Chabot College
Fall 2006
Course Outline for Religious Studies 72
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ISLAM
Catalog Description:
72 – Contemporary Issues in Islam
3 units
Insight into the complexities of Islam throughout the world, especially in America. In depth study
of topics such as gender roles, contribution of Muslims to the human civilization and the
adaptation of Muslim culture into American society provide extensive opportunity for discussion
and research. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1. identify the development of Islam and its sources as a “system for life”;
2. identify the misconceptions about Muslim women, men and Jihad;
3. discuss the necessary role of a Muslim in realizing high moral and family values.
Course Content:
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The beliefs: foundations and first pillar of Islam
The Salah: daily and special occasion prayers and how to perform them
The Friday congregational service and its importance for Muslim
The death and dying, in Islam
The Islamic festivals: ‘Id-ul-Fitr and ‘Id-ul-‘Adha (Feast of Breaking Fast and Feast of Sacrifice)
The institution of Zakah (Alms giving) and social justice
The fasting during the holy month of Ramadan
The Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House of Allah (God) in Makkah
The prophet Muhammad pbuh
Application of Islam to daily life, the internal and external nature
Family, marriage, children and divorce
The law of inheritance
Immigrant and Afro-American Muslims in America
The prophet Jesus pbuh in the Qur’an
The prophet Muhammad pbuh in the Bible
Distortions about Islam: Jihad, polygamy and status of Muslim woman
Methods of Presentation:
1. Lectures and classroom discussions
2. Guest speakers
3. Audio-visual materials
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments:
a. reading of three books
b. one resource paper
Chabot College
Course Outline for Religious Studies 72, Page 2
Fall 2006
c. additional graded essays
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
a. classroom participation, including questions and informed comments indicating completion of
reading assignments
b. unit quizzes and comprehensive examinations
c. essays, including one term paper on assigned topics
Textbook(s) (Typical):
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F. Denny’s, An Introduction to Islam, Prentice-Hall, 2006
Murata and Chittick, Vision of Islam, St. Paul, MN: Paragon Press, 1994.
Rahman, F., Islam, Chicago: Chicago University Press, 1979.
Safi, Omid editor, Progressive Muslims, Oxford: One World, 2003.
Family Structure in Islam, by Abadal-Ati, AM TRUST Pub., 1995
Holy Qur’an: Translation and Commentary, A. Yusuf Ali, AM TRUST Pub., 1995
Islam in Focus, by Abadal-Ati, KAZI Pub., 1983
Special Student Materials:
None
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