Semester description

This semester deepens the methodological understanding of Islamic sciences and broadens the perspective from the fundamentals to comprehensible reasoning, the classification of differing opinions, and text-based analysis. The focus is on manhaj (legal reasoning), evidence-based argumentation, and the responsible use of the Qur’an, Sunnah, and scholarly opinions. The four modules introduce the causes of legitimate legal differences, solidify the methodology of legal derivation, provide a holistic approach to the manhaj of the Salaf (Islamic scholars) based on authentic hadiths, and offer an introduction to classical Qur’anic exegesis. The aim is to enable students to classify rulings, texts, and positions in a well-founded manner and to develop a more mature understanding of the diversity within the Sunni tradition.

Module overview

1) Manhaj of scholars in cases of disagreement

Based on Ibn Taymiyya’s work on the causes of legal differences among scholars, this module addresses legitimate reasons for divergent fatwas, including differing knowledge of hadith, assessment of authenticity, differing textual interpretations, naskh (legal dissent), and questions of application. The module fosters respect for scholars, methodological fairness, and a nuanced understanding of ikhtilaf (legal dissent). 

2) Uṣūl al-Fiqh – Module 2 (Ṣafwat Uṣūl al-Fiqh)

In-depth study of legal methodology according to Shaykh ʿAbd ar-Raḥmān as-Saʿdī. Contents include the objective of Uṣūl, the sources of law (Qurʾān, Sunna, Iǧmāʿ, Qiyās), commands and prohibitions, general and particular, absolute and conditional, rules of derivation, dealing with apparent contradictions, and the role of Uṣūl for Fiqh and Iǧtihād. 

3) Manhaj of the Salaf – Hadith-based approach

Study of a collection of 99 hadiths that convey central principles of faith, methodology, attitude, and practice. Topics covered include the foundations of aqidah (creed), the use of the Qur’an and Sunnah, knowledge and sincerity, warnings against bid’ah (innovation), dealing with fitna (trial and tribulation), and the connection between faith and character. The module presents Islam as a lived, text-based, and holistic concept. 

4) Tafsir – Module 1 (Tafsir Ibn Uthaymin):
Introduction to Sunni Qur’anic exegesis based on the Tafsir work of Shaykh Muhammad ibn Alih al-Uthaymin. This module provides a clear, structured explanation of the verses, their contextualization, linguistic explanations, and the derivation of doctrines of faith and practice based on the Qur’an and Sunnah. The aim is an understandable, text-based, and practice-oriented understanding of the Qur’an without speculative interpretations.

Learning objectives after the semester

• Understanding legitimate differences of opinion and their methodological causes.
• Confident handling of the fundamentals of legal methodology and derivation.
• A holistic understanding of the Manhaj of the Salaf in faith, attitude, and practice.
• Basic ability to methodically classify classic Tafsīr works.

Participation & Completion

Booking: as a complete semester (recommended) or as individual modules. Note regarding exams & certificates: Exams and certificates are only awarded for the complete course of study; individual modules or a single semester do not include these.