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ISL374Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Islamic Political Institutions

This course introduces Islamic political institutions, exploring their historical origins, development, and features. It emphasizes basic Islamic institutions and political ideas, enabling students to understand the evolution of the Islamic political system from the Prophet Muhammad's time through various caliphates and empires, including the Sokoto Caliphate. The course also examines key institutions and concepts of Islamic political thinkers, providing a foundation for understanding contemporary political dilemmas in Muslim countries.

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19.5h
Study Time
13
Weeks
2h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Islamic political institutionsCaliphateShariaMuslim scholarsSokoto Caliphate

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

Jāhiliyyah

2

Prophet Muhammad

3

Caliphate

4

Islamic Law

5

Political Thought

6

Sokoto Caliphate

Total Topics6 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 Affairs Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Islamic Studies Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentEducationReligious OrganizationsResearch Institutes

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: The Jāhiliyyah

1.5h

Unit 1: The Jāhiliyyah Period

1.5 study hours
  • •Define Jāhiliyyah
  • •Explain socio-economic and political conditions before Islam
  • •Discuss the Ka'bah's centrality
Week
2

Module 1: The Jāhiliyyah

1.5h

Unit 2: Early Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

1.5 study hours
  • •Trace Muhammad's early life
  • •Explain experiences shaping his future role as Prophet
Week
3

Module 1: The Jāhiliyyah

1.5h

Unit 3: Marriage to Khadījah and the Dawn of Islam

1.5 study hours
  • •Discuss Khadijah's role
  • •Explain the first revelation and Muhammad's response
  • •List earliest converts
Week
4

Module 1: The Jāhiliyyah

1.5h

Unit 4: Migration to Madinah and the Foundation of the Islamic State

1.5 study hours
  • •Explain reasons for migration to Madinah
  • •Describe the Ummah's administration
  • •Contrast with Jāhiliyyah period
Week
5

Module 1: The Jāhiliyyah

1.5h

Unit 5: The Conquest of Makkah and the Triumph of Islam

1.5 study hours
  • •List major battles
  • •Explain causes and Muslim victories
  • •Explain how the conquest of Makkah ended idol worship
Week
6

Module 2:

1.5h

Unit 1: The Institution of the Caliphate

1.5 study hours
  • •Define Caliphate
  • •Describe functions of a Khalīfah
  • •Explain the first Khalīfah's emergence
Week
7

Module 2:

1.5h

Unit 2: The Problem of Succession

1.5 study hours
  • •Discuss claims for leadership after Muhammad's death
  • •Differentiate Ansar from Muhajiruns
  • •Explain why Abubakr was accepted
Week
8

Module 2:

1.5h

Unit 3: The Khulafā' a`r-Rāshidūn

1.5 study hours
  • •List the Khulafā' a`r-Rāshidūn
  • •Describe problems faced by each
  • •Explain achievements of each
Week
9

Module 2:

1.5h

Unit 4: The Umayyads, the Abbasids, the Aglabids, Fatimids and the Ottoman Turks

1.5 study hours
  • •Explain transformation into an empire
  • •Discuss hereditary succession
  • •Explain Persian influence
Week
10

Module 2:

1.5h

Unit 5: The Sokoto Caliphate

1.5 study hours
  • •Explain reasons for establishment
  • •Discuss significance of establishment
  • •Mention differences from earlier Caliphates
Week
11

Module 3:

1.5h

Unit 1: The Vizier and the Qādī

1.5 study hours
  • •Define Vizier and Qādī
  • •Explain historical evolution
  • •Compare and contrast functions
Week
12

Module 3:

1.5h

Unit 2: The Muhtasib, Wāli Mazālim and Şāhibu 's-Shurţah

1.5 study hours
  • •Explain meanings of Muhtasib, Wāli Mazālim, Şāhibu 's-Shurţah
  • •Discuss origins
  • •Compare and contrast functions
Week
13

Module 3:

4.5h

Unit 3: Al-Fārābī, Ibn Sīnā, Al-Māwardī, Ibn Khaldūn and Al-Ghazālī

1.5 study hours
  • •List Muslim political thinkers
  • •Explain views on state functionaries
  • •Compare opinions
  • •Discuss views on running affairs

Unit 4: The Sokoto Jihad Leaders and Scholars

1.5 study hours
  • •List Sokoto Jihad leaders
  • •Discuss views on running affairs
  • •Explain views on political institutions

Unit 5: The Nigerian Muslim Scholars of Post Colonial Period

1.5 study hours
  • •Identify post-colonial Muslim Nigerian scholars
  • •List works
  • •Explain views on critical issues

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.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create timelines of key events from Units 1-5

2

Compare political theories of Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, and Al-Mawardi

3

Summarize the structure of the Sokoto Caliphate

4

Analyze the causes of the Umayyad dynasty's decline

5

Review the roles of Vizier and Qadi in Islamic governance

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