Course Description

This course is comprised of a study of the fundamental issues in the Science of Tawheed/ ‘Aqeedah most relevant today. It gives an overview of the categories of Tawheed and Shirk.

I. Objectives 

• To enable the student to understand the origins of the Science of Tawheed.

• To further develop the student’s grasp of the basic three categories of Tawheed and their antithesis Shirk.

• To develop the student’s basic knowledge regarding some of the controversial issues related to Tawheed.

• To enable students to critically analyze the customs and culture which affects the implementation of Tawheed in Muslim countries today.

• To teach students correct approach to understanding the Islaamic Creed.

II.  Class Content

A. Definition of ‘Aqeedah

B. Importance of ‘Aqeedah

C. Unique Characteristics of Islamic ‘Aqeedah

D. Definitions of Eemaan and Islaam and their characteristics 

E. Belief in Allaah 
1. Proofs For Allaah’s Existence
2. The Appearance of Atheism in Modern Times
3. Tawheed: Ruboobiyyah, Uloohiyyah, & Asmaa wa sifaat
4. Kufr and its categories
5. Shirk and its categories
6. Nifaaq and its categories

III. TEXTBOOKS

A. Required Text:

• Bilal Philips, The Fundamentals of Tawheed, Bilal Philips,

 B. Supplementary Texts:

• ‘Abdullah Al-Athari, Islamic Beliefs

Course Description

This course covers the third Category of Tawheed: Tawheed al-Asmaa was-Sifaat, The significance of belief in revelation, Understanding belief in Destiny, Signs of the Last Day and the Day of Resurrection, Status of the Prophet’s Companions, Obedience to Rulers, and Abandonment of Deviants.

I. Objectives 

• To enable the student to understand the rules governing the correct understanding of the Divine Names and Attributes of Allah.

• To further develop the basic belief in revelation found in both the Qur’aan and Sunnah.

• To teach students about the Fifth Pillar of Faith: Belief in the Last Day and its portents.

• To develop the student’s basic knowledge of the Sixth Pillar of Faith: Belief in the Divine Destiny (Qadaa and Qadar).

• To enable students to comprehend the significance of the Status of the Prophet’s Companions

II.  Class Content

A. Al-Asmaa
 1. Linguistic and Technical definitions of Ism

2. Opinions of Scholars Regarding Ism, Tasmiyah and musammaa

3. Allaah’s Names are Fixed

4. Allaah’s Beautiful Names found in the Sunnah

The Effect of Knowledge of Allaah’s Names on a Muslim’s Behavior 
 

B. The Methodology for Understanding the Divine Attributes
1. Linguistic and Technical Definitions of Sifah

2. The Concept of Sifaat among the Salaf: Sifaat Thaatiyyah and Sifaat Ikhtiyaariyyah

3. The Concept of Sifaat among the Ash’arites: Sifaat al-Ma‘aanee, Sifaat Ma‘nawiyyah, Sifaat Salbiyyah, and Sifaat Khabariyyah

4. The Methodology for Understanding the Divine Attributes
i. The Three Rules of the Salafee Methodology
ii. Ta‘teel; its reality and examples among deviant sects
iii. Ta’weel; its reality and examples among deviant sects
iv. Tashbeeh; its reality and examples among deviant sects

5. Opinions of the Scholars Regarding Seeing Allaah
 

C. Qadaa and Qadar

1. Linguistic and Technical Definitions of Qadaa and Qadar

2. Levels of Faith in Qadaa and Qadar

3. Using Qadar as Justification for Sin

4. Divine Will and Human Will

5. Sects which Deviated Concerning Qadaa and Qadar

III. TEXTBOOKS

A. Required Text:

• Bilal Philips, A Commentary on Ibn Qudaamah’s Radiance of Faith,
• BilalPhilips, A Commentary on The Chapter on Qadar (A‘laam as-Sunnah of al-Hakamee)

 B. Supplementary Texts:

• ‘Abdullah Al-Athari, Islamic Beliefs,
• Ibn Abil-‘Izz, Sharh al-‘Aqeedah at- Tahaawiyyah (Eng. Trans.),
• Umar al-Ashqar, Divine Will and Predestination

Course Description

This course covers ‘Aqeedah topics not covered in the first two semesters as presented in the oldest and most classical work on the Islamic creed from the 9th century.

I. Objectives 

• To enable the student to understand the rules governing the principles of the Islamic creed.

• To further develop the basic belief in revelation found in both the Qur’aan and Sunnah.

• To develop the student’s basic knowledge of the first Pillar of Faith: Belief in the Prophet and the proofs for his prophethood.

• To enable students to comprehend the significance of the Status of the Community and the importance of adhering to it.

• To teach students about the position of faith between the principle of hope and fear and its significance.

• To clarify for students how they may benefit the dead through acts of worship and the concept of supplication and divine response.

II.  Class Content

A. Belief in Messengers

1. Linguistic and Technical definitions of a prophet and messenger, and the relationship between the two
2. Characteristics of a Messenger
3. Assignments of a Messenger
4. Prophethood
5. Evidence Establishing the Prophethood
6. Revelation; its definition, method and doubts concerning it

B. Walee and Wilaayah

1. Linguistic and Technical Definitions of Walee
2. Characteristics of Allaah’s Close Friends
3. Wilaayah Cannot be Inherited

C. Belief in the Books of Revelation

1. Linguistic and Technical Definitions of a Divine Book
2. Conditions of a Divine Book
3. Humanity’s Need for Divine Books
4. Belief in the Divine Books in General and Specific
5. Books Which Must be Known

III. TEXTBOOKS

A. Required Text:

• Abu Jafer at-Tahawe / Ali ibn Abil-‘Izz (Trans. Syed Iqbal Zaheer),
• TheFundamentals of Islamic Creed, Canada: Al Attique Publishers Inc., 2nd ed., 2000.

 B. Supplementary Texts:

• Ali ibn Abil-‘Izz (Trans. Dr Muhammad ‘Abdul Haqq Ansari), Commentary on the
  Creeed of at-Tahawi, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Al Imam Muammad Ibn Sa’ud Islamic University, 1st ed., 2000.

Course Description

This course is a critical study of the history of Islamic legislation and the evolution of its various schools of law. 

A. Required Texts: 

Bilal Philips, The Evolution of Fiqh,
Bilal Philips, The Chennai Treatise

B. Supplementary Texts: 

‘Abdur Rahman Doi, The Shariah

I. OBJECTIVES

1. Providing the student with knowledge enabling him to understand the acts of worship and their correct ettiquette

2. Clarifying the wisdom behind the legislation of acts of worship and their effects on human behavior.

II. CLASS CONTENT 

A. Salaah.

     1. Tahaarah

    Minor and Major Purification and their rules

    Wiping Socks, Categories of Water, Ritual Impurity, Menstruation

     2. Definition of Salaah, Its Status, Importance and Wisdom

     3. Prayer Times

     4. Conditions for Validity

     5. Obligatory and Recommended Portions of Prayer, Invalidators

     6. Sujoodus-Sahw (Prostrations for Forgetfulness)

     7. Making up Prayers

     8. Recommended Prayers

     9. Congregational Prayers and their Rules

     10. Method of Salaatul-Mareed

     11. Funeral Prayers

B. Zakaah

     1. Definition, Status, Importance and Wisdom

     2. Conditions for Obligation

     3. Types of Wealth Requiring Zakaah

     4. Heads of Expenditure for Zakaah

 C. Sawm

     1. Definition, Status, Importance and Wisdom

     2. Conditions for Fasting

     3. Atonement for Invalidation

     4. Permissible Acts While Fasting

     5. Seclusion and its Rules

D. Hajj

     1. Definition, Status, Importance and Wisdom

     2. Obligation and Its Types: Mufrid, Muqrin and Mutamatti

     3. Obligatory and Recommended Acts of Hajj

     4. Scrificial Animals and Atonement

     5. Ruling Concerning Visitation of the Prophet’s Mosque

III. TEXTBOOKS

A. Required Text:

     Salih Al-Fawzan, A Summary of Islamic Jurisprudence, vol. 1

B. Supplementary Texts:
 

     Sayyid Sabiq, Fiqh us-Sunnah I-V (Eng. Trans.)
 

Course Description

This course is comprised of a study of the fundamental issues of Islamic jurisprudence. Only fiqhul muamalaat (trade transactions) will be covered in this course. The sound sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) is presented with authentic conclusive evidence. Where ever required modern day examples are mentioned and incorporated. The dire need to know the Islamic rulings of techniques and systems in place in modern day businesses is not ignored.

 

I. TEXTBOOKS 

A. Required Text:

     Salih Al-Fawzaan, A Summary of Islamic Jurisprudence, vol.2

B. Supplementary Texts:

   Fiqhus Sunnah, Sayyid Sabiq,

Course Description

This course is comprised of a study of the fundamental issues of Islamic Law. The book of Marriage is full of issues regarding family matters where nikaah issues, marital discord, and more are discussed. It is a course in which both married and unmarried students will find immense benefit. While going through all the academic lingo of the subject you will Insha Allah benefit from it for your personal life and those around you. 
 

I. TEXTBOOKS 

A. Required Text:

• Salih Al-Fawzaan, A Summary of Islamic Jurisprudence, vol.2

B. Supplementary Texts:

• Fiqhus Sunnah, Sayyid Sabiq,
• Azzawaaj al Islami by Shaykh Mahmood Al Masri,
• Isharun Nisaa by Shaykh Usamah bin Kamal 

Course Description

This course is a survey of usool al-fiqh (the principles of Islamic jurisprudence). The main topics of study are the daleels that are universally considered authoritative, followed by the controversial daleels (excluding those most relevant to al Maqaasid al-Shar‘iyyah), linguistic issues relevant to interpretation of the texts, the nature of Sharee‘ah rules, and issues concerning ijtihaad.

I. Objectives

1. To enable the student to understand the origins of the Science of Usool al-Fiqh.

2. To familiarize the student with the proofs for the authority of the various types of evidence recognized in Usool al-Fiqh and the arguments of those who reject various proofs.

3. To acquaint the student with the main rules regarding interpretation of textual evidence as well as the most important controversies surrounding some of them.

4. To give the student a clear framework for understanding the nature of rules employed in fiqh.

5. To familiarize students with the methodology for dealing with apparently contradictory evidence.

6. To acquaint the student with the main issues related to ijtihaad.

II. Class Content

1. An introduction to the science of Usool al-Fiqh: Its origin and development and the difference between Usool al-Fiqh and Fiqh.

2. Identification of fields of knowledge that have contributed to Usool ul Fiqh i.e. the Qur’aan, Sunnah, Arabic Language, logic and Fiqh

3. Examining the concept of Ijtihad as found in the early times.

4. Issues regarding the Hukm Shar‘ee (Islamic Law) and what is related to it.

5. Defining declarative law ( al-hukum al-wad’ee) in detail with its sub-divisions and ways of identifying categories when appropriate.

6. Discussing the nature of Shariah Laws

7. Role of intellect and free will in determining the legal capacity.

8. An overview of types of evidence: Qat’ee and Zannee, Primary and Secondary, transmitted and rational

9. Issues related to the Qur’aan

10. The Issues related to Sunnah

11. The issue of Abrogation (Naskh)

12. The Language- Clarity of Language and linguistic issues

13. Research on Command and Prohibition: Definition; ways that command and prohibition are conveyed in Arabic. The legal value of it, an order after a prohibition, and non-literal uses of it

14. Research on the General and Specific: Definitions of the ‘Aam and Khaas, generalization terminology

15. Research on the Unlimited and the Limited: Definitions of the Mutlaq and Muqayyid, the working relationship between the two.

16. Research on the Textual Implications: The Stated (Mantooq) and Unstated ( Maskoot)

17. Discussion on Ijmaa’: Definition, books on Ijmaa’ and the controversy on the authority of Ijmaa’

18. Study on Qiyaas: Definition, proof for those who reject the Qiyaas and the conditions pertaining to the original and new cases.

19. Research on Istis-haab (Presumption of Continuity): definition, recognition and evidence for its authority and its types.

Textbook

1. Required Text:

Bilal Philips, A Commentary on Usool al- Fiqh Made Easy

1. Supplementary Texts:

Study notes by Riaz Ansary

Imran Ahsan Khan Nyazee, Outlines of Islamic Jurisprudence

Muhammad Hashim Kamali, Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence

This course focuses on an important area in Islamic Jurisprudence which is the discipline of legal maxims. The Subject of Islamic legal maxims aphoristically subsumes all the spectrums that purpose of Shari’ah is all about. There are six basic Islamic legal maxims agreed upon among the Islamic scholars on which the tenet of Islamic law is based. Each one of these six legal maxims has some subsidiary maxims which are either functioning as further explanation to the grand maxim or condition and restriction to it. This course attempts to analyze those six legal maxims and their sub-maxims in addition to some more comprehensive maxims.

I. Objectives

1. Introduce the history, character and significance of Islamic legal maxims.

2. Be familiar with the legal maxims of Islamic law and the various subsidiary maxims as well as other comprehensive maxims.

3. Use the source materials of maxims of Islamic law.

4. Introduce fundamental principles and applications of Islamic law.

5. Comprehend Fiqhi issues based on legal maxims.

6. Acquire knowledge of the particulars of Fiqh from various chapters of Fiqh.

II. CLASS CONTENT

1. Introduction to Islamic Legal maxims: Defining the Maqaasid, identifying their importance, categories and sources.

2. Relationship Between Islamic Legal Maxims and other disciplines of Fiqh thought.

3. Role and History of Islamic legal Maxims: Role of Islamic legal maxims in common Ijtihad and in contemporary ijtihad and Historical development of Islamic legal maxims before compilation of Fiqh

4.  Study of Islamic legal maxims as distinct discipline

5. An Overview of Major Maxims: Meaning, origins, history and application of each with its subsidiary and minor maxims.

6. Other comprehensive and general maxims.

III. TEXTBOOKS

A. Required Text:

PDF notes

B. Supplementary Texts:

Philips, Dr Bilal, A compilation of Islamic Legal Maxims.

C. Recommended Texts:

Laldin, Dr Mohammad Akram, A Mini Guide to Shari’ah & Legal Maxims.

Al-Amiri, R S. (2003). Legal Maxims in Islamic Jurisprudence: Their History, Character and Significance, University of Birmingham, UK: Islamic Texts Society

Al-Bornu, M. S. Al-Wajiz Fi Idahi Qawa’idil Fiqh al-Kulliyah (Arabic version), 1998, Al-Risalah Publishers, Lebanon.

Course Description

The course provides students with an opportunity to study the Hadeeths regarding the things which the Prophet (peace be upon him) considered to be the best. These are based on a book entitled The Best in Islam series which was written by Dr. Bilal Philips. The students will be able to know which practices are the best in Islam, act upon them and earn reward from Allah.


I. OBJECTIVES

A. Providing the student with the knowledge of the hadeeths that are pertaining to the things which are considered to be the best in Islam.
 

B. Providing a detailed explanation of the best things in Islam.
 

C. Linking up the explanation of the hadeeths with contemporary events and issues so as to provide relevance to the students.

D. Making students aware of need to act upon these hadeeths and propagate them to others.
 

II. TEXTBOOKS

A. Required Text:

 Dr. Bilal Philips, A transcription of the lectures by Dr. Bilal Philips

B. Supplementary Texts:

None
 

This course looks at the cultural foundations of Islam in order to enable the student to distinguish it from cultural traditions and practices commonly associated with Islam, as well as to understand reasons for the current cultural clash.

This course will cover the main theories, principles, and methods of Child Psychology. The Islamic perspective on the nature, characteristics, and development of children will be discussed within each module. Scientific theories and prin-ciples will also be integrated in various topics.

Course Description
 

This course is an introduction to the mainstream western theories and principles of counseling psychology. Theoretical approaches to the counseling process will be presented with examples of its clinical application. These western paradigms will be evaluated for its congruence with Islamic beliefs and tradition. Islamic concepts and ideas will be presented in an attempt to integrate these theories into the process of counseling. These will include reference to the Islamic scholarly tradition of healing. 
 

I. Objectives 

• Encourage critical thinking and instill the motivation for personal study in the area of counseling psychology from the Quran and Sunnah.  
• Introduce the western theories of counseling, while distilling this information through an Islamic filter so as to facilitate an enhanced integrative learning process.
• Introduce Islamic ideas of counseling towards a synthesis of western and Islamic approaches of the topic at hand.  
• Emphasize and transfer theory into practical application (non-clinical), both personally (self-awareness) and communally.  
• Understand the components that contribute to psychopathology and health.  

II. TEXTBOOKS 

A. Required Text:

• Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (8th edition). Belmont, CA: Thomson Corporation.

Course Description

This course combines Islamic wisdom with contemporary knowledge, the course focuses on the Islamic perspective to understanding humans, their psyche, and their nature. The Islamic approach is unique in this field due to its reliance upon revelation and sacred sources for knowledge and understanding.

I. Objectives 

• Be familiar with the field of psychology and the various sub-disciplines as well as related fields.

• Understand the difference between the secular and Islamic approaches to the study of human nature and personality.

• Understand the complex relationship between psychology and religion.

• Compare and contrast the sources of knowledge used for the Islamic and secular perspectives.

• Comprehend psychology, the nature of humans and purpose in life from an Islamic perspective, utilizing wisdom from sacred sources.

II.  Class Content

Introduction to Psychology and Human Nature
 
Contemporary Perspectives in Psychology

Thinking Critically with Psychological Science

Basics of Human Nature

The Heart (Al-Qalb)

Personality

Motivation

Emotion

Intelligence, Reason and Wisdom

States of Consciousness

Memory

Conditioning and Learning

Social Influences upon Humans

Unseen Influences upon Humans

Abnormal Psychology

Health Psychology

Religiosity, Spirituality and Mental Health

Trials and Tribulations of Life

Counseling and Psychotherapy

Developmental Psychology
 

III. TEXTBOOKS

A. Required Text:

• Hamdan, A. (In press). Psychology from the Islamic Perspective. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: International Islamic Publishing House.
   

B. Supplementary Texts:

• PDF Notes

This course will include an introductory presentation of the vast field of psychology. It will cover a basic exposure to ways of understanding human behavior through theory and research. It will also contain a survey of research methods, and applications of psychology drawn from the natural science and social science bases of the discipline (displaying the field as both a science and an art). There will be an emphasis on critical thinking, ethical issues as they relate to the Quran and Sunnah, and the diversity of human experience in examining the science and practice of contemporary psychology.

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Personality can be defined as "a characteristic pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting.” Personality consists of traits or characteristics which exist on a continuum and influence our thoughts, motivations, and behaviors in various situations across time. This course, building upon what was learned in Islamic Psychology, is designed to introduce students to the study of Personality – how it is defined, what it consists of, how it develops, and how it influences our thoughts and behaviors. The focus of the course is on the Islamic perspective of personality, based upon the Qur‘an and Sunnah. Several modernpsychological theories and concepts will also be discussed and critiqued. A major portion of the course will cover the concept, process and means of purification of the soul, a fundamental component in the discourse on personality.

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The focus of the course is on Health Psychology based upon the Qur‘aan and Sunnah. This course will serve as a comprehensive introduction to the field of health psychology and examines how the areas of health, illness and medicine can be studied from a psychological perspective. It combines with Islamic wisdom and knowledge and focuses on the examination on how psychological, social, and biological factors interact with and enable individuals to maintain their health, coping with afflictions, and recovering from serious illness. These relations are examined through association of health behaviours, illness behaviours, health promotion, stress management, coping strategies, patient provider relations, pain management, and the coping with contemporary problems such as alcohol, drug misuse, HIV/AIDS and chronic illnesses. This course will provide you with an overview of the major topics, current issues, and evidenced based practice surrounding these areas.

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This course will include an exposure to the recognition of psychopathology - covering all of the most common major mental disorders and its expression, social/environmental issues that impact mental health and forensicpsychological assessment in Islamic Jurisprudence. This course will also touch upon the following: knowing one’s boundaries in offering counseling services and an explanation of the different occupational specialties that address mental health such that appropriate referrals can be made. Some critical analysis of how current diagnosis is formulated and conceptualized will be explored within the context of historical Muslim scholarly understandings of illness in general.

Course Description

This course is a survey of the principles of Quranic exegesis. The first half of the curriculum focuses on ‘uloom al-Qur’an (background knowledge required of anyone who undertakes explanation of the Qur’an, especially its use of the Arabic language). The second half is a survey of works of tafseer, including the major classical works of tafseer bil-ma’thoor and tafseer bil-ra’y as well as modern trends in tafseer, particularly thematic tafseer.

I. OBJECTIVES

1. To enable the student to understand the origins of the science of usool al-tafseer.

2. To familiarize the student with the nature of revelation and the unique qualities of the Qur’an, including its unparalleled preservation, it’s seven ahruf and its recitations.

3. To acquaint the student with the proper methodology for Qur’anic exegesis.

II. CLASS CONTENT 

     1. Introduction to the Science of Tafseer

     2. Books of Tafseer

     3. Translations of the Qur'an

     4. Wahy

     5. The Revelations of the Qur'aan

     6. Collection of the Qur'aan

     7. The Qur'aanic Text

     8. Dialects and Recitations 

     9. Reasons for Revelation

     10. Makkan and Madeenan Revelations

     11. Naasikh and Mansookh

     12. Muhkam and Mutashaabih

     13. Literary Forms of the Qur'aan

     14. The Language of the Qur'aan 

III. TEXTBOOKS

A. Required Text:

     Bilal Philips, Usool at-Tafseer

     Study notes by Riaz Ansary

B. Supplementary Texts:

     Yasir Qadhi, An Introduction to the Sciences of the Qur'aan

     Ahmad Von Denffer, 'Ulum al-Qur'aan (Eng. Trans.)

     As-Suyootee, al-Itqaan fee 'Uloom al-Qur'aan

     Az-Zarkashee, al-Burhaan fee 'Uloom al-Qur'aan

     Mannaa' al-Qattaan, Mabaahith fee 'Uloom al-Qur'aan

     Muhammad 'Alee az-Zarqaanee, Manaahil al-'Irfaan fee 'Uloom al-Qur'aan