Course: RIS 322: INTRODUCTION TO ISLAMIC THEOLOGY (2 Credits/Compulsory)

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1 Course: RIS 322: INTRODUCTION TO ISLAMIC THEOLOGY (2 Credits/Compulsory) Lecturer: ADEBAYO, Rafiu Ibrahim B.A. (Ed.) Islamic Studies (Ilorin), M.A., Islamic Studies (Ilorin) Ph.D Islamic Studies (Ilorin) Department of Religions, Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin, Ilorin. Nigeria. Office Location: Department of Religions, Faculty of Arts Complex Consultation Hours: Mondays 10:00am 1 2:00 pm Course Content: The development of religious sects in Islam. The growth of sects in Islam. Controversies on God s decree vis-à-vis man s responsibilities. Qadariyyah versus Jabriyyah views. The theological arguments of the Mu tazilah. Supremacy of ahlu s Sunnah. The growth of Scholasticism in Islam. Course The course is designed to introduce students of Islamic Studies to the various Muslim sects that emanated after the death of the Prophet. The emergence of these sects became unavoidable at that particular time due to the situation on ground then. Amazingly, the Holy Qur an and sayings of the Prophet are the reference points to drive home their doctrinal convictions. This course will therefore delve into the factors that were responsible for the emergence of sects in Islam and the theological doctrines of those sects. Course Justification: Men are not equally endowed. They are rather influenced by their environment, level of their understanding and some other factors. Some might be said to come to limelight through mischievous means to deliberately cause confusion in the Ummah. Students of Islamic Studies therefore need to be equipped with the theological doctrines of those sects for them to be abreast

2 of why certain doctrines are upheld and for them to appreciate the spirit of rationalism amongst the Muslim ummah. Islamic Studies as a discipline has many branches ranging from the Qur an, Hadith, Fiqh, Sirah, to Falsafah and Sufism. Ilm al-kalam (Islamic Theology) is also an aspect of these branches. It therefore becomes essential that students of Islamic Studies be exposed to this course for them to have a balance knowledge of this aspect of the discipline as well. Course Objectives: The general objective of the course as an integral part of the B.A/B.A (Ed) Islamic Studies is to provide the students with the basic knowledge of the theological principles of some salient sects in Islam. The objectives of this course therefore are: *identify some major sects in Islam; *explain the theological principles of some of the sects; *describe the reasons for the emergence of sects in Islam; *explain the historical background of each of the sects; * give in the impacts of the theological doctrines of the sects on the Ummah. Course Requirements: *It is compulsory for students of Islamic Studies to undertake this course. In view of this, students are expected to participate in all the course activities and have minimum of 75% attendance to be able to write an examination. *They will also be expected to treat the study questions and assignments. *Students are also expected to be computer literate for them to have access to relevant information on the course. Methods of Grading: No. Item Score % 1 Class attendance 10 2 Class assignments/test 20 3 Comprehensive final examination 70 Total 100 Course Delivery Strategies:

3 The lecture will be delivered through face-to-face method, lecture method, while students will be actively involved in the lecture. In addition, students will be encouraged and required to read around the topics. Students will be directed to visit some websites where information on the topics in the course could be retrieved. The delivery strategies will also be supported by tutorial sessions and review of study questions. Amin, A. (1975), Fajrul Islam; Cairo, Maktabatun-Nahdah Al-Misriyyah. Bril, E.J. (ed) (1993), Encyclopaedia of Islam. Leiden, New York. Haykal, M.H. (1982), The Life of Muhammad, Lagos, Academy Press Ltd. Lectures: Week 1: The Meaning of Ilm al-kalam (Islamic Theology) Objective: The students should be able to define the term ilm al-kalam. The course outline will be introduced with emphasis on the objectives and delivery strategies. Then the definition of ilm alkalam as the science of exercising or displaying one s mental capability shall be explained to the students. 1. What is ilm al-kalam? 2. Why is it essential for students of Islamic Studies to be exposed to Islamic Theology as a course of study? Gibb, H.A.R & Kramers, J.H. (1981), Shorter Encyclopaedia of Islam; Karachi, South Asian Publishers. p.212. Hughes, T. P. (1985), A Dictionary of Islam. Lahore, The Book House Publishers and Book sellers. P Week 2: The Development of Islamic Theology

4 Objective: The objective of this topic is for the students to be able to trace the development of Islamic Theology in Islamic history. This topic will expose the students to the imminence of theological differences after the death of the Prophet up to the death of the third Rightly Guided caliph Uthman ibn Affan. 1. When did Islamic theology emerge in Islam? 2. The death of the culminated in the development of Islamic theology. Do you agree? 3. The death of Uthman ibn Affan culminated in the emergence of sects in Islam. Discuss. Rahim, A. (1983), Islamic History. Lagos, Islamic Publications Bureau. Lewis, B et.al (eds) (1971), The Encyclopaedia of Islam, London, The International Union of Academics. P Week 3: Factors responsible for the emergence of sects in Islam. Objective: The students should be able to identify some factors that were responsible for the emergence of sects in Islam. Some of the factors that were responsible for the emergence of sects in Islam shall be discussed. Such are: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) Leadership tussle Exercise of analogical deduction Multiple interpretation of some Qur anic verses and prophetic traditions Cultural and doctrinal interference Tribal or racial discrimination Problem of hadith fabrication. Study Question: 1. Discuss the factors responsible for the emergence of sects in Islam.

5 Historical Origin and doctrines of the early Muslim sects. Ilorin, Taofiqullahi Publishing House. Pp Week 4: The Khawarij and their doctrinal doctrines Objective: At the end of the lecture, the students should be able to trace the historical origin of the Khawarij in Islam and their doctrinal principles. The reaction of Mu awiyyah to the death of Uthman ibn Affan and the counter reaction of Ali ibn Abi Talib at the battle of Siffin consequently led to the emergence of the Khawarij in Islam. This as well as the doctrinal principles of the Shi ah shall be discussed. Study Question: 1. Discuss the circumstance that led to the emergence of the Khawarij in Islam. 2. Examine the doctrinal principles of the Khawarij. As-Salabi, Ali Muhammad, (2007), Fikr al-khawarij wash-shi at fi Mizan ahl as-sunnah wal-jama ah. Maktabat al-iman- Al-Mansurat. Pp Gibb, H.A.R & Kramers, J.H. (1981), Shorter Encyclopaedia of Islam; Karachi, South Asian Publishers. p.247. Historical Origin and doctrines of the early Muslim sects. Ilorin, Taofiqullahi Publishing House. Pp Week 5: Sub-sects of the Khawarij and their doctrines Objective: At the end of the lecture, the students should be able to identify some sub-sects of the khawarij and their peculiar doctrines.

6 In spite of the common doctrinal principles of the Khawarij, there are some other sub-sects of the sect with their peculiar doctrines. Such sub-sects are: (i) (ii) (iii) The Azraqites The Najdites The Yazidiyyah The peculiar theological doctrines of these sub-sects of the Khawarij shall be extensively discussed. 1. Assess the theological doctrines of the Azraqites. 2. Discuss the differences in the doctrinal principles of the Azraqites and the Najdites 3. Who are the Yazidites? Identify their peculiar doctrinal principles. Gidado, M.B.(1988), Student Hand book on the Science of Kalam; Maiduguri, faculty of Arts, University of Maiduguri. Pp Week 6: The Shi ah Objective: At the end of the lecture, the students should be able to trace the historical origin of the Shi ah in Islam and their doctrinal principles. The Shi ah emerged as a result of the political struggle between Ali and Mu awiyyah after the death of the third caliph Uthman ibn Affan. The sympathizers of Ali later came to be known as the Shi ah. The historical development of the sect shall be discussed. The doctrinal principles of the Shi ah shall also be discussed. These include: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) Imamate Tabarra Their belief in the Qur an Their belief in the Hadith Nikah al-mut ah

7 (vi) (vii) Principle of Taqiyah Ar-Raja ah. 1. Who are the Shi ah? 2. Discuss the theological principles of the Shi ah. Gidado, M.B.(1988), Student Hand book on the Science of Kalam; Maiduguri, faculty of Arts, University of Maiduguri. Pp Historical Origin and doctrines of the early Muslim sects. Ilorin, Taofiqullahi Publishing House. Pp As-Salabi, Ali Muhammad, (2007), Fikr al-khawarij wash-shi at fi Mizan ahl as-sunnah wal-jama ah. Maktabat al-iman- Al-Mansurat. Pp Week 7: The Sub-sects of the Shi ah and their Theological doctrines Objective: The objective of the lecture is to expose the students to some sub-sects of the Shi ah and their peculiar doctrines. In spite of the common doctrinal principles of the Shi ah, there are some other sub-sects of the sect with their peculiar doctrines. Such sub-sects are: (iv) (v) (vi) The Zaydiyyah The Isma iliyyah The Ithna Ashariyyah The peculiar theological doctrines of these sub-sects of the Shi ah shall be extensively discussed. 1. Assess the theological doctrines of the Zaydiyyah. 2. Discuss the differences in the doctrinal principles of the Isma iliyyah and the Ithna ashariyyah. 3. Who are the Zaydiyyah? Identify their peculiar doctrinal principles.

8 Gidado, M.B.(1988), Student Hand book on the Science of Kalam; Maiduguri, faculty of Arts, University of Maiduguri. Pp Historical Origin and doctrines of the early Muslim sects. Ilorin, Taofiqullahi Publishing House. Pp Week 8: The Murji ah and their theological doctrines Objective: At the end of the lecture, the students should be able to trace the historical origin of the Murji ah and their theological doctrines. There are divergent views as regard the origin of the Murji ites in Islam. While some traced the emergence of this sect to the revolt of the Shi ah under al-mukhtar in favour of Muhammad ibn al-hannafiyyah, some traced its origin to the son of al-hannafiyyah who was said to have defended the concept in Kufa during an argument on the conflict between Ali, Talha, Zubair and Aisha. These shall be critically examined in the course of this lecture. 1. Who are the Murji ites? 2. Discuss the theological principles of the Murji ites. Gidado, M.B.(1988), Student Hand book on the Science of Kalam; Maiduguri, faculty of Arts, University of Maiduguri. Pp Historical Origin and doctrines of the early Muslim sects. Ilorin, Taofiqullahi Publishing House. Pp Week 9: The Qadariyyah and Jabariyyah Objective: The students should be able to distinguish between the stand of the two sects on the issue of freewill and predestination the issue which had generated heat debates not only in Islam but ever before the advent of Islam.

9 Relevant portions of the Qur an as well as sayings of the Prophet shall be examined in line with the views of the two groups. The question of whether man under the control of the divine-will of Allah who has predestined everything for him before his birth or that man is the author of his action and so can do and undo has generated serious discourse among scholars. To add more to the contentious discourse, references are made to the Qur an by the two divergent groups of freewill and predestination. The stand of these two sects shall be discussed, while their references shall also be examined. 1. Who are the Jabarites? 2. Discuss the views of the Qadariyyah and the Jabariyyah on freewill and predestination. 3. Examine the differences between the Jabariyyah and the Qadariyyah. Reading List Popoola, S.A. (2003), Introduction to the Philosophical and Sectarian Studies; Lagos, Supa Services (Nig) Ltd. Pp Historical Origin and doctrines of the early Muslim sects. Ilorin, Taofiqullahi Publishing House. Pp Week 10: Class Test The students will be assessed on the treated topics for 45 minutes. Week 11: The Emergence of the Mu tazilites in Islam Objective: The objective of this topic is to expose students to the origin and emergence of the Mu tazilites in Islam. Although the Mu tazilites did not refer to themselves by that name, they popularly called themselves ahlu-al- adl wat-tawhid.

10 The sect emerged in Islam as a result of the interruption of Wazil to the question thrown to Imam Hasan al-basri during one of his class sessions. The historical emergence of this sect shall be discussed extensively. 1. Who are the Mu tazilites? 2. How did Mu tazilism emerge in Islam? 3. Explain the circumstance that led to the emrgence of the Mu tazilites in Islam. Shariff, M.M. (1966), A History of Muslim Philosophy. Wiesbaden. Pp Week 12: The Thological Doctrines of the Mu tazilites Objective: Students should be able to explain the doctrinal principles of the Mu tazilites. They should also develop a critical mind on the doctrines. The Mu tazilites are well known for certain doctrines, namely: (i) Adl (ii) Tawhid (iii) Al-Manzil bayna Manzilatayn (iv) Al-Amr bil-ma ruf wan-nahy an al-munkar (v) Al-wa d wal-wa id. These doctrines shall be extensively discussed and criticized. Assignment: What are the major differences in the doctrinal principles of the Mu tazilites and the ahlus-sunnah? 1. What do you think about the doctrines of the Mu tazilites in line with the injunctions of Islam. 2. Discuss the principle of tawhid in the doctrines of the Mu tazilites. 3. Explain the principle of adl as upheld by the Mu tazilites.

11 Shariff, M.M. (1966), A History of Muslim Philosophy. Wiesbaden. Pp Week 13: The Ash ariyyah Objective: The objective of this topic is to expose students to the origin and emergence of the Ash ariyyah as an offshhot of the Mu tazilites in Islam. It seems that the intellectual weapon used by the Mu tazilites to defend their doctrines was later used by one of them, Abul Hasan al-ash ari to pull down the doctrines. The episode led to the emergence of the Ashi arites in Islam. This circumstance that led to the emergence of this sect shall be discussed fully during this lecture. The doctrinal principles of this sect shall also be discussed. 1. How did the Ashi arites emerge in Islam? 2. Discuss the differences between the doctrines of the Ashi arites and the Mu tazilites. 3. The principles of the Ashia rites are closer to that of the Ahlus-sunnah than the Mu tazilites. Do you agree? Popoola, S.A. (2003), Introduction to the Philosophical and Sectarian Studies; Lagos, Supa Services (Nig) Ltd. Pp Historical Origin and doctrines of the early Muslim sects. Ilorin, Taofiqullahi Publishing House. Pp Week 14: Revision/Tutorial exercises

12 Students are expected to seek explanation on any difficult concept or topic treated during the course. 1. Why is that the death of the Prophet brought about the emergence of many sects? 2. What are the factors responsible for the emergence of sects in Islam? 3. The death of Uthman ibn Affan led to the emergence of sects in Islam. Discuss. 4. Discuss the doctrinal principles of the Mu tazilites. 5. Who are the Muji ites? Discuss their theological principles. 6. Explain the theological principles of the Shi ites. 7. What are the differences in the doctrinal principles of the Shi ites and Kharajites? 8. Explain the circumstance that led to the emergence of the Ash arites in Islam. 9. Discuss the theological differences between the Qadariyyah and Jabariyyah. 10. Vividly examine the theological views of the Ash arites in line with that of the ahlus-sunnah. Suggested further Hitti, P.K. (1982), History of the Arabs. London, The Macmillan Press. Shariff, M.M. (1966), A History of Muslim Philosophy. Wiesbaden. As-Suyuti, J.A.R. (1964), Tarikh al-khulafa, Cairo, Matba at al-madaniy. Sheikh, M.S. (1974), Studies in Muslim Philosophy. Lahore, Sh. Muhammad Asraf. As-Salabi, Ali Muhammad, (2007), Fikr al-khawarij wash-shi at fi Mizan ahl as-sunnah wal-jama ah. Maktabat al-iman- Al-Mansurat. Pp Amin, A. (1975), Fajrul Islam; Cairo, Maktabatun-Nahdah Al-Misriyyah. Bril, E.J. (ed) (1993), Encyclopaedia of Islam. Leiden, New York. Haykal, M.H. (1982), The Life of Muhammad, Lagos, Academy Press Ltd.

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