The purpose of this course is to address modern-day objections on Islamic theological tenets as well as to understand the role of reason (philosophy and science) and revelation in Sunni theology. The objective is for students to also have an acquaintance with the history of Islamic theological schools, their key figures and works, as well as the ability to define the contours of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama‘ah (Hanafi, Asha‘ari, Hanbali). Concomitant to this, they must also understand major contemporary sects (Shia, Qadiani, Wahhabi, etc.) along with the principles of tabdi‘ and takfir.

This course exposes students to the understanding of societal and political structures within the Islamic paradigm. Actualizing these structures will require students to have a clear understanding of contemporary political systems along with the tools governing their function.  Hence, they will be required to engage with the foundations of social contract theories as well as those undergirding Islamic governance. Students will be given a framework within which to understand and evaluate the underlying liberal  presuppositions of ubiquitous globalized human rights declarations and institutions along with the strategies (military or otherwise) used in enforcing them. Students will also touch on topics of Khilafah, just war theory, and post/neo colonial make-up of the Muslim world.      

This section will help students identify career areas that promote Ummah-centric interests. Students can then choose to pursue them as a major or minor area of study during their college or professional careers. Advisors will work with students to curate visionary goals as future professionals gaining influence within areas such as law, politics, academia, information technology, economic, business, and media creation. It is the goal of this section that students understand the need to set goals for their careers that positively shape and  influence the future as it relates to the  self and Ummah. For this reason, advisors and students will work on strategies for integrating their fields of interest with areas that shape thought, culture, economy, etc.