Al-Mishkat: Islamic Studies in Singapore Highly Curated for Adult Muslims!

Module 1, Foundations of Islamic Belief:
This module will be covering two major sub modules: (1) Creed or Aqidah, and (2) Islamic Practice.

1-Creed or Aqidah is a branch of Islamic science, describing the fundamental beliefs of Islamic faith, basically what a Muslim must know. comprehend and believe. Arkaan Al-Iman, the six articles of faith-belief in Allah. His Angels, the Prophets, the Divine Books, the Day of Judgment and Divine Destiny (Qadr) are the very fundamentals of the Islamic Creed. This module also deals with the attributes of Allah (Existence. Oneness, Eternity, etc) and the characteristics of Prophets.

2-The second sub module will discuss the Arkaan Al-Islam, the five pillars of Islam testament of faith) (shahadah), prayer (salat), uthe (zakat), fasting (sawm) and pilgrimage thaj). This module deals with the observance of rituals and traditions in Islamic belief and practice, mainly derived from the prominent schools of Islamic law within Sunni Islam- the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali schools.

Module 2, Sciences of the Qur’an and Exegesis:
Module 2 covers two major sub modules: (1) Quranic Sciences or 'Ulum Al-Quran, and (2) Qur'anic Exegesis or Tafsir.

The Ulum Al Qur'an sub module deals with the history of the revelation of the Qur'an, the stages and causes of the revelation, the Meccan and Medinan verses, language style, abrogated rulings, compilation and preservation of the Quran, and others. This sub-module provides an important and prerequisite knowledge before studying the Tafsir or Exegesis of the Holy Book.

Tafsir means to explain, expound or disclose. In the Islamic context, it is defined as understanding and uncovering the Will of Allah which has been conveyed by the Qur'anic text, by means of the Arabic language and knowledge There are various methodologies employed in various tafsir or interpretations completed by various classical Islamic scholars, and it includes examining the style and eloquence of the text, clarifying the meanings of verses extracting the laws and rulings, determining metaphors and figurative speech, reconciling contradictions, understanding the underlying reasons for parables, and so on. Some of the famous tafsir collections are Tafsir al-Tabari, Tafsir ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Jalalayn (al-Mahalli & al-Suyuti) and Tafsir Al- Kabir (al-Razi).

Module 3, Prophetic Biography and Characteristics:

The Sirah (meaning journey or biography) is the Arabic term used for the various traditional Muslim biographies of Prophet Muhammad , from which, in addition to the Qur'an and Hadith, most historical information about the Prophet's life and the early period of Islam is derived. The Sirah encompasses the Prophets, birth, events in his life. manners and characteristics, and the Prophet's demise. Some of the earlier collections of Sirah are by Ibn Hisham, Ibn Ishaq, al-Tabari and Ibn Shihab. This module will also discuss the Shama'il Muhammadiyah. exploring the intricate details of the Prophets (s) life, like his appearance, characteristics, belongings, manners, and life. The student will be enriched by exploring history to experience the Prophetic life.

Module 4, Prophetic Traditions and Sciences:

Hadith or Prophetic tradition is a report of the deeds and sayings of Prophet Muhammad, and they often form the basis of Islamic law, Qur'anic interpretation and early Islamic history. Each hadith is composed of two parts, a chain of authorities reporting the hadith (isnad) and the text (matn), and is regarded by traditional Islamic schools of jurisprudence as important tools for understanding the Qur'an and in matters of jurisprudence (fiqh). Scholars have evaluated and gathered thousands of narrations of hadith into large collections during the 8th and 9th centuries, like Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawood, Jami al-Tirmidhi. Sunan Ibn Majah and Sunan al-Sughra (al-Nasa’i). In this module the student will study selected hadith narrations, its commentaries, and also discuss the intricacies behind the collection and compilation of hadith by the Hadith masters.

Module 5, Islamic Law and its objectives:

This module on Islamic Law (Fiqh/Shariah) explores Islamic rulings as expounded in the Holy Quran, supplemented by Prophetic traditions, and implemented by the rulings and interpretations of Islamic jurists. Ibn Khaldun defines fiqh as the "knowledge of the rules of God which concern the actions of persons who own themselves bound to obey the law respecting what is required (wajib), sinful (haram), recommended (mandub) disapproved (makruh) or neutral (mubah)". Scholars have developed legal maxims that surround the understanding and application of Islamic law, governed by the principles and concepts of mercy, guidance, preservation of human life. prevention of harm, and others. Students will discuss the objectives or maqasid of the Divine laws, exploring the rationale and spirit behind the laws.

Module 6, Islamic Spirituality & Adab:

This module facilitates a discussion on Islamic spirituality, examining ways to purify one's conduct from blameworthy traits, and ennobling oneself with the praiseworthy qualities. Students will discuss spiritual and ethical goals through a Nabawi-centric disposition, through a study of important texts in Islamic spirituality and etiquette, and explore its relevance and application in the modern world.