This short course provides students with little academic background on Islamic studies a basic knowledge of Islamic core sources, i.e. the Quran and Hadith. Students are also taught on the history and structure of Islamic law, Principles of Jurisprudence (uşūl al-fiqh) and some major issues in Islamic law.

Syllabus

• Revelation of the Quran and its occasions (asbab al-nozul)
• Verses and chapters of the Quran
• Interpreting the Quran
• History of the Hadith and its sources
• Hadith in Sunni and Shia schools of thought
• Critical Approaches to Hadith
• History and development of Islamic law
• Major schools of Islamic law
• Principles of Jurisprudence
• Chapters of Islamic law on worship and social interactions
• Writing an academic paper on Islamic studies

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

On completion of this module, the successful student will be able to:

• explain the revelation and the structure and the miracle of the Quran
• describe the history of the Hadith and its collections
• explain the history and formation of different schools of Islamic law and their later developments
• represent an overview of the main topics of the Islamic law

Skills

This module will call for successful student to:

• Demonstrate an awareness of history and main topics on the Quran and Hadith
• Be able to identify the main schools of Islamic law

Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies

All learning materials are developed according to the SCATE format. Students are advised to study units available online followed by timetabled activities which are of crucial importance and require a serious attention. Students need to consult suggested reading materials which are not necessarily available online. At the same time, students are expected to contribute to Discussion Group as an integral part of their study. They would receive feedback regarding their activities and contribution by the module tutor. Extra reading and activities are provided for students who are interested to have a deeper and broader understanding of the issues of concern.

Assessment scheme

Students are required to complete all activities and review questions within the set deadlines and contribute to the discussion group as well. Finally, students are required to submit an essay of 3000 words on a relevant topic approved in advance by the module tutor.

Assessment weighting

Activities: 30 out of 100
Review Questions & Discussion Group: 10 out of 100
Essay: 60 out of 100

Core Reading:

1. Brown, Jonathan A. C. (2009) Hadith: Muhammad’s Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World. Oxford: Oneworld Publications.
2.  Hallaq, Wael B. (2009) An Introduction to Islamic Law. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
3.  Jaffer, Abbas and Jaffer, Masuma (2009) Quranic Sciences. London: ICAS Press.
4.  Mattson, Ingrid (2008) The Story of the Quran: Its History and Place in Muslim Life. Blackwell Publishing Ltd.