Shari‘Ah In Modern Time
- Arts
- 400 level
- 2 credit units
- 89 pages
- 12 units
This course provides a comprehensive survey of the application of Islamic Law (*Sharī'ah*) in modern times, specifically the 19th and 20th centuries. It explores the meaning, sources, and historical development of *Sharī'ah*, examining its evolution through various stages. The course also addresses the impact of Western influence, reforms, and modern trends in countries such as the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, India, Pakistan, and Nigeria. It further investigates the concept of *Ijtihād* and its role in Islamic Law.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 208 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ISL437, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ISL437 · UNIT 2: AL-IJTIHĀD DURING THE TIME OF THE PROPHET AND THE COMPANIONS
The majority of ‘ulamā’ have held that the Prophet in fact practisedIjtihād just as he was allowed to do so. This, it is said, is borne out by the numerous āyāt of the Qur’ān where the Prophet is invited, along with the rest of the believers, to meditate on the Qur’ān.
What you should be able to do
- Define and explain Islamic Law (*Sharī'ah*) and trace its historical development.
- State the sources of Islamic Law and explain their roles.
- Define *Ijtihād* and explain its role, discussing the controversy surrounding its closure.
- Appraise different approaches to the revival of Islamic Law and the reforms that led to the limitation of al-Kali courts.
- Discuss modern trends in the application of Islamic Law in various countries.
- Analyze the impact of Western influence on *Sharī'ah*.
What it prepares you for
- Legal Advisor
- Religious Affairs Consultant
- Policy Analyst
- Researcher
- Academician
- Legal Services
- Government and Public Administration
- Education and Research
- Religious Organizations
- International Relations
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: *Al-Ijtihād*
Unit 3: The Divisibility and Procedure of *Ijtihād*
Understanding the nuances and historical context surrounding the divisibility of *Ijtihād* requires careful analysis of different juristic opinions and their implications.
- Module 2: Law Reforms and *Sharī'ah*
Unit 3: Different Approaches to Revival of Islamic Law
Analyzing the various approaches to the revival of Islamic law necessitates a deep understanding of the ideological and theological underpinnings of each approach.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: *Al-Ijtihād*
Unit 1: The Meaning of Al-Ijtihād · 2 hours
Define *Al-Ijtihād* and understand its linguistic and legal meanings.. Explore the basis of *Al-Ijtihād* in the *Qur'ān* and *Sunnah*.. Discuss the conditions and qualifications required for a *Mujtahid*..
- Week 2Module 1: *Al-Ijtihād*
Unit 2: *Al-Ijtihād* during the Time of the Prophet and the Companions · 2 hours
Examine the use of *Ijtihād* during the Prophet's time and its approval.. Study examples of *Ijtihād* performed by the Prophet and his companions.. Understand the significance of *Ijtihād* in early Islamic society..
- Week 3Module 1: *Al-Ijtihād*
Unit 3: The Divisibility and Procedure of *Ijtihād* · 2 hours
Discuss the divisibility of *Ijtihād* and different juristic opinions.. Outline the procedure of *Ijtihād*, including the use of *Qur'ān*, *Sunnah*, and *Qiyās*.. Explore the different varieties of *Ijtihād*..
- Week 4Module 1: *Al-Ijtihād*
Unit 4: Controversy over the Alleged Closure of the Gate of *Al-Ijtihād* · 2 hours
Analyze the reasons for the alleged closure of the gate of *Ijtihād*.. Examine the controversy surrounding the closure and different scholarly views.. Discuss the call for the revival of *Ijtihād* and its importance..
- Week 5Module 2: Law Reforms and *Sharī'ah*
Unit 1: The Impact of Western Influence on *Sharī'ah* · 2 hours
Identify the impact of Western influence on *Sharī'ah* in Muslim countries.. Analyze the effects of Western legal systems on Islamic law.. Discuss the social, cultural, and political changes resulting from Western influence..
- Week 6Module 2: Law Reforms and *Sharī'ah*
Unit 2: Reforms to Islamic Law · 2 hours
Explore various changes to the status of *Sharī'ah* law.. Define law reforms and their objectives.. Examine the aspects of Islamic law affected by these reforms..
- Week 7Module 2: Law Reforms and *Sharī'ah*
Unit 3: Different Approaches to Revival of Islamic Law · 2 hours
Discuss different approaches to the revival of Islamic law.. Analyze the reasons and circumstances leading to the revival efforts.. Compare conservative, progressive, and middle-ground approaches..
- Week 8Module 2: Law Reforms and *Sharī'ah*
Unit 4: Limitation of Al-Kali Courts to the Law of Personal Status · 2 hours
Understand the meaning and history of Alkali Courts.. Explain the reasons for limiting Alkali Courts to personal status law.. Analyze the impact of this limitation on the application of *Sharī'ah*..
- Week 9Module 3: Modern Trends in the Application of Islamic Law in some Countries
Unit 1: Application of Islamic Law in the Middle East · 2 hours
Examine the legal system in the Middle East.. Discuss the application of Islamic law in various Middle Eastern countries.. Analyze the influence of Western legal systems on Islamic law in the region..
- Week 10Module 3: Modern Trends in the Application of Islamic Law in some Countries
Unit 2: Application of Islamic Law in Turkey, India and Pakistan · 2 hours
Analyze the application of Islamic law in Turkey, considering its secular legal system.. Discuss the status of Islamic law in India, focusing on family law.. Examine the application of Islamic law in Pakistan, including the *Hud d* Ordinance..
- Week 11Module 3: Modern Trends in the Application of Islamic Law in some Countries
Unit 3: Application of Islamic Law in North Africa · 2 hours
Discuss the application of Islamic law in Tunisia, focusing on the Code of Personal Status.. Examine the legal system in Algeria, considering the influence of French law.. Analyze the application of Islamic law in Morocco, including the *Mudawwana*..
- Week 12Module 3: Modern Trends in the Application of Islamic Law in some Countries
Unit 4: Application of Islamic Law in Nigeria · 2 hours
Trace the development of *Sharī'ah* in Nigeria.. Discuss the application of Islamic law under colonial rule.. Examine the *Sharī'ah* application after independence to the contemporary period..
- Week 13Final Revision
Final Revision · 2 hours
Review all modules and units.. Work on assignments.. Prepare for final examination..
Preparing for the exam
- Create detailed summaries for each unit, focusing on key definitions, concepts, and historical events.
- Develop comparative charts outlining the application of Islamic Law in different countries, noting similarities and differences.
- Practice essay questions addressing the role of *Ijtihād* and the impact of Western influence on *Sharī'ah*.
- Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and identify areas needing further study.
- Form study groups to discuss complex topics and share insights.
- Create timelines of key events in the development and reform of Islamic Law.
- Focus on understanding the different schools of thought within Islamic jurisprudence and their impact on legal interpretations.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ISL437 about?
This course provides a comprehensive survey of the application of Islamic Law (*Sharī'ah*) in modern times, specifically the 19th and 20th centuries. It explores the meaning, sources, and historical development of *Sharī'ah*, examining its evolution through various stages. The course also addresses the impact of Western influence, reforms, and modern trends in countries such as the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, India, Pakistan, and Nigeria. It further investigates the concept of *Ijtihād* and its role in Islamic Law.
How many units does ISL437 have?
ISL437, Shari‘Ah In Modern Time, has 12 units across 3 modules, over 89 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ISL437?
ISL437 carries 2 credit units, at 400 level in Arts.
Is ISL437 hard?
ISL437 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does ISL437 take to study?
About 208 hours of study, spread across its 12 units.
How is ISL437 assessed?
ISL437 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with ISL437?
Legal Advisor, Religious Affairs Consultant, Policy Analyst, Researcher and Academician.