This course aims to:

1. Acquaint the Students with the basic concepts of the course: Religions and Doctrines.
2. Provide a brief analysis of the Islamic perspective on studying other religions and doctrines.
3. Shed light on the proper way to approach other religions and doctrines.
4. Define Religion from an Islamic and analytical viewpoint.
5. Lay the foundations for a scholarly analysis and interpretation of the different religions and doctrines of the world.
6. Familiarize students with the correct methodology of dealing with the differences between Islam and other religions.
7. Demonstrate the superiority of Islam to all man-made religions and doctrines.
8. Provide students with the necessary tools to refute other religions and doctrines while not being offensive.
9. Shed light on the importance of giving dawah to each individual while possessing a deep understanding of his/her faith.
10. Clarifying issues of Aqeedah sometimes confused with other religions.
     

• Hand-outs: the instructor will provide the students with handouts at different stages of the course. (English)
• The World’s Religions, Huston Smith. September 1991
• Guidance to the Uncertain In Reply to the Jews and the Nazarenes by Ibn Al Qayyim al-Jawziah.

1. Basic Definitions and Sources

1. Definition of Religion according to Muslim and non Muslim scholars.
2. The importance of studying comparative religion.
3. The permissibility of studying other religions with the intention of refutation.
4. Previous scholars experiences with other religions.

2. Etiquette of debating religions

1. The characteristics and manners of dawah
2. Being direct yet not offensive
3. The prophetic methodology
4. Important terms to understand in the study of religion

3. Understanding the concept of fitra

1. Defining fitra
2. The motives behind changing religion
3. Real life experiences which testify to the natural inclination of man to monotheism

4. The Idea of life after death

1. As a foundation of most faiths
2. Why it cannot end here
3. Scientific discoveries
4. Philosophical theories

5. Atheism and Agnosticism

1. Understanding the mind of an atheist
2. The desire of man to be “All Knowing”
3. Evolutionism and Darwinism
4. How atheism is a religion in itself
5. The proper refutation

6. Hinduism

1. Origin
2. Gods
3. Scriptures
4. Fundamental Principles
5. Four paths to the Goal
6. Brahman
7. Ahimsa
8. Caste System
9. Muhammad (saw) in the scriptures
10. Refutation

7. Buddhism, Confucianism

1. Origins
2. Lacks proper elements of religion
3. Contemplation and Meditation
4. Refutation

8. Other Eastern Religions

1. Reactionary religions
2. Sikhism
3. Taosim
4. Australian experience
5. The Primal World
6. Refutation

9. Judaism

1. Origin
2. Revelation
3. It’s pure roots
4. Prophets and Scriptures
5. Chosen People
6. The wrath of God
7. Refutation

10. Christianity:

1. Origin
2. Philosophy of compassion
3. Who is Jesus Christ (PBUH)?
4. Trinity
5. Scriptures
6. Sects
7. Refutation

11. Deviated “Islamic” Doctrines

1. Influence of Greek, Roman, and Persian philosophies on the Muslims
2. Sufism
3. Shi’ism
4. Mu’tazilites
5. Khawarij
6. Refutations

12. The Superiority of Islam

1. Purity
2. Monotheism
3. The idea of “blind faith”
4. Authenticity
5. Justice for all in this life and hereafter
6. Ultimate goals and objectives