Islamic Legal Works
- Arts
- 800 level
- 3 credit units
- 65 pages
- 12 units
This course introduces students to Islamic legal works, focusing on law and legislation in Islam. It provides a clear picture of Islamic jurisprudence, exploring its background, origin, and the four Sunni schools. The course examines the Glorious Qur'an and Apostolic Traditions as primary sources of Muslim law, along with secondary sources. It also discusses the scope, requirements, and impact of orthodox schools of jurisprudence in the development of Islamic legislation.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 156 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 ISL835, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ISL835 · UNIT 1 DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF ISLAMIC LAW (SHARĪ‘AH)
Allah has stated that: Allah has made (Shara„a) for you the same religion that He ordained for Nuh (Noah), and that which We have revealed to you, and which We ordained for Ibrahim (Abraham) and Musa (Moses) and ‗Iysa (Jesus), commanding that you should establish religion and should not make any division in it... (Qur‟ān 42: 13).
What you should be able to do
- Define key terms related to Islamic jurisprudence
- Analyze the primary and secondary sources of Islamic law
- Discuss the subject matter, guidelines, scope, and impact of the four accepted schools of thought
- Evaluate the operation, problems, and prospects of mathahib independently
- Understand the historical development and mode of operations of the four madhahib
What it prepares you for
- Religious Teacher
- Islamic Banking Consultant
- Sharia Advisor
- Islamic Law Researcher
- Interfaith Relations Specialist
- Religious Institutions
- Financial Institutions
- Legal Firms
- Research Organizations
- Government Agencies
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Islamic Jurisprudence (AL-FIQHU) IN PERSPECTIVE
Unit 1: Definition of (Fiqhu) and (Usulu fiqh) as Islamic Jurisprudence
Understanding the nuances of applying Qiyas and Istihsan requires a deep understanding of legal reasoning and the ability to balance textual authority with contextual considerations.
- Module 3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE 4 MADHAHIB AND THEIR MODE OF OPERATIONS
Unit 1: Al-Imam Abu Hanifah
Requires understanding the historical context and the specific methodologies used by each Imam in deriving legal rulings.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 44 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Islamic Law (SHARI 'AH) IN PERSPECTIVE.
Unit 1: Definition and Scope of Islamic Law · 2 hours
Define Shariah. Examine its usage in pre-Islamic Arabia and Islam. Understand its relationship to Islam.
Unit 2: Significance of Islamic Law · 2 hours
Analyze the scope of Shariah. Examine its various divisions.
- Week 2Module 1: Islamic Law (SHARI 'AH) IN PERSPECTIVE.
Unit 3: Primary Sources of Islamic Law · 2 hours
Evaluate the content of the Glorious Qur'an. Analyze its significance as a primary source.
Unit 4: Secondary Sources of Islamic Law · 2 hours
Evaluate the Apostolic Traditions. Explain its position in Sharī'ah. Examine the appointment of Mu’ādh bn Jabal as Governor to Yemen.
- Week 3Module 2: Islamic Jurisprudence (AL-FIQHU) IN PERSPECTIVE
Unit 1: Definition of (Fiqhu) and (Usulu fiqh) as Islamic Jurisprudence · 3 hours
State the criteria for acceptance of Ijmā' as a source of Islamic Law. State the meaning and components of Qiyās.
- Week 4Module 2: Islamic Jurisprudence (AL-FIQHU) IN PERSPECTIVE
Unit 2: Nature of Islamic law · 3 hours
Analyze the role of usulul fiqh in the value and limits of ijma and qiyas. Distinguish between fiqhu and usulul fiqh in Islamic jurisprudence.
- Week 5Module 2: Islamic Jurisprudence (AL-FIQHU) IN PERSPECTIVE
Unit 3: Aims and objectives of Islamic laws (Maqasidu-Sharī'ah) · 3 hours
Explain the nature of the Shariah, the Islamic law. Analyse the uniqueness of Shariah, the Islamic law. Differentiate between Shariah and the western laws.
- Week 6Module 2: Islamic Jurisprudence (AL-FIQHU) IN PERSPECTIVE
Unit 4: Differences of opinion/understanding among the Sahabah as origin of Madhahib · 3 hours
Examine the aims and objectives of Islamic law Maqasid al-Sharī'ah. State the determining significance of the Shariah. Examine the aims and objectives of the Shariah.
- Week 7Module 3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE 4 MADHAHIB AND THEIR MODE OF OPERATIONS
Unit 1: Al-Imam Abu Hanifah · 3 hours
Evaluate how an opinion is derived/formed by a scholar. Comment fully on meaning of a madhab, duty of the leader as well as followers.
- Week 8Module 3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE 4 MADHAHIB AND THEIR MODE OF OPERATIONS
Unit 2: Al-Imam Malik ibn Anas · 3 hours
Comment fully on the founder and formation of the Ḥanafīyah school of jurisprudence. Examine the development of the Hanafiya school and reason for it spread.
- Week 9Module 3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE 4 MADHAHIB AND THEIR MODE OF OPERATIONS
Unit 3: Al-Imam Shafi'i · 3 hours
Analyze the Credibility social contracts. Analyse the strength of Maliki school of law vis a vis the personality of the founder. Analyze the development and spread of the Maliki school of law.
- Week 10Module 3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE 4 MADHAHIB AND THEIR MODE OF OPERATIONS
Unit 4: Al-Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal · 3 hours
Examine the early life of Imam Shafi'I and his apprenticeship before Imam Malik. State with examples the various stages of life passed by Imam Shafi'i before the formation of his madh'hab.
- Week 11Module 3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE 4 MADHAHIB AND THEIR MODE OF OPERATIONS
Unit 1: Al-Imam Abu Hanifah · 4 hours
Review key concepts from Module 1. Complete TMA assignments for Module 1.
- Week 12Module 3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE 4 MADHAHIB AND THEIR MODE OF OPERATIONS
Unit 2: Al-Imam Malik ibn Anas · 4 hours
Review key concepts from Module 2. Complete TMA assignments for Module 2.
- Week 13Module 3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE 4 MADHAHIB AND THEIR MODE OF OPERATIONS
Unit 3: Al-Imam Shafi'i · 4 hours
Review key concepts from Module 3. Complete TMA assignments for Module 3.
Preparing for the exam
- Create detailed outlines for each module, focusing on key definitions and concepts
- Compare and contrast the methodologies of the four main schools of thought
- Practice applying legal principles to hypothetical scenarios
- Review and summarize the primary and secondary sources of Islamic law
- Focus on understanding the historical context and development of Islamic jurisprudence
- Create flashcards for key terms and concepts to aid memorization
- Join study groups to discuss and clarify challenging topics with peers
- Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and feedback from the tutor
- Allocate specific time slots for focused study and revision each week
- Practice answering past exam questions to improve time management and exam technique
- Prioritize topics based on their weight in the overall course assessment
- Create concept maps linking different modules and units to see the big picture
- Seek clarification from the tutor on any areas of uncertainty or difficulty
- Take regular breaks during study sessions to maintain focus and prevent burnout
- Get enough sleep and maintain a healthy lifestyle to optimize cognitive function during the exam period
- On the exam day, read all questions carefully before attempting to answer them
- Manage your time effectively during the exam, allocating sufficient time to each question
- Write clear and concise answers, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the subject matter
- Support your answers with relevant examples and references to course materials
- Review your answers before submitting the exam to ensure accuracy and completeness
- Stay calm and confident, trusting in your preparation and knowledge of the subject
Questions students ask about this course
What is ISL835 about?
This course introduces students to Islamic legal works, focusing on law and legislation in Islam. It provides a clear picture of Islamic jurisprudence, exploring its background, origin, and the four Sunni schools. The course examines the Glorious Qur'an and Apostolic Traditions as primary sources of Muslim law, along with secondary sources. It also discusses the scope, requirements, and impact of orthodox schools of jurisprudence in the development of Islamic legislation.
How many units does ISL835 have?
ISL835, Islamic Legal Works, has 12 units across 3 modules, over 65 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ISL835?
ISL835 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Arts.
Is ISL835 hard?
ISL835 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does ISL835 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 12 units.
How is ISL835 assessed?
ISL835 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with ISL835?
Religious Teacher, Islamic Banking Consultant, Sharia Advisor, Islamic Law Researcher and Interfaith Relations Specialist.