Islam 101: A Beginners Guide to Beliefs, Practices

• Course Overview
  • Embark on an accessible journey into the heart of Islam with Islam 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Beliefs and Practices. This meticulously crafted course is designed to demystify a faith that shapes the lives of over a billion people worldwide, offering clarity and insight into its core tenets and lived realities.
  • In just 5.5 hours, you will traverse the fundamental landscape of Islamic thought and action, guided by an instructor who prioritizes simplicity and accuracy. The intimate setting, limited to just 5 students, ensures personalized attention and fosters an environment where questions are encouraged and thoughtfully addressed.
  • This course transcends superficial understanding, aiming to cultivate a nuanced appreciation for Islam’s rich heritage and its contemporary relevance. Whether your interest stems from personal curiosity, academic pursuit, or a desire to bridge cultural divides, Islam 101 provides a solid and reassuring starting point.
  • Discover the essence of a faith rooted in divine guidance and human responsibility. Uncover the profound interconnectedness between belief and action, and witness how a commitment to God (Allah) informs every facet of a Muslim’s life, from personal conduct to community engagement.
  • Through engaging explanations and a focus on foundational principles, you will gain a foundational literacy in Islam that equips you to engage with information and individuals from this tradition with confidence and respect.
• Course Objectives (Beyond “What You Will Learn”)
  • Contextualizing Islam: Explore the historical and cultural milieu in which Islam emerged, understanding its Arabian origins and subsequent global expansion.
  • Theology Simplified: Grasp the concept of Tawhid (the Oneness of God) and its implications for monotheism, examining the attributes of Allah as understood in Islamic tradition.
  • Prophetic Tradition: Understand the role and significance of prophets in Islam, with a particular focus on the finality of prophethood in Muhammad (peace be upon him).
  • The Divine Word: Gain an introductory appreciation for the Qur’an as the literal word of God, exploring its status as the primary source of Islamic teachings.
  • Ethical Framework: Identify the foundational ethical principles that guide Muslim life, emphasizing compassion, justice, and integrity.
  • Spiritual Dimensions: Begin to understand the inner, spiritual dimension of Islam, including concepts of the soul, repentance, and striving for spiritual excellence.
  • Community and Social Responsibility: Recognize the emphasis placed on the Muslim community (Ummah) and the importance of social welfare, charity, and good stewardship.
• Requirements / Prerequisites
  • An open mind and a genuine curiosity to learn about Islam.
  • No prior knowledge of Islam or religious studies is necessary.
  • Basic literacy and the ability to engage in thoughtful discussion.
• Skills Covered / Tools Used
  • Critical Thinking: Develop the ability to analyze information and distinguish between fact and misconception.
  • Intercultural Communication: Foster the skills to engage respectfully with diverse perspectives and beliefs.
  • Foundational Knowledge Acquisition: Build a solid understanding of core Islamic concepts and terminology.
  • Active Listening: Enhance the capacity to absorb and process new information presented in lectures and discussions.
  • Questioning and Inquiry: Cultivate the confidence to ask pertinent questions and seek clarification.
• Benefits / Outcomes
  • Informed Citizenship: Become a more informed global citizen capable of understanding a major world religion.
  • Personal Growth: Potentially gain new perspectives on spirituality, ethics, and the human condition.
  • Enhanced Empathy: Develop a greater capacity for understanding and appreciating the beliefs and practices of Muslims.
  • Foundation for Further Exploration: Acquire the essential building blocks for delving deeper into specific aspects of Islamic theology, history, or culture.
  • Dispel Stereotypes: Contribute to a more accurate and less prejudiced understanding of Islam in your personal and professional life.
• PROS
  • Highly Accessible Format: Designed for complete beginners with no jargon or overly academic language.
  • Intimate Learning Environment: Small class size allows for personalized interaction and tailored explanations.
  • Concise and Focused: Covers essential information efficiently within a manageable timeframe.
  • Emphasis on Respect: Promotes a positive and understanding approach to learning about Islam.
• CONS
  • Introductory Scope: Due to its introductory nature, it will not delve into advanced theological debates or nuanced interpretations.

“`