PhD in Islamic Studies Online

The PhD in Islamic Studies Course Online is an advanced Research in the Islamic Tradition

PhD in Islamic Studies Program Overview:

The PhD in Islamic Studies is an advanced, research-focused program designed to provide students with a deep and comprehensive understanding of Islamic thought, history, and culture. The program combines rigorous academic scholarship with critical analysis, allowing students to explore various aspects of Islam through a multidisciplinary approach, including theology, philosophy, history, law, literature, and contemporary issues. Students will engage with both classical and modern sources, preparing them for careers in academia, research, public policy, and interfaith dialogue.

(General Information)

Key Components of PhD in Islamic Studies Program:

1. Foundational Courses in Islamic Thought and History

• In-depth study of the history of Islam, including the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the development of Islamic civilizations, and the spread of Islam across different regions.
• Exploration of the foundational texts of Islam, such as the Qur’an, Hadith, and early Islamic jurisprudence.
• Advanced study of Islamic philosophy, theology, and mysticism (Sufism), focusing on key thinkers such as Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, Al-Ghazali, Ibn Rushd, and others.

2. Islamic Law (Fiqh) and Jurisprudence (Usul al-Fiqh)

• Comprehensive examination of the development of Islamic legal theory and practice across different schools of thought (madhahib), with an emphasis on comparative analysis.
• Exploration of contemporary issues in Islamic law, such as human rights, gender, and ethical considerations.
• Study of Islamic legal texts and their application in modern society.

3. Islamic Theology and Philosophy

• A deep dive into Islamic theological debates, including the nature of God (Allah), the problem of evil, and the relationship between reason and faith.
• Study of Islamic philosophical traditions, particularly the works of classical and contemporary Islamic philosophers.
• Examination of key theological concepts, such as the nature of prophecy, divine justice, and the afterlife.

4. Modern and Contemporary Islamic Thought

• Analysis of modern Islamic movements, including reformism, fundamentalism, and the impact of colonialism on Islamic societies.
• Study of contemporary Islamic thinkers, such as Muhammad Abduh, Sayyid Qutb, and modern Islamic feminist scholars.
• Research on Islam’s role in modern geopolitics, global Islam, and the challenges faced by Muslims in the 21st century.

5. Interdisciplinary Research Methods

• Advanced training in qualitative and quantitative research methods for Islamic studies.
• Critical analysis of primary and secondary sources, including classical Islamic texts and modern scholarly interpretations.
• Development of original research proposals for dissertation work.

6. Dissertation Research and Writing

• Independent research under the guidance of a faculty advisor in an area of interest related to Islamic studies.
• Students will conduct original, scholarly research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of Islamic studies.
• Dissertation defense and publication of research findings in academic journals.

7. Language Proficiency

• Mastery of key languages for research in Islamic studies, such as Arabic, Persian, Turkish, or other relevant languages.
• Students are expected to read and analyze classical Islamic texts in their original languages.

8. Academic and Professional Development

• Opportunities for students to present their research at conferences and engage in academic discourse.
• Development of teaching and mentoring skills for future careers in academia and beyond.
• Engagement with international networks of scholars and researchers in the field of Islamic studies.

PhD in Islamic Studies Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

• Conduct original research that contributes to the field of Islamic studies.
• Engage critically with classical and contemporary Islamic texts, applying them to modern academic and social contexts.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Islamic history, law, theology, philosophy, and culture.
• Publish scholarly work and present research findings at national and international academic conferences.
• Prepare for careers in academia, research institutions, policy-making, and interfaith dialogue.

This program would be ideal for those seeking to deepen their academic expertise in Islamic studies, with a focus on advanced research and critical analysis.