Introduction to Hadith and Sīrah: Course Outline

1. General Objectives

The general objectives of the course are:

• To understand a holistic view of Sīrah and Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
• To know about the authenticity, preservation and legal status of Hadith, Sunnah & Sīrah
• To develop a balanced, moderate and socially responsive personality in the light of Hadith and Sīrah
• How to make application of Sīrah and Hadith of the Prophet (ﷺ) in the personal, professional and social life.

1. Specific Objectives
   1. 1. 1. Knowledge

• To acquire insight and awareness of Sīrah and Hadith of the Prophet (ﷺ)
• To understand the relationships between Hadith, Sunnah and Seerah
• To learn ethical and moral teachings from the Sīrah and Hadith
  1. 1. 2. Skills

• To learn how to deliver the message of Prophet (ﷺ) in the society.
  1. 1. 3. Attitude/Behaviour

• To develop a balanced, moderate and responsible personality in the light of Sīrah and Hadith
• How to promote spiritual, ethical, social, economic, and political system of Islam in the society
• To seek guidance on leadership qualities in the light of Sīrah and Hadith

Unit-IX: Introduction to Sīrah

• Definition and Meaning of Sīrah
• The Purpose of Studying the Sīrah of the Prophet (ﷺ)
• Sources and authenticity of Sīrah  

Unit-X: The Comprehensiveness of Sīrah

• Prophets – The perfect model for humanity 
• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) – The perfect, ideal and exemplary role model for the entire humanity
• The practicality of Sīrah for life  

Unit-XI: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as the Preacher and Reformer

Unit-XII: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as the State Head, Judge and Commander-in-Chief 

Unit-XIII: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as a Trader and Businessman

Unit-XIV: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as the Family Head  

Unit-XV: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as the Universal Teacher of Ethics and Morality

Unit-XVI: Ethical Lessons from the Sīrah

• Ethical Lessons from the Makkah period
• Ethical Lessons from the Madinah period

Unit-I: Introduction to Hadith & Sunnah

• Definition of Hadith & Sunnah
• Basic terminologies of Hadith
• The relation between Hadith & Sunnah & Sīrah
• Importance of Hadith & Sunnah in Islam
• Authenticity, preservation & legal status of Hadith & Sunnah

Unit-II: Hadith Jibreel: Understanding Islam, Iman, Ihsan, and Qadar

• Definition of Islam and its elements
• Definition of Iman and its elements
• Definition of Ihsan and its significance
• Meaning of Qadar and misconceptions about it

Unit-III: Self-Purification and Personal Development

• Role of intention and heart in human body
• Positive thinking/intellect
• Self-Purification (Tazkiya Nafs)
• Behaviour modification
• Emotional development
• Cleanliness and bodily health

Unit-IV: Qualities of Faithful Muslim and Development of an ideal personality

• Firm belief in Allah Almighty
• Mindfulness of Allah Almighty
• True love with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
• Haya’ [Modesty] towards Allah, Self, and Human Beings
• Zikr (Remembrance) of Allah Almighty

Unit-V: Etiquette for Individual & Social Management

• Promotion of self-accountability
• Sympathy & empathy attitude
• Leaving unconcerned things
• Anger/ Aggression management
• Husn al-Khuluq in all matters
• Enjoining good and forbidding/discouraging evil

Unit-VI: Development of Righteous Society: Obligations & Rights

• Obligations and Rights toward human beings [Students, Teachers, Parents, Family Members, Relatives, Neighbours, Guests and Hosts, Members of Society]
• Doing Nasihah [Deen is Nasihah to Allah, His Book, His Messenger, the Muslim leaders, the common folk of the Muslims]

Unit-VII: Internal and External Challenges Encountering Muslims

• Obedience of Nafs & Shaitan
• Hawa e Nafs (Self-Desires)
• Whispering (Was-Was) of Shaitan
• Conflicts and disagreement
• Ghalul
• Sectarian division
• Secularity, liberalism, humanism
• atheism
• Globalization
• Modernity

Unit-VIII: Rights of Animals, Beasts, and Creatures

• Rights of Animals
• Rights of Beasts
• Rights of Creatures

Teaching will be done through lecture method with a combination of tasks/projects and presentations. 

Assessment will be done as per university/department policy.