Faith Foundations

IMAN1: Understanding Theology - Divine Oneness

The discipline of theology sets the foundation for making sense of human existence on Earth. When studied correctly, it provides students with a coherent and cohesive lens to view and comprehend the physical and metaphysical. Through a detailed, evidence-based study of God’s existence, His oneness, His attributes, the genuineness of the Prophet ﷺ’s prophethood, and the miracle of the Qur’an, students will be able to rationally demonstrate the veracity of Islam’s foundational truth-claims and will clearly see why Islam is unlike any other religion. Students will see why atheism along with its materialistic worldview is logically incoherent and inherently self-defeating, and why the worship of one God (tawheed) is rational, meaningful, and both spiritually and intellectually uplifting.

Text Covered: Risala fi Ilm al-Tawhid by Al-Imam Ibrahim al- Bajurī (d. 1276 AH) Tr. Rashaad Jameer, Published by Imam Ghazali Institute.

ISLM1: Joy Through Worship
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When you come to know the truth of God’s existence, you cannot help but want to venerate and submit to Him. The sacred law comes to teach you how to live a life of joyful submission. By situating ‘worship’ in the backdrop of divinely ordained rights and moral responsibility, students will gain clarity on both the inner, spiritual dimensions and the outer, physical dimensions of purification, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and the pilgrimage. Through studying the key rulings of these chapters along with the relevant underlying wisdoms of the sacred law, students will come to the realization that submission to God through ritual worship is liberating and brings inward joy and happiness.

Text Covered: Ascent to Felicity by Imam Abu al-Ikhlas al-Shurumbulali (d. 1069 AH) Tr. by Faraz A. Khan published by White Thread Press

IHSN1: The Prophetic Model

After teaching us why and how we should live a life of slavehood to God, the Prophet ﷺ demonstrated to us what loving submission feels like. By perfecting your belief and practice, you will reach higher spiritual states and, thereby, truly “worship God as though you see Him”. Join us as we embark on a semester-long journey illuminating our hearts and minds – and simultaneously perfecting our faith - through a close reading of Imam al-Tirmidhī’s (d. 279) celebrated hadith collection ‘al-Shamāil al-Muhammadiyya’, a comprehensive collection of prophetic reports detailing the physical appearance, character, habits, and lifestyle of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ. When you come to know him ﷺ, you will love him. And when you love him ﷺ, you will yearn to emulate his perfect example.

‍Text Covered: al-Shamāil al-Muhammadiyya by Imam al-Tirmidhī (d. 279 AH): Translation published by Imam Ghazali Institute  

IMAN2: Understanding Revelation - Divine Address
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God revealed the Qur’an and sent the example of the Prophet ﷺ to teach mankind the beauty of submitting to one god. This unique study of the primary sources of sacred law (i.e., the Qur’an, Sunna, ijma’, qiyas) is not just a cursory overview of their definitions. It is an in-depth exploration of: (i) Islamic epistemology: the objective and subjective sources of knowledge in Islam; (ii) the role of reason and revelation in ascertaining knowledge; (iii) the history of the preservation of the Qur’an and Sunna; (iv) the rational and scriptural evidence for the basis of their legal authority; (v) the importance of scholarly consensus (ijmā'); (vi) the history of the development of Islamic law; (vii) the need to follow scholarly authority (taqlīd) and the practical function of independent scholarly reasoning (ijtihād). Students will see first-hand why every secular model of facilitating human happiness is empty, oppressive, and doomed to fail and why Islam’s model of a God-centered worldview creates purposeful living, facilitates justice, and leads to joyful submission.  
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Texts Covered: Introduction to the Sciences of the Qur’an by Furhan Zubairi, Introduction to Hadith Studies by Furhan Zubairi, Introduction to Usul al Fiqh by Furhan Zubairi

ISLM2: Contentment Through Family

The family institution forms the backbone of human civilization and is essential to human happiness, hence the need to protect and honor it. This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the legal rulings governing family law. It is methodically designed to offer students an in-depth understanding of the key rulings and inward realities underlying the chapters of marriage, divorce/separation, child rearing, and rights of kinfolk. Students will appreciate why the Qur’an and Sunna strongly emphasize protecting family ties and honoring the sacredness of the marriage contract and will realize how individualistic and selfish lifestyles of contemporary society can never bring true contentment and joy.

Text Covered: Kifayat al-Mubtadi by Mustafa ibn Ahmad al-Asqati (d. 1387 AH)

IHSN2: Prophetic Wisdom

The Prophet of Allāh ﷺ was the paragon of wisdom which was inherited, internalized, and disseminated by the ‘ulamā of this Ummah. Through a careful study of Shaykh Ibn ‘Atā’illāh al-Iskandarī’s renowned work, the "Hikam" (Aphorisms), students will delve into the profound spiritual insights and practical wisdom that have guided seekers on the path to Ihsān for centuries.

Text Covered: Kitāb al-Hikam by Ibn ‘Atā’illāh al-Iskandarī (d. 709 AH): Translation published by White Thread Press

IMAN3: Understanding Prophetic Biography - Divine Guidance
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Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was in truth the prophet of God. This course provides an in-depth and analytical exploration of his life and legacy through a detailed, critical, and contextualized study of the Seerah. It aims to offer students a comprehensive understanding of the historical, social, and spiritual contexts of the Prophet’s life, shedding light on his genuine character, divine mission, and the profound impact he had on humanity. Students will explore contemporary contentions and doubts made against the genuineness of the Prophet’s messengerhood through the lens of the Muslim Historical-Critical Method (MHCM) to further strengthen their conviction in his message and prophethood.

Texts Covered: Seerat al-Mustafa (Abridged) by Idrees Khandhalwi (d. 1974), Fiqh al-Seerah by Imam Muhammad Ramadhan al-Bouti (d. 2013)

ISLM3: Mutual Satisfaction Through Transactions

The test of moral excellence is in the application of justice in trade and personal agreements. True religion seeks to uphold ethical trade and fair dealings while corrupt worldviews seek to advance personal interest, whatever the cost. This course is designed to demonstrate how the Sacred Law advocates for mutual satisfaction in all financial dealings and why it has forbidden gambling, usury, and other exploitative practices. It will take students through the key rulings on trading and service contracts to show the inherent wisdom and justice in choosing God to be the arbiter in all of one's affairs. Students will appreciate why the Sacred Law emphasizes the inviolability of the wealth of others and why modern capitalist economics result in discord and exploitation leading to utter ruin and upheaval.

Text Covered: Kifayat al-Mubtadi by Mustafa ibn Ahmad al-Asqati (d. 1387 AH)

IHSN3: Prophetic Tafseer

Spiritual growth and a meaningful relationship with the Qur’an go hand-in-hand. Through an immersive exploration of selected verses and chapters, students will study the core principles that underpin Islamic spirituality, uncovering the deeper meanings that inspire personal growth, ethical living, and a profound connection with the Divine. The course encourages reflection, discussion, and practical application of Qur'anic principles in everyday life.

‍Text Covered: Selected chapters from the Qur’an, starting with Surah Fatiha

IMAN4: Understanding History - Divine Wisdom
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The early history of Islam permanently shaped its trajectory and forever demarcated the lines between orthodoxy and heresy. This course delves into the complex and often contentious issues surrounding the early history of Islam, from its inception in the 7th century through the Umayyad period. By equipping students with the prerequisite knowledge and academic rigor necessary to approach these topics with objective clarity, students will learn how to do ‘Islamic’ historiography. They will analyze key events and incidents through a critical Muslim-lens and see why these seemingly problematic occurrences do not undermine the reliability of the Companions and truth of their message - contrary to popular Western narratives.

Text Covered: Lost Islamic History by Firas Alkhateeb: 2^nd Edition

ISLM4: Proximity Through Divine Obligations

God created us so that we can love and draw nearer to Him. Gaining proximity depends on our internalizing of the commands of God and the Sunnah of His Beloved ﷺ. This course will familiarize students with the key obligations and guidance related to food and drink, clothing and adornment, recreation and pastimes, gender interactions, hosting and being a guest, and meetings and communications. Students will contextualize these rulings in the juristic framing of rights owed to God and rights owed to His creation, thereby appreciating the comprehensiveness of divine guidance and the ease by which it fulfills individual and communal human needs.
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Text Covered: Tuhfat al-Mulūk by Muhammad b. Abi Bakr al-Razi (d. >666AH)

IHSN4: Prophetic Living

The Qur’an describes the Prophet of Allah ﷺ as “an excellent example” for Muslims to admire and emulate. This course delves into the profound and transformative concept of Prophetic Living in Islam, drawing inspiration from the life, teachings, and practices of the Prophet ﷺ. By studying various traditional texts on the topic, students will explore how his example provides a timeless model for spiritual growth, personal development, and ethical conduct. The course covers various aspects of the Prophet's life, including his spirituality, character, and leadership, and examines how these elements can be applied in contemporary contexts to foster a holistic and balanced lifestyle.

‍Text Covered: Minhāj al-‘Abideen by Imam al-Ghazali (d. 505 AH)