Stages of Islamic Studies (shariah)

Learning about Islam and studying the religion can be thought of as a journey with several stages that build upon each other. From beginning to learn how to properly Quran recitation, to diving deep into the meaning and lessons within it, there are levels of Islamic knowledge to be gained. The main stages of Islamic studies include:

Tajweed Rules (Noorani Qaida)

The first step in studying Islam is usually learning the proper tajweed rules for reciting the Holy Quran. Tajweed refers to the set of rules for the correct pronunciation and recitation of the Quranic Arabic. The Noorani Qaida is a beginner's guide for learning these rules in a step-by-step manner. It teaches the correct makhraj (pronunciation) of each Arabic letter, as well as rules for things like voweling, assimilation, and proper stopping. Following the Noorani Qaida helps build a foundation for proper Quran recitation.

Quran Recitation (Reading Quran)

Once the tajweed rules are learned, students can begin working on reciting the actual verses and chapters of the Quran. Recitation should follow the guidelines set out in the Noorani Qaida to reflect the beauty and eloquence of the Revelation. Initially Quran recitation will be slow as students get familiar with applying tajweed rules. With practice and memorization, fluency and mastery of recitation will improve. Being able to read the Quran properly with tajweed is an honorable skill for Muslims.

Quran Translation

To understand the overall message and meaning of the Quran, studying an Arabic-to-native language translation is essential. Reading the Quran in one's own language allows people to properly reflect on its wisdom and guidance. Studying the translation can be done independently or through a teacher who explains the meaning of verses and chapters. Understanding the Quran translation enables students to implement the Quran's teachings in their lives.

Quran Tafseer

Tafseer refers to exegesis or commentary that explains the meanings and context behind Quranic verses. After building familiarity with the basic translation, studying tafseer takes understanding to a deeper level. Relying on scholars' analyses, Quran tafseer illuminates details like the circumstances in which a verse was revealed, the lexical meaning of words, and the ways Companions of the Prophet PBUH understood it. Tafseer extracts deeper lessons from verses and connects related concepts across chapters.

Arabic Grammar

To directly access Islam's original sources, knowledge of Arabic grammar and vocabulary is very beneficial. Arabic grammar involves studying concepts like word gender, pluralization, verb conjugations, sentence structure, and more. Building grammar skills allows students to understand Arabic texts like the Quran and Hadith without relying solely on translations. It also helps grasp nuances that get lost in translation. Starting with a primer and progressing to advanced grammars develops language abilities.

Arabic Language

Related to grammar, studying the Arabic language in general helps immerse students in vocabulary and language communication skills. Beginning with basics like the alphabet, numbers, greetings, etc. students eventually build towards intermediate and advanced proficiency. Language learning aids in directly interacting with Islamic source texts, as well as accessing the rich heritage of Islamic literature, poetry, and prose in the original Arabic. It also allows communicating with the worldwide Muslim community.

Maqamat Quran (Qirat Quran)

The maqamat, or modal systems, of Quranic recitation refer to the melodic patterns in which verses are recited. There are several recognized Quran maqamat that each give a musical flavor to recitation. The choice of maqamat can bring out different emotive meanings from the same Quranic passages. Studying the maqamat involves learning the tone patterns and performance rules for each system. Training under a master reciter is needed to fully apply the various maqamat in practice. Using maqamat makes recitation aesthetic and spiritually moving.

Quran Memorization (Hifz Quran)

Memorizing all or part of the Quran has long been an important Islamic practice, dating back to Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) time. In studying the Quran, students may choose to embark on the honorable journey of hifz (memorization). Both children and adults memorize the Quran, starting with small chapters and building their way up. Memorization instills powerful familiarity with the Revelation and is highly rewarding. At higher levels, students may enroll in rigorous hifz programs to become certified memorizers (hafiz, hafiza).

Hadith and Sunnah

The Hadith refer to the collected reports of the sayings, practices, and tacit approvals of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Studying Hadith gives insight into the Prophet's life and guidance on implementing Islam. Collections like Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim contain thousands of hadith organized by topic. Gaining familiarity with important hadith helps understand practical Islamic teachings. Studying the sunnah, or Prophetic model, involves emulating the Prophet's example in daily life. Hadith and sunnah form a vital complement to the Quran.

Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

The seerah refers to the life story and biographical account of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Studying seerah paints a vivid picture of the Prophet's life from birth to Prophethood to migration to Medina and onwards. Details include his personality, family relations, interactions with Companions, and historical setting. Seerah provides inspirational examples and context for Prophetic teachings. Scholars analyze seerah using Hadith and early histories as sources. Seerah courses take students chronologically through the Prophet's blessed life.

Fiqh

Fiqh refers to Islamic jurisprudence extracted from the Quran and Hadith. It covers legal rulings related to worship, transactions, family law, dietary laws, and social codes of conduct. Studying fiqh gives Muslims direction on practicing their Deen in accordance with sacred sources rather than just culture or precedent. The four major Sunni schools of fiqh each have methodology for deriving rulings, often with slightly different conclusions. Fiqh education develops a scholarly understanding of applied Islamic law.

Islamic Laws & Justice

Related to fiqh, studying Islamic laws focuses specifically on legal injunctions as principles to follow and understand. Major topics include ritual worship laws like salah, zakat, sawm, and hajj. There are also laws pertaining to marriage, inheritance, business transactions, dietary restrictions, charitable obligations, and more that organize Muslim social life. Laws may have situational exceptions orConditions. Studying Islamic laws makes Muslims aware of proper conduct in their religious and worldly affairs.

Islam and Science

Historically, Islam placed great emphasis on the sciences and learning. Studying Islam's relationship with science involves analyzing how Muslim scientists advanced knowledge, the Quran's references to natural phenomena, and Islamic ethics guiding science. Contributions by figures like Ibn al-Haytham, Khwarizmi, and Ibn Sina (Avicenna) are studied. Modern topics include evolution, cloning ethics, Islam's stance on extraterrestrial life, and using technology in a faithful way. Islam and science share a spirit of curiosity, discovery, and responsibility.

Islam and Politics

The relationship between Islam and politics is complex, with aspects like governance, law, activism, human rights, and foreign policy. Studying it analyzes concepts like shura (consultation), khilafat (leadership), fiqh siyasi (political jurisprudence), and ijtihad (independent reasoning) for applying Islamic principles in modern governance. Islam supports justice, accountability, and ethical politics within or between states. But scholars debate approaches, priorities, and extent of religion's role in government. Islam and politics interact dynamically.

Islam and Economics

As a comprehensive way of life, Islam provides values and guidelines for economic life. Studying Islamic economics analyzes its principles like property rights, mandatory zakat tax, prohibiting usury/interest (riba), moderation in spending, and fair trade. Throughout history, Islamic institutions like waqfs (charitable trusts) and microfinance have put these into practice. In modern times, an Islamic banking and finance industry that avoids riba has emerged. Islam views moral economic pursuits as part of worship, not just materialistic gain.

Iman and Worship

Iman (faith) and worship are core topics in Islamic studies focusing on the individual's spiritual relationship with the Divine. The articles of faith, pillars of practice, and Islamic virtues ethic all aim to enrich iman. Studying worship examines practices like salah, dua, dhikr, and reciting Quran to connect with Allah and grow iman. Understanding the deeper spiritual and mystical dimensions of worship and human purpose is emphasized, beyond just procedures. Strengthening iman motivates following Islam holistically.

Islam, the Way of Life

Islam is not just acts of ritual worship, but a comprehensive way of life and system for human society, Religion of peace and love. Studying it as din (way of life) examines how Islam's ethics, values, and worldview shape personal and social dimensions. Islam guides family relations, business dealings, health practices, educational pursuits, environmental stewardship, charitable contributions, and other spheres through a moral lens. Laws and rituals nurture this ethical living. Life's holistic spiritual purpose directs behavior. The Deen encompasses all of life's aspects.

Islam and Ethics (Moral)

Islamic ethics cover individual virtue and social morals derived from the Quran and Sunnah. Key concepts include tasawwuf (purifying the heart), akhlaaq (good character), adab (manners), and birr (righteousness). Studying ethics analyzes moral guidelines and duties involved in human relations, environmental stewardship, earning and spending wealth, sexual propriety, self-discipline, and striving for spiritual excellence. Developing personal and social morality is instrumental for putting faith into action and establishing a just Islamic society.

Islam: A Complete System

Islam presents itself as a kamil (perfect and complete) system for human life. Studying its completeness examines how Islam integrates ritual worship, social interactions, political affairs, economic behavior, intellectual pursuits, and everything in between under a unified framework rooted in ones purpose and relationship with the Divine. Unlike compartmentalizing religion as just one sphere, Islam infuses a God-consciousness through all of life's aspects. Islam's holistic worldview, ethical values, and social institutions provide a blueprint for an ideal civilization.

Conclusion

The journey of Learn Quran Online as well as Islamic studies contains many stages, each building on the previous one to add depth, meaning, and practical wisdom to the student’s understanding. What starts with proper articulation when reciting the Quran eventually leads to analyzing its deepest linguistic and jurisprudential nuances. Studying Hadith and Seerah makes Prophetic guidance tangible. Higher levels study Islam as a holistic system influencing all dimensions of life, from the spiritual to the societal. There is always more to learn and implement. Sincere and consistent study motivated by the love of Allah and His Rasul (Prophet) PBUH truly enables Muslims to recognize the blessings of knowledge and live according to His guidance. The fruits of Islamic studies are immense.