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Politics, Power & Civilization in Islam (السياسة الشرعية)

Department: Political Science
Course Code: PLSC-101

Location: Zoom

About this Course

How did today’s world order come to be, where does the Ummah stand in it, and what is the path to revival?

Politics, Power & Civilization in Islam is an intensive four-week course that provides students with a structured, text-based introduction to al-Siyāsah al-Sharʿiyyah, the Islamic framework of governance, leadership and civilization. The course opens with bridging the Islamic ʿAqīdah with the practical role enacted by the Prophets to administer the affairs of humanity with objective justice. It then traces the Ummatic journey from the Khilāfah to the secular system of nation-states, examines the civilizational rise and fall through the lens of revelation, dissects the current global order, and closes with the groundwork for revival and the role of today’s Muslims.

Students will study classical and contemporary works, including:

  • Qalāʾid al-ʿIqyān
  • al-Aḥkām al-Sulṭāniyyah
  • Khilāfat o Mulūkiyyat
  • Others

From these texts, students will build a clear understanding of:

  • Why governance and justice are an integral part of our Dīn
  • The rights and duties between those in authority and the Ummah at large
  • How to decipher world events through the Prophetic and Qur’anic narrative, rather than through secular frameworks

By the end of this course, students will be able to think clearly about the political and administrative dimension of Islam. They will be able to integrate activism within a critical facet of local and global interactions, and understand the path needed to secure the safety and welfare of the next generation.

With accessible knowledge, our students can continue their journey of seeking a deeper understanding of the sacred sciences alongside family life and their careers.

Learning Format

  • Interactive Classes: Weekly live sessions on Zoom with interactive Q&A, plus reading assignments that push our intellectual boundaries.
  • Guided Study: Students read the assigned texts before class. The instructor then provides guided explanations, historical context and contemporary applications.
  • Assessment: A research paper and a final exam to consolidate learning and ensure precision and depth.

Evaluation

  • Participation, Attendance & Reading: 25%
  • Research Paper: 25%
  • Final Exam: 50%

Fee & Commitment

  • Fee – Single payment of $100 OR 2 split-payments of $50*
  • Time Commitment – 

    3 to 4 hours per week (2-hour class plus readings and assignments)

  • Duration – 4 Weeks

*Sponsorship & financial assistance available upon review. Please fill out the form here.

Course Breakdown

4 Topics

Instructor

Ust. Abu Abdullah Al Hanbali

A graduate of Finance & International Economics from the Schulich School of Business and Islamic Sciences & Shari’ah from Mishkah University along with specialized training in ʿAqīdah, Fiqh, and Uṣūl.

As founder of The Revivalist Society, he also serves as an active Khaṭīb, lecturer, and teacher in the Greater Toronto Area, while holding a senior management role in Corporate Finance.

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FAQ

Who is this course designed for?

This course is designed for Muslims who want to understand Islamic political thought and its relevance to the modern world. It is ideal for anyone seeking clarity on governance, rulers, democracy, Khilāfah, secularism, international relations, global power, and the challenges facing the Muslim world today.

Is this course open to brothers and sisters?

Yes, both brothers and sisters are welcome to join.

Do I need any prior knowledge before joining?

No prior knowledge of the Islamic Political System is required as the course is structured to guide students to build a foundational understanding of this topic. However, a basic understanding of any Islamic science (i.e. Aqeedah, Fiqh, Seerah, etc.) would be highly beneficial.

How long is the course?

The total length of this program is 4 weeks.

Research paper submission and a marked exam will be conducted in the week after the course ends.

How will the course be delivered?

Live sessions will be conducted online via Zoom with recordings and resources available for registered students.

Will there be homework, assessments, or exams?

Weekly readings will be assigned with the expectation that each student completes it prior to that week’s session. 

In addition, each student will be required to complete a marked exam and a structured research paper. Feedback will be given to each student.

Is live attendance mandatory or can we rely on session recordings?

Attending live sessions is mandatory for all students to facilitate participation and engagement in beneficial discussions.

Is this a global program or just open to students in the Greater Toronto Area only?

Our program is designed to accommodate students worldwide through online live sessions via Zoom. 

Students will have access to recorded live sessions throughout the course to support assignments, exam preparation, and to make up for any legitimate absences.

Is there a forum for communication between the students and the instructor?

Yes. All registered students will be added to The Revivalist Society / Al Quds Academy WhatsApp community where they will be able to communicate with one another and the instructor.

Is there a course/module fee?

Al Quds Academy charges a nominal fee for each Module that is used to maintain the expenses of the institute.

This course requires a fee of just $100.

Are there sponsorships or student discounts?

Alhamdullilah, we are offering student discounts through community-based sponsorship for students who are sincere and serious about gaining knowledge but unable to cover the course fee.

Click here for the Sponsorship form.

Can I request a refund if I withdraw from the course?

Please see our refund policy here.

For any additional information, please submit our Contact Form here.

I have doubts about joining the program. How do I contact the Academy or the Instructor for more details?

You can contact us with your question or inquiries via our Contact Form here, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.