FIQ101 INTRODUCTION TO ISLAMIC FIQH

Course Description:

This course highlights the history of Islamic Fiqh, characteristics, origins, developmental stages, and the four major juristic schools of thought, with more focus on the status of following certain school vs. choosing from different juristic schools.
 

Course Code: FIQ101

Credit hours: 3

Pre-Requisites: None

Learning Objectives:

  • State the meaning of Fiqh, its sources, and its status in Islam.
  • Write down the characteristics of Fiqh and trace its origins to the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him)
  • Sequence and outline major historical highlights in the developmental stages of Fiqh.
  • Summarize the establishment of the four Islamic schools of thought and the factors that led to them.
  • Write an essay describing the contributions made by the scholars of the main schools of thought, and critically analyze their belief and etiquette towards each other and difference of opinion.
  • Ability to identify the main reasons for conflicted rulings.
  • Ability to identify the causes and effects of Taqleed or following one school only.
  • Compare and contrast societal effects of how conflicted rulings are handled today vs. during the time of the first three generations, and expound on relevant questions/solutions for inquiry.
  • Ability to use critical thinking skills to compare different fiqh opinions to come up with the relevant opinion that makes the best fit for the circumstances of Muslims in the United States.

Course Outlines:

  • The First Stage: Foundation
  • The Second Stage: Establishment
  • The Third Stage: Building
  • The Fourth Stage: Flowing
  • The Madh-habs: Schools of Islamic Legal Thought
  • Main Reasons for Conflicting Rulings
  • The Fifth Stage: Consolidation
  • The Six Stage: Stagnation and Decline
  • Imams and Taqleed
  • Differences Among The Ummah