ISL470 Essentials of Islamic Spirituality (8)

Abstract

This subject addresses the importance of self development based on the teachings of the Qur’an and hadith (Prophetic narratives). Foundational Islamic spirituality concepts will be covered, such as ihsan (spiritual excellence), ikhlas (sincerity), istiqama (balance) and taqwa (righteousness). These concepts will be discussed alongside ibada (worship) to appreciate the relationship between all these concepts. The spiritual meaning of the five pillars of Islam will also be covered; what each practice signifies; their relationship with one another within the framework of purification of the nafs (ego); and how the five pillars assist in the spiritual development of the practitioner. The importance of the Sunnah (practical teachings of the Prophet Muhammad) in the everyday life of a Muslim will also be discussed, with a particular focus on their application in contemporary times.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
Online*	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: ISL470
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration	Grading System	School:
One session	HD/FL	Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation

Enrolment restrictions

Master of Islamic Studies (Articulated Set)

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to articulate critically the relationship between levels of self-development from an Islamic perspective.
be able to relate and discuss critically ibada (worship) in relation to its key components.
be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of spiritual concepts in various life scenarios.
be able to evaluate critically the significance of the five pillars in relation to Islamic spiritual development.
be able to demonstrate self-guided learning, including research, writing and communication skills.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:

Human nature and its faculties
Ihsan (spiritual excellence) and the seven levels of nafs (ego)
Virtuous circle of development, ikhlas (sincerity) and istiqama (balance)
Three dimensions of worship, taqwa (righteousness) and Sunnah
Du'a (supplication) and dhikr (remembrance)
Abstaining from sins and tawba (repentance)
Spiritual significance of shahada (testimony), tafakkur (reflection) and yaqin (certainty)
Spiritual significance of salat (prescribed daily prayers)
Spiritual significance of sawm (fasting) and shukr (thankfulness)
Spiritual significance of zakat (alms giving) and sadaqa (charity)
Spiritual significance of hajj (pilgrimage) and sabr (patience)
Khuluq (character) of Prophet Muhammad

Back

The information contained in the 2017 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 25 August 2017. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.