Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Introduction to Islamic Sciences

Authors(s): Rasoul Imani Khoshkhu

Publisher(s): Ahlul Bayt World Assembly

www.alhassanain.org/english

Table of Contents

Introduction to Islamic Sciences, Part 1 4

Abstract 4

1. Theology (kalam) 4

The nature of Kalam 5

History 5

Branches of Kalam 7

2. Islamic Philosophy 8

The Nature of Philosophy 9

History of Islamic Philosophy 9

Philosophical issues 11

Islamic Mysticism 11

Description of Islamic Mysticism 12

History 13

Stations and positions in Islamic Irfan 15

Notes 16

Introduction to Islamic Sciences Part 2: Fiqh and Usul al-fiqh 18

Abstract 18

3. Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) 18

Definition of Fiqh 18

History of Imami Fiqh 19

Major Subjects in Fiqh 23

A) Acts of Worship 23

B) Contracts 24

C) Occasions 25

D) Rulings 26

4. Sources of Shi‘a Fiqh 26

The Qur’an 26

Sunnah 26

Consensus 27

Reason 27

5. Usul of Fiqh (Principles of Fiqh) 27

The History of Usul in Shi‘ism 28

Issues in Usul 30

Notes 31

Introduction to Islamic Sciences Part 3 34

Abstract 34

6. Hadith Sciences 34

The History of Hadith among the Shi‘a 34

Different Branches of Hadith Studies 35

Rijal 35

Most important works 35

Dirayah al-Hadith 36

Fiqh al-Hadith 37

Gharib al-Hadith 37

Ilaj al-Hadith 37

Ilal al-Hadith 37

7. Qur’anic Sciences 37

Historical Background and Related Works 37

Significant Topics Studied in Qur’anic Sciences 38

8-The Science of Exegesis 39

History 39

The Most Important Methods of Exegesis 39

A) Interpreting the Qur’an by the Qur’an 39

B) Interpreting the Qur’an by Hadiths 40

C) Intellectual Interpretation of the Qur’an 40

9) The Science of Islamic Ethics 41

Major Characteristics of the Islamic Ethical System 41

A) The Close Link between Ethics and One’s World View 41

B) Comprehensive System of Values 42

C) Taking into Account All Dimensions of Man 42

Different Methods in Islamic Ethics 42

Philosophical Ethics 42

The Principles of Anthropology in Philosophical Ethics 42

Mystical Ethics 43

Scripture Based Ethics 43

Notes 44