Skip to main content
NounStudy
Back to Course Catalog
ISL343Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Islamic Theology

This course introduces students to Islamic Theology ('ilmu `t-Tawhīd), exploring its origins, development, and fundamental principles. It examines the theological traces in the Qur'an and the internal and external factors that shaped the science. The course also delves into theological debates among early Muslim groups, the emergence of rationalism, and the contributions of prominent theologians from various schools of thought. Students will gain insights into divine Unity and Justice, eschatological issues, and Muslim catechisms.

Take a Practice TestGenerate AI Study Notes

Take a practice test or generate AI study notes to help you excel in this course.

208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Islamic TheologyTawhidQuranEschatologyMuslim Creed

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

Origin of Islamic Theology

2

Belief in Unity of Allah (Tawhid)

3

The Concept of Īmān

4

Prophethood and Apostleship

5

Development of Muslim Sects

6

Mu'tazilite Theology

7

Ash'arite Theology

8

Belief in the Unseen (Al-Ghaybiyyat)

9

Eschatological Issues

Total Topics9 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

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Religious Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Islamic Scholar

Apply your skills in this growing field

Imam

Apply your skills in this growing field

Religious Affairs Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Religious InstitutionsEducational SectorResearch OrganizationsGovernment Agencies

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Origin, Tawhīd, Īmān, Nubuwwah and Risālah

2h

Unit 1: Definition and Origin of Islamic Theology

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit introduction to understand the scope of Islamic theology.
  • •Define key terms like 'Ilmu `t-Tawhīd' and its significance.
  • •Identify theological points and discussions in the Qur'an.
  • •Analyze the role of the Şahābah in the emergence of Islamic theology.
Week
2

Module 1: Origin, Tawhīd, Īmān, Nubuwwah and Risālah

2h

Unit 2: Significance of Belief in Unity of Allah (Tawhīd) as an Article of Faith

2 study hours
  • •Explain the significance of Tawhid as belief in the unity of Allah.
  • •Discuss the concept of Unity in the Being of Allah (Dhāt/Ulūhiyyah).
  • •Expatiate on worshipping Allah alone and its implications.
  • •Discuss the belief in Unity of Allah in His Attributes and its impact.
Week
3

Module 1: Origin, Tawhīd, Īmān, Nubuwwah and Risālah

2h

Unit 3: The Concept of Īmān

2 study hours
  • •Relate the significance of the term Īmān from various Islamic theological viewpoints.
  • •Give the basis for the stand of various schools on Īmān.
  • •Explain the relationship between Īmān and Islam.
  • •Highlight the legal implications of Islam and Īmān.
Week
4

Module 1: Origin, Tawhīd, Īmān, Nubuwwah and Risālah

2h

Unit 4: Nubuwwah and Risālah (Prophethood and Apostleship)

2 study hours
  • •Analyze the classification of articles of faith and apply it to prophethood.
  • •Give an account of the significance of belief in Apostles of God.
  • •Explain the terms Nabiyy and Rasūl and their roles.
  • •Identify the necessary, impossible, and possible qualities of Messengers.
Week
5

Module 2: Development of Muslim Firaq

2h

Unit 1: The Jabarites, the Qadarites, the Murjites and Consequences of Grave Sin

2 study hours
  • •Identify the Jabarites and their views on predestination.
  • •Identify the Qadarites and their views on free will.
  • •Highlight the Muslim Majority's opinion on predestination.
  • •Discuss grave sin and its consequences according to different schools.
Week
6

Module 2: Development of Muslim Firaq

2h

Unit 2: The Kharijites (Khawārij)

2 study hours
  • •Trace the origin of the Kharijites and their secession.
  • •Discuss the division of Kharijites into sub-sects like Azraqites.
  • •Highlight the political and theological doctrines of the Kharijites.
Week
7

Module 2: Development of Muslim Firaq

2h

Unit 3: The Shī'ah

2 study hours
  • •Define Shiism and identify its main creeds.
  • •Discuss the Ithna'ashariyyah (Twelvers) and their beliefs.
  • •Discuss the Ismā'īliyyah (Seveners) and their history.
  • •Distinguish between the creeds of various Shiite sub-sects.
Week
8

Module 2: Development of Muslim Firaq

2h

Unit 4: Extremist Shī'ites (Gulātu sh-Shī'ah)

2 study hours
  • •Expound on the extremist Shī'ah groups.
  • •Trace their origin and expose their extremism.
  • •Discuss their history and geographical locations.
  • •Analyze the Saba'iyyah, Kīsāniyyah, Agha Khāniyyah, Durūz, Bhoras, and Al-Nuşayriyyah.
Week
9

Module 3: Al - Mu'Ta Zilah And al - Ash'Ariyyah (the Mutazilites and the Ash'arites)

2h

Unit 1: The Emergence of the Mu'tazilah and their Fundamental Doctrines

2 study hours
  • •Define Mu'tazilism and trace its origin.
  • •Enumerate the fundamental doctrines of the Mu'tazilites.
  • •Discuss the doctrines of Divine Unity and Divine Justice.
  • •Analyze the Mu'tazilite views on free will and predestination.
Week
10

Module 3: Al - Mu'Ta Zilah And al - Ash'Ariyyah (the Mutazilites and the Ash'arites)

2h

Unit 2: The Prominent Mu'tazilites and More of their Views

2 study hours
  • •Identify the renowned Mu'tazilites and their contributions.
  • •State the theological views of each Mu'tazilite scholar.
  • •Appraise the validity of their viewpoints.
  • •Study the views of Wāşil ibn al-'Aţā, Abu `l-Hudhayl al -`Allāf, and Ibrahim ibn Sayyar A`n-Nazzām.
Week
11

Module 3: Al - Mu'Ta Zilah And al - Ash'Ariyyah (the Mutazilites and the Ash'arites)

2h

Unit 3: Ash'arism and Its Fundamental Doctrines

2 study hours
  • •Define Ash'arism and trace its origin.
  • •Enumerate the fundamental doctrines of Ash'arism.
  • •Discuss the Ash'arite views on the attributes of God.
  • •Analyze the Ash'arite perspective on free will and predestination.
Week
12

Module 3: Al - Mu'Ta Zilah And al - Ash'Ariyyah (the Mutazilites and the Ash'arites)

2h

Unit 4: Biography of Al-Ash'arī and His Short Creed

2 study hours
  • •Give a biographical account of al-Ash'arī.
  • •Summarize al-Ash'arī's treatise on the Sunni creed.
  • •Analyze the key points of al-Ash'arī's short creed.
  • •Understand the historical context of al-Ash'arī's theological contributions.
Week
13

Module 4: Al-Ghaybiyyāt - Belief in the Unseen

2h

Unit 1: Angels, Spirit and Jinns

2 study hours
  • •Define Angels and describe their nature and functions.
  • •Substantiate the infallibility of the Angels.
  • •Discuss the superiority between Angels and Prophets.
  • •Describe the identity of Jinn and Satan and their roles.

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

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of key figures and events in the development of Islamic theology.

2

Compare and contrast the views of the Mu'tazilites and Ash'arites on major theological issues.

3

Develop flashcards for key terms and concepts related to Tawhid, Īmān, and Al-Ghaybiyyat.

4

Practice answering essay questions on the fundamental principles of Islamic theology.

5

Review the Qur'anic verses and Hadith cited in the course materials to support different theological positions.

Related Courses

Other courses in Arts that complement your learning

IGB371

Varieties of Poetry in Igbo

2 Units
IGB421

Issues in the Systax of Igbo

2 Units
ENG314

Public Speaking

2 Units
View All Arts Courses