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Fundamentals of Shariah

Gain an overview of the sources and teachings of Islam to better understand and practise Islamic law.

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Fundamentals of Shariah

  • 2 weeks

  • 2 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Understand Shariah Law with INCEIF

This two-week course from the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF) provides a simple but comprehensive overview of the foundational teachings of the Islamic faith.

Starting with the Pillars of Islam and tracing the evolution of Islamic law, you’ll discover the rich tapestry of Islamic knowledge. By the end of the course, you’ll have gained the knowledge you need to understand and practise Shariah.

Unpack the tenets and sources of Islamic Law

In Week 1 of the course, you’ll break Islamic Law down into its most fundamental teachings. You’ll unpack the central tenets that have shaped Shariah over centuries: the Five Pillars of Islam and the Six Articles of Faith.

You’ll also learn about the primary and secondary sources of Shariah Law, together with the schools of legal interpretation that have helped develop Islamic thought.

Build the knowledge you need for a fulfilled life and career

This course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and understanding you need to achieve fulfilment in your life, work, and learning.

You’ll explore the importance of knowledge in Islam, and how Shariah can help you maintain a fruitful student-teacher dynamic.

By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to integrate Shariah teaching into your own life and work.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Foundations of Islamic Beliefs

    • Welcome to the Course

      Let's begin our exploration together with an open heart and a thirst for knowledge. Welcome aboard!

    • The Five Pillars of Islam

      The five pillars of Islam pillars serve as the cornerstones of Islamic life, guiding believers in their spiritual journey and everyday actions. We will explore the significance and practical implications of each pillar.

    • Understanding Islam, Iman, Ihsan and The Signs of The Last Day (Hadith Jibril)

      The Hadith Jibril is a narrative that provides profound insight into the core concepts of Islamic faith.

    • Shariah, Fiqh and Usul Al-fiqh

      Shariah, Fiqh, and Usul al-Fiqh are foundational concepts in Islamic jurisprudence and law. They form the basis of how Muslims understand and apply Islamic teachings in various aspects of life.

    • Quiz

      Let's check your understanding on the foundation of Islamic beliefs.

    • Summary and Reflection

      A recap of what you have learned so far in week 1, and what will be discussed in Week 2.

  • Week 2

    Shariah Rulings and the Importance of Knowledge

    • Introduction

      Overview of Week 2 Content

    • Understanding Basic Rulings in Shariah

      These sources include the Quran, Hadith (Prophet's sayings and actions), Ijma (consensus of scholars), and Qiyas (analogy).

    • The 4 Key Sources of Shariah

      The four key sources of Shariah (Islamic law) are collectively known as "Usul al-Fiqh," which means the principles or sources of jurisprudence. These sources provide the foundation for deriving legal rulings and guidance in Islam.

    • The Significance of Knowledge Acquisition in Islam

      During this exploration, we will also discuss the etiquettes that both students and teachers should uphold in their quest for knowledge and spiritual growth.

    • Summary and Reflection

      Summary and reflection of week 2 on what we have learned so far.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explain the significance and purpose of each of the Five Pillars of Islam.
  • Assess the diverse interpretations of certain Islamic concepts within different Islamic schools of thought.
  • Evaluate the importance and relevance of gaining knowledge in Islam for personal and communal growth.
  • Explain the 4 key sources of Islamic law.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the tenets, sources, and applications of Islamic Law.

It will be particularly useful for aspiring students of the Islamic sciences, including Islamic finance.

Who will you learn with?

I am an Associate Professor of Islamic Finance at INCEIF University, specialising in Islamic Law and its Principles (Usul ul Fiqh and Contract Law), Social Finance, Fintech and Islamic Capital Market.

Who developed the course?

INCEIF

INCEIF is considered to be the knowledge leader in Islamic finance through providing excellent teaching, research and thought leadership.

Ways to learn

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$349.99 for one year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$104/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 11 May 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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