The following provides the course descriptions for the classes of the first and second Quarters of 2023: 

Introduction to Islamic Theology: 

This course uses a systematic approach to develop a deeper understanding of Islamic Theology and other pillars of Islamic Beliefs. It addresses the applications of the pillars of Islamic beliefs in our daily life and the challenges related to existentialism, materialism, and atheism. The wisdom of different kinds of human sufferings and injustices in this world will also be explained in the light of Islamic beliefs. 

The belief system in Islam is referred to as Eman. Eman is the foundation of Islam upon which the whole structure of Islam stands. Eman is having a firm conviction and certainty about the truth. To be a true believer, one’s heart and mind must be fully convinced and settled in the foundations of Eman beyond any doubts and uncertainties. These foundations or pillars are called Arkan-ul-Eman which consist of belief in Allah and His Oneness, the Angels, the books of Allah, the prophets of Allah, the next life and accountability, and Qada and Qadar (the Divine decree and plan).

Having a full conviction in these foundations based on knowledge is, indeed, intellectually liberating and spiritually uplifting. The materials of this course are designed to be very interesting, thought-provoking, and useful for everyone – requiring no other prerequisite courses or information.  

Introduction to the Qur’an and its sciences: 

The course will provide an introduction to the Quran. It will briefly explore the history of Quranic sciences, meanings, and methods. While a multiplicity of interpretations is a consistent historical feature in Qur’anic scholarship, the course will apply the methodology of the intra-textual method (tafsir al-Qur’an bi-l-Qur’an) that has been accepted as a central method of interpretation. Building upon this method, the course will explore and furthers the methodology of Al-wahda al-bina’iyya li-l-Qur’an (the Qur’an’s structural unity) to analyze and discuss different themes.

The students will analyze Quranic concepts to understand contemporary issues such as: self-transformation, family structure, and community development. The holistic method reads the Qur’an as unified text through its, and conceptual elements. The goal is the awakening of the heart in an effort to understand and engage with the Qur’an on a deeper, more personal level.

Upon the completion of the class, the students will be able to strengthen their relationship with the Qur’an by applying the skills they learned in contemplating the Quran. The students will be able to re-evaluate their perceptions and perspectives of Allah’s creations, the role they play maintaining the sanctity of relationship and using the Qur’an for finding solutions to contemporary challenges.

Arabic Language: 

This Arabic introductory course to Classical Arabic aims to provide the linguistic background needed for students of the Islamic Sciences to comfortably engage with classical texts on an intermediate level, through reading and comprehension, and eventually grammatical inflection and morphological construction.

Like any language, mastering Arabic requires constant practice and abundant motivation. Yet for the Muslim, the motivation cannot be any greater, as Arabic is the language of the Qur’an and the Hadith of our beloved Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wasallam). It is a gateway into Islamic history as well as a passport into modern civilization. While the journey may seem long for the beginning student, the path is well trodden, and the guides are readily available. 

Begin your journey into this great language here at ADAMS Center with this Islamic Certificate course.

Life and Legacy of the Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wasallam):

The word Seerah in Arabic literally means “manner of proceeding.” Unlike other Seerah classes that simply look at the life of the Prophet Muhammad (sall Allahu alayhi wasallam) from a historical perspective, this invigorating course by Imam Magid and Ustadh Shad Imam seeks to teach students the lessons and character traits exemplified in the life of the Messenger of Allah and his companions.

All of this will be taught against the backdrop of how the Seerah relates to the American Muslim context. The students will be taken on a journey through the life and times of Rasulullah (sall Allahu alayhi wasallam) in order to give them the proper context and perspective on the myriad of issues that are faced in one’s daily life.

By understanding the process by which the Prophet brought guidance to others, this class aims to teach students not only how to live in today’s society based upon the Sunnah of our beloved prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wasallam), but also the various parts of our foundational learning as Muslims.

Introduction to Hadith Studies:

This course provides an introduction to the science of Hadith and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad Sallalahu Alaihi Wa Salam. It will cover the authority of Sunnah as a source of law, the history of Hadith collection and compilation, Hadith terminology and classification, major books and scholars of Hadith, analysis and critique of the chain of narration and text of Hadith, relationship of Hadith with the Qur’an, and contemporary issues & alleged doubts related to Hadith.

Introduction to Fiqh and Islamic Law:

This course provides a general introduction to Islamic law (fiqh). It will give students a comprehensive fiqh background through an in-depth exploration of Islamic hermeneutics and the historical emergence of the four legal schools (madhāhib).

In the process, students will learn about Islam’s primary and secondary sources, the five categories of rulings, and the objectives (maqāṣid) of the Sharia. They will also gain familiarity with Islamic legal theory (uṣūl al-fiqh) and legal maxims (qawāʿid al-fiqh). Over the semester, students will discuss contemporary subjects from anti-Sharia propaganda to issues like feminism, pluralism, democracy, gender, homosexuality, and secularism.

Overview of Islamic History and Civilization:

This course will explore the development of Islamic civilization and the institutions characteristic of it: political, social, educational, economic, welfare, and military. After a brief overview of Islamic political history, the course will turn to understanding the ways in which Muslim society was organized by tracing the different ways society was structured around its institutions.

A few of the institutions that will be explored are the iqṭāᶜ, the waqf, the madrasah, the ghulām soldiers, and the qāḍī courts. We will explore the ways in which these institutions adapted to their environment while also maintaining their core features. By exploring not only the political, but the social and economic institutions that defined Islamic civilization. We hope to explore what it is that Muslims prioritized as central to their civilizational ideals.

Islamic Ethics and Character:

The study of Islamic Ethics is one of the most important sciences in the Islamic tradition, focusing specifically on the development of the human soul. This course examines the principles and practices that lie at the heart of personal moral development in Islam, and those traditional frameworks that help Muslims live ethically and with integrity.

The content of the course includes both traditional and modern sources that expound upon spiritual purification (Tazkiya) and Islamic ethics (Akhlaq), the understanding and application of which are essential to the cultivation of righteousness.

Students will explore the sacred virtues, values, and practical ethics that are foundationally rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah, understanding that that true honor and distinction lies in realizing the completeness of the guidance of Allah’s Messenger PBUH, and in fully embracing his fine and noble character.