Course Description


Aqeedah VI (Comparative II)
 

Course Description

The course provides students with an opportunity to compare and contrast Islam with the theology, beliefs and books of Judaism and Christianity. A particular emphasis of the course will be an understanding of how the teachings, and practices of the Jews and Christians have evolved over time.

 

 

I. Objectives 

  • Providing the student with an understanding of the beliefs of the nations from the beginning of creation until today.
  • Clarifying the degree of influence of religion on the life of these nations.
  • Enlightening the Muslim missionaries to study these beliefs in order to be better grounded to fulfill their role.
  • Making students aware of the subtle effects of secularization and modernization and the fact that religion became complete with the prophethood of Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

 

II.  Class Content

A. Judaism

  1. History of Judaism
  2. Technical terms: Hebrews, Jews, Israelites
  3. The condition of the Jews when the Qur’aan was being revealed according to the Qur’aanic texts.
  4. Jewish Beliefs and Teachings: Hereafter, Sabbath, Yom Kippur, Jewish Festivals
  5. Jewish Religious Texts: Old Testament; its definition and books, Talmud: its history and teachings; Protocols of the Elders of Zion
  6. Jewish Sects


B. Christianity

  1. The historical background to the birth of Christianity
  2. The Messiah in the Qur’aan
  3. The Messiah in the view of Christians
  4. The most important beliefs of Christians: Divinity of Jesus, Crucification, Atonement, the Original Sin
  5. Christian Teachings: Baptism, Communion, The Last Supper
  6. Christian Religious Books: Gospels and the Letters of Paul
  7. Main Christian Sects: Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, Jehovah’s Witnesses,  Mormons, Seventh Days Adventists, Born Again

 

III. TEXTBOOKS

A. Required Text:

  • Mohammed Muhiyaddin, A Comparative Study of the Religions of Today
  • Rifkin, Ira, Spiritual Perspectives on Globalization: Making Sense of Economic and Cultural Upheaval 

 

B. Supplementary Texts:

  • Ash-Shahrastaanee, al-Milal wan-Nihal
  • Ahmad Shalabee, al-Yahoodiyyah wan-Nasraaniyyah
  • Muhammad Aboo Zahrah, Muhaadaraat fee an-Nasraaniyyah