Course Descriptions
Listed below are brief descriptions of courses offered. You can find more detailed descriptions by logging into your account and clicking on “Courses”.
Analytical Tafseer I
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
An intensive study of Surat ul Nisaa which covers important issues related to men and women`s rights such as marriage, polygamy, divorce, and inheritance. The course will also familiarize the student with the methodology used by scholars of tafseer and learn the importance of connecting memorization with proper understanding as a response to Allah’s command to ponder over the meanings of the Quran.
Analytical Tafseer III
This course covers the explanation of Surah 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.
Aqeedah I
Introduction to Islamic creed expounding upon the first pillar of Islam – the belief in the Oneness of Allah. The differences between belief (aqeedah) and philosophy & atheism will be examined, as well as a detailed analysis of the fundamental branches of Tawheed (monotheism).
Aqeedah II
A comprehensive study of the Messengers and the Message as well as the belief in the Divine Decree and Will. (Prerequisites: Aqeedah I)
Aqeedah III
A comprehensive journey into the world of life after death with a complete study of the minor and major resurrection as well as the ultimate destinations of Paradise and Hellfire. (Prerequisites: Aqeedah I)
Arabic as a Second Language I
This course is for students wanting to take their first steps into the Arabic language. Course includes an introduction to morphology and syntax using traditional methods, as well as an introduction to conversational Arabic.
Arabic as a Second Language II
After completing the basics of Arabic morphology in Arabic 1, students in Arabic 2 will study the “Mazeed Feeh” chapters, irregular verbs (non-Saheeh) and the ta’leel of those verbs (to recognize the original state and morphed state of the verbs). Students will complete Arabic Tutor Volume one, followed by Arabic Tutor Volume Two.
Arabic as a Second Language III
Prerequisites for Arabic 3 will be either successful completion of Arabic 2 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.
Arabic as a Second Language IV
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).
Authority of the Sunnah
A course 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. Through this course students will appreciate the efforts of the scholars to purify and authenticate the Sunnah, will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to refute the arguments and claims of those who reject it or trivialize its role, and will be prepared to clarify the prominent misunderstandings concerning the Sunnah.
Fiqh of Contemporary Issues
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.
Dawah: Methodology and Practice
This course studies the virtue and obligation of calling to Allah, as well as the means, manners, and methods used to invite to the way of Allah based on the Qur’an and Sunnah. Particular attention is paid to dawah methodology in the West.
Family Law I
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
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).
Fiqh of Criminal Law and Islamic Justice
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.
Fiqh of Hadith I
An examination of ahadith as a science (narrations and types), with regard to purification, Zakah, Hajj, `Umrah, fasting and transactions. Subjects covered include the status of these ahadith in conjunction with Quranic verses; distinguishing Prophetic Hadith from the Quran in topics relevant to prayer, its times, the adhan, Friday prayer, and Eid prayers; and recognizing fabricated ahadith concerning purification, prayer, fasting, Zakah, Hajj, and `Umrah.
Fiqh of Hadith II
In this course, students study 22 Prophetic hadeeth of principal significance in Islamic belief, jurisprudence and manners, and analyze Arabic vocabulary and structures included in those texts, with the aim of deducing legal rulings.
Fiqh of Seerah
Biographical analysis of the life of the Last Prophet (saw) based on authentic sources covering his life before prophethood, the Meccan stage of preaching, the migration, life in Medina, the Conquest of Mecca, and his death.
Fiqh of Transactions I
After the chapters on the Fiqh of Worship, most of the scholars addressed the Islamic laws guiding people’s interactions, starting with the financial transactions. In this course, the student learns about selling and commercial transactions, usury, options in transactions, salam (advance payment sales), loans and debts, transference and guarantor-ship, and reconciliation.
Fiqh of Transactions II
This course continues with the subjects of financial transactions started in Fiqh of Transactions 1. Student will learn about procuratorship, partnership, sharecropping, revival of a barren land, ja’alah (job waging), luqata (lost and found), racing and competitions, easing and hiring (ijarah), misappropriation (al-ghasb), and the right of preemption. By the end of this course, the student will have a solid foundation in the basic rulings of financial transactions and some exposure to the contemporary issues pertaining to them.
Fiqh of Worship I
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
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)
Fundamentals of Fiqh I
An exposition of the methods by which the rules of fiqh are deduced, covering the sources for Islamic law, rules of interpretation, commands and prohibitions, as well as abrogation.
Fundamentals of Fiqh II
A course covering the various tools used by a jurist in deducing a legal ruling such as qiyas (analogy), istihsan (equity in islam), maslahah mursalah (consideration of public interest), and istishab (presumption of continuity). Issues such as ‘Urf (customs), ijtihaad (personal reasoning), and reconciling between conflicting evidences will also be covered.
Hadith Sciences
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.
History of Legislation
A study of how Fiqh evolved from an understanding in the mind of the first generation to a regulated, well classified discipline of knowledge, soundly structured on scientific basis. The course will examine the history behind the collections of the Sunnah, the compilations of the fiqh of the earlier generations, and the origins of the various books we study from now; the evolvement of the legal schools (madhahib) and the reasons behind the rise of some and the fall of others; and contemporary developments and attempts at reviving the fiqh of the deen and re-establishing the connection between theory and practice within the Muslim nation.
History of the Islamic State I
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, etc.
History of the Islamic State II
An analytical introduction to the history of the Islamic state as a religion-political entitystarting from the period after end of the Abbasid dynasty. The course will explore the evolution of many of Islam’s institutions and practices including domestic policies, foreign relations and the system of governance. Going beyond a mere chronological survey of the history of Islam and Muslims, it highlights the most important events of the period and the key lessons drawn from the most influential historic events, times and people.
History of The Rightly Guided Caliphs.
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.
Introduction to Arabic: Preparatory Level (Please note that this course is not part of the Bachelor’s Degree program)
Designed for non-native speakers who have little or no previous knowledge of the Arabic language. Students will learn to read and write the Arabic letters, as well as their proper pronounciation; basic Arabic vocabulary including nouns and verbs; forming sentences; and composing simple paragraphs by using Arabic vocabulary, grammar, and conjunctions. This course provides the foundation to prepare students to take Arabic 1 to 4 in the B.A program.
Introduction to Arabic: Beginner Level 1 (Please note that this course is not part of the Bachelor’s Degree program)
A course for beginners with some background of the Arabic language who wish to polish and develop their skills. At the end of the course students are expected to master the following language skills: Being accustomed to listening to Arabic jargon; knowing some of the more complex and unique sounds of the Arabic language and pronouncing them correctly; participating in spontaneous dialogue in light of the themes being studied; becoming skilled at reading comprehension of the contents in the curriculum
understanding some fundamentals of Arabic grammar (nahw) such as types of words, the definite (ma‘rifah) and indefinite (nakirah) articles, and asmâ’ al-ishârah for things that are near, far, and locations; and partially mastering the fundamentals of writing some of the Arabic letters that resemble one another in naskh script.
Introduction to Islamic Culture
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.
Introduction to U.S Laws
An introductory course highlighting US laws and regulations and their role in the lives of Muslims in America. Students will cover basic concepts of select topics including wills and inheritance in Islamic and US Laws, US family laws, immigration laws, domestic violence where family laws and immigration laws often overlap, laws related to business organizations and other entities, Alternate Dispute Resolution (Mediation and Arbitration), criminal laws, and the importance of abiding by the law. (This course and the material does not in any way constitute legal advice or an attorney client relationship.)
Islam and Science
This “independent study” elective provides students with the opportunity to explore the historical and geographical relationships between Islam and Science. Students are invited to explore the factors which led to the great contributions of the “Islamic Golden Age” as well as the factors, which led the era. Students are also challenged to hypothesize about the potential factors necessary for Muslims to regain a prominent position in the Sciences, Technologies, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Students have access to an extensive list of reading material to study and reference in their written assignments. In addition to one research paper required in this elective, students will prepare and record a 20-minute oral presentation about their paper to be sent to the instructor.
Islamic Pedagogy and Khatabah
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.
Contemporary Islamic Thought (Formerly Critical Thinking and Logic)
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.
Islamic Apologetics – (Formerly Refuting Misconceptions)
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.
Legal Maxims
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.
Manners
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.
Management for the Daiee
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.
Muslim Sects and Groups
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.
Psychology and Counseling
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.”
Religions and Doctrines
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 and II
This introductory course to tajweed covers key rules in Quran recitation including the vocal points of articulation for each Arabic letter (maakharij), special characteristics of letters (sifaat), rules associated with meem and noon, rules of madd, rules of stopping in recitation, etc. Students also memorize the last juz of the Quran for Tajweed I and the 29th juz for Tajweed II.
Quranic Sciences
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
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
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
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.
The 10 Recitations: History and Rules
The lesser ten (Al Ashara As-Sughra) refer 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 making 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.
Prerequisite Courses:
Quran Memorization and Tajweed I
Quran Memorization and Tajweed II