of Islam. It provides a detailed examination of the history, methodologies, and characteristics of Da’wah, as guided by the Qur’an and Sunnah. The course transitions into examining and building an understanding of the Western and Islamic culture, in order to have a stronger impact of da’wah.
Family Law I (2 Credits)
A study of marriage in Islam covering the wisdom behind marriage, the rulings pertaining to it, the details of a valid marriage contract, marital discord, divorce, guardianship, and spousal rights and obligations.
Family Law II (2 Credits)
A course focused on the basic concepts of ‘Ilm al-Fara’id (Islamic Law of Inheritance), including its significance; the wisdom in allotting the various shares; basic rules and principal elements of distribution; examples of possible cases that can be solved by simple formulas; basic elements of writing, documenting, and executing legal wills; and laws pertaining to Waqf (endowment).
(Prerequisite: Family Law I)
Fiqh of Contemporary Issues (3 Credits)
An examination of the definition and scope of contemporary fiqh issues; the approach to addressing those issues and deducing their rulings from the original sources of Islamic law; and the concept of collective ijtihad and the assemblies of jurists. Students will study individual examples of newly emerged matters such as modern applications of Zakat, DNA testing & its use in paternity tests and criminology, conventional insurance and alternatives, naturalization and citizenship in non-Muslim countries, interest-based mortgages and alternatives, plastic surgery, and moon sighting.
Prerequisite: Fiqh of Worship II, Fiqh of Transactions II
Fiqh of Criminal Law (3 Credits)
An examination of the Islamic position, juristic terms and rulings related to jinayat (crimes) and hudud (fixed punishments). The course includes a review of the Islamic law of evidence and testimony and hudud focusing on the punishments specified for zinâ (adultery and fornication), qadhf (false slanderous accusation of illicit sexual relations), drinking khamr (intoxicants in general), sariqah (theft), hirâbah (armed or highway robbery and waging war against the state), and riddah (apostasy). Students will also examine common misconceptions and doubts raised against Islamic penal law and its application in today’s society.
(Prerequisite: Family Law II)
Fiqh of Hadith I (3 Credits)
This is an entry-level course, part one of two courses that examines the Fiqh of Hadith pertaining to the essential topics, which include creed, law, morality, and spirituality. It goes through Imam al-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith compilation. The first twenty-one hadiths are examined and discussed.
Fiqh of Hadith II (3 Credits)
This is an entry-level course, part two of two courses that examines the Fiqh of Hadith pertaining to the essential topics, which include creed, law, morality, and spirituality. It goes through Imam al-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith compilation. The remaining twenty-one hadiths are examined and discussed.
(Prerequisite: Fiqh of Hadith I)
Fiqh of Transactions I (3 Credits)
This course is an intensive study of the first half of financial transactions in Islam, covering various issues surrounding buying and selling, usury, loans, settlements, companies, and more. The main text focuses on the opinions and evidence of the Hanbali Madhab. In addition, attention will be given to all the various opinions across the major Madhahib (legal schools of thought), particularly on major issues.
Fiqh of Transactions II (3 Credits)
This course is an intensive study of the second half of financial transactions in Islam, covering various issues including watering in exchange for a share of the produce, sharecropping, reviving barren land, per-job wages, lost and found property, foundlings, prize money, leasing and hiring, the right of pre-emption, endowments, gifts, and more. The main text focuses on the opinions and evidence of the Hanbali Madhab. In addition, attention will be given to all the various opinions across the major Madhahib (legal schools of thought), particularly on major issues.
(Prerequisite: Fiqh of Transactions I)
Fiqh of Worship I (3 Credits)
A juristic primer examining the key issues pertaining to acts of worship, particularly purification (Taharah), prayer (salah) and funerals (janaa’iz). Detailed evidences are emphasized and attention is given to the various opinions across the major madhahib (legal schools of thought).
Fiqh of Worship II (3 Credits)
A juristic examination of the remaining acts of worship – Zakat, Fasting, and Hajj. Students will be exposed to various legal opinions and the detailed evidences used as proofs to support these opinions. (Prerequisites: Fiqh of Worship I)
Hadith Sciences (3 Credits)
A study of the history and development of the hadith sciences, the famous hadith Scholars and their compilations, and the classification of ahadith based on factors such as authenticity, transmitters, authority, and legal effectiveness. (This course absorbed our old course Authority of the Sunnah)
History of Muslim States (3 Credits)
A retrospective look at the history of the Islamic State after the death of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) all the way up until the End of the Ottoman Empire. This course includes a study of the Umayyads, the Abbasids, Muslim Spain, Mughals and Ottomans.
(Prerequisite: History of the Rightly Guided Caliphs)
Introduction to Islamic Sciences (2 Credits)
This course aims to introduce students to the classical Islamic sciences. The historical development of some of the main Islamic sciences will be covered, including the most important scholars and texts of those sciences, with a special focus on law and its development. Students will become familiar with the works they can refer back to for their future research as students at Mishkah University. (Absorbed History of Legislation)
Islamic Apologetics – Formerly Refuting Misconceptions (2 Credits)
When one works in Islamic services or academia, it is vital that they are able to refute common misconceptions about Islam. This helps bring one closer to the Creator as all doubts are cleared and it instills confidence when giving dawah. This course examines some of the more nuanced and intellectual challenges facing Islam including questions about Shariah, women’s rights, terrorism and slavery. Students will not only be convinced of the justice of Islamic stances on these issues, but will also be equipped to convince others.
Islamic Creed I – Formerly Aqeedah I (3 Credits)
This course is an introduction on the Islamic creed – focusing solely on the first pillar of faith: belief in Allah. It will cover the proofs for, qualities of, and rights of God as per authentic revelation –focusing on the fundamental branches of Tawhīd in Islamic Theology. It will also analyze various contrary theologies, especially atheism and secular deism.
Islamic Creed II – Formerly Aqeedah II (3 Credits)
This course will expand upon four pillars of faith. Belief in Allah, His oneness, and Divine decree was the focus of Aqeedah I; this course will focus on faith in His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day.
(Prerequisites: Islamic Creed I)
Islamic Creed III – Formerly Aqeedah III (3 Credits)
This course will expand on integral creedal issues that do not squarely fall under the six pillars of faith, such as concepts of belief and disbelief, orthodoxy and heterodoxy, Islam’s stance on evolution, and issues related to political dissent.
(Prerequisites: Islamic Creed II)
Islamic Legal Maxims (2 Credits)
This course introduces students to the field of Islamic law and jurisprudence. It is designed to give students a firm grounding in the principles, concepts, terminology, and history of Islamic jurisprudential maxims. Islamic jurisprudence is one of the oldest and most significant systems of law in the contemporary age. The history, theory, definitions and applications of the Islamic jurisprudential Maxims will be studied, with a concentration on total major and the total minor maxims of Islamic jurisprudence.
Prerequisite: Fiqh of Worship II
Islamic Legal Theory I – Formerly Fundamentals of Fiqh I (3 Credits)
This course will introduce students to Islamic legal theory as a science, its main approaches, an overview of the legal rulings, and textual implications. By using the text al-Waraqāt as a guide for study, the four main topics of Islamic legal theory will be examined over this course and Islamic Legal Theory II: the sources of legislation (evidences), how to derive rulings from these evidences (textual implications), the rulings derived, and the qualifications of the one who can derive these rulings.
Prequisite: Fiqh of Worship II
Islamic Legal Theory II – Formerly Fundamentals of Fiqh II (3 Credits)
This course will further students’ familiarity with Islamic legal theory. By using the text al-Waraqāt as a guide for study, we will finish examining the four main topics of Islamic legal theory: the sources of legislation (evidences), how to derive rulings from these evidences (textual implications), the rulings derived, and the qualifications of the one who can derive these rulings and one who cannot.
Prerequisite: Islamic Legal Theory I
Islamic Pedagogy and Public Speaking (2 Credits)
A comprehensive review of Islamic pedagogy and education, including its concept, virtue, philosophy, tools, institutions, and scholars. It also highlights how excellence can be achieved in Islamic education, analyzing a number of challenges facing Islamic education, including education of Muslim children in the West, Islamization of the curriculum, and co-education. The course also covers various aspects of public speaking as a tool of teaching and conveying knowledge to others and for religious and dawah-oriented purposes.
Islamic Sects (2 Credits)
Analysis of the different groups and their fundamental differences that exist under the umbrella of Islam. An analytical and historical approach is taken discussing various groups such as the Kharajites, the Shi’a, the Baatiniyah, the Sufis, etc.
Prerequisite: Islamic Creed III
Manners (2 Credits)
An exploration of the importance of good manners in Islam and the means to acquiring high moral character. The course is designed to provide evidence-based knowledge relating to a set of manners that are comprehensive of worldly matters and religious matters including worship and dealing with one’s family, children, acquaintances and strangers.
Religions and Doctrines (3 Credits)
An analysis of the definition of religion from an Islamic viewpoint; the superiority of Islam to all man-made religions and doctrines; the Islamic perspective on studying other religions and doctrines; and the correct methodology of dealing with the differences between Islam and other religions, including the necessary tools to refute other religions and doctrines without being offensive.
Quran Memorization and Tajweed I (2 Credits)
This introductory course to tajweed covers key rules in Quran recitation including the vocal points of articulation for each Arabic letter (maakharij), rules associated with meem and noon, rules of madd, and the rules of Hamzat Al-Wasl, etc. Students also memorize the last juz‘ of the Quran and read a portion of Surat Al-Kahf with the implementation of the rules mentioned above.
Quran Memorization and Tajweed II (2 Credits)
This course to tajweed covers key rules in Quranic recitation including characteristics of letters, rules pertaining to pronouncing letters heavy and light, the concept of Al-Waqf Wa Al-Ibtidaa’, and concluding with a few points of caution by the scholars of Tajweed. Students also memorize the 29th juz’ of the Quran and read a portion of Surat Al-Kahf with the implementation of the rules mentioned above, as well as rules covered in Tajweed I.
Quranic Sciences (3 Credits)
A detailed analysis covering the various sciences pertaining to the Qur’an including its compilation and preservation, abrogating and abrogated verses, Makki and Madani verses, the causes for revelation [Asbaab an-Nuzool] and the various methods of recitation ( Qira’at)
Research Methodology (2 Credits)
Imam, educator or daiya will often face issues that will require further research. It is crucial that the student of knowledge knows the proper sources and proper means to derive correct conclusions. This course will cover a survey of Islamic resources, both classical and modern, to allow the student to develop a proper sense of how to navigate text and produce beneficial outcomes.
Tazkiyah I (2 Credits)
Aimed at purifying the heart, this course encourages students to examine and appreciate the deep meanings behind acts of worship; learn how to transform mu’malat (worldy acts) into ibadat (acts of worship); understand the importance of good character in being a pious Muslim; and the etiquette of remembering Allah (swt) and attaining His pleasure.
Tazkiyah II (Credits 2)
Just as it is absolutely critical to study the jurisprudence of the pillars of worship, it is essential to know their inner meanings. This course delicately looks at each portion and motion of acts of worship and extracts the full meanings of these acts to know our Lord. While the jurisprudence of these acts covers the form and proper manner of performance, this course will cover the substance of each action.
(Prerequisite: Tazkiyah I)
The Rightly Guided Caliphs (2 Credits)
An examination of the lives of the rightly-guided Caliphs; different aspects of their lives before Islam, after conversion to Islam and during their respective caliphates; the key achievements during their caliphates; and refuting the doubts and allegations raised about them. The course is designed to provide evidence-based knowledge, with a focus on proofs from the Quran, Sunnah and authentic sources of history to enable students to distinguish between acceptable and fabricated narrations on the Caliphs’ history.
Electives
As part of the Bachelor Degree requirements, students are required to take 6 credits of electives (3 courses). Students may choose from the elective courses listed below:
Authority of the Sunnah (2 Credits)
This course is designed to help the students understand the meanings of Sunnah and Hadith and the
relationship between the two; establish proofs of the importance and authority of the Sunnah; and
understand the role of the Sunnah in Islamic Legislation and the basics of how it was transmitted and
recorded. (This course is no longer being offered, but can still be used to meet degree requirements if taken previously.)
Introduction to Formal Logic (2 Credits)
This course will introduce students to logic, or manṭiq, which many Muslim scholars adopted and applied to their sciences. A student of knowledge would have to be familiar with manṭiq to study other Islamic sciences. The basics of this science, taken from the text “al-Sullam al-Munawraq” with contemporary commentary will be taught in this course. Students will also be exposed to objections Muslim scholars had with Aristotelian logic and how they responded to these issues.
Introduction to Islamic Culture (2 Credits)
An examination of the forces that shape culture and how to confront forces that seek to distort authentic Islamic culture; issues related to Islamic culture that affect the Muslim Ummah and how to find solutions; and the importance of adopting authentic Islamic culture as our cultural identity in theory and in practice. (This course is no longer being offered, but can still be used to meet degree requirements if taken previously.)
Islam and Science (2 Credits)
This course will offer a framework for looking at how Islam and science interact with one another. It includes looking at various ways science intersects with Islamic thought and the challenges that are raised therein. This includes how science is used in atheism-theism polemics that Muslims can understand to defend their faith better.
Leadership for the Daiee – Formerly Management for the Daiee (2 Credits)
This course will acquaint students with the management model of the Prophet (saw). The material will also cover the management essentials from the sahaba, analyze the differences between conventional management models and an Islamic one, and provide a detailed structure of an ideal Islamic organization. It will also shed light on the spiritual necessities of one involved in any form of Islamic management as well as the importance of balance in the life of a daiee.
Psychology and Counseling (2 Credits)
An introductory course that provides a brief overview of the current body of knowledge and methods of the science of psychology from an Islamic perspective and how it applies to Muslims. The course will be divided into three main themes: psychology as it applies to “The Individual,” “The Family,” and “The Community.”
Ten Quran Recitations: History and Rules (2 Credits)
This course will examine rules and elaborate the history of the ten recitations of the Quran. The lesser ten (Al Ashara As-Sughra) referring to the seven recitations of the Quran outlined in the Shatibiyyah poem by Imam Ash-Shatibi, and the three recitations outlined by Imam Al-Jazaree in the Durrah poem make a total of ten recitations each with their two chains of narrators. This course covers the history of these recitations as well as the ways to recite in each style.
General Education:
Students are required to take two General Education courses for the Bachelors Degree Program (effective Fall 2022). Mishkah University currently only offers Introduction to Philosophy.
Credits for other courses must be taken at an outside institution and transferred to Mishkah (If you have already taken these courses as part of another degree, you may submit your transcripts to the Registrar – courses transferred as part of the General Education requirements are not subject to regular transfer fees).
Introduction to Philosophy (2 Credits)
This class will touch on various aspects of a particular discursive tradition of philosophy which began in the ancient Hellenic world with the pre-Socratic thinkers, and in time made its way into the faith worlds of Islam and Christianity, followed by the mechanistic world view of modern European materialist rationalism, and so-called “post-modern” materialist irrationalism. The class will specially focus on the philosophical influences on contemporary secular thought, as secular materialism and its derivatives have become normative praxis for “modern living”.
Other GE Courses (To be taken outside of Mishkah University)
- Introduction to Biology
- College Algebra
- American Literature
- English Literature
- Introduction to English Linguistics
- Public Speaking
- Introduction to Communication
- College Mathematics
- Introduction to US Law
- Information Technology
- Introduction to Humanities
- Mental Health
- Sociology
- Civil rights
- Public relations
- Introduction to US Law
- Information Technology