Introduction to Islamic Law [2655]

General Information

• Credits: 6 ECTS
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's or Licence level (or equivalent); proficiency in English
• Learning format: asynchronous distance learning – 100% e-learning
• Language of instruction: English
• Course access: available at any time of year
• Disability liaison officer: Cécile Boucherle

Course Overview

This course provides an introduction to fiqh, or Islamic jurisprudence. Far from being limited to a set of abstract legal rules, this field also encompasses ethical and spiritual principles that have shaped Muslim societies. The course highlights the richness of the Islamic legal tradition, its historical development, and its ability to adapt to contemporary realities. It seeks to clarify concepts that are sometimes misunderstood and to demonstrate the relevance of studying Islamic law to a deeper understanding of today’s world. A better knowledge of Islamic law also enables a fuller appreciation of the culture, history, and values of the societies that identify with it.

Course Objectives

This course enables you to:

• Understand the foundations of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), its definition, sources, and relationship with Sharia.

• Identify the main areas of Islamic law, ranging from acts of worship to social, family, economic, and international relations.

• Explain the historical development of fiqh and the emergence of the major legal schools of Sunni Islam.

• Analyse the methods used to develop Islamic law, particularly the role of the Qur’an, the Sunna, consensus (ijmāʿ), analogy (qiyās), and other legal sources.

• Evaluate contemporary issues in legal interpretation through ijtihād, taqlīd, fatwas, and the objectives of Sharia (maqāṣid al-sharīʿa).

Course Competencies

This course is linked to the following competency:

• Analyse a philosophical question by drawing on the methods of argumentation and critical thinking. 

Course Outline

Section 1 An introduction to definitions, principles, and sources
Section 2 The classification of fiqh: Acts of worship and social interactions
Section 3 The historical development of fiqh and the emergence of major schools
Section 4 The major schools of Islamic Law (maḏāhib)
Section 5 Sources of fiqh (Islamic Law)
Section 6 Important questions regarding the methods of fiqh

Assessment Methods 

Course assessment is based on:

• tracking and completion of the course and of all learning activities. These activities, designed as essential practice and learning exercises, may be completed multiple times and are not factored into the final grade,
• the final assessment quiz, which constitutes the graded evaluation.

Learning Format

The course is taught entirely online via the MyDomuni platform, accessible 24/7.
Learning resources include:

• written course materials;
• supplementary documents and, depending on the content, video resources;
• interactive learning activities (quizzes, exercises);
• a discussion forum with the course instructor and fellow participants.

Prerequisites

This course is open to anyone holding a Bachelor's degree or Licence (or an equivalent qualification) in theology, the humanities, social sciences, or a related field, or with significant personal or academic experience related to the topics covered.

A good command of written English is recommended to facilitate understanding of the content and participation in the activities offered.

Accessibility

The course is accessible at any time, from any internet-connected device, via the MyDomuni platform.
For students with disabilities, specific support can be arranged upon request to ensure equitable access to course content and activities.

Disability liaison officer: cecile.boucherle@domuni.eu.

Selective Bibliography

• Wael B. Hallaq, An Introduction to Islamic Law, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2010.
• Mohammad Hashim Kamali, Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence, Cambridge, Islamic Texts Society, 2003.
• Bernard G. Weiss, Studies in Islamic Legal Theory, Leiden, Brill, 2002.
• Norman Calder, Studies in Muslim Jurisprudence, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2022.
• Aḥmad al-Raysūnī, The Means to the Objectives of Sharia, Beirut, Dār al-Kalimah li-l-Nashr wa-l-Tawzī‘, 2016.