General Introduction to Islam
- Arts
- 100 level
- 2 credit units
- 119 pages
- 13 units
This course provides a general introduction to Islam. It explores the definition and meaning of Islam, its basic principles, and the articles of faith. The course emphasizes the importance and implications of *kalimatu-shshahāda*, sources of guidance, and the relationship between Islam and Western civilization. It also covers various sciences associated with Islam, offering a foundational understanding of the religion.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Study hours
- 26 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ISL101, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- UNIT 1: DEFINITION AND MEANING OF ISLAMPage 1
- UNIT 2: IMAN; SALAT & ZAKATPage 12
- UNIT 3 SAWM AND HAJJPage 19
- UNIT 4 THE ARTICLES OF FAITH IN ISLAM (IMAN BI ’L- LAHI, IMAN BI ’L- MALA’IKAH, IMAN BI ’L- KUTUB )Page 25
- UNIT 5 THE ARTICLES OF FAITH IN ISLAM (IMAN BI’R-RUSUL, IMAN BI’L – YAWNU’L-’AKHIR AND IMAN BI ’L-QADAR)Page 35
- UNIT 6: THE SIGNIFICANCE, IMPORTANCE AND IMPLICATION OF KALIMATU’SH- SSSHAHADAHPage 43
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ISL101 · UNIT 1: DEFINITION AND MEANING OF ISLAM
From the above, it would be observed that the Islamic mode of greeting is so important that it becomes a sin on anyone greeted who refuses to respond or reciprocate the greeting. Indeed, according to the Prophet (SAW), it is Sunnah to greet a fellow Muslim while it is mandatory (Wajib) to respond.
What you should be able to do
- List the principles of Islam.
- Mention the articles of faith.
- Identify the primary and secondary sources of Islam.
- Explain the primary and secondary sources of Islam.
- Describe ijtihad in Islam.
What it prepares you for
- Religious Teacher
- Islamic Studies Scholar
- Cultural Affairs Officer
- Chaplain
- Social Worker
- Education
- Religious Organizations
- Government
- Community Service
- Cultural Institutions
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: The Basic Principles Of Islam
Unit 6: The significance, implication and importance of the words of testimony (kalimatu'sh-Shahadah)
Understanding the significance, implication, and importance of the words of testimony requires a deep comprehension of Islamic theology and jurisprudence.
- Module 2: The Primary and Secondary Sources of Islam
Unit 4: Ijtihad
Grasping the nuances of Ijtihad requires a comprehensive understanding of Islamic legal theory and the ability to apply analogical reasoning.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: The Basic Principles Of Islam
Unit 1: Definition and Meaning of Islam · 2 hours
Understand the derivative and technical meanings of Islam.. Identify the peaceful teachings of Islam and their practical application.. Reflect on the harmonious coexistence advocated by Islam..
- Week 2Module 1: The Basic Principles Of Islam
Unit 2: Iman; Salat & Zakat · 2 hours
Differentiate between faith and action in Islam.. Explain the significance of faith (Iman) as a principle of Islam.. Understand the importance of prayer (Salat) and alms-giving (Zakat) in Islamic practice..
- Week 3Module 1: The Basic Principles Of Islam
Unit 3: Sawm and Hajj · 2 hours
Define Sawm (fasting) and Hajj (pilgrimage) in Islam.. Expatiate on the rationale behind the institution of fasting.. Explain the rites of Hajj and its conditions..
- Week 4Module 1: The Basic Principles Of Islam
Unit 4: The Articles of Faith in Islam (Iman bi 'l-Lahi, Iman bi 'l- Mala'ikah, Iman bi 'l-Kutub ) · 2 hours
List the articles of faith in Islam.. Enunciate the relationship between belief in Allah and other articles of faith.. Mention some of the angels of Allah and their divine functions..
- Week 5Module 1: The Basic Principles Of Islam
Unit 5: The Articles of Faith in Islam (Iman bi'r-Rusul, Iman bi'l – Yawnu'l-'Akhir and Iman bi 'l-Qadar) · 2 hours
Mention some of the notable Prophets of Allah with their Biblical equivalents.. Explain what the Prophets of Allah stand for and their sterling qualities.. Understand the Islamic perspective on life after death and accountability for deeds..
- Week 6Module 1: The Basic Principles Of Islam
Unit 6: The Significance, Importance and Implication of Kalimatu'sh-Sshahadah · 2 hours
Correctly analyze the words of testimony (Kalimatu 'sh-Shahadah).. Explain the significance and importance of the words of testimony in Islam.. Highlight the implications of the words of testimony in Islamic faith..
- Week 7Module 2: The Primary and Secondary Sources of Islam
Unit 1: The Qur'an · 2 hours
Define the word al-Qur'an and its significance in Islam.. Explain the nature of al-Qur'an as the primary source of guidance.. Highlight the uniqueness and importance of al-Qur'an to Muslims..
- Week 8Module 2: The Primary and Secondary Sources of Islam
Unit 2: Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad · 2 hours
Give a concise meaning of Sunnah/Hadith.. Explain the basis of Sunnah/Hadith in the Qur'an.. Highlight the classification of Sunnah/Hadith in Islam..
- Week 9Module 2: The Primary and Secondary Sources of Islam
Unit 3: Ijma c (Concensus of Opinions) and Qiyas (Analogical Deduction) · 2 hours
Trace the meaning and definition of Ijma and Qiyas.. Explain the basis of Ijma and Qiyas in Islamic jurisprudence.. Enumerate the importance and principles of Ijma and Qiyas..
- Week 10Module 2: The Primary and Secondary Sources of Islam
Unit 4: Ijtihad (Extension of Rule) · 2 hours
Define Ijtihad and its role in Islamic jurisprudence.. Trace the origin and normative basis for the validity of Ijtihad.. Understand the qualifications of a Mujtahid in Islam..
- Week 11Module 3: Islam, Civilization and Science
Unit 1: Islam and Western Civilization · 2 hours
Define the concept of the West and its impact on Muslim societies.. Enumerate the impact of Muslim civilization on the Euro-Christian (West) civilization.. Analyze the historical interactions between Islam and the West..
- Week 12Module 3: Islam, Civilization and Science
Unit 2: Contributions of Islam to Science · 2 hours
Define Islam and science and their relationship.. Highlight the rapport between Islam and science.. Identify and assess the unique contributions of early Muslim scholars/scientists to science..
- Week 13Module 3: Islam, Civilization and Science
Unit 3: Various Sciences Associated to Islam · 2 hours
Trace the development of arts and sciences by the Muslims.. Explain the scientific achievements of various scholars in Islam.. Highlight the branches of science or culture enhanced by Muslim scientists..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a study schedule allocating specific time slots for each module and unit.
- Summarize key concepts and principles from each unit to reinforce understanding.
- Review the tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and their feedback to identify areas needing improvement.
- Practice answering past examination questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types.
- Focus on understanding the core principles of Islam, the articles of faith, and the sources of Islamic law.
- Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 articles of faith
- Review key terms and definitions from Units 1-2 weekly
- Practice applying Qiyas principles from Units 7-9 weekly
- Create flashcards for key figures and concepts from Units 11-13 weekly
- Allocate extra time to review peak difficulty units
Questions students ask about this course
What is ISL101 about?
This course provides a general introduction to Islam. It explores the definition and meaning of Islam, its basic principles, and the articles of faith. The course emphasizes the importance and implications of *kalimatu-shshahāda*, sources of guidance, and the relationship between Islam and Western civilization. It also covers various sciences associated with Islam, offering a foundational understanding of the religion.
How many units does ISL101 have?
ISL101, General Introduction to Islam, has 13 units across 3 modules, over 119 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ISL101?
ISL101 carries 2 credit units, at 100 level in Arts.
Is ISL101 hard?
ISL101 is rated beginner level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does ISL101 take to study?
About 26 hours of study, spread across its 13 units.
How is ISL101 assessed?
ISL101 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with ISL101?
Religious Teacher, Islamic Studies Scholar, Cultural Affairs Officer, Chaplain and Social Worker.