Islamic Studies as an academic discipline is a contemporary approach of studying Islam. It is an umbrella term and draws on a variety of fields that include Islamic Civilization and Culture, Islamic History, Islamic Social Sciences, Islamic Scientific Heritage, Islamic Philosophy, Tasawwuf, Comparative Religions, Interfaith Dialogue, Gender Studies, Islamic Economics and Finance, and Human Rights. With the tools of interdisciplinarity and comparative approach it sheds light on the multiple expressions of Islam as a spiritual tradition, the role of Islamic civilization in global history and importance of Islamic discourse in the contemporary world. It examines the thought of the key Muslim intellectuals particularly of modern age and their attempts to come to terms with modernity. The areas for consideration also include renewal and reform, the impact of colonialism and globalization on Muslim discourse, independent judgment (ijtihad) and issues associated with the civil society.
Objectives
1. Provide students with an opportunity to broaden, deepen and enrich their understanding of Islam.
2. Promote the appreciation of Islamic ethics and code of personal practice.
3. Prepare students to contribute in Islamic, multi-religious and multi-cultural environments;.
4. Equip students with the skills they need to pursue lifelong learning.
5. Develop analytical thinking skills in students and be part of the problem solution.