Overview of Islam

This is a 10 week course designed for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. It concentrates on the fundamentals of the religion and how it answers some of the most intrinsic questions a person of any background may ask, but, not necessarily find reasonable answers to. The course explores existence, the essentials of Islamic faith and the meaning and purpose behind the Islamic practice of pillars of Islam. It satisfies the mind and the heart. The methodology used in this course is to prove the truths using scientific knowledge and intellectual reasoning. It hones the mind and fulfils the heart at the same time. There is NO CHARGE for this course.

MODULE 1: GOD, MAN, UNIVERSE AND EXISTENSE

Unit 1: EXISTENCE OF GOD

- Evidences showing the existence of God.
- Assessment of Evolution Theory in light of current scientific knowledge
-How can One create all?

Unit 2: DIVINE UNITY & MONOTHEISM

-Evidences that indicate Divine Unity.
-God is constantly active.
-Key concepts in monotheism.
-Names & attributes of God.
-God creates all but does not have a creator. How?
-Can we see God?

Unit 3: DIVINE CREATION AND UNIVERSE

-Divine purpose for the creation of universe.
-Wisdom behind movements and changes in creation and universe.

Unit 4: DIVINE CREATION AND MAN

- Meaning of life and 9 purposes for the creation of man.
-The unique nature of man in comparison to other creation.
-Distinctive perspective of a believer and fruits of true and certain belief.

MODULE 2: ESSENTIALS OF ISLAMIC FAITH

Unit 5: EXISTENCE OF ANGELS

- Evidences that point to the existence of angels
-Nature of angels
-Classes and roles of angels

Unit 6: HOLY BOOKS REVEALED TO HUMANITY & QUR'AN

- Types of revelation & Holy Books.
-Key topics covered in Qur'an.
-Authenticity of Qur'an.
-Discussion on Qur'an as the Word of God.

Unit 7: INSTITUTION OF PROPHETHOOD

- God speaks to humanity through Prophets.
-Responsibilities of Prophets.
-Characteristics of Prophets.

Unit 8: MUHAMMAD (pbuh) - THE PROPHET OF GOD

- Brief Life of Muhammad (pbuh).
-Prophet Muhammad's personality and character.
-Discussion on Muhammad (pbuh) as the Prophet of God.
-Authenticity of sayings of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Unit 9: RESSURRECTION & LIFE AFTER DEATH

- Signs and evidences that infer resurrection.
-Death and its bounteous aspects.
-Life after death until resurrection.
-End of the Universe (doomsday) and resurrection.
-Life after resurrection.

Unit 10: DIVINE DETERMINATION AND DECREE

- Signs and evidences that infer Divine Determination.
-Divine Determination, good and evil.
-Divine Determination and man's independent will.

MODULE 3: MEANING AND BENEFITS OF ISLAM

Unit 11: DAILY PRESCRIBED PRAYERS

- Forms of prayers.
-Meaning of prescribed prayers and its aspects of worship.
-Physical, mental, spiritual & social benefits of worship.

Unit 12: FASTING IN ISLAM

- Definition of fasting.
-The meaning of fasting and its aspects of worship.
-Physical, mental, spiritual & social benefits of Fasting.

Unit 13: PURIFYING ALMS (ZAKAT) IN ISLAM

- Types of charity and the definition of Zakat.
-The meaning of Zakat and its aspects of worship.
-Physical, mental, spiritual & social benefits of Zakat.

Unit 14: PILGRIMAGE (HAJJ) IN ISLAM

- Definition and description of Hajj.
-The meaning of Hajj and its aspects of worship.
-Physical, mental, spiritual & social benefits of Hajj.