Islamic Political Institutions
- Arts
- 300 level
- 2 credit units
- 120 pages
- 15 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 19.5 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ISL374, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ISL374 · UNIT 1 THE JĀHILIYYAH PERIOD
This section intends to examine the conditions in which the Arabs were before the rise of Islam. The various issues discussed in the unit include the definition of the term Jāhiliyyah and the characteristic features of the period. The significance of the Ka‗bah in the religious life of the Arabs during the Jāhiliyyah period will also be discussed.
What you should be able to do
- Explain Islamic political institutions
- List major institutions in Islamic political system
- Discuss the origin and development of the Islamic state
- Discuss the life of Muhammad and his contributions
- Explain fundamental problems confronting the Islamic state
What it prepares you for
- Religious Affairs Analyst
- Islamic Studies Teacher
- Researcher
- Policy Advisor
- Government
- Education
- Religious Organizations
- Research Institutes
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3:
Unit 3: Al-Fārābī, Ibn Sīnā, Al-Māwardī, Ibn Khaldūn and Al-Ghazālī
Advanced calculus integration techniques require strong mathematical foundation
- Module 3:
Unit 2: The Muhtasib, Wāli Mazālim and Şāhibu 's-Shurţah
Complex legal reasoning and historical context needed to understand the role of the Muhtasib
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 22.5 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: The Jāhiliyyah
Unit 1: The Jāhiliyyah Period · 1.5 hours
Define Jāhiliyyah. Explain socio-economic and political conditions before Islam. Discuss the Ka'bah's centrality.
- Week 2Module 1: The Jāhiliyyah
Unit 2: Early Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) · 1.5 hours
Trace Muhammad's early life. Explain experiences shaping his future role as Prophet.
- Week 3Module 1: The Jāhiliyyah
Unit 3: Marriage to Khadījah and the Dawn of Islam · 1.5 hours
Discuss Khadijah's role. Explain the first revelation and Muhammad's response. List earliest converts.
- Week 4Module 1: The Jāhiliyyah
Unit 4: Migration to Madinah and the Foundation of the Islamic State · 1.5 hours
Explain reasons for migration to Madinah. Describe the Ummah's administration. Contrast with Jāhiliyyah period.
- Week 5Module 1: The Jāhiliyyah
Unit 5: The Conquest of Makkah and the Triumph of Islam · 1.5 hours
List major battles. Explain causes and Muslim victories. Explain how the conquest of Makkah ended idol worship.
- Week 6Module 2:
Unit 1: The Institution of the Caliphate · 1.5 hours
Define Caliphate. Describe functions of a Khalīfah. Explain the first Khalīfah's emergence.
- Week 7Module 2:
Unit 2: The Problem of Succession · 1.5 hours
Discuss claims for leadership after Muhammad's death. Differentiate Ansar from Muhajiruns. Explain why Abubakr was accepted.
- Week 8Module 2:
Unit 3: The Khulafā' a`r-Rāshidūn · 1.5 hours
List the Khulafā' a`r-Rāshidūn. Describe problems faced by each. Explain achievements of each.
- Week 9Module 2:
Unit 4: The Umayyads, the Abbasids, the Aglabids, Fatimids and the Ottoman Turks · 1.5 hours
Explain transformation into an empire. Discuss hereditary succession. Explain Persian influence.
- Week 10Module 2:
Unit 5: The Sokoto Caliphate · 1.5 hours
Explain reasons for establishment. Discuss significance of establishment. Mention differences from earlier Caliphates.
- Week 11Module 3:
Unit 1: The Vizier and the Qādī · 1.5 hours
Define Vizier and Qādī. Explain historical evolution. Compare and contrast functions.
- Week 12Module 3:
Unit 2: The Muhtasib, Wāli Mazālim and Şāhibu 's-Shurţah · 1.5 hours
Explain meanings of Muhtasib, Wāli Mazālim, Şāhibu 's-Shurţah. Discuss origins. Compare and contrast functions.
- Week 13Module 3:
Unit 3: Al-Fārābī, Ibn Sīnā, Al-Māwardī, Ibn Khaldūn and Al-Ghazālī · 1.5 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 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 hours
Identify post-colonial Muslim Nigerian scholars. List works. Explain views on critical issues.
Preparing for the exam
- Create timelines of key events from Units 1-5
- Compare political theories of Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, and Al-Mawardi
- Summarize the structure of the Sokoto Caliphate
- Analyze the causes of the Umayyad dynasty's decline
- Review the roles of Vizier and Qadi in Islamic governance
Questions students ask about this course
What is ISL374 about?
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.
How many units does ISL374 have?
ISL374, Islamic Political Institutions, has 15 units across 3 modules, over 120 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ISL374?
ISL374 carries 2 credit units, at 300 level in Arts.
Is ISL374 hard?
ISL374 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does ISL374 take to study?
About 19.5 hours of study, spread across its 15 units.
How is ISL374 assessed?
ISL374 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with ISL374?
Religious Affairs Analyst, Islamic Studies Teacher, Researcher and Policy Advisor.