Course outline
Course outline
Learn Faith, Prayers and Good Deeds
Week 1. What is Islam?
– Aqeedah (Islamic Creed)
– Tawheed– Oneness of Allah (SWT), God Almighty.
– Why are we here? What is the purpose of life according to the Creator?
– The 99 Names of Allah
– What is the Deen? 5 Pillars, 6 Articles of Faith, Spiritual purification/ excellence
– Comparative religion- “Everyone thinks their religion is correct, so why Islam?” (One God and one message from all of the Prophets)
Week 2. Salat (Prayer)
– *Quiz on Week 1*
– How to do Wudhu (Ablution), what are Fardh (required) and Sunnah (recommended) practices?
– How to pray, what you should wear when you pray, and how important it is – the first thing to be asked on the Day of Judgment.
– The importance of knowing what you are saying (devotion and focus)
– Importance of extra prayers and why we do them (Tahajjud, Istikhara, Sunnah, Witr, etc)
– Practice Tajweed of Al Fatiha and short Surahs
– Fiqh of Salah QA
Refresher: Motivation for Ideal Believer, Promises to believers and good-doers (complete obedience brings complete success). The driving force behind good deeds – love of Allah, life of piety, passionate desire for Hereafter!
· Stories of Prophets and their pious companions
Week 3. Islamic History
–*Quiz on Week 2*
– Who is the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) ?
– History of Divine revelation from our Prophet Mohammed (pbuh)
– What is the Qur’an? How was the Qur’an compiled?
– Explain the difference between the Qur’an, Sunnah, and briefly go over different categories of hadith
– Islam during the time of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh)
– The rise of Islam, pious companions (RA) and Caliphs
Week 4. Zikr and Dua
–*Quiz on Week 3*
– What is zikr? How can I remember my Lord?
– Manners and expression, such as in-shaa-Allah, Subhan-Allah, masha’Allah, Alhamdu-lilah etc…
– The excellence of Dua, good deeds, intention and sincerity in Islam. The meaning of Ikhlas
– Recommended schedule of morning Zikr, evening Taleem (motivational study) and Dua
Week 5. Modesty in Islam
-*Quiz on Week 4*
– Hijab and dress code for women– why do women wear the hijab? Explain Haya
– Dress code for men
– Modest mind: Lowering your gaze (men and women)
– Modesty in other areas of life – avoiding extravagance and arrogance
Week 6. Sins and Forgiveness
– *Quiz on Week 5*
– What are the major sins?
– Who is Shaitan?
– What is shirk?
– The Mercy of Allah (SWT)
– How can we seek Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness? How do I know if I have been forgiven?
– The importance of repenting from sins everyday
Refresher: Ideal Women in history, Noble status of women in Islam, the wives of Prophets and companions –
· The most pious hearts, with soundest knowledge and best guidance
Week 7. Everyday Muslim Manners & Etiquette
– *Quiz on Week 6*
– Manners
– Cleanliness & Purification methods
– The sins of gossiping, arrogance, cutting off ties with others, etc…
– Food: What is halal food? How should we eat?
– Trade and finance – avoiding interest and doubtful earnings
Week 8. Fiqh and How to Find “Authentic” Sources
– *Quiz on Week 7*
– What is Fiqh?
– What does Islam say in regard to differences of opinions?
– What is an “authentic” source?
– Different Madhaabs (schools of thought)
Week 9. Zakat, Hajj, Fasting, Ramadan
– *Quiz on Week 8*
– What is Zakat?
– What is Hajj?
– Ramadan, how do Muslims fast?
Week 10. Islam in the West
– *Final Exam*
– Giving Da’wah/ guiding others and service to humanity
– Addressing misconceptions about Islam
– Interacting with people of other faiths
Refresher: Morality for Humanity, Branches of Emaan/ excellence of human being, friendship with the Creator
· Qualities of a pure heart and soul – honesty, trustworthiness, sincerity, patience and perseverance, truthfulness, piety and righteousness, reliance, uprightness, steadfastness, motivation for good deeds, obedience, mercy/ forgiveness, courtesy, politeness/ tolerance, modesty and moderation, simplicity, repentance, selflessness, charity and community services, supplications and devotions, fear of accountability, strong belief and worry and concern of humanity.
