Level: One

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

The Prophet said that, “Whoever travels a path to seek knowledge, Allah facilitates for them a path to Paradise.” (Muslim) This course is the first step in your pursuit of religious knowledge. It explains what your religion is; what you must know about it; and how you should learn it.

This course covers what every Muslim must know about the basic guidance of Islam in its three dimensions: (1) beliefs (iman)—and how to have sound belief in Allah, His Prophets, and the Hereafter; (2) submission (Islam)—how to make your purification and prayer valid, sound, and proper; and (3) spiritual excellence (ihsan)—by looking at key sins and vices to avoid, and key virtuous actions and traits to uphold, in seeking closeness to Allah.

This course is taught according to the Hanafi school. If you would like to learn it according to the Shafi‘i school, take this course instead.

About the Text

This course is based on The Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and The Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School, by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani (White Thread Press).

This book covers what every Muslim must know about the basic guidance of Islam in its three dimensions: (1) beliefs (iman)—and how to have sound belief in Allah, His Prophets, and in transmitted beliefs; (2) submission (Islam)—by looking at the daily devotional obligation of ritual prayer; and (3) spiritual excellence (Ihsan)—by looking at key sins and vices to avoid, and key virtuous actions and traits to uphold in seeking closeness to Allah.

“I know of no other manual of Islam that presents the essentials of the Hanafi school and basic Islamic belief so reliably, concisely, and elegantly as The Absolute Essentials of Islam. Faraz Rabbani is to be commended for producing a work from which the new Muslim can learn, the practicing Muslim check his fiqh, or the student merely curious about the practice of Islam see how it all fits together. It is likely to serve the Ummah, Allah willing, as long as there are English-speaking Muslims in it who want to know their din. This book works.” – Shaykh Nuh Keller, Jordan

Who is This Course For?

• This is the first course in Level One.

• This course has no prerequisites.

• Any student who wants to learn about the basics of belief and worship and wants to start their journey of gaining sacred knowledge should start with this course.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand how to seek religious knowledge

• Learn the basics of Islamic beliefs: so you know what we believe about Allah, His Messengers, and the Hereafter—and why

• Learn how to make your daily worship—purification and prayer—valid, sound, and proper

• Learn how to worship Allah Most High with sincerity

• Learn essential guidelines for living a faithful, upright life

Course Outline

Lesson 1: Introduction

Lesson 2: Belief (Part 1)

Lesson 3: Belief (Part 2)

Lesson 4: Rulings of the Shariah

Lesson 5: Purification (Part 1)

Lesson 6: Purification (Part 2)

Lesson 7: The Prayer (Part 1)

Lesson 8: The Prayer (Part 2)

Lesson 9: The Prayer (Part 3)

Lesson 10: The Prayer (Part 4)

Lesson 11: Zakat & Fasting

Lesson 12: The Path to Salvation

About the Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Introduction

Allah Most High says, “I have not created jinn-kind nor mankind for any purpose other than to worship Me.” (Qur’an, 51:56) Take this course to get comprehensive and knowledge-based answers to all of the questions that you are likely to face in your worship Allah Most High, all in light of a formal textbook of in Hanafi law that students like you have used for centuries. This course covers on the detailed rules of Purification, Prayer, Fasting, Zakat, and Hajj. This course is taught according to the Hanafi school. If you would like to learn it according to the Shafi’i school, take this course instead.

Curricular Context

• This is a second-level course in Step One
• Before taking this course, take The Absolute Essentials of Islam (Hanafi) course 
• Take this course before all courses in Step Two

 Course Requirements: Absolute Essentials of Islam (Hanafi)

Course Outline

Lesson 1

1A: Introduction to Sacred Law (fiqh) and Imam Abu Hanifa

1B: Introduction to the Author & Text

1C: Water (miya)

1D: The Ritual Ablution (wudu)

1E: The Ritual Bath (ghusl)

1F: The Dry Ablution (tayammum)

Lesson 2

2A: Wiping over Footgear (khuffayn)

2B: Wiping over Bandages (jaba’ir)

2C: Menstruation (hayd), Post-Natal Bleeding (nifas) & Irregular Bleeding (istihada)

Lesson 3

3A: Filth (najasa)

3B: Wells (abar)

3C: Leftover Water (as’ar)

3D: Cleaning after Relieving Oneself (istinja’)

Lesson 4

4A: Prayer Times (awqat al-salat)

4B: The Call to Prayer (adhan)

Lesson 5

5A: The Conditions (shara’it) of the Prayer

5B: The Integrals (arkan) of the Prayer

5C: The Necessary Actions (wajibat) of the Prayer

5D: The Sunna Actions of the Prayer

5E: The Proper Manners (adab) of the Prayer

5F: The Supplications (ad‘iya) of the Prayer

Lesson 6

6A: The Invalidators (mufsidat) of the Prayer

6B: The Disliked (makruhat) Actions of the Prayer

6C: The Permitted (mubah) Actions of the Prayer

6D: Breaking (qat‘) & Abandoning (tark) the Prayer

Lesson 7

7A: Praying on a Riding Mount (dabba)

7B: The Traveller’s Prayer (salat al-musafir)

7C: The Sick Person’s Prayer (salat al-marid)

7D: Being Absolved of the Obligation of Prayer & Lifting One’s Dues (isqat)

Lesson 8

8A: The Witr Prayer

8B: The Sunna Prayers

8C: The Night Prayers of Ramadan (salat al-tarawih)

8D: Prayer inside the Ka‘ba

Lesson 9

9A: The Makeup Prayer (qada’ al-fawa’it)

9B: The Congregational Prayer (salat al-jama‘a)

9C: The Prostration of Forgetfulness (sujud al-sahw)

Lesson 10

10A: The Prostration of Recitation (sajda al-tilawa)

10B: The Prostration of Gratitude (sajda al-shukr)

10C: The Friday Prayer (salat al-jumu‘a)

Lesson 11

11A: The ‘Eid Prayer

11B: The Eclipse Prayer (salat al-kusuf/al-khusuf)

11C: The Rain Prayer (salat al-istisqa’)

11D: The Prayer of Fear (salat al-khawf)

Lesson 12

12A: The Funeral Prayer (salat al-janaza)

12B: The Burial (al-dafan)

12C: The Rulings of Martyrs (shuhada’)

Lesson 13

13A: Fasting: Definition, Types & Intentions

13B: Sighting the Crescent (ru’yat al-hilal)

13C: Things that Invalidate the Fast (mufsidat al-sawm)

Lesson 14

14A: The Permitted & The Disliked (mubahat/makruhat)

14B: Exemptions (‘awarid) from Fasting

14C: The Spiritual Retreat (i‘tikaf)

Lesson 15

15: Zakat: Definition, Nisab & Calculation

Lesson 16

16A: Eligible Recipients of Zakat (masarif al-zakat)

16B:  Charity at the End of Ramadan (sadaqat al-fitr)

Lesson 17

17A: Hajj: Definition, Integrals & Necessary Acts

17B: The Conditions (shurut) which Obligate Hajj

Lesson 18

18: The State of Pilgrim Sanctity (ihram)

Lesson 19

19A: The Hajj Described: Arrival in Makka

19B: The Hajj Described: Days 8, 9 & 10 of Dhu’l Hijja

19C: The Hajj Described: Days 11, 12 & 13 of Dhu’l Hijja

Lesson 20

20: The Lesser Pilgrimage (‘umra)

Lesson 21

21A: Expiations for Ihram & Rite Violations (jinayat)

21B: Expiations for Hunting Violations (jinayat)

Lesson 22

22: The Ritual Sacrifice of ‘Eid al-Adha (udhiya/qurbani)

Lesson 23

23A: Ritually Slaughtered Animals (dhaba’ih)

23B: Animals unlawful for Consumption

Lesson 24

24: Hunting (sayd)

What You Will Learn:

• Understand slavehood to Allah Most High and why it is important
• Learn the rules of purification and prayer that you are likely to encounter in your daily life
• Memorize the most important rules of wudu and ghusl
• Memorize the most important rules of prayer
• Memorize the most important of fasting
  
• Memorize the most important of Zakat
  
• Memorize the most important of  Hajj
  
• Appreciate the rigor of the science of Sacred Law (fiqh)

Course Format: 24 downloadable classes and 3 live sessions

About the Course Text

This course is an explanation of Ascent to Felicity (Maraqi al-Sa‘adat) a concise primer on the rules of worship, slaughtering, sacrifice, and hunting according by a leading authority of the Hanafi school, Abul Ikhlas Hasan al-Shurunbulali (d. 1069 / ). The author is best known for his more detailed introduction to the rules of worship, Nur al-Idah, and its detailed commentary, Maraqi al-Falah, which are both an essential part of every traditional syllabus in Hanafi jurisprudence. Ustadh Tabaraze Azam comments on the back cover of the book’s translation that it is “an excellent primer in Islamic beliefs and worship. . . more useful as a first complete text for those seeking understanding of the fiqh of worship than the more commonly-studied Nur al-Idah.”

Introduction

Curricular Context

• This is a second-level course in Step One
• Before taking this course, take The Absolute Essentials of Islam (Hanafi) or The Absolute Essentials of Islam (Shafi‘i)
• Take this course before all courses in Step Two

Course Outline

• Appreciate the importance of the quality of godfearingness
• Memorize how to have godfearingness in dozens of everyday situations
• Improve your religious practice by keeping good company and making frequent repentance

•  The Absolute Essentials of Islam (Hanafi) or The Absolute Essentials of Islam (Shafi‘i)

Course Format: 12 downloadable lessons, 3 live sessions.

Introduction

Allah Most High says, “I have not created jinn-kind nor mankind for any purpose other than to worship Me.” (Qur’an, 51:56) Take this course to increase your knowledge of the questions that worshippers face in their purity, prayer, and fasting, all in light of a comprehensive textbook of Hanafi law that students have used for centuries. This is the first of three parts. This part focuses on the detailed rules of purification (tahara), discussing issues of both ritual and physical purity.

Curricular Context

• This is a Level Two elective course.
• Before taking this course, take The Absolute Essentials of Islam (Hanafi) and/or the Essentials of Worship courses

Course Outline

Lesson 1: Introduction the Hanafi school and the text

Lesson 2: Author's Opening & Types of Water

Lesson 3: Exercising One’s Judgement, Wells, and Cleaning the Private Parts of Filth (Istinja’)

Lesson 4: Integrals of Wudu and Opening Sunnas

Lesson 5:  Remaining Sunnas, Disliked Actions, and Legal categories of Wudu

Lesson 6: Nullifiers of Wudu

Lesson 7: The Major Ablution (Ghusl)

Lesson 8: Dry Ablution (Tayammum)

Lesson 9: Wiping Footgear and Casts; Basics of Menstruation

Lesson 10: Menstruation, Chronic Excuses, and Physical Impurity

Lesson 11: The Basis and Categories of Filth

Lesson 12:  Filth and Its Removal

Lesson 13: Introduction to Prayer and Its Times

Lesson 14: Disliked Times and the Adhan

Lesson 15: Obligations of the Prayer (1)

Lesson 16: Obligations of Prayer (2)

Lesson 17: Necessary Elements of the Prayer and Opening Sunnas

Lesson 18: Sunnas, Adab, and Description of Standing

Lesson 19: Completion of the Prayer and Conditions of Congregation

Lesson 20: Congregational Prayer

Lesson 21: Invocations after Prayer and Invalidators

Lesson 22: Additional Invalidators and Introduction to Disliked Acts

Lesson 23: Disliked Acts (1)

Lesson 24: Disliked Acts (2) and Breaking the Prayer

Lesson 25: Witr and Sunna Prayers

Lesson 26: Voluntary Prayers and Praying on Modes of Transport

Lesson 27:  Prayers in Exceptional Situations, Tarawih, and the Traveller

Lesson 28: Prayer of the Sick Person, Expiation, and Make-ups

Lesson 29: Catching the Congregation | The Forgetfulness Prostration

Lesson 30: Prostration of Recital and the Friday Prayer

Lesson 31: Sunnas of Friday; Eid and Eclipse Prayers

Lesson 32: Prayers for Rain, Fear, and Funerals

Lesson 33: Details on the Funeral Prayer, Carrying the Body, and Burial

Lesson 34: Visiting Graves, Martyrs, and Fasting

Lesson 35: Intention, Moon Sighting and Invalidators of the Fast

Lesson 36: Completion of Fasting and the Devotional Retreat (two segments; 3 h 30)

What You Will Learn:

• Understand slavehood to Allah Most High and why it is important
• Learn the rules of purification that are generally encountered
• Memorize the detailed rules of wudu and ghusl, tayammum, removing filth, and the basic rulings of menstruation.
• Learn the rules of prayer that are generally encountered
• Memorize the obligatory, necessary, and sunna  elements of prayer at a higher level of detail
• Learn the conditions, sunnas, and rulings of congregational prayer
• Memorize a list of nearly twelve dozen invalidating or disliked actions in the prayer.
• Appreciate the rigor of the science of Sacred Law (fiqh)
• Learn the details of prayer and fasting that are generally encountered
• Learn the rulings of witr and the sunna prayers
• Learn the rulings related to prayer when travelling or sick
• Learn the rulings related to the prostration of forgetfulness and the prostration of recital
• Memorize the conditions for the validity and obligation of the Friday, Eid prayers, as well as the conditions for the khutba.
• Learn the nullifiers of the fast and their practical consequences
• Learn about the rulings related to vows and devotional retreat
• Gain a grounding in the method and application of the Hanafi school

About the Course Text

This course is an explanation of Nur al-Idah (Light of Clarity), a detailed introduction to the rules of purity, prayer, and fasting authored by a leading authority of the Hanafi school, Abu’l-Ikhlas Hasan al-Shurunbulali (d. 1069 AH/ 1659 CE ). This text covers nearly every issue that arises in the course of these three acts of worship in a clear and comprehensive manner. It is for this reason that Nur al-Idah, along with its commentary Maraqi al-Falah, forms an essential part of nearly every traditional syllabus in Hanafi jurisprudence.

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"Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a similar reward"-- The Prophet (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him)

Introduction

Gain a deeper understanding of worship according to the Hanafi school of jurisprudence.

Course Outline 

Lesson 1 (Introduction to the Course and Purification)

• Lesson 1a - Introduction to Book and Author
• Lesson 1b - Author's Introduction
• Lesson 1c - Introduction to Purification & Wudu
• Lesson 1d - Sunnas of Wudu
• Lesson 1e - Nullifiers of Wudu

Lesson 2 (A Look at Water, Wells & Tayammum)

• Lesson 2a - Introduction to Water
• Lesson 2b - The Rulings on Well Water
• Lesson 2b - The Rulings on Well Water

Lesson 3 (The Ruling on Khuffs and an Introduction to Hayd)

• Lesson 3a - The Ruling on Khuffs
• Lesson 3b - Introduction to Hayd
• Lesson 3c - Continuation on Hayd

Lesson 4 (Continuation on Istihada, Nifas and the Definition of Najasa)

• Lesson 4a - Istihada
• Lesson 4b - Purification from Filth (Part 1)
• Lesson 4c - Purification from Filth (Part 2)

Lesson 5 (Review Session)

• Lesson 5a - Review of Purification
• Lesson 5b - Recommendations
• Lesson 5c - The Etiquette of Seekers

Lesson 6 (Introduction to Prayer)

• Lesson 6a - Introduction to the Prayer
• Lesson 6b - Prayer Times
• Lesson 6c - The Disliked Times for Prayer
• Lesson 6d - The Adhan for Prayer

Lesson 7 (The Conditions & Integrals of the Prayer)

• Lesson 7a - The Conditions of Prayer (Part 1)
• Lesson 7b - The Conditions of Prayer (Part 2)
• Lesson 7c - The Integrals of the Prayer

Lesson 8 (The Description of the Prayer)

• Lesson 8a - Description of the Prayer (Part 1)
• Lesson 8b - Description of the Prayer (Part 2)
• Lesson 8c - The Witr Prayer

Lesson 9 (Congregating for Prayer)

• Lesson 9a - On Prayer Recitation
• Lesson 9b - Congregation for Prayer (Part 1)
• Lesson 9c - Congregation for Prayer (Part 2)

Lesson 10 (Actions to Avoid in Prayer & Supererogatory Prayers)

• Lesson 10a - Disliked Actions in Prayer
• Lesson 10b - Actions Which Invalidate the Prayer
• Lesson 10c - Missed Prayers
• Lesson 10d - Sunna & Nafl Prayers

Lesson 11 (Forgetfulness in Prayer and the Tarawih Prayer)

• Lesson 11a - The Tarawih Prayer
• Lesson 11b - The Forgetfulness Prostration
• Lesson 11c - Forgetting in Prayer

Lesson 12 (Prayer of the Sick, the Traveller, & the Prostration for Recital)

• Lesson 12a - Prostration for Recital
• Lesson 12b - Prayer of the Sick
• Lesson 12c - Prayer of the Traveller

Lesson 13 (The Friday Prayer & the Eid Prayer)

• Lesson 13a - The Friday Prayer
• Lesson 13b - The Eid Prayer

Lesson 14 (The Fear Prayer and Prayer at the Kaaba)

• Lesson 14a - The Fear Prayer
• Lesson 14b - Prayer at the Kaaba

Lesson 15 (Regarding the Funeral Prayer and Burial Practices)

• Lesson 15a - Funerary Practices
• Lesson 15b - The Funeral Prayer
• Lesson 15c - The Burial

Lesson 16 (Introduction to Zakat)

• Lesson 16 - Introduction to Zakat

Lesson 17 (The Rulings on Mining)

• Lesson 17a - Gold & Produce
• Lesson 17b - Mining & Treasures

Lesson 18 On Giving Zakat

• Lesson 18a - Outlets for Zakat
• Lesson 18b - Zakat al-Fitr

Lesson 19 Introduction to Fasting

• Lesson 19a - Introduction to Fasting
• Lesson 19b - Moonsighting

Lesson 20 Invalidating One's Fast & Excuses for not Fasting; A Brief Look at I`tikaf

• Lesson 20a - Invalidating the Fast
• Lesson 20b - Excuses for not Fasting
• Lesson 20c - I`tikaf

Lesson 21 Journey of a Lifetime: Hajj (Part 1)

• Lesson 21a - The Duty of Hajj
• Lesson 21b - Entering Ihram
• Lesson 21c - Entering Mecca

Lesson 22 Journey of a Lifetime: Hajj (Part 2)

• Lesson 22a - Safa and Marwa
• Lesson 22b - Obligatory Tawaf
• Lesson 22c - A Brief Look at Umra

Lesson 23 Journey of a Lifetime: Hajj (Part 3)

• Lesson 23a - Tamattu
• Lesson 23b - Qiran
• Lesson 23c - Contraventions (Principles)

Lesson 24 Journey of a Lifetime: Hajj (Part 4)

• Lesson 24a - Contraventions (Rulings)
• Lesson 24b - Hunting Contraventions
• Lesson 24c - Preventatives from Hajj

What You Will Learn:

• Water, wells, and dry ablution
• Menstruation, bleeding, their types and rulings
• Prayer, its integrals and conditions
• Prayer in congregation and supererogatory prayer
• Actions to avoid in prayer, forgetfulness, tarawih
• The prayer of the sick and the traveller
• The Friday and Eid prayers, the prayer of fear, and prayer at the Ka’ba
• The funeral prayer and burial practices
• Zakat and its rulings
• Fasting and its rulings
• The Hajj and its rulings

Course Format: 24  downloadable lessons, a monthly live session.

About the Course Text

This is the first course in the Islamic Law (Hanafi) for Seekers series. The students will gain a necessary and detailed understanding of Islamic Jurisprudence (fiqh) related to the acts of worship, i.e. prayer, zakat, fasting, and the pilgrimage. The course is based on Imam al-Mawsuli’s great primer on Hanafi fiqh, al-Mukhtar, and its commentary, al-Ikhtiyar li-Ta’lil Masa’il al-Mukhtar. This expansive course will cover all the chapters on worship in al-Mukhtar. This intensive course serves to provide a proper understanding of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) of worship within the Hanafī school based on Imam Mawsuli’s al-Mukhtar. Imam Mawsuli’s influential book is one of the four relied upon primers of the Hanafi school of law, which summarize the original positions of the founder of the school: Imam Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy on him, and the transmitted position of the madhhab. This course is intended for seekers of knowledge and is an excellent preparation for the study of more advanced texts in jurisprudence such as Imam al-Marghiyani’s al-Hidaya. An English translation of al-Mukhtar will be provided, along with the full Arabic text of Imam Mawsuli’s own commentary: al-Ikhtiyar li-Ta’lil Masa’il al-Mukhtar. Imam Mawsuli’s commentary focuses on the differences of opinion within the Hanafi School and the legal discussion between Imam Abu Hanifa and his two students. The English lessons are based on al-Ikhtiyar and other leading Hanafi works. Imam Abdullah bin Mahmud bin Mawdud al-Mawsuli al-Hanafi (599-683AH) was born in Mosul in Northern Iraq and studied Hanafi fiqh — among others — with Imam al-Hasidi in Damascus. He was known as the most distinguished Hanafi scholar of his age. He was a judge (qadi) in Kufa and later taught at the mosque of Imam Abu Hanifa in Baghdad, where he is also buried.

Introduction

Imam Quduri’s full primer (matn) in Islamic law is so famous, that it is simply referred to as “The Book” (al-Kitab). For 1,000 years, it has served as the starting point for a full study of the science of Fiqh.

In this course, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani covers the chapters on Marriage and Divorce, relying on the great classical commentaries—including Maydani’s Lubab—and major reference works of the Hanafi School.

Curricular Context

• This is a level two  course 
• Before taking this course, take The Absolute Essentials of Islam (Hanafi) and On Worship (Purification, Prayer, Fasting, Zakat, and Hajj): Shurunbulali’s Ascent to Felicity
• Take this course before all courses in Level Three

Course Outline

LESSON 1: Introduction to the Text and Subject

LESSON 2: The Marriage Contract, Marrying Non-Muslims, and the Guardian (Wakil)

LESSON 3: Worldly Suitability (Kafa'a), Conditions of Marriage and Defects

LESSON 4: Religious Conversion Within Marriage

LESSON 5: Completion of Marriage | Nursing

LESSON 6: Divorce 

LESSON 7: Completion of Divorce

LESSON 8: Taking Back One's Wife | Foreswearing One's Wife (Ila')

LESSON 9: Zihar and Mutual Imprecation (Li`an)

LESSON 10: The Waiting Period

LESSON 11: The Waiting Period and Providing for Family

LESSON 12: Providing for Family and Child Custody

What You Will Learn:

• The wisdom and purpose of these legal rulings;
  
• The practical implementation, with excellence, of Divine Guidance;
• How legal reasoning works, to give a better understanding of “how Fiqh works;” and
• The method of the Hanafi School.

Course Format: 23 downloadable lessons, plus live sessions.

About the Course Text

Introduction

Gain an in-depth understanding of commercial transactions and  Personal Law according to the Hanafi school of jurisprudence.

The students will gain a necessary and detailed understanding of Islamic Jurisprudence (fiqh) related to the personal law (i.e. marriage, divorce, and related matters) and commercial transactions, including sales, leasing, or hire. The course is based on Imam al-Mawsuli’s great primer on Hanafi fiqh, al-Mukhtar, and its commentary, al-Ikhtiyar li-Ta’lil Masa’il al-Mukhtar. This expansive course will cover all the chapters on personal law and commercial transactions in al-Mukhtar. [Below fold] This course serves to provide a proper understanding of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) of personal law and commercial transactions. 

What You Will Learn:

• Sales, recession, contracts, and rulings
• Interdicted, trust, and forward sales
• Interest rulings and monetary exchange
• The corrupt hire, collateral, division, and judgeship
• Coercion, claims and acknowledgments
• Witnessing, agency, and guarantees
• Marriage: Its rulings, pillars, and conditions
• The contract, the guardian, suitability, and the dowry
• Marriage to non-Muslims
• The types of divorce and their rulings
• The waiting period after divorce and establishing lineage
• Expenses/provision and custody

Course Requirements:

• Knowledge of Arabic would help but is not required. Previous study of fiqh is highly recommended but again not a requirement.

About the Course Text

This course is based upon Imam Mawsuli’s al-Mukhtar. Imam Mawsuli’s influential book is one of the four relied upon primers of the Hanafi school of law, which summarizes the original positions of the founder of the school: Imam Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy on him, and the transmitted position of the madhhab. This course is intended for seekers of knowledge and is excellent preparation for the study of more advanced texts in jurisprudence such as Imam al-Marghiyani’s al-Hidaya. An English translation of al-Mukhtar will be provided, along with the full Arabic text of Imam Mawsuli’s own commentary: al-Ikhtiyar li-Ta’lil Masa’il al-Mukhtar. This commentary explains the legal reasoning underlying the issues and rulings in al-Mukhtar. Imam Mawsuli’s commentary focuses on the differences of opinion within the Hanafi School and the legal discussion between Imam Abu Hanifa and his two students. Imam Abdullah bin Mahmud bin Mawdud al-Mawsuli al-Hanafi (599-683 AH) was born in Mousul in Northern Iraq and studied Hanafi fiqh — among others — with Imam al-Hasidi in Damascus. He was known as the most distinguished Hanafi scholar of his age. He was a judge (qadi) in Kufa and later taught at the mosque of Imam Abu Hanifa in Baghdad, where he is also buried.

Executive Summary

In this course, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani covers the legal rulings related to trade and transactions according to the Hanafi school. This course serves to provide a proper understanding of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) of commercial law.

Introduction

Allah Most High says, “I have not created jinn-kind nor mankind for any purpose other than to worship Me.” (Qur’an, 51:56) Take this course to get comprehensive and knowledge-based answers to all of the questions that you are likely to face in your worship Allah Most High, all in light of a formal textbook of in Shafi‘i law that students like you have used for centuries. This course focuses on the detailed Rules of Purification, Prayer, Rules of Funeral rites, Zakat, Fasting, Spiritual retreat (‘itikaf), Pilgrimage (Hajj), Trade, and Marriage. This course is taught according to the Shafi‘i school. If you would like to learn it according to the Hanafi school, take this course instead.

Curricular Context

• This is a second-level course in Step One

• Before taking this course, take The Absolute Essentials of Islam (Shafi‘i)

• Take this course (or its Hanafi equivalent) before all courses in Step Two

Course Requirements:  Absolute Essentials (Shafi'i) 

Course Outline

INTRODUCTORY LESSON

• Biography of Imam Shafi’i

Lesson 1 -   Introduction

• Biography of Imam Abdullah Ba Fadl

• The Text: Al Mukhtasar al Saghir

• Author’s Introduction

• Wudu – Integrals

• Wudu – Sunnas

• Wudu – Nullifiers

• Wiping over the Khuffs

• What is prohibited in ritual impurity

Lesson 2 - Purification 

• Etiquettes of relieving oneself

• Cleaning oneself – al Istinja’

• Ghusl – Reasons

• Ghusl – Integrals

• Ghusl – Sunan

• Conditions of purification from ritual impurity

Lesson 3 - Impurities 

• Water and Impurities

• Impurities

• That which can be purified and that which cannot be purified

Lesson 4 - Tayammum 

• Tayammum – Integrals

• Tayammum – Conditions

• Tayammum – Wounds and bandages

Lesson 5 - Women's Purification 

• Menstruation

• Lochia

• Istihada

• Prohibitions during Menstruation and Lochia

Lesson 6 - Prayer Times  

• Prayer – Times of prayer

• Prayer – Prohibited times

Lesson 7 - Prayers, Rules and Conditions 

• Prayer – Obligation to pray

• Prayer – Conditions

• Prayer – Excused Impurities

Lesson 8 - Prayers Sunnan

• Prayer – Integrals

• Prayer – Sunan

Lesson 9 - Prayer Nullifiers

• Prayer – Nullifiers

Lesson 10 - The Prostration of Forgetfulness & Recitation

• The Prostration of Forgetfulness

• The Prostration of Recitation

Lesson 11 - Prayers

• Those whom it is invalid to pray behind (The Imam)

• Conditions of the congregational prayer

• The Traveller’s prayer

Lesson 12 - Jumuah prayer

• The Friday Prayer – The Obligation to Attend

• The Friday Prayer – Conditions

• The Friday Prayer – Integrals of the Sermons

• The Friday Prayer – Conditions of the Sermons

Lesson 13 - Funeral Rites:

• Washing

• Shrouding

• The Funeral Prayer

• Burial

Lesson 14 - Zakat:

• Conditions

• Types of Wealth that Zakat is due upon

• Zakat on Livestock, Agriculture, Gold and Silver, Mines, Buried Treasure, Trade Goods

Lesson 15 - Zakat al Fitr:

• Conditions

• Times

• Amount

• Deserving Recipients

Lesson 16 - Fasting:

• Sighting the Moon

• Integrals

• Prohibited Days

• Conditions for fasting to be obligatory

Lesson 17 - Fasting:

• Nullifiers

• Exemptions

Lesson 18 - I’tikaf

• Conditions

• Integrals

• Nullifiers

Lesson 19 - Hajj and Umrah:

• Those whom it is obligatory upon

• Integrals of Hajj

• Necessary acts of Hajj

• Departing from Mina

• Integrals of Umrah

• Conditions and Integrals of the Tawaf

• Conditions and Integrals of the Sa’i

• Exiting from Ihram

Lesson 20 - Hajj and Umrah:

• Prohibitions during Ihram

Lesson 21 - Buying and Selling:

• Conditions and Integrals

Lesson 22 - Riba (interest):

• Interest factors and Conditions

Lesson 23 - Cancellation of sales transactions:

• Types of Cancellations

• Defective Goods

• Prohibited Sales

Lesson 24 - Marriage and Divorce:

• Marriage: Conditions, Integrals, Sunnas

• Divorce: Integrals and Types

• Waiting Periods (‘Idda): Types, Duration, Prohibitions

What You'll Learn

• Understand slavehood to Allah Most High and why it is important

• Learn the rules of purification and prayer that you are likely to encounter in your daily life

• Memorize the most important rules of wudu and ghusl

• Memorize the most important rules of prayer

• Memorize the most important rules of zakat

• Memorize the most important rules of fasting

• Memorize the most important rules of Hajj

• Memorize the most important rules of contracts

• Appreciate the rigor of the science of Sacred Law (fiqh)

About the Course Text

The course is a detailed explanation of al-Mukhtasar al-Saghir (“Short Abridgment”), a summary of the rules of purification, prayer, fasting, zakat, and hajj, according to the Shafi‘i school, along with a brief introduction to the rules of trade, marriage, and divorce.  The book was authored by the great Yemeni Shaykh Abdullah Ba Fadl (d. 918 A.H. / 1512 C.E.), whose works have been taught for centuries in traditional institutions of learning all over the world. A downloadable translation of the text is provided as part of the course materials.

Introduction

“Whoever travels a path to seek knowledge, Allah thereby facilitates for him a path to Paradise.” (Muslim) This course is the first step in your pursuit of religious knowledge. It explains what your religion is, what you must know about it, and how you should learn it. This course is taught according to the Shafi‘i school. If you would like to learn it according to the Hanafi school, take this course instead.

Curricular Context

• Start here to complete STEP 1.
• This course has no prerequisites.

Course Outline

• LESSON 1: Introduction to the Text
• LESSON 2: Explanation of Faith & Beliefs
• LESSON 3: Explanation of Submission & Islamic Jurisprudence
• LESSON 4: The Different Types of Bleeding for Women
• LESSON 5: Conditions, Integrals & Sunnah of the Prayer
• LESSON 6: Inner Dimensions & Nullifiers of the Prayer
• LESSON 7: The Friday Prayer & Supererogatory Prayers
• LESSON 8: Fasting
• LESSON 9: Zakat
• LESSON 10: Hajj & Umrah
• LESSON 11: Purification of the Heart (Part 1)
• LESSON 12: Purification of the Heart (Part 2)

What You Will Learn:

• Memorize the Hadith of Jibreel (upon him be peace)
• Understand how to seek religious knowledge
• Learn the basics of Islamic belief
• Learn the basic rules of wudu, ghusl, and prayer
• Learn the basic rules of fasting and zakat
• Learn how worship Allah Most High with sincerity

Course Requirements:

• Students are encouraged to get a copy of The Essential of Islam by Ahmad bin Zayn al Habashi, Trans. Abdul Aziz Ahmed, published by Islamic Village (al-Risalat al-Jamiah)

Course Format: 12 downloadable lessons, 3 live sessions.

About the Course Text

The course is a detailed explanation of al-Risala al-Jami ‘ah wa al-Tadhkira al-Nafi‘ah (“The Comprehensive Epistle and Beneficial Reminder”), a concise manual of basic religious knowledge by the great religious scholar and spiritual guide of Hadhramaut, al-Habib Ahmad ibn Zayn al-Habshi (d. 1132 A.H. / 1720 C.E.). For hundreds of years, this book has been taught in traditional institutions of learning all over the world as the first step in students’ religious education. The author was a descendant of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and a close students of the great sage of Arabia, al-Habib ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Alawi al-Haddad. A downloadable translation of the text is provided as part of the course materials.

Introduction

Curricular Context

• This is a second-level course in Step One.
• Before taking this course, take The Absolute Essentials of Islam (Hanafi) or The Absolute Essentials of Islam (Shafi‘i)
• Take this course before all courses in Step Two. 

Course Outline

• LESSON 1
• 1. The Fruits and Meanings of Taqwa
• 2. The Hadith of Jibril and Introduction to Halal and Haram
• LESSON 2
• 1. History of the Shafi‘i School
• 2. Using the Lavatory
• 3. Halal and Haram Foods
• LESSON 3
• 1. Etiquette of Eating
• LESSON 4
• 1. Guests and Hosting Part 1
• 2. Guests and Hosting Part 2
• LESSON 5
• 1. Interacting with the Opposite Gender
• 2. Clothing
• LESSON 6
• 1. Commanding the Right and Forbidding the Wrong
• LESSON 7
• 1. Family Relations
• LESSON 8
• 1. Backbiting
• LESSON 9
• 1. Talebearing, Lying,
• 2. Breaking Promises, Excessive Joking, and Mocking Others
• LESSON 10
• 1. Conditions of a Valid Business Transaction
• LESSON 11
• 1. Investing, Borrowing, and Insurance
• LESSON 12
• 1. Marriage and Divorce

What You Will Learn:
• Appreciate the importance of the quality of godfearingness
• Memorize how to have godfearingness in dozens of everyday situations
• Improve your religious practice by keeping good company and making frequent repentance

Course Requirements:
• The Absolute Essentials of Islam (Hanafi) or The Absolute Essentials of Islam (Shafi‘i)

Introduction

This course will cover the details of financial transactions, inheritance, marriage, divorce, child custody, injurious crimes, fixed Sharia punishments, hunting and halal slaughtering of animals, oaths and vows, and court proceedings according to the Shafi’i School of Islamic jurisprudence.  It will cover the who can undertake a financial contract, what can be sold, and various details of a wide number of contracts like hiring, agency, companies, and investments. The course also goes over the various shares in inheritance, its conditions and execution, and other related matters. There will also be some detail on polygamy, the Islamic juristic and political structure, and jus ad bellum and jus in bello.

Curricular Context

• Before taking this course, take the Essentials of Worship (Shafi'i): Ba Fadl's The Short Abridgement Explained

• Take this course before all courses in Level Three.

Course Outline

• The technical side of the vast majority of financial and familial relations that a Muslim will get involved in his/her life.
• the various types of sale, how “interest” can be avoided in sales and currency exchange, the various forms of cancelling a sales contract, forward sales, and debt transfers.
•  The concept of financial liability and legal liability it discussed along with various forms of investing money in a halal way.
• Other key topics include charitable engagements, and who should get married, and how it should be done from beginning to end.
•  The details of the shares inherited from one family members are explained, those one inherits from and those one does not, and how the shares can vary based on the combinations of living heirs.

• How an Islamic marriage is terminated, and what the financial obligations are towards one’s family members.

• How Islam joins between the spirit and the letter of the Sacred Law

• How Islam promotes law and order

• How flexible Sharia law can be

• What valid oaths and vows are

• How Islamic law fits into the current political climate

About the Course Text

Introduction

• • Complete level One before taking this course
  • Take this course before taking the second part of this course.

Course Outline

• Describe the historical development of the Shafi‘i school
• Learn the rules of purification, prayer, clothing, funeral rites, fasting, zakat, and Hajj
• Memorize the definitions of key terms related to the rules of purification, prayer, clothing, funeral rites, fasting, zakat, and Hajj
• Appreciate the depth of the Muslim scholarly tradition

About the Course Text

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Introduction

Curricular Context

• This is a first-level course in Step Two

• Complete Step One before taking this course

• Explain what Islamic legal theory is and why it needs to be studied
• Learn how to interpret the Qur’an and Sunna
• Memorize the definitions of key terms in the science of Islamic legal theory
• Appreciate the depth of scholarship of all four Sunni schools of Islamic jurisprudence
• Apply the techniques of Islamic legal theory to gain clarity on contemporary religious debates about literalism, ijtahad and taqlid, and bid‘a

About the Course Text

This course is a contemporary explanation of al-Waraqat, a primer on Islamic legal theory (usul al-fiqh) by Imam al-Haramayn al-Juwayni (d. 478 A.H. / 1085 C.E.). Imam al-Juwayni was an imam (i.e., someone who is taken as an exemplar) of the Islamic sciences in the fullest sense of the word: he authored multi-volume seminal works in Shafi‘i jurisprudence, Islamic theology, and Islamic legal theory, that became the basis for all future work in each science. His al-Waraqat is a short work that brings his vast scholarship in the science of Islamic legal theory down to the level of an absolute beginner. Ever since it was written almost a thousand years ago, students of the Shafi‘i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools have successfully used it to begin their study of Islamic legal theory. A translation of the course text is provided as part of the course materials.

Level: Two

Instructor: Shaykh Muhammad Carr

Course Overview

This thought-provoking and insightful intermediate (Level Two) course in Islamic Legal Theory is for anyone seeking to gain an appreciation of how Islamic Law works.

Imam Juwayni, author of the Waarqat was an imam (i.e., someone who is taken as an exemplar) of the Islamic sciences in the fullest sense of the word: he authored multi-volume seminal works in Shafi‘i jurisprudence, Islamic theology, and Islamic legal theory.

The main benefit of this course is to illustrate how Islamic law is derived from its sources and equip you with the tools required to extrapolate law from the Qur’an and sunna.

The course sets a foundation and framework for further studies in Usul (Islamic legal Theory) .

By taking this course, students will be able to locate traditional fiqh within the Qur’an and sunna and also deal with differences in society in a more cohesive manner.

About the Author

The Waraqat, a primer on Islamic legal theory (Usul al-fiqh) by Imam Juwayni (d. 478 A.H. / 1085 C.E.), is an important text that covers the integrals of Islamic legal theory namely: sources of Islamic Law, types of speech, modes of extrapolation, and the condition of the extrapolator in terms of being an original thinker or otherwise.

The text is significant due to the author and the prominence that Allah has afforded it. Imam Juwayni was an imam (i.e., someone who is taken as an exemplar) of the Islamic sciences in the fullest sense of the word. His Waraqat is a short work that brings his vast scholarship in the science of Islamic legal theory down to the level of an absolute beginner. Ever since it was written almost a thousand years ago, students of the Shafi‘i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools have successfully used it to begin their study of Islamic legal theory.

The Waraqat is taught in light of the renowned sharh (explanatory notes) provided by Jalal al-din al-Mahalli. The more extensive sharh by Ibn al-Firkah was also consulted as part of the preparation for this course.

About the Text

This book is authored by Imam Haramayn Abd al Malik b. Abd Allah b. Yusuf al Juwayni (419 A.H. - 478 A.H.). Imam Juwayni authored a great many works. In fiqh, he penned the Nihayat al-matlab regarding which Imam Subki said: The like of it has not been authored in Islam for the madhab. The Nihaya became the source for all consequent literature in the shafi’i school of thought. He also authored the Ghiyathi which is one of his major contributions.

Imam Subki described him as an ocean of knowledge, meticulous and erudite scholar, legal theorist, and theologian of repute. It is really his grace to distill from his vast scholarship, this beginner treatise for us to benefit from and access this noble science.

Imam Juwayni was well known for his contribution to Islamic theology, jurisprudence, and politics. Ibn Salah quotes a person that has seen Imam Juwayni as saying: The eyes of a person have not seen the likes of Imam al-Haramayn .

Who is This Course For?

• This course is for students of the Islamic sciences. It is particularly beneficial for students wanting to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Islamic Law

• It is a level 2 course and a student must have finished all the level one courses.

• This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in learning more about how Islamic Law works and those wishing to pave a career in fiqh.

Study Effort

• 3 hours weekly which includes preparation and consolidation of lessons.

• 30 Minutes for quizzes.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain what Islamic legal theory is and why it needs to be studied

• Learn how to interpret the Qur’an and Sunna

• Memorize the definitions of key terms in the science of Islamic legal theory

• Appreciate the depth of scholarship of Islamic jurisprudence

• Apply the techniques of Islamic legal theory to gain clarity on contemporary religious debates about literalism, ijtihad and taqlid.

Course Outline 

Lesson 1 -   Introduction

• Definition and analysis of the term usul al- fiqh and its various applications
  

Lesson 02 - Types of Rulings

• Definition of the term hukm, The types of ahkam and their relevant legal weight. 
  

Lesson 3 - Terminology

• This lesson covers the concept fiqh juxtapositioned to ilm as well as terminology relating to Islamic epistemology. 
  

Lesson 4 -  Literal and Metaphorical Speech

• This lesson covers the types of speech in terms of haqiqa and majaz: literal and metaphorical. 

Lesson 5 - The Command 

• This lesson covers the command verb and its legal implications 

Lesson 6 - The Command-Related Issues

• This lesson covers whether a command verb necessitates immediacy and repetition or not
  

Lesson 7 - Who Falls under the Ambit of the Command and Prohibition  

• This lesson covers the conditions that make a person morally responsible  
  

Lesson 8 - The Prohibition

• This lesson covers the prohibition verb and its legal implications
  

Lesson 9 - Aam Generality

• This lesson covers the definition of the concept aam and its instruments
  

Lesson 10 - Khas Specification and the specified 

• This lesson covers the definition of khas and its application  
  

Lesson 11 - Takhsis Remotely

• This lesson covers how a  general concept is particularised.

Lesson 12 - Mujmal 

• This lesson covers types of words like mujmal and mubayyan as well as nass and zahir

Lesson 13 - Af-al Actions

• This lesson covers the actions of the prophet (May Allah grant him peace) and their legal weight 

Lesson 14 -  Naskh Abrogation 

• This lesson covers the concept of abrogation: its definition and application

Lesson 15 - Reconciling between Apparent Differences

• This lesson covers case studies of apparently contradictory texts and how they should be reconciled

Lesson 16 -  Ijma 

• This lesson covers the concept of ijma: definition, types, and legal weight 

Lesson 17 - Akhbar Sunna

• This lesson covers the definition of khabar and the types of akhbar

Lesson 18 -Qiyas

•  This lesson covers qiyas and with all of their integrals

Lesson 19 - Default Ruling

• This lesson covers the default ruling in terms of permissibility or otherwise

Lesson 20- Apparently Contradictory Proofs

• This lesson covers how to deal with apparently contradictory proofs and how to navigate these texts. 

Lesson 21  - Mufti and Mustafti

• This lesson covers the default ruling in terms of permissibility or otherwise

Lesson 22  - Ijtihad and Taqlid

• This lesson covers the definition of ijtihad and taqlid respectively and the rules and regulations relating to both. 
  

About the Instructor

Shaykh Muhammad Carr has dedicated his life to studying and transmitting our beautiful deen. His studies have taken him around the globe, where he has benefitted from many luminaries. Under the guidance of his teachers - Shaykh Taha Karan, Shaykh Yaseen Abbas, Shaykh Muadh Ali and many others - Shaykh Muhammad has grown to appreciate the beauty and benefits of diverse scholarship. He completed his memorization of the Qur’an at Dar al-Ulum Zakariyyah in September 1997 and received an Alimiyya Degree in 2006 from DUAI (Darul Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah). He is also affiliated with Masjid Auwal in Bo Kaap, Cape Town (the oldest mosque in South Africa), where he serves as a co-imam, and Dar Al-Safa, where he has taught since 2018. As a teacher, he imparts the wisdom of our heritage and tradition by opening the door for students. As an imam, he has the unique opportunity to serve his community in daily life. He continues to pursue traditional Islamic Sciences, possessing a keen interest in Islamic Contract Law and Finance.

Introduction

Curricular Context

• This is a level three course
• Complete all four parts of Introduction to Sacred Law (Shafi‘i) before taking this course
• Reading fluency in Arabic is a prerequisite for taking this course

Course Outline

What You Will Learn

• Develop the skill of reading the mutun, shuruh, and hawashi of the Muslim scholarly tradition
• Deepen your understanding of traditional sacred law according to the Shafi‘i school
• Learn the detailed rulings of water, tanning, containers, wudu, using the bathroom, ghusl, wiping over khuffs, tayammum, wudu with bandages and casts, najasa, and menstruation
• The rules, conditions, integrals, invalidators of the prayer, along with many other types of prayer
  
• The rules, conditions, integrals, invalidators of the zakat, fasting and Hajj.
  
• Learn how to apply traditional sacred law to modern situations

About the Course Text

Matn Abi Shuja‘ is the most popular primer for students of the Shafi‘i school. Its importance can be measured by the dozens of commentaries and glosses that have been written on it over the centuries since it was written. This course is a contemporary explanation of its most commonly-studied commentary, Fath al-Qarib al-Mujib by Shaykh Muhammad b. Qasim al-Ghazzi (d. 918 AH / 1512 CE). Shaykh Muhammad b. Qasim al-Ghazzi was a late scholar of the Shafi‘i school who lived and taught in Egypt. His teachers included the great Shaykh al-Islam Zakariyya al-Ansari, who was the teacher the major authorities of the Shafi‘i school. Fath al-Qarib (or Sharh Ibn Qasim, as it is popularly known) is an integral part of Shafi‘i curricula worldwide. It is particularly important because it was the subject of a hashiya (gloss) by the rector of al-Azhar in his time, Shaykh Ibrahim al-Bajuri (1276 AH / 1860 CE), may Allah Most High have mercy on him, which is one of the most important books in the Shafi‘i school.