
- Teacher: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

The sciences of credal beliefs (Aqa’id) and rational theology (Kalam) stand at the very foundation of Islamic learning, yet their scope, methodology, and relationship to one another remain unclear to many seekers of knowledge today. This seminar addresses a crucial gap by providing participants with a comprehensive map of these disciplines—their scope, how they function within the broader architecture of Islamic sciences, and where their boundaries overlap and diverge. Attendees will discover the canonical texts that have defined each discipline, understand what purposes they serve, and gain insight into both historical curricula and contemporary considerations for navigating these fields in our time. The program grounds these disciplines in the context of their ultimate purposes: defining sound belief, protecting against doctrinal confusion, and equipping students with the rational and scriptural tools to think and speak clearly about God, prophethood, revelation, and the hereafter. By the end, participants will not only perceive the place of these sciences within the broader Islamic intellectual tradition but will also know how to approach them, which works to prioritize, and how to deploy this knowledge in our modern age. This seminar, the first in a series of ‘Mastering the Islamic Sciences’ for students of Sacred Knowledge, offers both local attendees and online participants a rare opportunity to gain systematic clarity on the foundational sciences that have shaped Muslim thought for over a millennium.
Every student of knowledge faces the same questions sooner or later: where do I begin? What do I study next? And how deeply do I need to go? This seminar addresses those questions directly, drawing on the classical wisdom of Imam Sajuqlizadah’s Tartīb al-ʿulūm. Sajuqlizadah lays out a carefully reasoned sequence for acquiring the Islamic sciences — one that begins with the obligations of faith and Quran before advancing through grammar, logic, jurisprudence, theology, and the hadith sciences. He is equally clear about depth: drawing on al-Ghazālī, he distinguishes three levels of mastery in every discipline — limited, moderate, and thorough — and specifies what each one looks like in practice. The seminar also tackles a question that is rarely asked honestly: what does it actually mean to be a "complete" scholar? Sajuqlizadah's answer is searching and unsparing, and speaks directly to the credential culture of any era. Taught by Dr Talal Al-Azem, a teacher and researcher specialising in fiqh, Islamic education, and formations of the self in Islam, this seminar offers students of knowledge a principled framework for structuring their learning — one that is rooted in the tradition and immediately applicable to their own path.
The local and online community can benefit from this program by learning how action based on faith can be transformed into a driving force that inspires positive action to address human suffering. The program shows how faith, when firmly established in hearts, becomes an inspiring energy that motivates people to provide aid to those who are injured, stand by those affected by hardship, and embody values of mercy (الرحمة) and solidarity (التكافل) in their communities. Attendees will learn how to translate noble feelings into actual initiatives that contribute to alleviating suffering and healing wounds, achieving a balance between belief and action while enhancing their role as positive actors in society. The program motivates the application of these teachings through: 1. Foundations from the Quran and Hadith that emphasize the importance of mercy, solidarity, and active engagement with the suffering of others,, such as the teaching that "whoever saves a life, shall be as if he had saved all mankind together" and reminders that "whoever does not show mercy, is not shown mercy" 2. Emphasis on real-world examples of the Muslim community as a single body where, in the words of the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace), "when one part of it suffers, the rest of the body responds" The program ultimately motivates attendees by presenting faith as a transformative force that can be channeled into practical actions, empowering individuals to make meaningful contributions toward alleviating suffering and creating a more just and compassionate world. Adults and youth of all ages, and especially for those who are actively engaged in community service, social activism, and humanitarian efforts. Faith leaders and community organizers who want to mobilize their communities for humanitarian action All people seeking to deepen their understanding of social responsibility based on their relationship with God The program addresses several practical issues: 1. The physical and psychological suffering of the wounded and injured in war zones, with special attention to children and amputees who "face unbearable physical and psychological pain" 2. The religious and humanitarian responsibility to provide support to those who are afflicted 3. How to fulfill the needs of others in practical ways, motivated by faith
Marriage is a cornerstone of Islamic life, and understanding its rights, responsibilities, and delicate balance is crucial for nurturing a healthy, spiritually grounded relationship. This seminar, Tying the Knot: Rights, Responsibilities, and Balance, offers both in-person and online participants insights into the timeless wisdom of Islamic teachings on marriage. With practical guidance, it helps couples and those preparing for marriage embrace their roles with compassion, fairness, and spiritual mindfulness. Led by seasoned scholars, the seminar draws on classical texts and contemporary examples to emphasize Islam's unique equity and respect for marital relationships. Attendees will learn how these teachings foster mutual understanding, emotional intimacy, and commitment within marriage while addressing common challenges faced by modern couples. By attending, participants will gain a deeper understanding of their responsibilities, learn how to navigate gender roles and nurture intimacy, and develop practical strategies for maintaining harmony in their marriages. The seminar ultimately aims to equip individuals and couples with the tools to make their marriages successful and spiritually fulfilling, motivating them to apply Islamic principles for a balanced and meaningful partnership.