Advanced Study of Sawm and Hajj

1. Discuss Şiyām (fasting) and its purpose in some other religions
2. Expatiate on Şiyām as an Islamic devotional worship, its significance, conditions, and its different kinds.
3. Define the meaning of Hajj in Islamic stand point.
4. Assess the significance of pilgrimage to Makkah.
5. Identify the conditions laid down for an intending pilgrim.

13 weeks, about 30 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1:

   • Unit 1: Fasting Across Religions and Cultures · 2 hours

     Read the introduction to fasting across different religions and cultures.. Identify the various meanings attached to fasting in different contexts.. Understand the historical and cultural significance of fasting..

2. Week 2Module 1:

   • Unit 2: Fasting in Islam · 2 hours

     Define fasting in the context of Islam (Şawm).. Explore the significance of fasting in Islam, including its spiritual and social benefits.. Understand the conditions and fundamentals of fasting in Islam..

3. Week 3Module 2:

   • Unit 1: Types of Fasting in Islam · 2 hours

     Distinguish between the different types of fasting in Islam (compulsory and voluntary).. Explain the rules and regulations guiding each type of fasting.. Understand the excellence of Ramadan and its significance..

4. Week 4Module 2:

   • Unit 2: Voluntry and Unlawful Fasts in Islam · 2 hours

     Identify the voluntary fasts in Islam and their specific benefits.. Understand the days when fasting is unlawful or prohibited in Islam.. Learn about the rewards and significance of voluntary fasting..

5. Week 5Module 2:

   • Unit 3: Beginning and Ending of *Ramaḍān* · 2 hours

     Explore the methods of ascertaining the beginning and ending of Ramadan.. Understand the significance of Laylatu `l-Qadr (the Night of Power).. Discuss the relationship between Laylatu `l-Qadr and I'tikaf..

6. Week 6Module 2:

   • Unit 4: ExemptionFrom and Spoiling of Fasting · 2 hours

     Identify the people who are exempted from fasting and the reasons for their exemption.. Understand the acts that spoil or invalidate fasting.. Learn about the rules and regulations related to exemption from and spoiling of fasting..

7. Week 7Module 2:

   • Unit 5: The Benefits of Fasting · 2 hours

     Discuss the spiritual benefits of fasting, such as increased patience, God-consciousness, and sincerity.. Explore the moral and social benefits of fasting, including improved behavior and sympathy for the poor.. Understand the physical and health benefits of fasting..

8. Week 8Module 3:

   • Unit 1: Ḥajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah) · 2 hours

     Define Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah) and its significance in Islam.. Explain the origin of Hajj and its historical context.. Understand the legitimacy of Hajj based on the Qur'an and Sunnah..

9. Week 9Module 3:

   • Unit 2: Distinction between Ḥajj and "Umrah · 2 hours

     Differentiate between Hajj and 'Umrah in terms of their requirements and significance.. Understand the preliminaries and etiquettes of Hajj and 'Umrah.. Learn about the Ka'bah, Maqām Ibrāhim, and the well of Zamzam..

10. Week 10Module 3:

    • Unit 3: Conditions of Ḥajj · 2 hours

      State the conditions that must be met for Hajj to be obligatory.. Explain the conditions of Hajj, including Islam, maturity, health, and financial capability.. Understand the concept of Maḥram for women performing Hajj..

11. Week 11Module 3:

    • Unit 4: Types of Ḥajj · 2 hours

      State the three types of Hajj: Tamattu', Qirān, and Ifrād.. Explain the manner of performing each type of Hajj.. Differentiate between the three types of Hajj based on their specific requirements..

12. Week 12Module 4:

    • Unit 1: Rites of Ḥajj · 2 hours

      Review the rites of Hajj, including Iḥrām, Ṭawāf, Sa'y, Wuqūf, and Ramy al-Jimār.. Understand the significance of each rite and its historical context.. Explore the spiritual and symbolic meanings of the Hajj rituals..

    • Unit 2: Things forbidden to a person in a state of Iḥrām · 2 hours

      Review the things forbidden to a person in a state of Iḥrām.. Understand the reasons behind these prohibitions and their significance.. Learn about the ransoms for violating the conditions of Iḥrām..

13. Week 13Module 5:

    • Unit 4: The steps of Ḥajj · 2 hours

      Review the steps of Hajj, from encampment at Minā to Ṭawāf al-Wadā'.. Understand the specific actions and prayers performed at each stage.. Explore the spiritual and historical significance of the Hajj steps..

    • Unit 1: The Significance of Ḥajj Performance · 2 hours

      Understand the significance of Hajj performance in Islam.. Explore the socio-economic and spiritual benefits of Hajj.. Review the modern management of Hajj in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia..