Classical Muslim Theology Aqeedah Tahawiyyah (AL1)

Description

Course Description:

This course is a study of Imām Ṭaḥāwī’s celebrated treatise on Muslims creed, entitled ‘Bayān ʿAqīdat Ahl al-Sunna Wa al-Jamā’a’, famously known as al-ʿAqīdat al-Ṭaḥāwiyya.

Students will be exposed to traditional discussions pertaining to theology, creed, logic and philosophy.

All the above will be discussed within the purview of the accepted schools of theology and in light of the Qur’an and sunnah.

The course will approach differences with an attempt to promote an environment of understanding rather than anathematise.

Level: Alimiyyah Programme Year 1

Context:

The contents of this course will give the student more depth in understanding of creedal matters and theological issues that arise in other disciplines.

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge and Understanding Awareness of early theological schools and their salient features Identification and explanation of arguments presented to prove the rational possibility of Allāh’s existence Comprehension of Muslim theology’s historical development and the political climate that led to early divergent beliefs Ability to explain variant arguments for the proof of Allāh’s existence presented by classical Muslim theologians Familiarisation with the various approaches to defining the nature of īmān and kufr Analyse how the approaches to kufr can impact perceptions of individuals especially from a political point of view List the various tenets of faith related to angels, prophets and the Day of Judgement. Rationalise the need for divine revelation and Prophets and the role they play Skills Ability to contextualise theological discussions based on their historical and political contexts Critically analyse and scrutinise arguments for the existence of Allāh Ability to critique and evaluate historical and contemporary charges of disbelief and blasphemy Identify how theological intolerance can lead to discord, political strife and violence Ability to interpret religious text in a manner that is more inclusive rather than exclusive

Prerequisites:

It is recommended that students have studied Ebrahim College’s Arabic Intensive Programme or its equivalent.

Teaching and learning Strategies:

Student will be required to do the compulsory reading before attending each class. Each topic will be discussed in class with along with the core course notes. Every module will be followed by assignment that will require students to engage with core reading and also research topics.

Course Delivery:

This course will be delivered on campus and streamed live online using an online live streaming platform called ‘Zoom’. Lessons will be recorded and students provided access to them. Further details will be emailed to students 5 days before the course commences insha Allah.

For more information on how this works, please click here.

Course Teacher: Mufti Khalidul Haq Alamin