Explore the foundations of Islam through primary sources — the Quran, Hadith, and scholarly tradition. From the Five Pillars to Islamic ethics, learn how Muslims understand and practice their faith.
Understand what Islam is, its historical context, and the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Explore how Muslims understand their faith as a continuation of the Abrahamic prophetic tradition. Resources: Martin Lings, Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources; Karen Armstrong, Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time.
Explore the Quran — its structure, the process of revelation, its major themes, and how Muslims approach reading and understanding it. Resources: Muhammad Abdel Haleem, Understanding the Quran: Themes and Style; Ingrid Mattson, The Story of the Quran.
Study the five foundational acts of worship in Islam: the declaration of faith (Shahada), prayer (Salah), charitable giving (Zakat), fasting (Sawm), and pilgrimage (Hajj). Resources: John Esposito, The Five Pillars of Islam; Hamza Yusuf, Purification of the Heart.
Explore the six articles of Islamic faith: belief in God, angels, divine books, prophets, the Day of Judgment, and divine predestination. Understand how creed (aqidah) shapes the Muslim worldview. Resources: Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, The Foundations of Islamic Belief; Tim Winter, The Cambridge Companion to Classical Islamic Theology.
Explore the Islamic moral framework — akhlaq (character), the virtues emphasized in the Quran and Sunnah, and how ethical living flows from faith. Resources: Al-Ghazali, On Disciplining the Soul; Tariq Ramadan, Radical Reform.
Explore the role of family, marriage, parental rights, and community life in Islam. Understand the concept of ummah (the global Muslim community) and social obligations. Resources: Abdal Hakim Murad, Commentary on the Eleventh Contentions; Khaled Abou El Fadl, Speaking in God's Name.
Examine contemporary issues facing Muslims, the tradition of interfaith dialogue, common misconceptions about Islam, and the diversity of the global Muslim community. Resources: John Esposito, The Future of Islam; Tariq Ramadan, Western Muslims and the Future of Islam.
Synthesize your learning across all modules, reflect on key concepts, and consider how the study of Islam enriches your understanding of faith, ethics, and the human experience.