Advanced Quranic Studies
- Arts
- 800 level
- 3 credit units
- 103 pages
- 13 units
This course, Advanced Qur'anic Studies, provides Master students with a comprehensive understanding of the Qur'an's characteristic features, form, contents, and significance as a scripture. It explores the revelation as the source of the Qur'an, the development of qira'at, and the Qur'an's suitability to human nature. The course also highlights the Qur'an's role as a basic source of Sharī'ah and its uniqueness in establishing a good society.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 156 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 ISL813, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ISL813 · UNIT 2 REVELATION AND PRESEVATION OF THE HOLY QURAN
The Qur’an guides us on how to behave among ourselves, how to respect our parents, how to transact businesses, how to administer inheritances, how to pilot affairs of a group or nation, how to treat the orphans and so on.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the historical context and significance of the Qur'an's revelation and preservation.
- Analyze the literary styles and structures within the Qur'an.
- Compare and contrast different interpretations and readings of the Qur'an.
- Evaluate the Qur'an's role as a primary source of Islamic law and ethics.
- Articulate the Qur'anic perspective on interfaith relations and peaceful coexistence.
What it prepares you for
- Religious Teacher
- Islamic Scholar
- Imam
- Interfaith Relations Officer
- Translator
- Religious Institutions
- Educational Sector
- Community Development
- Government (Religious Affairs)
- Non-profit Organizations
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Form and Contents of the Quran
Unit 5: Meaning, Kinds and Conditions Governing Authenticity of Qiraat
Understanding the nuances of different Qira'at requires a deep knowledge of Arabic phonetics and grammar, making it challenging for those unfamiliar with these linguistic aspects.
- Module 3: The Significance of the Quran
Unit 3: Views of non-Muslims About the Qur'an
This unit requires students to reconcile potentially conflicting interpretations and historical contexts, demanding critical thinking and nuanced understanding.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 34 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Characteristics and Features of the Quran
Unit 1: Names of the Qur'an · 2 hours
Read the introduction to understand the importance of the names of the Qur'an.. Study the meanings of 'Qur'an', 'Al-Kitab', and 'Al-Furqan'.. Reflect on the spiritual significance of these names for Muslims..
- Week 2Module 1: Characteristics and Features of the Quran
Unit 1: Names of the Qur'an · 2 hours
Examine the concepts of 'Al-Hudah', 'Al-Tanzil', and 'Al-Hukm'.. Analyze how these names reflect the Qur'an's role in guiding and judging humanity.. Discuss the implications of these names for believers..
- Week 3Module 1: Characteristics and Features of the Quran
Unit 2: Revelation and Preservation of the Qur'an · 2 hours
Understand the significance of the first revelation and its impact on Muslims.. Study the methods and materials used for preserving the Qur'an.. Discuss the roles of Prophet Muhammad's companions in preserving the Qur'an..
- Week 4Module 1: Characteristics and Features of the Quran
Unit 2: Revelation and Preservation of the Qur'an · 2 hours
Examine the reasons for the preservation of the Qur'an.. Analyze the mode of preservation during the Prophet's lifetime and the period of the companions.. Identify the objects used for recording the Qur'an..
- Week 5Module 1: Characteristics and Features of the Quran
Unit 3: Unification of the Quranic Versions · 2 hours
Discuss the first attempt at compiling the Qur'an by Abubakr.. Study the Uthman's Collection and its significance.. Analyze the harmonization of the verses and its impact on standardization..
- Week 6Module 1: Characteristics and Features of the Quran
Unit 4: The Manuscripts of the Qur'an · 2 hours
Identify the various scripts of the Qur'an and their developments.. Discuss the peculiarities of manuscripts like the Damascus, Madinah, Samarkand, and Egyptian manuscripts.. Appreciate the stages of writing the Qur'an before modern technology..
- Week 7Module 2: Form and Contents of the Quran
Unit 1: The Makkan and Madinan Suwar · 2 hours
Identify the characteristics of the Makkan and Madinah Suwar.. Recognize the features of both Makkan and Madinah Suwar.. Discuss the content of both the Makkan and Madinah Suwar..
- Week 8Module 2: Form and Contents of the Quran
Unit 2: Divisions of the Qur'an · 2 hours
Discuss the various divisions of the Qur'an, including Surah, Ayah, Juz'un, and Hizb.. Identify some signs and strokes of the Qur'an.. Use the various divisions to understand the Qur'an better..
- Week 9Module 2: Form and Contents of the Quran
Unit 3: Literary Forms and Style of the Qur'an · 2 hours
Explain why the Qur'an is not poetry.. Discuss the place of stories in understanding the Qur'an.. Examine the similes and parables in the Qur'an..
- Week 10Module 2: Form and Contents of the Quran
Unit 4: The development of science of qiraah · 2 hours
Trace the origin of Ilmu 'l-Qiraat.. Highlight the stages through which Ilmu 'l-Qiraat passed.. Discuss the inter-relationship between qiraat and tajwid..
- Week 11Module 2: Form and Contents of the Quran
Unit 5: Meaning, Kinds and Conditions Governing Authenticity of Qiraat · 2 hours
Define qiraah and riwayah.. Discuss various kinds of qiraat.. State the yardstick for the validation or rejection of qiraah..
- Week 12Module 3: The Significance of the Quran
Unit 1: Quran as the Primary Source of Sharī 'ah · 3 hours
Give a general classification of the contents of the Glorious Qur'an.. Expatiate upon the significance of the Qur'an as the first primary source of Sharī'ah.. Understand the list of some of the Legal Injunctions of the Holy Qur'an.. Study the Quranic Principles on Unity, Equality and Peaceful Co-existence of Mankind.
Unit 5: Quranic Principles on Unity, Equality and Peaceful Co-existence of Mankind · 3 hours
Understand the list of some of the Legal Injunctions of the Holy Qur'an.. Study the Quranic Principles on Unity, Equality and Peaceful Co-existence of Mankind.
- Week 13Module 3: The Significance of the Quran
Unit 2: The Essence and Message of the Qur'an · 3 hours
Discuss the essence and message of the Qur'an.. Explain the Qur'anic injunctions which serve as a basis for today's scientific discoveries.. Release and evaluate the rich content of the Qur'an as a book for every generation..
Unit 3: Views of non-Muslims About the Qur'an · 3 hours
Appreciate the divine origin of the Qur'an.. Explain to a non-Muslim the authenticity of the Qur'an both in content and in context.. Discuss through the life of the Prophet that the message he brought was to the whole world..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a detailed timeline of the Qur'an's revelation and compilation, focusing on key events and figures from Units 2 and 3.
- Develop flashcards for key terms related to Qira'at and Tajwid from Units 4 and 5, including definitions and examples.
- Practice analyzing Qur'anic verses related to legal injunctions (Unit 1 of Module 3), identifying the specific rulings and their underlying principles.
- Compare and contrast the characteristics of Makkan and Madinan Surahs (Unit 1 of Module 2), noting differences in themes and styles.
- Review the Qur'anic perspectives on previous prophets and scriptures (Unit 3 of Module 3), focusing on points of agreement and difference.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ISL813 about?
This course, Advanced Qur'anic Studies, provides Master students with a comprehensive understanding of the Qur'an's characteristic features, form, contents, and significance as a scripture. It explores the revelation as the source of the Qur'an, the development of qira'at, and the Qur'an's suitability to human nature. The course also highlights the Qur'an's role as a basic source of Sharī'ah and its uniqueness in establishing a good society.
How many units does ISL813 have?
ISL813, Advanced Quranic Studies, has 13 units across 3 modules, over 103 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ISL813?
ISL813 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Arts.
Is ISL813 hard?
ISL813 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does ISL813 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 13 units.
How is ISL813 assessed?
ISL813 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with ISL813?
Religious Teacher, Islamic Scholar, Imam, Interfaith Relations Officer and Translator.