ISL202 Usul al-Din (Foundational Islamic Theology) (8)

This subject addresses Islamic theology (usul ad-din) as the foundational discipline in Islamic faith and its intellectual discourse. It covers the Islamic concept of God and related matters from the perspectives of differing theological schools fundamental to the study of Islamic theology. This subject also discusses the development of Islamic theology throughout history until the present day. Key concepts of Islamic theology such as are actions part of faith, essence of God, the problem of free will and wisdom behind suffering on earth are addressed in the subject.

Availability

Session 2 (60)
Online
United Theological College

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: ISL202. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation

Assumed Knowledge
ISL100

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to describe and analyse the main Islamic theological topics and their scope;
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the concept of God in Islamic theology;
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the concept of prophethood in Islamic theology;
  • be able to articulate an understanding of the concepts related to afterlife in Islamic theology;
  • be able to articulate a critical understanding of differences between the main Islamic theological schools; and
  • be able to demonstrate independent research, organisation, written and oral communication skills.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Definition of Islamic theology and its scope
  • Development of Islamic theology in Islamic history
  • Outline of influential schools of theology in early Islamic history
  • Concept of God according to Ash'ari and Maturidi schools of theology
  • The doctrine of acquisition (kasb) according to Ash'ari and Maturidi schools of theology
  • Prophethood according to Ash'ari and Maturidi schools of theology
  • Afterlife according to Ash'ari and Maturidi schools of theology
  • Key theological questions of the modern era
  • Suffering, good and evil

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of ISL202 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Engagement and participation
10
2
Online quizzes
20
3
Essay
40
4
Exam
30

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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