Introduction To Islamic Theology

1. Explain the origin and development of Islamic theology.
2. Analyze the fundamental theological principles in Islam.
3. Discuss the views of various schools of thought on key theological issues.
4. Evaluate the contributions of prominent Muslim theologians.
5. Understand the concept of belief in the unseen (Al-Ghaybiyyat).
6. Describe the eschatological issues related to life after death.

13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.

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

   • Unit 1: Definition and Origin of Islamic Theology · 2 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..

2. Week 2Module 1: Origin, Tawhīd, Īmān, Nubuwwah and Risālah

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

3. Week 3Module 1: Origin, Tawhīd, Īmān, Nubuwwah and Risālah

   • Unit 3: The Concept of Īmān · 2 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..

4. Week 4Module 1: Origin, Tawhīd, Īmān, Nubuwwah and Risālah

   • Unit 4: Nubuwwah and Risālah (Prophethood and Apostleship) · 2 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..

5. Week 5Module 2: Development of Muslim Firaq

   • Unit 1: The Jabarites, the Qadarites, the Murjites and Consequences of Grave Sin · 2 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..

6. Week 6Module 2: Development of Muslim Firaq

   • Unit 2: The Kharijites (Khawārij) · 2 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..

7. Week 7Module 2: Development of Muslim Firaq

   • Unit 3: The Shī'ah · 2 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..

8. Week 8Module 2: Development of Muslim Firaq

   • Unit 4: Extremist Shī'ites (Gulātu sh-Shī'ah) · 2 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..

9. Week 9Module 3: Al - Mu'Ta Zilah And al - Ash'Ariyyah (the Mutazilites and the Ash'arites)

   • Unit 1: The Emergence of the Mu'tazilah and their Fundamental Doctrines · 2 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..

10. Week 10Module 3: Al - Mu'Ta Zilah And al - Ash'Ariyyah (the Mutazilites and the Ash'arites)

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

11. Week 11Module 3: Al - Mu'Ta Zilah And al - Ash'Ariyyah (the Mutazilites and the Ash'arites)

    • Unit 3: Ash'arism and Its Fundamental Doctrines · 2 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..

12. Week 12Module 3: Al - Mu'Ta Zilah And al - Ash'Ariyyah (the Mutazilites and the Ash'arites)

    • Unit 4: Biography of Al-Ash'arī and His Short Creed · 2 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..

13. Week 13Module 4: Al-Ghaybiyyāt - Belief in the Unseen

    • Unit 1: Angels, Spirit and Jinns · 2 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..