ISL211 Usul al-Fiqh (Methodology of Islamic Law) (8)

This subject will address Islamic jurisprudence (usul al-fiqh) methodology. The historic, social and religious factors in the development of Islamic legal schools will be discussed. The four primary sources of law will be studied together with the supplementary sources used in the practice of ijtihad (independent legal deduction).

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
United Theological College

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: ISL211. 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

Enrolment Restrictions

Bachelor of Islamic Studies

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the development of usul al-fiqh (Islamic legal theory)
  • be able to show an understanding of the methodology of Islamic law making
  • be able to discuss critically the primary and supplementary sources of Islamic law
  • be able to analyse the arguments and propositions used in legal rulings (fatwas)

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • History of Islamic law
  • Factors involved in the emergence of the Islamic legal schools
  • Ijtihad (Independent legal deduction)
  • The first source of law - the Qur'an
  • The second source of law - Sunnah
  • The third source of law - Qiyas (Analogical Reasoning)
  • The fourth source of law - Ijma (Consensus of Community)
  • Supplementary sources of law
  • Differences in the methodology of legal schools

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of ISL211 in Session 1 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
Presentation and paper
30
4
Final exam (online)
40

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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