MA in Islamic Studies: Courses

Course Descriptions

IS 4901 The Sciences of the Qur'an (Ulum Al-Quran)
Wahy, literally and technically. The Qur'an, its contents. Ultimate objectives of the Qur'an and Nuzul al-Qur'an. Asbab al-nuzul, importance of knowing the asbab. Collection and codification of the Qur'an: during the period of Prophet (s.a.w.), Abu Bakr and 'Uthman. The Uthmani mushaf, naskh; meaning and sgnificance, categories of naskh. Asalib al-Qur'an (Qur'anic style), mantuq and mafhum, 'am and khas, mujmal and mufassal, mutlaq and muqayyad. Eigtht categories of the Qur'anic words; according to khafa' and wuduh. Amthal al-Qur'an. Al-Aqsam fi al-Qur'an. Tanasub al-suwar wa al-ayat. Mushkil al-Quran and Mutashabih. Translation of the Qur'an. Tafsir of the Qur'an, al-jadal fi al-Quran, I'jaz al-Qur'an. Socio-Ethical teachings contained in the Surah al Huzurat and Surah al Nur.

IS 4902 The Sciences of the Hadith (Ulum Al-Hadith)
Meaning and authority of hadith. The sunnah as the second source of Islam. Recording of al-hadith, Isnad system. The sources of tahammul and ada. The prerequisites of a narrator of hadith. Classification of hadith in the light of acceptability and unacceptability. Fabrication of ahadith, its causes, and the means of elimination. Early hadith books, particularly the six sahih (authentic) hadith books. Mustalah al-hadith (study of hadith terminology). The sciences of 'ilal al-hadith (vitiating causes of hadith), gharib al-hadith (the obscurity in hadith), and mukhtalaf al-hadith (hadith harmonisation). Biographies of the following scholars of hadith and their collections: Malik b. Anas, Ahmad b. Hambal, Bukhari, Muslim, al Tirmidi, al Nasayee, Ibn Majah and Abu Daud.

IS 4903 Tassawwuf (Sufism)
Definitions, Origins and a critical review of the development of tasawwuf in Islamic history. Phases of development. Some Major figures. Impact of tasawwuf in south-East Asia. The issue of Wahdah al-wujud and wahdah al-shuhud. Neo-sufism in contemporary society. orthodoxy and deviance.

IS 4904 Fundamentals of the Economic System of Islam
Introduction to Islamic concepts and views pertaining to the study of economics through a survey of relevant passages from the Qur'an and sunnah and assessment of historical texts of those passages. Topics to be discussed including zakah, takaful, riba, infaq, permissible earning, prohibited trade, possession of wealth and eating of others wealth unjustly, etc. The following verses are to be discussed: 2:278-279, 2:275, 3:130, 30:39, 2:276, 4:161, 17:28, 10:21, 29:17, 6:142, 16:114, 34:15, 67:15, 2:3, 8:3, 22:35, 28:54, 32:16, 4:39, 13:22, 14:31, 36:47, 11:6, 32:16, 4:39, 13:22, 14:31, 36:47, 6:140, 11:6, 32:28, 16:11, 13:4, 2:110, 4:77, 22:78, 65:2-3, 6:151, 14:32, 9:60, 2:177, 6:141, 39:21, 42:56, 33:33, 73:20, 19:30-31, 4:159-162, 2:177, 2:40-43, 23:1-4, 9:5, 2:195, 2:262, 3:134. In addition to the above, some works on foundations of economic with Quran an sunnah will be studied.

IS 4905 Fiqh of Ibadat
This course focuses on the approaches of Ibadat in systematic and wholistic manner and it also exposes to the student how to live with ibadat. Major topics to be covered are: The concept of 'Ibadah in Islam, Philosophy and logic behind Ibadah in Islam, Psychological and sociological impacts of Ibadat on individuals and societies, al-Taharah (purification), Al-Salah (the prayer), al-Zakah (the Almsgiving), Al-Sawm (The Fasting), al-Hajj (the pilgrimage) and al-jihad (the struggle for the establishment of Islam).

IS 4906 Foundations for Political Science in the Qur'an and Sunnah
Introduction of Islamic concepts and views pertaining to the study of political science through a survey of relevant passages from the Quran and sunnah and assessment of the historical contexts of those passages. Topics to be discussed include shura (e.g. Qur'an 3:159, 42:38) amr bi al-ma'ruf (e.g. Qur'an 2:241, 2:178, 2:180, 2:228-9, 2:231-6 wa al nahy 'an al-Munkar. 2:240, 2:242, 2:263, 3:104, 3:110, 4:19; 4:25, 4:114, 7:157, 9:112, 22:41, 31:17, 47:21, 60:12), men and women (e.g. Qar'an 7:172-4, 35:39, 44:28, 6:165, 24:25), Khilafah, political education )e.g. Qur'an 2:229, 3:154, 12:40, 13:3-9, 23:12-32), Islamic government (e.g. selection from Bukhari's Kitab al-ahkam, Muslims; Kitab al-Imarah, and nawawi's Riyad al-Salihin), Islamic legislation (e.g. selections from 'Izz al-Din Baliq's Minjah al-Salihin and Bukhari's Kitab al-I'tism bi al Kitab wa al-Sunnah), internal policy of the Prophet (e.g. selections from Muslim's Kitab al-Jihad wa al-Siyar) and international relations and foreign policy (e.g. selections from bukhari's Kitab al-Maghazi and Kitab al-Shurut).

IS 4907 Islam and Contemporary Ideologies and Movements
The course aims at examining the Islamic views of life; its concept of success (sl-Falah) and failure (al-Khusarn); critical survey on various ideologies and movements, their characteristics and challenges such as capitalism, secularism, rationalism, marxism, socialism, nationalism, racism and feminism. Focus on Judaism, Christianity, Hindaism and Qudianism with reference to their own source materials.

IS 4908 Muslim Philosophy
Origin and historical development of philosophy discourse in Islam. Special emphasis on the interdependence of theological and philosophical concerns, including the nature and attributes of Allah, creation, good and evil, human freedom and responsibility. Critical study of selected works of al-Kindi, al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, al-Ghazali, Ibn Rushd, Ibn Tufail and Ibn Bajah, reactions to the philosophers and philosophy. A brief review of contemporary Muslim thought.

IS 4909 Interest-free Banking
This course in designed to prepare and familiarize the students in the field of Islamic Banking and Insurance. Major topics to be covered are, History and evaluation of Islamic Banking, Islamic Philosophy of Ownership of Financial resources, Problem of interest and basic features of the conventional Banking system, Islamic Banking Model, case study of the practice of Islamic Banking in Pakistan, Sudan, Malaysia and Bangladesh, Role of Islamic Banks in economic development. Islamic Financial Instruments and Insti-tutions. Islamic financial markets, Takaful (Islamic Insurance), Case Study of Malaysian experience.

IS 4910 Islam and Sciences
The Qur'anic verses, norms and teaching relevant to the physical and natural sciences. Science, its meaning and method, relationship between science and religion, development of science and the influence of the philosophy of science, philosophy of science and civilization, Islamic approach to sciences. Muslim scientists and their contributions.

IS 4911 Islam and Its 'Aqidah
(a) A general introduction to the world-view of Islam, its fundamental beliefs, doctrines, tenets and concepts; explanation concerning the meaning of Iman, Islam and Ihsan; relevance of Islam with modern age, Islam as a way of life (al-Din).
(b) The definition and importance of 'aqidah in the life of Muslims. Definition of Tawhid, its various kinds. Tawhid in the religious history of mankind. The role of the Messengers of Allah in consolidating the 'aqidah of Tawhid. The prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.)'s message of tawhid and its contrast with other concepts of God. The articles of Faith: Oneness of God, angels, Holy scriptures, Messengers, and Qadar and the Resurrection; significance of belief in them and impact on human personality, culture and society.

IS 4912 Introduction to al-Qur'an and Al-Sunnah
(a) The Qur'an-Allah's final reve-lation and most authoritative source of Islamic teachings. A brief account of the main themes of Al-Qur'an, brief history of its compilation; the Qur'an as a complete guidance for mankind and the first source of Islamic Law; the correct approach to the study and under-standing of al-Qur'an.
(b) The place and importance of Al-Sunnah in Islam; the life of Muhammad (s.a.w.)'s as a model for Muslims and mankind. A correct approach to the study and understanding of Sunnah.

IS 4913 Islamic History
Introduction to analytical study of the Sirah. Topics include: realities in the Arab World and the world in general on the eve of al-Bi'thah; birth of the Prophet (s.a.w.) and his upbringing; Muhammad (s.a.w.) as the messenger of Allah, worshipper, servant of Allah, preacher and leader; lessons from the Hijrah; Isra' and Mi'raj; foundations for Islamic society; jihad in the Madina period; and hijjah al-Wada'. Also other important events throughout the life of the Prophet (s.a.w.).
History of Al-Khulafa al-Rashidun, their bibliographies and achieve-ments and major incidents during their reign with special reference to major institutions as to systems of government, civil administration, economic system, judiciary, military system etc. established and run by them. Islamic Civilization during the Umayyad and Abbasid period.

IS 5101 The Sciences of the Qur'an (Ulum al-Qur’an)
This course is intended to give students a firmer grasp of the issues and problems of 'ulum al-Qur'an. This involves extensive exposure to original classical Arabic sources. While developing the skill of referring to the sources, students are also trained to appreciate the modern approaches to this subject and compare them with the traditional treatment.

IS 5102 Aqidah from the Qur'anic Perspective
A study of the Islamic aqidah from the perspective of al-Qur'an in comparison with the perspective of Ahl alKalam in Islamic history. Analysis of some early Muslim creeds and the works of Al-Baghdadi, AlShahrastani and Abu Alhassan alAsh ari. An evaluation of their value and importance in the light of contemporary challenges.

IS 5103 The Sciences of the Hadith (Ulum Al-Hadith)
The course covers summary of hadith related disciplines with special reference to the development of hadith sciences, isnad system and its significance in hadith classifi-cation and criticism of text as well as of.

IS 5104 Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence
A discussion of important concepts and principles of usul al-fiqh, such as methods of extracting the rules (Istinbat al-ahkam) from the texts, the evidence over which the jurists differed, the objectives of shari’ah (maqasid al-shari’ah), and conflicts of evidence and methods of resolving them. The course is also designed to train the students to use and be familiar with the early texts of usul al-fiqh. The application of usul al-fiqh in contemporary society will also be discussed.

IS 5205 Early Development of Muslim Thoughts
Origins and historical development of various schools of thought up to the fourth century A.H. (around 1000 C.E). Bases of the emergence of “sects” in Islam. Survey of views held by the Shi’ah, Khawarij, Murji’ah, Jabariyyah, Qadariyyah, Mu’tazilah, Ahl al-Sunnah Wal Jama’ah and others. Affirmation of the orthodox school of thought based on al-Qur’an and Sunnah.

IS 5206 Ijtihad and Islamization of Knowledge
This course will deal with the need and nature of Ijtihad, and historical review of the development of the movement of Islamization of knowledge. An effort will be made to knowledge and the role of Muslim intellectuals, the methodology of existing human and social sciences and Islamic methodology.

IS 5207 The Authority of the Sunnah and Method for its Applicaiton
Recent challenges to the authority of the Sunnah: The Qur'an is self-explanatory and does not any exotic explication; Limitaitons of Sunnah: Sunnah is time-place-bound and exhibits local colouring; Sunnah is irrelevant to modern times; Sunnah was not codified by the Prophet (p.b.u.h) or the Companions, Sunnah and the Orientalists and thier Supporters: Views of Goldziher, Schacht, Ahmad Amin and Abu Ryyah; Authority of Sunnah a very late development, and role of Imam Shafi'i. Critical study of the aforementioned assertions. The basis of the authority of Sunnah: Finality of the Prophethood, the Islamh of the Prophet, concept of completion of Din, the Prophet's position as the Mubyyin of the Qur'an. Transcendence of the Sunnah. University of the Sunnah, norvative nature eof Sunnah. Truth about fabrication of the Isnad, Criticism of the assertion about absence of textual criticism applied of the views of the Orientalists. The place of Sunnah in Islam.

IS 5208 Comparative Studies in Contemporary Tafsir
This course aims at studying various contemporary schools of Tafsir on a comparative basis. e.g. comparing the Egyptian Reformist School of Tafsir with those of the Indian Sub-Continent of the Northwest African Arab countries. Two outstanding exegets form different schools of tafsir would be selected for this purpose as under: Rashid Rida and Abu Ala Maududi; Ibn Badies and Sheikh al-Azhar Shaltut; Syed Qutb and Shah Waliullah Dahlawi; Tantawi Jauhari and Jamaluding al-Qasimi. The framework for the study of each Mufassir's ideas woiuld be: his ideas about society and its reform; political doctrines; the Shura, elections, government, and justice; education and its reform; Ijthad and Taqlid; reform of scientific and spiritual sciences; unity of the Ummah.

IS 6309 Later Development of Muslim Thoughts
An analytical survey of Muslim thought from the pre-modern period through the period of Western imperialism and post independence of Muslim counties. Focus will be on the significance of the thought of Muslim reformers such as Al Afghani, Muhammad Abduh, Rashid Rida, Muhammad Iqbal, etc. The impact of reformist thought in South Asia will also be discussed.

IS 6310 Shari'ah and Codification of Islamic Law
This course will focus on Islam as the way of life for all ages; unity of life in this world and the Hereafter and uniqueness of Shari'ah. A short historical survey of codification of Shari'ah with special reference to "Majalla"; place and significance of the first three centuries of Islam in relation to Contemporary Codifica-tion Movements; implications of what is known as "The Closure of the Gate of Independent Reasoning" on codification movements; influence of the West upon the Muslim World: Materialism- Nationalism-Secularism. Resurgence of Muslim World and Contemporary Codification Move-ments in various Muslim Countries, namely; Pakistan, Iran, Sudan and Algeria. Problems, challenges, obstacles and the horizons.

IS 6311 Methodology of Islamic History
Examination of Islamic concepts and views pertaining to the nature of history and the purpose of its study through a survey of relevant texts. Development of various approaches of history and history writing among Muslims. Discussion of the Orientalist's criticism of Muslim historiography.

IS 6312 Comparative Fiqh and Textual Analysis
This course deals with the following aspects of fiqh: i. Courses of differences (asbab al-ikhtilaf) among fuqaha. This will lead to the study of the principles (usul) of each school and its methodology and how each school based its rules on different evidence. The approach adopted in this course differs form the traditional study of comparative fiqh. ii. Examples of juristic differences from selected topics. iii. A study of early texts from the writings of early jurists.

IS 6413 Tasawwuf and Its Development
A critical review of the development of tasawwuf in Islamic history. Phases of development. Some Major figures. Impact of tasawwuf in Islam in south-East Asia. The issue of Wahdah al-wujud and wahdah al-shuhud. Neo-sufism in contemporary society. orthodoxy and deviance.

IS 6414 Muslim Philosophy
Origin and historical development of philosophy discourse in Islam. Special emphasis on the interdependence of theological and philosophical concerns, including the nature and attributes of Allah, creation, good and evil, human freedom and responsibility. Critical study of selected works of al-Kindi, al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, al-Ghazali, Ibn Rushd, Ibn Tufail and Ibn Bajah, reactions to the philosophers and philosophy. A brief review of contemporary Muslim thought.

IS 6415 Research Methodology
This course will introduce research methodology and methods in conventional and Islamic sciences. It will review the traditional Islamic methods of research covering the sources of Islamic knowledge, Ikhtilaf, Ijma, Qiyas, Tarijih etc., with a critical evaluation of the traditional methods, and a review of alternative methods for Islamization of knowledge. It will also cover the western methods of scientific research covering methods of both imperial and analytical research.

IS 6416 Tawhid and its Implication for Human Life
This course will deal with the basic concept of Tawhid as against shirk including trinity, belief in numerous Gods and Goddesses, and athiesm, with its implications for human life. It will include discussion on how Tawhid (unity) integrates a unified system of life which provides a unified consistent and coherent code of human behaviour transcending all levels of life from individual to family, society, nation, and international relation, and also unifying ethics of all dimension of human life covering social, economic, political, psychological and so on. It will also cover discussion on how the Tawhidic code of life succeeded to solve human problems of the dark ages and how it could contribute to solve human problem in the contemporary world.

IS 6417 The objectives of the Shari'ah
This course aims at identifying the objectives of Islamic Shari'ah. it deals with the Nature of Islamic Shariah and its objectives. The basic concern of Shari'ah is human welfare in this world and in the Hereafter. The course will discuss the nature and importance of "Welfare" (al-Maslahah) which deserves attention and due consideration in Islamic Shari'ah. The classification of welfare in different perspectives e.g. welfare in the context of religion, human existence and its continuity, intellect, protection of wealth and honor and the right of protect oneself from injustice and persecution. The above mentioned matters will be discussed in the light of the opinions of different schools of Laws and the Muslim scholars, with special reference to Imam Malik and Imam Shatibi.

The MA in Islamic Studies Program
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Graduation Requirements
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