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Introduction to the Islamic Sciences

The Ten Foundational Principles (al-Mabādiʾ al-ʿAsharah) of Islamic Sciences

Boston Islamic Seminary (BIS) is pleased to offer the Introduction to the Islamic Sciences Certificate, a structured program providing a broad introduction to the major disciplines of Islamic studies. This certificate is designed to orient students to the scope, aims, and methods of core Islamic sciences within a coherent academic framework.
The certificate covers seven key areas of Islamic knowledge, with each session organized around the Ten Foundational Principles (المبادئ العشرة / al-Mabādiʾ al-ʿAsharah). This approach introduces students to each discipline’s definition, subject matter, sources, scholarly development, and relationship to other fields, offering a clear foundation for further study.
 

Area

Sub-Disciplines / areas

Instructor

1

Quranic Sciences

Tafsir, tajwid, `ulum al-quran

Dr. Basyouny Nehela

2

Hadith Sciences

Hadith methodology, terminology, books 

Dr. Suheil Laher

3

Theology and spirituality (`aqidah & tazkiyah)

Beliefs, kalam, self-purification 

Dr. Ikram ul-Haq

4

Islamic Law (fiqh)

Fiqh, usul al-fiqh, maqasid al-shari`ah

Dr. Mariam Sheibani

5

History 

Sirah, Khulafa Rashidun, subsequent history

Dr. Mohammed Bushra

6

Islamic Thought

Philosophy, political thought

Dr. Adnan H. Rehman

7

Arabic 

Nahw, sarf, balaghah, adab

Dr. Carl Sharif El-Tobgui

 

Each session provides a broad introduction to a different domain of Islamic Studies, structured around the Ten Foundational Principles (المبادئ العشرة / al-Mabādiʾ al-ʿAsharah):

  • Name
  • Definition
  • Subject matter (including sub-disciplines)
  • Sources
  • Religious status
  • Virtues
  • Practical outcomes / benefits (fruit)
  • Situational relationships and overlap with other disciplines
  • Founder of the discipline, including an overview of its development and important works
  • Overview of topics covered

This structured approach ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of each domain, while preparing them for further study in the Islamic Foundations Certificate and Islamic Intellectual History Certificate programs.

 

Who is it For?

  • The Islamic Studies Preliminaries Certificate is designed for anyone seeking a comprehensive introduction to the major domains of Islamic sciences. It is ideal for:

    • Students beginning their journey in Islamic studies

    • Learners who want a structured overview of foundational Islamic knowledge

    • Individuals preparing for the Islamic Foundations Certificate, which covers these subjects in greater depth

    • Those intending to continue with the Islamic Intellectual History Certificate for advanced study

    The recommended sequence of study is:

    1. Islamic Studies Preliminaries Certificate

    2. Islamic Foundations Certificate

    3. Islamic Intellectual History Certificate

    By completing this certificate, students gain the essential knowledge and context needed to confidently progress through Boston Islamic Seminary’s advanced Islamic studies programs.

SCHEDULE AND DATES

The Islamic Studies Preliminaries Certificate runs from February through August 2026.

The program consists of seven monthly sessions, each covering a different domain of Islamic sciences. Each session is approximately 5–6 hours and can be attended in-person or remotely via Zoom.

Exact session dates and times will be available on the registration page.

Students are encouraged to follow the sequence of study for optimal learning:

  1. Introduction to the Islamic Sciences (Preliminaries Certificate)

  2. Islamic Foundations Certificate

  3. Islamic Intellectual History Certificate

PRICING

  • Individual sessions: $99 per session ($59 for students with a .edu email address or MIRL students)

  • Full certificate package: $499 for all 7 sessions ($299 for students)

  • Financial aid is available for eligible students. Apply via the financial aid form during registration.

  • Payment is completed at the time of registration through our secure online system.

Register

Click here to register.

These sessions will be held in person, with the option to attend remotely via Zoom.

The exact session dates, times, and in-person location will be announced soon and shared on the registration page.