The Gulf War, September the 11th 2001, war in Afghanistan, suicide bombings – these have dominated the recent headlines and global politics. Yet few of us really know about Islam, the faith of one in every five people on earth spanning the globe from Africa to Asia, from the United States to Europe. Islam and Muslims have often been viewed through a series of stereotypes as fundamentalists, extremists or radicals which distort our understanding of the world’s second largest religion. In this 6 week (10 hour) course, we provide, we provide a clear and concise information about the faith and practice of Islam. We cover contemporary issues of women in Islam, Islam and democracy, terrorism vs. Islam, concept of jihad, Muslim response to modernity, history and future directions and more.

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MODULE 1: OVERVIEW OF FAITH & PRACTICE

Unit 1: EXISTENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

- Purpose behind the creation of the universe and humanity
- Relationship between God, humanity and the universe

Unit 2: ESSENTIALS OF ISLAMIC FAITH

- Islamic perspective of monotheism
- Life and role of Prophet Muhammad
- Angels, revelation and prophets, resurrection
- Human and God’s Will – concept of good and evil.

Unit 3: PERSONAL PRACTICE OF ISLAM

- Fundamental values of Islam
- Virtuous Circle of personal development through Islam.
- Five Pillars of Islam – the meanings and expected benefits.

MODULE 2: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES & ISLAM

Unit 4: MUSLIMS IN MODERN LIFE

- Muslim response to modernity
- The place of Islam in the everyday life of a Muslim
- Similarities and differences between Sunni and Shii orientations
- What is ‘holy war’ or ‘jihad’?
- The rights and role of women in an Islamic society
- Why do women cover their hair?

Unit 5: ISLAM IN POLITICS AND SOCIETY

- Does Islam encourage terrorism?
- Is Islam compatible with democracy?
- Is there an Islamic state?
- Is there a political or spiritual leader in Islam?

Unit 6: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE DIRECTIONS

- Brief history of Islamic world
- Impact of colonialism and modernisation
- Revival of Islam and Islamic movements
- Will Islam be able to contribute to world peace?
- Future of Islam and Muslims from a Muslim’s perspective

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