The School of Aqeedah & Islamic Thought cultivates a firm and nuanced understanding of Islamic theology. Students explore the classical texts of Aqeedah, the history of Islamic intellectual traditions, and the methodologies of the Ash'ari, Maturidi, and Athari schools. This school also engages with modern theological challenges, preparing scholars to articulate and defend Islamic belief with wisdom and clarity in contemporary contexts.
An introduction to the core tenets of Islamic belief covering the six pillars of Iman, the names and attributes of Allah (Asma wa Sifat), prophethood (Nubuwwah), and eschatology (Akhirah). Students study foundational Aqeedah texts and are introduced to the major classical theological schools. The course establishes the conceptual foundations for all further theological study.
A historical survey of the development of Islamic theological schools from the early Companions through the classical period to modernity. Students study the emergence of the Mutazilah, Ashariyyah, Maturidiyyah, and Athariyyah schools, the debates that shaped them, and their lasting influence on Islamic intellectual tradition. Key primary texts are read in translation.
An advanced course engaging Islamic theology with modern intellectual challenges including atheism, secular humanism, religious pluralism, and the philosophy of religion. Students learn to articulate and defend Islamic belief using both classical theological tools and contemporary philosophical reasoning. The course draws on Islamic philosophy (Falsafah) as well as the Kalam tradition.
A survey of Islamic history from the time of the Prophet ﷺ through the major Islamic empires to the modern era. The course examines the development of Islamic civilization, the transmission of knowledge, the role of scholars and institutions, and the impact of colonialism on Muslim societies. Students situate Islamic scholarship within its broader historical and civilizational context.
An introduction to the science of Islamic spirituality and moral development (Tasawwuf / Tazkiyah al-Nafs). Students study the classical stations of the spiritual path (Maqamat), the significance of Ihsan in Islamic practice, and key texts of the Sufi tradition. The course grounds spiritual development in the Quran and Sunnah and addresses common misconceptions.
Shaykh Shavkat
Sh. Shavkat Sayed is an alumnus of Al-Azhar University, where he earned his degree in Arabic and Islamic Studies, complemented by traditional certifications (ijazah) in Quranic recitation (Hafs 'an 'Asim) under Dr. Mustafa Khattab with whom he contributed to the Clear Quran translation project. Additionally, he is credentialed in Hanbali jurisprudence (Fiqh), theology (Aqidah), Islamic legal theory (Usul), and Hadith studies through acquiring ijazahs from distinguished scholars.