This is a Level Four course in the Islamic Studies Curriculum.


This course covers how to address modern challenges to belief through the application of traditional Islamic Theology (`Ilm al-Kalam) to contemporary intellectual challenges. This course is based on a book called Answer to Modernism.


The course focuses on understanding the Seven Guiding Principles and their application to sixteen types of newly-arisen doubts. It helps students grasp the epistemological underpinnings of contemporary challenges and articulate theological responses that utilize their study of the sacred sciences in modern-day contexts.


This course is aimed primarily towards students of Kalam (Islamic Theology), but students of other sciences could also benefit from it. While it does incorporate responses to newly-arisen doubts, the course is not organized in a “doubt vs. response” structure. It is more of theological modeling on how to approach and respond to newly-arisen doubts. The doubts and responses included within the course are studied as particular “cases” through which students can observe the application of theological principles.

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About the text:

This course is based on the deep reading of a book called Answer to Modernism. It is considered to be one of the earliest responses written by traditionally trained Muslim scholars to challenges posed by Modernity. Facing the invasion of Muslim “epistemological spaces” by colonialism, the author contextualizes concepts from sacred sciences to address newly-arisen doubts.


The book is comprised of a preface that includes three counsels on the Muslim’s duty towards newly-arisen doubts; an introduction devoted to the Classification of Knowledge and the Hierarchy of Sciences; a first part: on seven guiding principles for theological responses to contemporary challenges; a second part: on sixteen intimations addressing sixteen sorts of newly-arisen doubts; and a conclusion.


Who is this course for:
  • This course is for adults.
  • It is particularly beneficial for students of knowledge, more specifically students of Kalam (Islamic Theology).
  • It is a Level-Four course. The successful completion of Level Three of the SeekersGuidance Islamic Studies Curriculum is a prerequisite.
  • It is also useful for imams, teachers, and educators.
Learning outcomes:
  • Understand the epistemological grounds of newly-arisen doubts.
  • Conceptualize the relevance of the Classification of Knowledge and Hierarchy of Sciences to the current intellectual crisis.
  • Analyze the intellectual challenges facing the Islamic Tradition nowadays.
  • Articulate theological responses to contemporary challenges.
  • Apply theological guiding principles in their responses to present-day questions and doubts.
  • Address the roots of challenges posed by Modernity.