Course Syllabus: Ulum al-Qur’an (Sciences of the Qur’an)

Course Title: Ulum al-Qur’an: Exploring the Miracle of Revelation

Short Description:This foundation course introduces the divine sciences of the Qur’an. Students will explore its miraculous preservation, stages of revelation, and unique structural features, building a profound appreciation for Allah’s final message to humanity .

Duration:3 Months (12 sessions of 1 hour per week)

Price:$20 per session

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Overall Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, students will be able to:

· Define Ulum al-Qur’an and explain its significance as a field of study .

· Articulate the process of revelation (Wahy) and the history of the Quran’s compilation.

· Differentiate between Makki and Madani revelations and understand the concept of Abrogation (Naskh).

· Identify the miraculous aspects (I’jaz) of the Qur’an and the basic principles of Qira’at (recitations).

Session-by-Session Breakdown

Session Topic Key Learning Objectives Sample Discussion Points

1 Introduction to `Ulum al-Qur’an Define “Qur’an” and “`Ulum al-Qur’an”; understand the course’s spiritual & intellectual benefits [citation:9]. Why is the Qur’an called “Al-Furqan” (The Criterion)? What are the “77,000 sciences” said to be contained within it?

2 Revelation (Wahy) Understand the modes and nature of revelation; learn about the role of Angel Jibril (AS). How did Wahy descend upon other prophets? Analyzing the statement of Aisha (RA) on the Prophet’s experience.

3 Preservation: From Revelation to Compilation Trace the Qur’an’s preservation during the Prophet’s life and the era of Abu Bakr (RA). Why was the Qur’an compiled into a single manuscript (Mushaf) after the Battle of Yamamah?

4 Standardization & the `Uthmani Mushaf Learn about the standardization during `Uthman’s (RA) era and the logic behind the Rasm (script). Why did `Uthman (RA) order the burning of other personal copies? Understanding the wisdom behind this decision.

5 Makki vs. Madani Revelations Identify the characteristics and central themes of Makki and Madani Surahs. Why does the Qur’an not follow the chronological order of revelation in its compilation?

6 Abrogation (Al-Naskh) Define Naskh, its types, and its wisdom; distinguish it from Takhsees (specification). Analyzing examples like the change in Qibla. How does Naskh demonstrate Allah’s mercy and gradual legislation?

7 Clear & Ambiguous Verses (Muhkamat & Mutashabihat) Differentiate between Muhkamat and Mutashabihat; learn the proper approach to the latter. Discussing verses with metaphorical meanings (e.g., “The Hand of Allah”). The importance of adhering to the Muhkamat.

8 The Miraculous Nature (I’jaz) of the Qur’an Explore the linguistic, legislative, and scientific inimitability of the Qur’an. Analyzing the challenge to produce a single Surah like it. Reflecting on scientific facts mentioned centuries before discovery.

9 Introduction to Qira’at (Variant Recitations) Understand the origin and authenticity of the Seven or Ten Qira’at; learn their spiritual significance. How do different Qira’at enrich the meaning of the Qur’an? The concept of Tawatur (mass transmission) ensuring authenticity.

10 History of Tafsir & Major Scholars Overview the evolution of Tafsir: Tafsir bil-Ma’thur and Tafsir bil-Ra’y; introduce key classical scholars . The role of al-Suyuti’s “Al-Itqan” and al-Zarkashi’s “Al-Burhan” as encyclopedias of Qur’anic sciences .

11 Translations & Modern Qur’anic Studies Appreciate the challenges of translation; critically evaluate modern approaches to Qur’anic studies. Can a translation truly capture the meaning of the Qur’an? How to approach contemporary academic studies of the Qur’an.

12 Review, Reflections & Next Steps Consolidate key learnings; reflect on personal spiritual growth; guide further study paths. Student presentations on one most impactful concept. Discussion on how to apply this knowledge in daily recitation and life.

Teaching Methodology & Resources

· Interactive Lectures: Live sessions with visual presentations (diagrams, timelines).

· Q&A and Discussions: Dedicated time for student questions and group reflection.

· Primary Sources: References to classical texts like “Al-Itqan fi `Ulum al-Qur’an” by Jalaluddin al-Suyuti [citation:1][citation:9].

· Assignments: Short reflection paragraphs or multiple-choice quizzes to reinforce learning.

· Final Project: A brief presentation or essay where students explore a topic of their choice from the course.

This syllabus provides a solid foundation. For the subsequent courses (like Asbāb al-Nuzūl and Tadabbur), we can apply a similar structure, focusing on their unique skills—such as analyzing historical contexts for Asbāb al-Nuzūl or guided reflective exercises for Tadabbur.