Islamic Scholarship Programme | Advanced Level Brochure

ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

Advanced Level LICENCE IN ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP (2 YEARS)

Course Information

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AL-SALAM INSTITUTE

Our mission is to deliver the teachings of Islam through classical texts with a profound awareness of the modern era.

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ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

About Al-Salam Institute A CENTRE FOR ARABIC AND ISLAMIC SCIENCES Al-Salam Institute (ASI) was established in Oxford, UK in 2006 as a means to facilitate the study of Arabic and traditional Islamic sciences for full-time students and working professionals.

Through a combination of authentic Islamic scholarship and modern academic techniques, we deliver our pioneering 6-year ‘Alimiyyah Programme (also known as the Islamic Scholarship Programme) in London and live online.

Our mission is to deliver the teachings of Islam through classical texts with a profound awareness of the modern era. Our vision is to produce a new generation of leading thinkers and Islamic scholars who are characterised by their sound knowledge of the authentic sources, independence of mind in their application, and embodiment of religious virtue.

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AL-SALAM INSTITUTE

An exclusive feature of the modules in the Advanced level is that students can also enter the programme through the ‘passive study route’ where they are exempt from examinations and prerequisites. Thus students can benefit from the class discussion and knowledge without having any added pressure of exams. Please note that students opting for this mode of study will not qualify as an Islamic scholar (‘alim), because the Degree in Islamic Scholarship will only be awarded to those who successfully complete all in-course assessments and end-of-year examinations.

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ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

Advanced Level SHAHADA AL-‘ALIMIYYAH (LICENCE IN ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP)

The Advanced level in Islamic Scholarship is designed to equip students with the means and ability to access the sources of Islam directly. The intent is to enable students to develop into leading thinkers and scholars for the coming age, characterised by sound knowledge, vitality, and true piety.

The course forms the third and final Level of ASI’s six-year Alimiyyah Programme. This Level is equivalent to the final years of an ‘alimiyyah degree at a traditional madrasah in the Indian subcontinent. Accordingly, students are expected to have a proper command of Arabic grammar, Islamic Law, and the Principles of the Islamic Sciences.

Students who successfully complete both years of the Advanced Level (including written assignments, examinations, and a dissertation research project) will be awarded with a Licence in Islamic Scholarship (shahadah al‘alimiyyah)

Modules*

HOW TO APPLY TERM DATES TUITION FEES Go to page 16 For further information: T: +44 (0)20 8090 1623 E: info@alsalam.ac.uk

Hadith Studies

p06

Islamic Law

p08

Quranic Studies

p09

Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence

p10

Objectives of Islamic Law

p11

Arabic Language

p12

History

p13

Islam and Society

p14

Dissertation

p15

Course Code: ADV100 Duration: 2 or 3 years 2016 entry: Open Applications per place: 2 Number accepted: 100 Typical offers require: 2:1 Undergraduate Degree, A Level AAA, IB Diploma 35 and 666 at Higher Level, 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time ‘Alimiyyah *Module availability is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.alsalam.ac.uk/directory

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AL-SALAM INSTITUTE

ADVANCED LEVEL MODULE 1

Hadith Studies Hadith Criticism and Fiqh Methodology of al-Bukhari Course Code: HAD7000 Duration: 1 year Credits: 45 2016 entry: Open Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to: • •

•

•

•

Analyse and critically evaluate hadith commentaries Relate the level of authenticity of a hadith to its social, theological and spiritual application Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the criteria for hadith preference in legal applications Investigate the primary source of hadith material in the analysis of religious issues Understand how these same narrations can be understood and applied in our time to modern questions that the community faces.

FIND OUT MORE For more details about your course such as module information and course structure, and to download the course brochure, visit www.alsalam.ac.uk Or to have specific questions answered: T: +44 (0)20 8090 1623 E: info@alsalam.ac.uk

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Unit 1: Hadith Criticism and Fiqh Methodology of Bukhari

Overview This module involves the detailed study of hadith from Sahih alBukhari and the Sunan of alTirmidhi. The first unit on Sahih al-Bukhari will highlight the unique method used by al-Bukhari in extracting the narrations of his collection and understanding Islamic law and theology. In the process, chains of transmission (isnads) for the same hadith texts from other collections will be analysed to show why al-Bukhari only chose the chains that he did, and why he left the others, in line with his remarkably consistent and thorough methodology. Moreover, the criticisms of masters like alDaraqutni against some of the narrations included by al-Bukhari will be fully discussed.

Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani the number of hadiths in all the versions of Sahih al-Bukhari is the same. The most famous one today is the version narrated by al-Firabri (d. 320/932), a trusted student of al-Bukhari.

Other narrations of al-Bukhari were transmitted through Ibrahim ibn Ma’qal (d. 295/907), Hammad ibn Shakir (d. 311/923), Mansur Burduzi (d. 319/931) and Husain Mahamili (d. 330/941). The importance of studying al-Bukhari’s work is the fact that it is held to be the most authentic book in Islam after the Qur’an. The two primary benefits to studying his book are: firstly, he collected, according to his criteria, all of the soundest hadith; secondly, he shows how these narrations are sufficient for one’s religion.

Primary Text

About the Author

Sahih al-Bukhari

Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Isma’il ibn Ibrahim ibn al-Mughira alJu’fi al-Bukhari was born in 194 AH and died in 256 AH, corresponding to 19th July 810 – September 870 CE. Al-Bukhari’s great-grandfather, al-Mughirah, settled in Bukhara after accepting Islam at the hands of Bukhara’s governor, Yaman alJu`fi. Al-Bukhari’s academic life in hadith began in the year 205 AH. He memorised the works of ‘Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak while still a child. He was raised by his mother because his father died when he was an infant and began authoring books and narrating hadith as an adolescent.

About the Text The full name of Sahih al-Bukhari (according to Ibn Salah) is al-Jami’ al-Sahih al-Musnad al-Mukhtasar min umur Rasul Allah wa Sunanihi wa Ayyamihi. Bukhari travelled throughout the Abbasid-controlled lands from the age of 16, collecting over 300,000 hadith. One of Bukhari’s prominent teachers, Ishaq Ibn Rahwayh, requested him to compile a book of only authentic narrations of the Prophet, which led him to compile the Jami’. Bukhari finished his work around 846/231.

In the remaining twenty-four years of his life, Bukhari made minor revisions to his book, notably the chapter headings. Each version is named by its narrator. According to

ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

ADVANCED LEVEL MODULE 1

Hadith Studies Unit 2: Hadith Criticism and Fiqh Methodology of al-Tirmidhi

Hadith Criticism and Fiqh Methodology of Tirmidhi

Overview

Course Code: HAD7001 Duration: 1 year Credits: 45 2016 entry: Open

The second unit on Sunan alTirmidhi will further expand upon hidden defects of hadith by analysing the works of al-Daraqutni and others. Furthermore, alTirmidhi manages to bring together an incredible wealth of information about how the Companions, students of the Companions (tabi’un) and the early generations of scholars derived law from hadith, differed with some ahadith or reconciled between them. In this way, the student learns to appreciate the tools of analysis employed by the early generations when engaging with the hadith canon.

Primary Text Jami al-Tirmidhi

About the Text The full title of the text is al-Jami’ al-Mukhtasar min al-Sunan alRasul Allah wa Ma’rifah al-Sahih wa al-Ma’lul wa ma ‘alayhi al-‘Amal.

It is one of the six major hadith collections. It was collected by Abu ‘Isa Muhammad ibn ‘Isa al-Tirmidhi.

He began compiling it after the year 250 AH and completed it on 10th Dhu al-Hijjah 270 AH. It contains 3,956 hadith, and has been divided into fifty chapters. It is also classified as a Sunan, which implies that the book has been divided into chapters according to their legal subject, such as purification, prayer etc. The work is an extraordinary collection of hadith relating to legal rulings (ahkam) and how isnads are to be analysed for hidden defects (‘illah), which are sometimes explicitly mentioned by al-Tirmidhi

and sometimes not. The compiler’s principal aim was to discuss the legal opinions of the early jurists.

Al-Tirmidhi mostly mentioned those hadith which the jurists used as the basis for their legal decisions and he mentioned which school used which traditions. Hence this book became an important source for the different opinions of the various legal schools.

About the Author Abu ‘Isa Muhammad ibn Isa alSulami al-Bughi al-Tirmidhi was born during the reign of the Abbasid Caliph al-Ma’mun in 209/824-825.

He was born in Tirmidh, in modernday Uzbekistan. Al-Tirmidhi began the study of hadith at the age of 20.

He was a pupil of al-Bukhari, Muslim and Abu Dawud. Muslim narrated one hadith from al-Tirmidhi in his own Sahih. Tirmidhi became blind in the last two years of his life and died on 13th Rajab 279/892.

Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to: • •

•

•

•

Analyse and critically evaluate hadith commentaries Relate the level of authenticity of a hadith to its social, theological and spiritual application Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the criteria for hadith preference in legal applications Investigate the primary source of hadith material in the analysis of religious issues Understand how these same narrations can be understood and applied in our time to modern questions that the community faces.

FIND OUT MORE For more details about your course such as module information and course structure, and to download the course brochure, visit www.alsalam.ac.uk Or to have specific questions answered: T: +44 (0)20 8090 1623 E: info@alsalam.ac.uk

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AL-SALAM INSTITUTE

ADVANCED LEVEL MODULE 2

Islamic Law Book of Transactions Course Code: LAW7000 Duration: 1 year 2016 entry: Open Introduction to Kitab alHujjah ala ahl al-Madina Course Code: LAW7001/S Duration: 8 weeks 2016 entry: Open Introduction to Kitab al-Umm Course Code: LAW7002/S Duration: 8 weeks 2016 entry: Open

Book of Marriage Course Code: LAW7003/S Duration: 8 weeks 2016 entry: Open Issuing Legal Verdicts Course Code: LAW7004/S Duration: 8 weeks 2016 entry: Open

FIND OUT MORE For more details about your course such as module information and course structure, and to download the course brochure, visit www.alsalam.ac.uk Or to have specific questions answered: T: +44 (0)20 8090 1623 E: info@alsalam.ac.uk

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Unit 1: Book of Transactions Seminar 1: Introduction to Kitab al-Hujjah ala Ahl al-Madina Seminar 2: Introduction to Kitab al-Umm Seminar 3: Book of Marriage Seminar 4: Issuing Legal Verdicts

Overview

About the Author

This module is a comparative study of Islamic law. The text chosen for this area of study will highlight some of the most profound legal thought from contrasting legal traditions.

The module will introduce a dynamic way of approaching traditional Islamic law; taking the schools of law as a foundation whilst applying a rigorous scholarly method that truly considers how traditional fiqh can be analysed in light of principles of hadith, Arabic language and Islamic legal theory (usul al-fiqh).

His full name was Muwaffaq alDin Abu Muhammad Abd Allah ibn Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi. Imam Ibn Qudama al-Maqdisi was a noted Hanbali ascetic, jurist and traditionalist theologian.

He authored many treatises on jurisprudence and doctrine. He was born in Palestine in Jammain in 541/1147. He received the first phase of his education in Damascus where he studied the Quran and hadith. He left Palestine with his maternal cousin, ‘Abd al-Ghani, for Baghdad in 561. In later life, Ibn Qudamah left Damascus to join Salah al-Din in his expedition against the Franks in 573/1187, participating particularly in Salah al-Din’s conquest of Jerusalem. He died on Saturday, the Day of Eid alFitr on 7th July 620/ 1223.

Primary Text: Al-Mughni

About the Text Imam al-Muwaffaq Ibn alQudama’s al-Mughni is one of the foremost legal masterpieces of Islamic civilisation, with a superb documentation of the juristic findings of the Sunni schools of Islamic law. The ‘Sultan of the Ulama’, Imam ‘Izz al-Din b. ‘Abd al-Salam, said, ‘In terms of quality and research, I have not seen in Islam the like of al-Mughni by Muwaffaq.’ The Hanbalis narrate that Imam Ahmad was seen in a dream and said, ‘Your companion al-Muwaffaq has not been remiss in [his] commentary [entitled alMughni].’ Ibn Taymiyyah is reported to have said, ‘No one has entered al-Sham after al-Awza’ai with more knowledge of Islamic law than Shaykh Muwaffaq.’

Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to: •

Demonstrate proficiency in comparative Islamic law

•

Appreciate the expertise, sophistication and openmindedness that characterised early legal thought

•

Understand legal reasoning of the different legal schools, including ones outside of the four well-known Sunni legal schools of law

ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

ADVANCED LEVEL MODULE 3

Quranic Studies Unit 1: Classical Quranic Exegesis Unit 2: Quranic Exegesis Seminar 1: Quranic Exegesis Seminar 2: Introduction to Tafsir al-Tabari Seminar 3: Introduction to Tafsir al-Kabir Seminar 4: Introduction to Tafsir al-Baydawi

Classical Quranic Exegesis Course Code: QUR7000 Duration: 1 year Credits: 30 2016 entry: Open

Overview

About the Author

Quranic Exegesis

This module is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the application of Quranic exegetical methodology by studying famous exegetical works. Various passages of the Quran with theological, legal and spiritual emphasis will be critically discussed from exegetical works based on tradition (riwayah) and deduction (dirayah). Classical and contemporary interpretations of the Quran in the Muslim world will also be addressed.

Abu al-Qasim Mahmud ibn Umar al-Zamakhshari was born in Zamakhshar in 467/ 1075. He was of Iranian origin and subscribed to the Mutazilite theological doctrine. He is considered to have reached the level of ijtihad in Arabic grammar, meaning that he will differ with Sibawayh and the Kufan and Basri schools on certain particulars of the language. He died in the city of Khwarezm (present day Uzbekistan/ Kazakhstan/ Turkmenistan) in 538 /1144.

Course Code: QUR5000 Duration: 1 year 2016 entry: Open

Primary Text

Learning Outcomes

Al-Kashshaf ‘an Haqa’iq al-Tanzil

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:

About the Text Al-Kashshaf was written in the 12th century CE. It is considered a primary source by all major scholars. However, it is criticised for the inclusion of Mutazili philosophical views. Nevertheless, the work is unmatched for understanding the language of the Quran, its eloquence and miraculous nature. Unlocking the language of the Quran helps in appreciating how it was understood at the time of its revelation; hence, it has been used by Sunnis throughout the centuries in their religious seminaries.

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Demonstrate a deep understanding of the major exegetical types and works

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Critically analyse and evaluate Quranic exegetical works

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Relate multiple meanings of Quranic text by reference to exegetical works

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Demonstrate critical ability to deduct theological, legal and spiritual meanings from the Quranic verses by following a correct exegetical methodology

Quranic Exegesis Course Code: QUR7001/S Duration: 8 weeks 2016 entry: Open Introduction to Tafsir alTabari Course Code: QUR7002/S Duration: 8 weeks 2016 entry: Open Introduction to Tafsir alKabir Course Code: QUR7003/S Duration: 8 weeks 2016 entry: Open Introduction to Tafsir alBaydawi Course Code: QUR7004/S Duration: 8 weeks 2016 entry: Open

FIND OUT MORE For more details about your course such as module information and course structure, and to download the course brochure, visit www.alsalam.ac.uk Or to have specific questions answered: T: +44 (0)20 8090 1623 E: info@alsalam.ac.uk

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AL-SALAM INSTITUTE

ADVANCED LEVEL MODULE 4

Book of Transactions Introduction to Usul alSarakhsi Course Code: QQ7000/S Duration: 8 weeks 2016 entry: Open Introduction to al-Risalah Course Code: QQ7001/S Duration: 8 weeks 2016 entry: Open

Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence Seminar 1: Introduction to Usul al-Sarakhsi Seminar 2: Introduction to al-Risalah Seminar 3: Introduction to al-Ashbah wa al-Nazair

Overview This module will cover the study of the principles of Islamic jurisprudence (usul al-fiqh) at an advanced level. As part of the training process, students will engage with the four primary sources of law together with the supplementary sources used in the practice of ijtihad (independent legal deduction). The module will also detail the historical development of usul al-fiqh from its inception, to its usage in the later works by the scholars of the tariqah al-mutakallimin, to its modern implications.

Primary Text: Introduction to al-Ashbah wa al-Nazair Course Code: QQ7002/S Duration: 2 weeks 2016 entry: Open

Various

Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to: • • • • •

FIND OUT MORE For more details about your course such as module information and course structure, and to download the course brochure, visit www.alsalam.ac.uk Or to have specific questions answered: T: +44 (0)20 8090 1623 E: info@alsalam.ac.uk

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Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the history of Islamic law and Islamic law-making Critically evaluate the sources of Islamic law Understand the historical usage of supplementary sources of law Accurately describe the fundamental concepts of ‘Usul al-Fiqh’ and its development through the ages Appreciate the theological, legal and spiritual implications of different approaches to Islamic jurisprudence

ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

ADVANCED LEVEL

Objectives of Islamic Law

MODULE 5

Unit 1: Objectives of Islamic Law Seminar: Introduction to al-Muwaffaqat

Objectives of Islamic Law

Overview

About the Author:

This module will cover the great work of Shah Wali Allah al-Dihlawi, Hujjatullah al-Baligha (The Profound Evidence of Allah). The text is monumental due to its balance and depth in explaining the wisdom of Islamic rulings through a study of the Prophetic hadith. Through critical analysis of the text, students will be able to put Islam into context and make a connection between each juristic ruling, because the Hujjat makes all the parts of Islam whole. The study of this work refines the intellect; and by studying how the author addressed the hadith corpus to the challenges of his time, we will be better prepared to apply the same corpus to the challenges of the present era. Similarly, students will discuss the dangers of attempting to make the wisdom or higher objectives (maqasid) of the Shari’ah into independent sources of the Law.

Shah Wali Allah al-Dihlawi was born in 1703 C.E. four years before the death of the ruler Aurangzeb. His father, Shah Abdur Raheem was among the leading Hanafi jurists and a distinguished scholar of Islam in Delhi. Shah Wali Allah was introduced to Islamic education at the age of five and completed the recitation of the Quran by the age of seven. At the age of 23 he travelled to Makkah for pilgrimage. During his stay in Makkah he received training and Ijazah in hadith from various leading scholars of the Hijaz. Upon his return to India, he remained busy in teaching and writing until his death on 20th August, 1762.

Primary Text: Hujjatullah al-Balighah

About the Text: The magnum opus of Shah Wali Allah, Hujjatallah al-Baligha, is a comprehensive and cogent work presenting a synthesis of the Islamic creed, devotions, transactions, morals, social philosophy, statecraft and spirituality. Few works can compare with the compendious yet clear and cohesive exposition attempted in the text, which laid the foundation of a new dialectical theology for the modern age of reason.

Course Code: QQ7003/S Duration: 1 year Credits: 30 2016 entry: Open Introduction to alMuwaffaqat Course Code: QQ7004/S Duration: 8 weeks 2016 entry: Open

Learning Objectives: Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to: • • • •

Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the objectives of Islamic law Critically evaluate the usage of the ‘maqasid’ as a source of Law Understand the priorities of different rules in Islam Articulate the reasoning for the differences in the development of the major legal schools FIND OUT MORE For more details about your course such as module information and course structure, and to download the course brochure, visit www.alsalam.ac.uk Or to have specific questions answered: T: +44 (0)20 8090 1623 E: info@alsalam.ac.uk

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AL-SALAM INSTITUTE

ADVANCED LEVEL MODULE 6

Arabic Language Arabic Grammar

Unit 1: Arabic Grammar Workshop: Arabic Composition

Course Code: ARA7000 Duration: 1 year 2016 entry: Open Arabic Composition

Overview

About the Author

Course Code: ARA7001/W Duration: 1 week 2016 entry: Open

This module on Arabic grammar provides students with an opportunity to revise their knowledge of this oft-neglected area and develop expertise in the nuances of the language. For this purpose, al-Mufassal of Imam Zamakhshari, a masterpiece on the fundamentals Arabic grammar, will be studied. In addition, workshops in Arabic composition will take place throughout the year, as well as linguistic exposition of the books of hadith, Islamic law, and Quranic exegesis that are also taught in the Advanced level.

Abu al-Qasim Mahmud ibn Umar al-Zamakhshari was born in Zamakhshar in 467/ 1075. He was of Iranian origin and subscribed to the Mutazilite theological doctrine. He is considered to have reached the level of ijtihad in Arabic grammar, meaning that he will differ with Sibawayh and the Kufan and Basri schools on certain particulars of the language. He died in the city of Khwarezm (present day Uzbekistan/ Kazakhstan/ Turkmenistan) in 538 /1144.

Primary Text

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Al-Mufassal

About the Text

FIND OUT MORE For more details about your course such as module information and course structure, and to download the course brochure, visit www.alsalam.ac.uk Or to have specific questions answered: T: +44 (0)20 8090 1623 E: info@alsalam.ac.uk

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Commentators and critiques of classical works on Arabic grammar have noted that al-Mufassal is one of Zamakhshari’s most important, popular and bestknown works. The Encyclopedia Britannica mentions that alMufassal was ‘celebrated for its concise but exhaustive exposition’ of the principles of Arabic grammar.

The text is perhaps the most important grammatical work that is taught from the traditional syllabus, and is an authority on the Arabic language despite its conciseness and relatively late addition to the corpus.

Learning Objectives

• • •

Accurately detail the properties of the noun, verb, and particle Demonstrate mastery of the Arabic language Appreciate the subtleties of Arabic grammar and composition

ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

ADVANCED LEVEL MODULE 7

History Seminar 1: Abbasid Period Seminar 2: History of Indian Scholarship Seminar 3: Muslim Spain Seminar 4: Ottoman Period

Abbasid Period Course Code: HIS7000/S Duration: 8 weeks 2016 entry: Open

Overview

History of Indian Scholarship

This module will critically discuss the history of Muslim societies, focusing particularly on the historic events and the intellectual, economic, social and cultural aspects of Islamic civilisation. Key milestones in the development of different Islamic societies will be discussed at length, as well as the Muslim contribution to science and human civilisation.

Course Code: HIS7001/S Duration: 1 week 2016 entry: Open

Primary Text Various

Learning Objectives

Muslim Span Course Code: HIS7002/S Duration: 1 week 2016 entry: Open

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Ottoman Period

•

Course Code: HIS7003/S Duration: 1 week 2016 entry: Open

• • • •

Demonstrate an understanding of the intellectual, cultural, social and economic scale of the Islamic civilisation Accurately detail the origin and progression of different Islamic societies through the ages Appreciate the Muslim contribution to science and human civilisation Critically evaluate the effects of European colonisation on the modern condition of Muslim societies Critically evaluate the internal and external factors responsible for the decline of the Muslim world

FIND OUT MORE For more details about your course such as module information and course structure, and to download the course brochure, visit www.alsalam.ac.uk Or to have specific questions answered: T: +44 (0)20 8090 1623 E: info@alsalam.ac.uk

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AL-SALAM INSTITUTE

ADVANCED LEVEL MODULE 8

Islam and Society Muslims without Islamic Governance: A study of Juwayni’s al-Ghayathi Course Code: PTH7000/S Duration: 1 week 2016 entry: Open Islamic Law’s Recognition of the Secular: A Study of the Equity Courts Course Code: PTH7001/S Duration: 1 week 2016 entry: Open Boundaries of Orthodoxy: A Study of Awni’s Takfir Ahl al-Shahadatayn Course Code: PTH7002/S Duration: 1 week 2016 entry: Open

Seminar 1: Muslims without Islamic Governance: A study of Juwayni’s al-Ghayathi Seminar 2: Islamic Law’s Recognition of the Secular: A Study of the Equity Courts Seminar 3: Boundaries of Orthodoxy: A Study of Awni’s Takfir Ahl al-Shahadatayn

Overview This module will include a detailed textual analysis of some of the more salient works within the Islamic tradition. Through systematic study of some of the leading texts on the areas of society and societal groups, students will be able to develop a profound insight into the composition of Islamic communities. Emphasis will be placed on detailing the reasoning and cogency of the authors, as well as critically evaluating the implications of each work.

Primary Text Various

Learning Objectives Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to: • • • •

FIND OUT MORE For more details about your course such as module information and course structure, and to download the course brochure, visit www.alsalam.ac.uk Or to have specific questions answered: T: +44 (0)20 8090 1623 E: info@alsalam.ac.uk

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Demonstrate a profound understanding of the composition and development of Islamic societies Critically evaluate the arguments of Ghiyath al-Umam fi Ultiyath alZulam Critically evaluate the arguments of Takfir ahl al-Shahadatayn Appreciate the role of Equity courts in the history of Islamic societies

ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

ADVANCED LEVEL MODULE 9

Dissertation Unit 1: Dissertation Workshop 1: Academic Writing and Research Methodology

Overview This module is a guided research module, in which the student submits a dissertation of approximately 10,000 words on a subject of her or his own choosing in consultation with a member of academic staff. A dissertation supervisor will provide guidance as to research methods, writing skills and analysis of evidence and arguments. The student is expected to identify and develop a dissertation topic of appropriate scope, which is focused into a specific research question (or set of questions), in order to explore sophisticated evaluative and critical issues.

Dissertation Course Code: TRA7000 Duration: 12 weeks 2016 entry: Open Academic Writing and Research Methodology Course Code: TRA5004 Duration: 1 week 2016 entry: Open

Details The student may choose a topic on any unit taught in the Foundation, Intermediate or Advanced level modules. In principle, this research can be conducted into any topic related to Islam, Islamic sciences, Muslims or the Muslim world, provided that the student can demonstrate that they have analysed the topic thoroughly. The dissertation must be an original piece of research, and it should not have been published by the student previously in whole or in part in any other outlet, including online publication.

Learning Objectives •

•

The objectives of the Dissertation are to: • • • • •

demonstrate the students’ critical abilities, as they plan and deliver an extended, independent research project, encourage students to manage their time effectively, organise their ideas, and extend their previous studies. provide an opportunity to study and research on a topic in greater depth outside of the core Islamic sciences’ curriculum. employ the skills, intellectual and practical, acquired during the previous years of the ISP, and prepare the student for life as a graduate of ASI; conducting independent research and contributing to the body of literature in their chosen field.

• • • • •

Support Throughout the Islamic Scholarship Programme there will be a number of seminars and workshops on the needs of dissertation research; including academic writing, research methodology, and time management.

This training will help the student to develop the key skills required for researching their chosen project and preparing a finished manuscript.

During the second term of the Advanced Level, the supervisor will arrange a 30 minute group meeting. The student should have a written plan for his or her dissertation ready for discussion at the first meeting. It is then the student’s responsibility to arrange and attend further supervisions during the term, with a total allocation of 1 hour 30 minutes. Supervisors will read and comment on up to 2,000 words of written drafts that are submitted as formative assessment.

•

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to: Develop research skills, including the independent construction of a bibliography Identify a research issue or question Demonstrate the ability to critically analyse classical Islamic texts Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and critique modern scholarship Exhibit confidence in expressing an opinion in an informed manner Demonstrate awareness of the standards of academic presentation Demonstrate an advanced ability to understand and analyse theoretical ideas, and to apply these ideas to a modern context

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AL-SALAM INSTITUTE

How to Apply Step 1: Choose your course. Visit www.alsalam.ac.uk/ Step 2: Check the entry requirements Step 3: Complete the online application form before the deadline Step 4: Settle the tuition fees Step 5: Welcome to ASI

Term Dates 2016-2017 ACADEMIC YEAR: Autumn term Sun 9th Oct 2016 – Sun 11th Dec 2016 Winter term Sun 8th Jan 2017 – Sun 12th Mar 2017 Spring term Sun 16th Apr 2017 – Sun 18th Jun 2017

Tuition Fees The tuition fees for the academic year 2016 – 2017 are:

Single Payment

5-month Plan

3x

Total

12x

Total

Onsite

£1,550

£600

£1,800

£195

£2,340

Online

£1,850

£700

£2,100

£220

£2,640

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION + 44 (0) 20 8090 1623 | + 44 (0) 7914 387 024 | info@alsalam.ac.uk | www.alsalam.ac.uk

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12-month Plan

ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

MODULE SUMMARY

MODULES

UNITS

CREDITS

Hadith Studies

Unit 1: Hadith Criticism and Fiqh Methodology of Bukhari (Sahih al-Bukhari) Unit 2: Hadith Criticism and Fiqh Methodology of Tirmidhi (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)

90

Islamic Law

Unit 1: Book of Transactions (Text: al-Mughni) Seminar 1: Introduction to Kitab al-Hujjah ala Ahl al-Madina Seminar 2: Introduction to Kitab al-Umm Seminar 3: Book of Marriage (Text: Badai al-Sanai) Seminar 4: Issuing Legal Verdicts (Text: Fatawa)

30

Quranic Studies

Unit 1: Classical Quranic Exegesis (Text: Tafsir al-Kashaf) Seminar 1: Quranic Exegesis Seminar 2: Introduction to Tafsir al-Tabari Seminar 3: Introduction to Tafsir al-Kabir Seminar 4: Introduction to Tafsir al-Baydawi

30

Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence

Seminar 1: Introduction to Usul al-Sarakhsi Seminar 2: Introduction to al-Risalah Seminar 3: Introduction to al-Ashbah wa al-Nazair

10

Objectives of Islamic Law

Unit 1: Objectives of Islamic Law (Text: Hujjatullah al-Baligah) Seminar 1: Introduction to al-Muwaffaqat

30

Arabic Language

Unit 1: Arabic Grammar (Text: al-Mufassal) Workshop 1: Arabic Composition

30

History

Seminar 1: Abbasid Period Seminar 2: History of Indian Scholarship Seminar 3: Muslim Spain Seminar 4: Ottoman Period

10

Islam and Society

Seminar 1: Muslims without Islamic Governance: A study of Juwayni’s al-Ghayathi Seminar 2: Islamic Law’s Recognition of the Secular: A Study of the Equity Courts Seminar 3: Boundaries of Orthodoxy: A Study of Awni’s Takfir Ahl al-Shahadatayn

10

Research and Dissertation

Unit 1: Dissertation (10,000 words) Workshop 1: Academic Writing and Research Methodology

45

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ISLAMIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

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