European Institute Of Human Sciences

First Year Modules:

The students on this course will take the same 8 modules (120 credits) as the level 1 students on the ‘Certificate in Islamic studies’ programme and will receive tuition in the same class.

Second Year Modules:

The following modules (120 credits) are offered for this final year of the Imam Diploma and will be taught separately from the Islamic studies programme:-

Western Society (10 credits):

This module intends to acquaint students with the diverse cultural, social and political aspects that are inherent in contemporary European society. A major aim of this course is to promulgate a deeper understanding of the West, with particular emphasis being placed on the position of the Muslim community that lives within this continent.

Elocution and Public Speaking Skills (20 credits):

This module aims to introduce the theoretical aspects and principles of public speaking. It intends to acquaint students with good practice and also to develop self-awareness and the confidence necessary, not only to lead Prayer, but also to impart knowledge in an appropriate manner. The nature of this course is such that students are offered ample opportunity to put theory into practice.

Arabic Grammar and Morphology (10 credits):

This module aims to build upon work undertaken in this topic at level 1 and thus extend student awareness and practical application of Arabic grammatical structures and procedures. This module aims to undertake a more complex look at a number of key grammatical structures; particular focus being placed on the conjugation of verbs.

Jurisprudence for Minority Groups (20 credits):

This module focuses particularly on the Muslim minority that resides in Europe. The course intends to highlight the variety of issues faced by this minority group and explores how Islamic law responds to these.

Public Relations and Communication (10 credits):

This module aims to equip students with the wherewithal to communicate on the necessary level with a wide range of people. It intends to teach the necessary skills in dealing with the public in a variety of contexts. The use of the media and information technology as vehicles for the communication of attitudes and viewpoints will be explored. It is crucial for someone who intends to go into the Imamate to have the abilities to empathise with others, to listen impartially and to diffuse potential conflict etc. During this course, further insight into the fields of Sociology and Psychology will be offered.

The Principles of Issuing Fatawa (20 credits):

This module will deal with the principles that should be implemented in the issuing of fatawa. The course aims to highlight the necessity of adhering to and not conflicting with the primary sources of Islamic law. Students will examine the fatawa of previous respected scholars and assess how appropriate contemporary fatawa can be developed to compromise with time and geographical location.

Rhetoric (10 credits):

This module introduces the nature and importance of stylistic matters in the Arabic language. It offers a detailed examination of the types of Arabic comparison (al-tashbih) and how they relate to the development of a fluent Arabic style. Arabic questioning techniques will be examined and how these can be employed to stylistic effect. This course aims to develop student ability to assess Arabic eloquence, with particular reference to opposition, assonance and dissonance. Major figures of speech in Arabic rhetoric will be introduced and their practical application in writing and public speaking will be discussed in some detail.

The Life of the Prophet (20 credits):

This module aims to equip students with a thorough understanding of the life and wider significance of the Prophet Muhammad. This module intends to place the Prophet in his proper context by examining the earlier history of Arabia, from the time of Ibrahim. Focus is given to the examination of the cultural and religious ideas of pre-Islamic Arabia, as well as the complex relationships between the tribes of the region. This course will explore the life of the Prophet, from his birth to the establishment of the Islamic state in Medina and social, legal, philosophical and spiritual lessons will be drawn from his personal conduct.