Quranic Sciences (Ulum Al-Qu'ran)

Module Overview

The knowledge of Ulum Al-Qu'ran, or 'The Sciences of the Qur'an' deals with the knowledge of those sciences that have a direct bearing on the recitation, history, understanding and implementation of the Qur'an. It is therefore, a vast field of Islamic scholarship, and one that is of primary importance. This will prepare the student for Qur’an Tafsir in which the knowledge learnt will practically be applied as the journey to understand the Qur’an begins. This course covers the important aspects of Quranic Sciences. With regards to recitation, students will understand the different methodologies of reciting the Qur'an (the qira'at), the blessings of reciting the Qur'an, and the etiquette of its recitation. Students will learn the causes of revelation (asbab an-nuzul), the knowledge of Makki and Madani revelations, the knowledge of the various forms (ahruf) it was revealed in, the understanding of its abrogated rulings and verses (nasikh wal-mansukh), the knowledge of the various classifications of its verses (muhkam and mutashabih, 'am and khas, mutlaq and muqqayad, etc.) and the knowledge of its interpretation (tafsir).

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Better understand the Qur'an, in that the student will be familiar with the history of its revelation and collection, and the various aspects that aids its comprehension;
• Understand the development of the script of the Qur’an;
• Realise the wealth of knowledge and insight that exists with regards to the

Book of Allah;

• Identify the Makki and Madani verses to a certain extent; and
• Explore the different types of tafsir books.

Courses

• Tajweed

  This course is an introduction to proper recitation of the Quran. Students learn the correct pronunciation of the arabic letters, as well as the rules of correct recitation of the Quran.

• Bridge to the Quranic sciences 

  Basic introduction to Sciences of the Quran. This includes a brief survey of topics related to the Quran, including defining what the Quran is, its content, names, miracles, causes and types of revelation, kinds of verses, abrogation, transmission and preservation, division, language and style, recitation, modes of recitation, exegesis, and interpretations.

Arabic Language

Module Overview

Arabic Studies program is a comprehensive program that prepares students to acquire skills needed to access the Holy Quran and its related Islamic sciences which are essential to understand the Quran. This program incorporates a wide variety of topics in phonics, morphology, syntax, and semantics. This program focuses on classical Arabic grammar as the main key to learn Arabic effectively. Madina Institute Islamic Studies’ students develop a solid basis of vocabulary that is taught within its grammatical contexts. Besides, they are trained to analyze reading passages in-depth through perceiving the relationship between vocabulary and the surrounding syntaxial structures. Our students acquire high critical thinking skills and their achievements grow gradually. As a result, at the end of the program, they are equipped with the knowledge and the skills to navigate the Holy Quran by themselves for the rest of their lives.

Courses Taught

• Vocabulary and Structures I
• Vocabulary and Structures II
• Reading and Comprehension I
• Reading and Comprehension II
• Grammar (Nahw and Sarf) I
• Grammar (Nahw and Sarf) II
• Advanced Reading and Comprehension
• Advanced Grammar

 

Hadith Sciences (Ulum Al-Hadith)

Module Overview

Traditions (Hadith) are records of actions, statements and descriptions of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him and his family). As these traditions are a key source of Islamic law, thought, culture, and life - second only to the Qur’an itself - this course aims to derive points of benefit from the Prophetic traditions. This course intends to nurture the student’s faith, deepen their religious understanding, increase them in love of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him and his family) and gain clarity on how to live the essence of his wisdom. Studying the principles of hadith classification and terminology is a major component of hadith studies. This course covers the types of chains of transmission (asanid), types of acceptable narrations (maqbul) and the types of rejected narrations (mardud).

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Gain precise definitions and explanations of core Islamic concepts
• Contextualise this Prophetic guidance to our contemporary lives
• Understand the beauty, wisdom, virtue, and mercy that is the essence and reality of Prophetic guidance
• Describe the difference between ‘ahadith’ and ‘sunnah’
• Demonstrate an understanding of the different phases in the collating of hadith literature in the first three centuries of Islam
• Evaluate the methods used to classify hadith
• Demonstrate an understanding of the hadith types and their definitions
• Differentiate between the levels of authenticity of hadith narrations.

Courses

• Nawawi’s 40 Hadith

  As an introduction to Hadith literature, students will examine the Arbain al-Nawawi. With the help of the instructor students will memorize and learn to interpret the saying of the Prophet.

• The Nukhbatul Fikr

  This course is an introduction to the sciences of Hadith. Students will be introduced to the methodology of the scholars of hadith in authenticating and categorizing reports. They will also learn the various terminologies used by them. The text covered in this course will be Nukhbah al-Fikar.

Theology (Aqidah)

Module Overview

Theology (Aqidah) covers all beliefs and belief systems of Muslims, including sectarian differences and points of contention. Though theology is the cornerstone of the Islamic religion, it is often quite misunderstood by Muslims themselves in a modern era where classical works are neglected. Through detailed study and memorization of classical texts and proofs, as well as a study of Logic (Mantiq) and Scholastic theology (Kalam), students become vested to navigate the landscape of polemics and inter- and intra-religious discussion with sound logic and perspective. This module will introduce students to the most important political and theological groupings in the formative period of Islam, from the period following the assassination of the third caliph, ‘Uthman, until approximately the middle of the 4th century AH / 10th century CE. By studying these texts in the context of their time, as well as their interactions with one another, students will gain a deeper insight into the reasons for the formation of the theological schools of thought. Furthermore students will look at the possibility of applying the scholastic theological paradigm on contemporary issues to arrive at solutions.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Appreciate the diversity of political and theological opinion in the formative period of Islam and its relationship with historical events;
• Understand the development of different Muslim sects and theological schools from a critical historical perspective;
• Gain critical appreciation of theological labels such as Ahl al-Sunnah, Shia and Mu’tazila in the light of their geneses;
• Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary Muslim groups in the modern era; and
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental beliefs of Ahl al-Sunnah.

Courses

• Creedal Theology I

  This course is an introduction to Islamic credal theology. Students learn about the historic context behind the development of the Sunni school of thought and the three Sunni schools, namely: the Ash'ari, Maturidi, and Athari schools. They are also exposed to the foundational credal matters, with a special focus on the understanding of Tawseef, as well as the differences between the sunni tradition and other Islamic groups. The text covered for this class is al-Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah.

• Scholastic Theology I

  This course is a foundational study of Ashari theology as covered in the text Umm al Barahin. The course will analyse the methodology of the Ashari school in understanding Ilahiyyat, Nabawiyyat, and Sami’yyat. This includes an examination of numerous matters that are discussed under these categories such as Attributes of Allah, rational proofs for His existence,  natural philosophy, attributes of His messengers, and free will. This course will also introduce the science of Ilm ul Kalam, its development, objectives, and discuss its possibility of reformation. For supplemental reading students will read the entire commentary of Ibn Isa upon the Sanusi creed. 

• Scholastic Theology II

  This course is an introduction to the credal methodology of the Maturidi school. Students will study the opinions of the Maturidi school as well as the structure of Maturidi texts by covering the text  Al-‘Aqaid al-Nasafiyyah. They will also further their understanding of the science of Kalaam through the supplemental reading of al-Taftazani's commentary.

• Comparative Theology I

  This course is a comparative study of the Ash'ari and Maturidi schools. Students will analyze the source of the major differences between the schools as well as their implications. They will solidify their understanding of the structure of both schools through a study of Masail al-Ikhtilaf Bayn al-Asha'irah wal-Maturidiyyah.

Prophetic Biography (Seerah)

Overview

"Certainly, there is an excellent example for you in the Messenger of Allah, for him who looks forward to Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much." [Qur’an 33:21] The Seerah (Prophetic Biography) course is designed to acquaint students with the life and noble teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him and his family) with its primary and secondary sources. Students will trace the life history of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him and his family) in Makka from the days before the advent of Islam; known as the time of ignorance, to the different phases of revelation and prophethood.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Have comprehensive knowledge about the Prophet’s lineage, his birth, his early life, and the methods he adopted in his Da‘wah (Islamic call) at the beginning of his mission;
• Understand his way of dealing with various matters;
• Know about the miracles of the Prophet;
• Know about the lives of the companions; and
• Know the authentic citations of the Prophet in order to distinguish them from those that are inauthentic.

Course

• Seerah (by Ibn Hisham)

  This course is a study of the Prophetic biography as recorded by one of the earliest scholars in the field, Ibn Hisham. Students will learn about the environment of Arabia prior to his birth, his early life, announcing of the message, life in Makkah, migration, and life in Madina.

Islamic Spirituality (Tazkiya)

Module Overview

In the famous Hadith of Jibrieel, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him and his family) delineates the three key principles of the Islamic faith; Islam, Iman and Ihsan. The first, Islam, includes the “five pillars of the religion. These rituals are designed to discipline the body to perform outward practices of faith. The second, iman, includes the “six pillars of belief”, intended to discipline the mind. The third, ihsan, is meant to develop the soul by inculcating God-consciousness in every aspect of life. Referred to as “Tazkiyah” in the Qur’an and as “Ihsan” in the Sunnah, this course introduces the history, theory and practice of the discipline of Islamic spirituality and speaks about its basis in the Quran and Sunnah. It looks at the formal development of this Prophetic Legacy, which focuses on purification of the heart and inner reform, and introduces its goals, objectives and practices. Instruction of the student and the method of learning by Imam Zarnuji deals with the etiquette of a student; and the approach a seeker of knowledge should have toward knowledge and the teachers of knowledge. Bidayatul Hidayah by Imam Ghazali deals with topics like obedience; refraining from disobedience; and the etiquette of Companionship with the Creator and the creation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Understand the qualities that will draw one closer to Allah; and
• Understand the actions that will create distance between one and Allah.

Courses

• ISLAMIC SPIRITUALITY (TAZKIYA) I 

  Text Taught - Instruction of the Student - The Method of Learning (Ta'lim al-Muta'allim Tariq al-Ta'allum)

• ISLAMIC SPIRITUALITY (TAZKIYA) II 

  Text Taught - Beginning of Guidance (Bidayat Al Hidaya)

• ISLAMIC SPIRITUALITY (TAZKIYA) III 

  Text Taught - Book of Wisdom (Hikm of Ibn Ata'Allah)

• ISLAMIC SPIRITUALITY (TAZKIYA) IV

  Text Taught - Stations of a Seeker

Legal Theory (Usul Al Fiqh)

Module Overview

This course aims to deliver a comprehensive understanding of the roots of law according to the Hanafi and Shafi’i School. Students will engage with the principles and investigative methodologies through which practical legal rules are developed from the foundational sources. The primary base of law is the Qur’an. The second source is the Sunnah, reports about the sayings, actions, or tacit approvals of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him and his family). The third source is the consensus (ijma) of all Muslim interpretive scholars in a specific age on a legal rule about an issue not covered in the Qur’an or Sunnah. The fourth source is analogy (qiyas), or rule by precedent. Some Hanafis, such as Ibn Abidin and Maliki jurists, consider customs (urf) to be an additional source of law. In addition to these basic sources, several assumptions and principles aid the jurist in deriving interpretive rules: preference (istihsan), unregulated interest (masla- hah mursalah), and the presumption of continuity (istishab).

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Obtain adequate knowledge-of the sources of Shari’ah that regulate a Mukallaf (legally responsible) person
• Apply traditional Usul al Fiqh to the modern era
• Demonstrate proficiency in the understanding of the methodology of Islamic lawmaking
• Confidently recall the position of the Hanafi and Shafi’i schools of thought on different usuli principles
• Apply traditional Usul al Fiqh to the modern era
• Understand the origins of the differences in the schools of Islamic law

 

Courses

• Shafi’ Legal Theory 

  This course is an introduction to the field of legal theory. Students will be exposed to the structure of Islamic legal theory as well as the major chapters within the subject. The text covered in this course will be the primer of al-Juwayni, al-Waraqaat.

• Hanafi Legal Theory 

  In this course students will advance their understanding of legal theory by studying the main text in Hanafi legal theory, usul al-Shashi. Students will be exposed to the methodology of Hanafi Jurists in applying their principles to the Islamic sources in order to derive rulings.

• Applied legal theory 

  In this course students will analyze the arguments of various schools on the topic of innovation. Students will learn to apply the principles of jurisprudence in order to gauge the strength of these arguments and pick out flaws. The text covered for this class will be Izhar al-Surur, which uses the example of the celebration of the Prophet birthday to apply the principles of innovation.

Islamic Law (Fiqh)

Module Overview

Allah Most High says, “I have not created jinn-kind nor mankind for any purpose other than to worship Me.” (Qur’an, 51:56). This module provides comprehensive and knowledge-based answers to all of the questions students are likely to face in their worship of Allah, the Most High, all in light of a formal textbook on Hanafi and Shafi’i law that have been used for centuries. This module covers the necessary aspects of the Islamic law of personal and inter-personal worship from the five pillars of Islam. Students will study ritual purification (taharah), the daily prescribed prayers (salah), purifying alms (zakah), fasting during the month of Ramadan (sawm), and the major pilgrimage (hajj).

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the rules of purification and prayer that muslims are likely to encounter in their daily life;
• Understand the Islamic law related to the five pillars of Islam;
• Understand the principles that govern these rulings; and
• Be dynamic with the modern challenges through deep understanding of the principles of fiqh.

Courses 

• Hanafi Fiqh

  This course is an introduction to the Hanafi school of jurisprudence. The students will study the history behind the formation of the school, it's main contributors, and it's major works. The students will also study the rulings regarding matters of worship, namely:  tahara (purification), salah (prayer), zakah (alms), sawm (fasting), and hajj (pilgrimage).

• Shafi’ Fiqh

  This course is an introduction to the Shafi'i school of jurisprudence. The students will study the history behind the formation of the school, it's main contributors, and it's major works. The students will also study the rulings regarding matters of worship, namely:  tahara (purification), salah (prayer), zakah (alms), sawm (fasting), and hajj (pilgrimage).

Mantiq - Logic

Mantiq (logic) is the study of logic applied to Islamic Philosophy. This subject explores the necessity of proper usage and understanding of linguistics, rational proofs, and textual evidence in religious discourse. Mantiq reinforces students with the ability to navigate the field of Islamic Studies with accuracy, depth and a critical eye.

Islamic History (Tarikh)

Module Overview

Islamic History (Tarikh) covers the early formative period of Islam and modern developments. This course provides students with an enriched and informed understanding of their religion in the broader historical spectrum. Adding perspective and context to the study of Islamic sciences, contributes to an accurate understanding of macro and micro details of faith. The historical perspective provides a rich interaction with Islamic Studies.

Emotional Intelligence

Module Overview

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the study of an individual’s ability to perceive, understand and manage their own emotions and others around them.  Following the prophetic model, Madina Institute seeks to teach the students how to cultivate personal development, professional leadership, and relationship success through recognizing the relationships between cognition, emotion and behavior. Emotional Intelligence studies equip students with the basic skills necessary to appropriately digest, understand and benefit from their studies in a well-rounded manner.

Courses Taught

• Emotional Intelligence I

Islamic Economics

Module Overview

This course is an introduction to understanding the dynamics of an ethical economy as organized by Islamic rules, regulations, and jurisprudential guidelines. It will emphasize Islamic ethical and economic rules for handling market transactions, taxation, treasury, and other institutions. Moreover, it will give students a firm grasp of economic jurisprudential (Fiqhi) terms like Zakat, Kharaj, Riba, Khums, the types of Buyoo' (sales contracts), and Sharikat (business partnerships) and more. Students will learn how an Islamic economy enables people to provide revenue for themselves and how it supplies the state with a revenue sufficient for public services, enriching both the people and the state. They will also understand the economic and institutional causes of underdevelopment in most Muslim countries and what potential reforms could enable faster and more stable economic progress. The course will explore the contributions of Muslim jurists to this field, citing various names and works ranging from traditional jurists to contemporary scholars. Finally, it will inform students of the debates Muslim jurists and economists are having about potential reformations for the future of Islamic banking, Islamic finance, and global markets.    

Learning outcomes

• Obtain a reliable overview of the essential institutions, rules, and procedures prescribed in Islamic jurisprudence.
• Understand the different forms of legitimate property ownership in Islamic jurisprudence.
• Understand the venues for revenue and expenditure in an ethical government.
• Apply economic analysis to understand the causes of underdevelopment in Muslim countries today.
• Obtain a broad overview of the debates concerning Islamic finance and integration to global markets.

Topics covered

• What is Islamic Economics, and what makes it different?
• What is the theory of private and public property in Islam?
• How would a state governed by Islamic ethics collect its revenue?
• What is the role of Zakat in maintaining public services?
• What are Usury and Riba, and what are the different approaches towards dealing with the Riba dilemma?

Texts Taught

Primary texts:

• The Economic System in Islam by Taqiuddin An-Nabhani

Reference Texts:

• Economic Teachings of The Prophet Muhammad by M. A. Khan
• Islamic Economics by M. A. Khan

Courses

Course 1: Introduction to Islamic Economics

This course introduces the dynamics of an ethical economy as organized by Islamic rules, ethics, and jurisprudential teachings. Students will learn how an Islamic economy enables people to provide revenue for themselves and how it supplies the state with a revenue sufficient for public services, enriching both the people and the state. They will be exposed to concepts like Zakat, Baitul Maal, Riba, and more. The text covered in this class will be The Economic System in Islam.

Non-Violence & Peace Studies

Module Overview

This course aims to provide a substantive understanding of nonviolence and peace studies' foundations and applications from reliable academic sources. The course starts by understanding the sources of power in the hands of rulers in dictatorships and democracies alike and how the way we think of power defines how we react to violence. It later discusses the limits of violent and destructive strategies in achieving their stated ends, and how nonviolent strategies present themselves as better alternatives on both practical and moral measures. Moreover, the course will expose students to a set of Muslim nonviolent strategists starting from the Prophet Muhammad's (SAWS) methods of dealing with his opposition to Shaykh Amadou Bamba's anti-colonial resistance in Senegal, and how they were all inspired by their faith in their struggle. It will also present the case for nonviolence as a fundamental ethical principle in Islam. The course will cover tens of different nonviolent strategies to persuade opposition or resist oppression, economically, socially, or politically. It will present an extensive history of the successful use of nonviolence across history through various methods and in different places around the world. Finally, it will compare, with the support of history and statistical studies, the short-term and long-term effectiveness of violence and nonviolence in solving conflicts. Finally, the course will provide a broad explanation of how and why nonviolence indeed works better than violence.  

Topics covered

• What are the full costs of war?
• Can there be realistic alternatives to war and violence?
• Can we compare the results of nonviolent struggles versus violent struggles?
• Do Muslims have a history of nonviolent action against authoritarian rulers and occupiers?
• How can peaceful methods enable people to defeat violent opposition?

 

Learning Outcomes

• Become highly acquainted with the popular and academic literature on nonviolence and peace studies
• Understand why war and violence are highly costly and inefficient methods of solving conflicts and moral dilemmas.
• Confidently explain what nonviolent action is and how it is different from pacifism.
• Obtain a strong background regarding the extensive use of nonviolent struggle across Muslim history.
• Recall a broad set of nonviolent strategies (e.g., boycotts, strikes, etc.) that have historically replaced violence successfully.

   

Primary Texts:

• The Politics of Nonviolent Action Trilogy (Parts I, II, III) by Gene Sharp
• Islam and nonviolence edited by Glenn D. Paige, Chaiwat Satha-Anand (Qader Muheideen), and Sarah Gilliatt.

Reference Texts:

• Defense, Peace, and War Economics by Christopher J. Coyne

   

Courses

• Course 1: Introduction to Nonviolence & peace studies

This course is an introduction to nonviolence and peace studies. Students will learn about the foundations of costs of war and its seen and unseen effects. They will study the history of war studies as a distinctive field and the rise of nonviolence and peace studies as a realistic alternative. Moreover, they will be exposed to analyses comparing nonviolent struggle to war (violent struggle) based on their short-term and long-term effects. The texts covered for this class will be Politics of Nonviolent Action - Part One and Defense, Peace, and War Economics.  

• Course 2: Islam & Nonviolence

This course is a survey of the vast scholarship on the intersection of Islam with nonviolence. Students will be exposed to a history of violence and nonviolence in Islamic thought. They will also learn the ideas and struggles of a set of Muslim thinkers, activists, and peacemakers who paved the way for significant socioeconomic changes. Moreover, they will study how nonviolence intersects with global transformation, social transformation, the role of women in Islam, and more. The texts covered for this class will be Islam and Nonviolence.  

• Course 3: Methods & Dynamics of Nonviolent Action

This course is an in-depth study of nonviolent methods and strategies and how they are useful in creating change without bloodshed. It will focus on exactly how and why nonviolence works. Students will learn about effective nonviolent methods like boycotts, peaceful protests, strikes, noncooperation, and mass civil disobedience and compare them to their violent counterparts. The methods will be discussed extensively with plenty of historical examples in different countries around the world. The texts covered for this class will be Politics of Nonviolent Action - Part Two & Three.

Islamic Leadership

Module Overview 

The Islamic Leadership Module is designed to equip our students with the tools required to develop into competent community leaders who are able to navigate the current environment we live in. This module includes courses on interfaith dialogue, public speaking, family counseling and youth counseling. Each of these courses will be taught by a qualified instructor.

Learning Outcomes 

• Better public speaking skills 
• An understanding of the correct approach towards interfaith Dialogue 
• An introduction to the skills needed to provide family counseling
• An introduction to the skills needed to provide youth counseling

Courses

• Interfaith Dialogue 

  This course is designed to train students in performing quality interfaith work in their communities. It is also designed to enhance communication and empower American Muslims with advanced-knowledge drawn from traditional Islamic sources, as well as from recent academic research.  The course encourages Muslims to practice Ihsan with love and respect for all, while maintaining compliance with the Holy Quran and the model practiced by Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him.

• Public Speaking 

  This course helps you gain an understanding of speaking about religion within the First Amendment guidelines. This course also explores ISB (Islamic Speaker Bureau) techniques in speaking about Islam and Muslims and how to handle difficult questions.

• Family Counseling

  This course is an overview of the important elements of providing family counseling as a community leader. The course is intended to enhance the skills and effectiveness of community leaders, while helping them to develop clarity around their role in using counseling to help families in their communities. The course will introduce topics impacting Muslim families and will provide students with the opportunity to practice basic skills through experiential exercises and case studies.

• Youth Counseling 

  The Youth Counseling course is designed to teach our students how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.