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ISL231Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction to Shariáh

This course introduces students to *Sharī'ah*, exploring its meaning, scope, and importance in Islam. It examines the relationship between Islam, *Sharī'ah*, and *Fiqh*, and the sources of Islamic *Sharī'ah* such as the Qur'an and Sunnah. The course also covers the development of Islamic schools of thought, including the Hanafī, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbalī schools. Additionally, it delves into modern trends in *Sharī'ah* and the *Sharī'ah* system in respect of Shī'ah.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Sharī'ahFiqhIslãmQur'anSunnah

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Meaning of Sharī'ah

2

Sources of Sharī'ah

3

Qur'an

4

Sunnah

5

Ijmā'

6

Qiyãs

7

Schools of Islamic Thought

8

Hanafi School

9

Maliki School

10

Shafi'i School

11

Hanbali School

12

Shi'a Sharī'ah

Total Topics12 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Legal Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Religious Affairs Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Islamic Finance Expert

Apply your skills in this growing field

Sharia Compliance Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Islamic FinanceLawReligious OrganizationsEducationConsulting

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: The Preliminaries

2h

Unit 1: Meaning and Importance of Sharĩ'ah

2 study hours
  • •Define *Sharĩ'ah* lexically and technically
  • •Explain the importance of *Sharĩ'ah* in Muslims' lives
Week
2

Module 1: The Preliminaries

2h

Unit 2: Concept and Scope of Sharĩ'ah

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the concept and scope of *Sharĩ'ah*
  • •Differentiate *Sharĩ'ah* from other legal systems
Week
3

Module 1: The Preliminaries

2h

Unit 3: Relationship between Islãm, Sharĩ'ah and Fiqh

2 study hours
  • •Analyze the relationship between Islãm, *Sharĩ'ah*, and *Fiqh*
  • •Compare the three terms
Week
4

Module 1: The Preliminaries

2h

Unit 4: Pre-Islãmic Arab customs and reforms introduced by Islãm

2 study hours
  • •Explain pre-Islamic Arab customs
  • •Discuss reforms introduced by Islãm
Week
5

Module 2: Sources of Sharĩ'ah

2h

Unit 1: The Qur'ān as a Source of Sharĩ'ah

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the significance of the *Qur'ān* as the primary source of *Sharĩ'ah*
  • •Classify the contents of the *Qur'ān*
Week
6

Module 2: Sources of Sharĩ'ah

2h

Unit 2: Sunnah as the Second Primary Source of Sharĩ'ah

2 study hours
  • •Explain the significance of *Sunnah*
  • •Discuss the importance of *Hadīth* for religious and legal purposes
Week
7

Module 2: Sources of Sharĩ'ah

2h

Unit 3: Ijmā': Concensus of Opinions

2 study hours
  • •Define *Ijmā'* and give its basis
  • •Highlight the divisions of *Ijmā'*
Week
8

Module 2: Sources of Sharĩ'ah

2h

Unit 4: Qiyãs (Analogical Deduction)

2 study hours
  • •Define *Qiyãs*
  • •Explain variant views on the application of *Qiyãs*
Week
9

Module 2: Sources of Sharĩ'ah

2h

Unit 5: Al-Ijtihād (Exercise of Reasoning)

2 study hours
  • •Define *al-Ijtihād*
  • •Explain the role of I. Imãm a`sh-Shāfi'ī in its support
Week
10

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: The Beginning of the Schools of Thought

2 study hours
  • •Explain the beginning of Islamic schools of thought
  • •Identify factors responsible for their establishment
Week
11

Module 3:

2h

Unit 2: Imãm Abū Ḥanīfah and His School

2 study hours
  • •Give an account of the life history of Imãm Abū Ḥanīfah
  • •Highlight his contributions to Islãmic jurisprudence
Week
12

Module 3:

2h

Unit 3: Imãm Mālik and His School

2 study hours
  • •Give an account of the life history of Imãm Mālik
  • •Discuss his contributions to Islãmic law
Week
13

Module 3:

4h

Unit 4: Imãm A`sh-Shāfi' i and His School

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the life history of Imãm al-Shāfi'i
  • •Explain his contributions to the development of *Sharĩ'ah*

Unit 5: Imãm Hambal and School

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the life history of Imãm Ahmad b. Hanbal
  • •Explain his contributions to the development of *Sharĩ'ah*

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a detailed study schedule allocating specific time for each module and unit

2

Focus on understanding the core principles of each source of Islamic law (Qur'an, Sunnah, Ijmā', Qiyãs)

3

Compare and contrast the methodologies of the four Sunni schools of thought

4

Review key definitions and concepts related to Sharī'ah, Fiqh, and Usul al-Fiqh

5

Practice applying the principles of Qiyãs to hypothetical legal scenarios

6

Prepare concise summaries of the biographies and key contributions of the major Imams

7

Analyze past exam papers to identify frequently tested topics and question formats

8

Participate actively in online forums or study groups to discuss challenging concepts and clarify doubts

9

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and incorporate feedback into your study notes

10

Prioritize understanding the differences between Sunni and Shi'a perspectives on Sharī'ah

11

Create concept maps linking different sources of Islamic law and their applications

12

Focus on understanding the conditions for valid Ijtihad and its limitations

13

Practice essay writing to articulate your understanding of complex topics in a clear and concise manner

14

Allocate sufficient time for revision and practice before the final examination

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