Introduction to the Sciences of the Qurʾān

Day	Time	Duration	Date	Instructor
Wednesdays	5:00pm – 7:00pm	12 Weeks	Sept. 21st – Dec 16th	Dr. Asif Hirani

SUGGESTED PREREQUISITES: IFC 221 (Qurʾānic Immersion),
or IFC 241 (Introduction to the Sciences of Qurʾān and Ḥadīth)

DESCRIPTION: The Qurʾān, as God’s final direct revelation to humanity, has always been central to Muslim belief and devotional life and has continued to influence Muslim society and civilization. This course is the next step up from the Foundations Level course Introduction to the Sciences of the Qurʾān and Ḥadīth. We discuss in more detail the history of the Qurʾānic text, its transmission, and interpretation, with reference to traditional Muslim scholarship, as well as Western academic research.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Topics explored include the following:

How was the Qurʾān collected and transmitted?
How can we prove that the Qurʾān has been reliably preserved over time?
What is the nature and origin of the variant readings?
What is abrogation, and were some verses of the Qurʾān abrogated?
What are the "causes of revelation"?
What are the different approaches to exegesis (tafsīr) of the Qurʾān, and what are the parameters of valid interpretation?
What does it mean for the Qurʾān to be a 'miracle' or decisive sign from Allah?
What was Qurʾānic education like in the early days of Islam and how has it changed through the ages?
When did the first translations of the Qurʾān in Western languages appear?
How have women historically engaged with the Qurʾān?

COURSE FEE: The general admission is $250 per course. Then, $200 for each additional course. If you are a student, it is $150 per one for all students (including BIS students). Then, $100 for each additional course.

FINANCIAL AID: Please note that financial aid is offered on a first-come, first-served basis until available funds are exhausted. Please apply as early as possible to increase your chances of being awarded. You can learn more about our financial aid policy here.

If you have any questions, please write to info@bostonislamicseminary.org.

“

“My experience with BIS has been transformative. I have had direct access to scholars and their knowledge, alhamdulillah in a way I have never experienced before. We’ve deeply explored the Muslim experience academically, challenging many of my previously held beliefs and narratives. I am forever grateful to BIS, the scholars and the organizers for this experience”.

Nuha Muntasser, Student