Banner: learning and participation at the 2026 BIS academic retreat.

Introduction to the Islamic Sciences

Islamic Studies Preliminaries Certificate · المبادئ العشرة

This structured introduction to the major disciplines of Islamic studies was organized around the Ten Foundational Principles (al-Mabādiʾ al-ʿAsharah). It introduced each discipline’s definition, subject matter, sources, scholarly development, and relationship to other fields.

A look back at the 2026 series

Watch the published course recap for a glimpse of teaching and learning during the completed program.

The seven sessions

Dates, instructors, and subjects below describe the completed 2026 series.

The Ten Foundational Principles

• Name
• Definition
• Subject matter, including sub-disciplines
• Sources
• Religious status
• Virtues
• Practical outcomes and benefits
• Relationships and overlap with other disciplines
• Founder, development, and important works
• Overview of topics covered

Who was the program designed for?

• Learners beginning Islamic studies.
• People seeking a structured overview of the major domains of Islamic knowledge.
• Learners preparing for further study through Foundations and Intellectual History.

Historical format and pricing

The completed series consisted of seven sessions, approximately five to six hours each, with in-person or remote participation via Zoom.

The published 2026 price was $99 per session, or $59 for students with a .edu email address and MIRL students. These historical prices are not a current offer. Financial aid was described as available for eligible students during registration; the completed program is no longer accepting registrations or payments.

A pathway for further learning

The recommended sequence shown in the program record is Preliminaries → Islamic Foundations → Islamic Intellectual History. Contact BIS to confirm future availability and applicable requirements.

Explore related learning

For questions about future offerings or certificate requirements, contact BIS.