Course Team

Ustadh Safaruk Chowdhury (Humanities Team and IB Theory of Knowledge Coordinator, Tutor in History and Religious Studies)

Ustadh Jamie Turner (Doctoral researcher at the Centre for Philosophy of Religion, University of Birmingham)

At A Glance

• 10+ Live Online Sessions
• Duration: 4 Months
• Sundays, 3 PM - 4:30 PM (London, UK)
• Video Recordings Available
• Access to Mobile App
• Certificate
• From £14.99/Month (For 9 Months)

Enroll Now

• Starts on 4th February, 2024
• Course Fee:
  Pay in Full: £79.99 £59.99
  Pay in 4 Installments: £14.99 per month
• Registration Deadline: 3rd February, 2024

Course Overview

• In-Depth Exploration: “Decoding Islamic Epistemology: Traditions, Texts, and Truths” takes participants on a profound journey into the intricate realm of Islamic epistemology through a series of ten engaging sessions.
• Foundational Insights: Beginning with an introduction to religious epistemology, the course sheds light on its pivotal role in the modern Islamic context, emphasizing its significance in Da’wa – the propagation of Islamic teachings.

• Qur’anic Perspective: Participants will delve into the Qur’anic perspective on knowledge, unraveling the dynamics within communities of knowers and exploring the historical facets that shape the Islamic approach to knowledge.
• Thorough Examination: The curriculum goes beyond the surface, conducting a comprehensive exploration of Kalam epistemology. Topics such as foundationalism, evidentialism, and sources of knowledge are scrutinized, providing a deep understanding of the philosophical underpinnings.
• Interconnections: The course doesn’t just stop at Islamic epistemology; it delves into the intricate relationship between natural theology and Islamic epistemology. It also explores Fitra-based epistemology, addressing contemporary issues that resonate in the field.
• Practical Application: The journey concludes with a session on Islamic religious epistemology and its practical application in Da’wa. This final session equips participants with a framework to understand and articulate Islamic beliefs, tailored for those seeking profound insights into the relevance of Islamic epistemology in contemporary religious discourse.

Learning Objectives

• Understanding Religious Epistemology: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the foundational concepts of religious epistemology and its crucial role in contemporary Islamic thought and practice.
• Exploring Qur’anic Perspectives: Delve into the Qur’anic perspective on knowledge, examining how Islamic teachings view the acquisition, dissemination, and application of knowledge within the context of the sacred text.

• Community Dynamics: Analyze the dynamics within communities of knowledge in Islam, exploring how collective understanding and interpretation shape the epistemological landscape within Islamic societies.
• Kalam Epistemology: Develop a thorough comprehension of Kalam epistemology, focusing on key philosophical aspects such as foundationalism, evidentialism, and the diverse sources through which knowledge is derived in Islamic tradition.
• Interconnected Philosophies: Investigate the intricate relationship between natural theology and Islamic epistemology, understanding how these philosophical perspectives intersect and influence each other within the broader context of Islamic thought.
• Fitra-Based Epistemology: Explore Fitra-based epistemology as a unique approach to understanding knowledge from an Islamic standpoint, and critically engage with contemporary issues in the field, recognizing their relevance in modern discourse.
• Application in Da’wa: Acquire practical skills in applying Islamic religious epistemology to Da’wa, enabling participants to effectively communicate and defend Islamic beliefs in various contemporary contexts.

Learning Outcomes

• Deeper Understanding: By the conclusion of the course, students will have acquired a profound understanding of the nature, ideas, and sources that underpin religious knowledge in a general context, with a specific focus on how these concepts manifest within the rich tapestry of Islamic tradition.
• Comparative Analysis: Students will develop a framework for critically evaluating and comparing various religious epistemologies. This skill set will empower them to discern the nuances and unique aspects of Islamic epistemology in relation to other religious traditions.

• Framework for Evaluation: Armed with knowledge and analytical tools, participants will possess a structured framework for evaluating religious epistemologies. This includes the ability to assess the coherence, internal consistency, and practical implications of different approaches to knowledge within religious contexts.
• Shaping Muslim Beliefs: The course will equip students with insights into the profound impact of religious epistemology on shaping Muslim beliefs. They will understand how these epistemological foundations contribute to the formation of a coherent worldview within Islamic communities.
• Application in Da’wa: Participants will gain an appreciation for the practical relevance of religious epistemology in Da’wa. They will be capable of articulating and defending Islamic beliefs with a deeper understanding of the philosophical underpinnings, contributing to more effective communication and engagement.