ISL471 Islamic Morality (Akhlaq) and Character (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Theology (THEOL)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject discusses the Islamic understanding that the level of human perfection is determined by discipline and effort. Various Qur'anic verses and Prophetic narrations will be studied in the light of this teaching. The subject will also address the concept of good character and its importance in human virtue and interpersonal relations. In addition, the importance of strengths and weaknesses in human character will be explored, together with the traditional Muslim philosophers understanding that without ethics and personal development, mastery over other sciences is not only devoid of value, but would obstruct insight.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 3 | |
|---|---|
| Distance * | United Theological College |
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: ISL471
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role of religion in developing personal character (akhlaq)
- be able to demonstrate an appreciation for the Islamic discipline of ethics (akhlaq) and its relationship to personal character development
- be able to demonstrate understanding of the relationship between personal character and worship (ibadah)
- be able to articulate and explain the concepts of muhasabah (selfinterrogation) and muraqabah (self-supervision)
- be able to discuss the link between an individual's spirituality and moral behaviour
- be able to demonstrate independent research, organisation, written and oral communication skills through the presentation of a substantial work
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- Introduction to Ilm al Akhlaq (discipline of Ethics)
- Akhlaq in the Qur'an
- Akhlaq in the life of Prophet Muhammad
- Human nature (fitrah)
- Personal habits and conscious effort
- Spirituality and moral behaviour
- Relationship of worship (ibadah) to character
- Muhasabah (selfinterrogation) and muraqabah (self-supervision)
- Constructive and destructive human emotions
Residential School
This subject contains a optional 2 day residential school.
The purpose of the optional residential school is to provide an opportunity for exploration of the overall coursework covered. In addition to content review, this part of the course aims to facilitate an interactive session between the teaching academics and students.
Students will be involved in small group discussion, lectures, visual presentations and one-on-one sessions with the subject coordinator and lecturers to address any issues that may arise. Material and summary content covered in this session will be a valuable contribution towards the major assessment tasks.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.