(3 credit hours) An exploration of the different groups and their fundamental differences that exist under the umbrella of Islam. An analytical and historical approach is taken discussing various groups such as the Kharajites, the Shi’a, the Baatiniyah, the Sufis, etc. (Prerequisites: Islamic Creed 1 & Islamic Creed 2)

A. Required Textbooks
• Hand-outs: the instructor will provide the students with handouts at different stages of the course. (English)
• The Devils Deception, By Imam Ibn Al Jawzee (RA) translated by Dr Bilal Phillips

B. Supplementary Textbooks & Materials:
• PowerPoint Presentations .
• Audio Lectures of the instructor.
• The Asharis in the scales of Ahlus Sunnah, Uthman Al Jassim
• General Precepts of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah, Nasir Al Aql
• God Speaks, Yasir Qadhi
• Sufism – The Deviated Path

Below is an outline of the course along with an approximate breakdown of every lecture:

1. Approaching the Topic
   a. Definition of a sect
   b. Differentiating between the individual and the sect
   c. The wisdom behind studying deviated sects
   d. The approach of Ahlus Sunnah towards this topic
    
2.  How to Classify Sects
   a. The hadith of the 73
   b. Differentiating between disbelieving sects and believing sects
   c. The role of ignorance
   d. Important terms to understand in the study of sects
    
3. The Characteristics of the Saved Sect
   a. Defining Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah
   b. The way it has been protected
   c. The prohibition of breaking off from it
    
4. The way to deal with the people of innovation (Ahlul Bidah)
   a. Sitting with them
   b. Debating them
   c. Praying behind them, marrying them, eating their meat, etc.
   d. Contemporary issues
    
5. Introducing Shi’ism
   a. Understanding the its origin
   b. The influence of Zoroastrianism and Judaism
   c. The role of Abdullah Ibn Saba
   d. Its development over history
    
6. Imamates (Ithna Ashria)
   a. Origin
   b. Their beliefs in regards to their Imams
   c. The “real” Quran
   d. Their belief in regards to the companions
   e. Deviated practices
   f. The Mahdi
   g. Role in shaping Iran
    
7. Islmailis, Alawites, and Zaydis
   a. Origins
   b. Battiniya
   c. Differences in Imamate
   d. Different groups within
   e. How to treat Zaydiyyah?
    
8. Khawarij
   a. Historical Origin
   b. Dhul Khuwaisarah
   c. Their revolt against Ali (ra)
   d. Their characteristics
   e. Modern day manifestations
    
9. Modern Day Sects
   a. Druze
   b. Nation of Islam
   c. Ahmadiyya
   d. Bahaiyya
   e. Hizbul Tahrir
    
10. Mutazila and Jahmiyya:
    a. Origins
    b. Deviations in regards to Allahs attributes
    c. Claim that the Quran is created
    d. Issues in Qadr
    e. How they gained popularity
    f. The torture of Imam Ahmad (rA)
     
11. Asharis and Maturidis
    a. Influence of Greek, Roman, and Persian philosophies on the Muslims
    b. Their claim that they are the real Ahlus Sunnah
    c. Their deviations in regards to Allahs attributes
    d. Famous Personalities
    e. Interactions with them
    f. Refutation of their views
     
12. Sufism
    a. Origins
    b. Concept of Tariqa
    c. Awliya
    d. Intercession and Tawassul
    e. Modern day manifestations