An Introduction to the science of Seerah

Name*
First Last
Email*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Mobile Number*
Country*
CAPTCHA

An Introduction to the science of Seerah

About The Course

Discover the depth of Islamic history with Al Balagh's groundbreaking online course, “An Introduction to the Science of Seerah.” Engage with the systematic study of the Prophet's biography, examining works by key historical figures, assessing orientalist influences, and applying modern scholarly insights. Enroll now to unlock the academic and practical dimensions of Seerah with expertise and contemporary understanding.

Course Team

Shaykh Mustaqeem Shah

(Lecturer, Al Balagh Academy, UK)

AT A GLANCE

12 Live Online Sessions

Duration : 4 Months

Sunday, 7 PM - 8 PM (London, UK)

Video Recordings Available

Access to Mobile App

Personalised Feedback

Digital Certificate

From £12.49/Month

(For 4 Months)

Enroll Now

Starts on 8th September 2024

Course Fee

Pay in Full: ~~£69.99~~ £49.99

Pay In 4 Installments: £12.49 per month

Registration Deadline:

7th September 2024

Al Balagh Scholarship

AlBalagh Scholarship is available for learners who cannot afford the fee.

Learn More and Apply

Share This Course:

Sessions

Module 1

1. Introduction to the Science of Seerah: Definitions and Scope

● Defining Seerah and its importance in Islamic tradition.
● Historical context and evolution of Seerah as a science.
● Differentiating Seerah from Hadith and Tafsir.
● The significance of Seerah for understanding the Prophet's life.
● Practical takeaway: Emphasizing the relevance of Seerah in modern Islamic identity.

Module 2

2. Evolution of Seerah Narratives: From Oral Tradition to Documentation

● The oral tradition and early transmission of the Prophet's life.
● Transition to written documentation: motives and methods.
● Analysis of primary Seerah sources and their compilers.
● The role of isnad (chain of narration) in Seerah literature.
● Practical takeaway: The critical assessment of Seerah sources in historical context.

Module 3

3. Methodological Foundations in Seerah Studies

● Overview of classical methodologies in Seerah studies.
● Comparison with modern approaches to Seerah research.
● Critical methods: authenticity and contextual analysis.
● The role of interdisciplinary studies in Seerah research.
● Practical takeaway: Developing a methodology for contemporary Seerah study.

Module 4

4. Ibn Ishaq and Ibn Hisham: Pioneers of Classical Seerah Literature

● Life and works of Ibn Ishaq and his Seerah compilation.
● Ibn Hisham’s refinements and his role in preserving Seerah.
● Key narratives and their historical significance.
● Methodologies used by these scholars in Seerah writing.
● Practical takeaway: Understanding the foundational structure of classical Seerah texts.

Module 5

5. Al-Waqidi and Ibn Sa'd: Expanding the Horizons of Seerah Narratives

● Contributions of Al-Waqidi to Seerah and historical writings.
● Ibn Sa’d’s Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir and its impact.
● Comparative analysis of their works with earlier Seerah literature.
● Methodological differences and narrative styles.
● Practical takeaway: Evaluating the diversity in Seerah narratives through different lenses.

Module 6

6. The Seerah Illuminated by the Quran

● Quranic verses that reflect the life of the Prophet.
● Correlation between Quranic revelations and Seerah events.
● Thematic study of the Quran through the lens of the Prophet’s life.
● The influence of Quranic messages on Seerah narratives.
● Practical takeaway: Integrating Quranic study with Seerah for a holistic understanding.

Module 7

7. The Interplay of Hadith and Seerah

● Differentiating the Seerah from Hadith: scope and content.
● How Hadith complements the narrative of Seerah.
● Case studies of Hadith in the biographical context.
● The use of Hadith in authenticating Seerah events.
● Practical takeaway: The application of Hadith in understanding the Prophet’s life.

Module 8

8. Orientalist Encounters with the Seerah: A Critical Review

● Early Orientalist approaches to the study of Seerah.
● Key Orientalist figures and their perspectives on the Prophet’s life.
● Critiques of Orientalist methodologies and conclusions.
● Contributions of Orientalist studies to Seerah scholarship.
● Practical takeaway: Developing a critical approach to Orientalist literature.

Module 9

9. Contemporary Scholars in Seerah Scholarship

● Overview of contemporary Seerah scholarship and its pioneers.
● Notable modern works and their contributions to the field.
● Current debates and discussions in Seerah studies.
● Methodological innovations in modern Seerah research.
● Practical takeaway: Engaging with contemporary scholarly discourse for advanced Seerah studies.

Module 10

10. Spiritual and Moral Lessons from the Seerah: How to Present

● Key spiritual themes found in the Seerah.
● Moral virtues exemplified by the Prophet’s life.
● Approaches to teaching spiritual and moral lessons from the Seerah.
● Case studies of moral dilemmas and resolutions in the Seerah.
● Practical takeaway: Integrating Seerah’s spiritual and moral lessons into personal development.

Module 11

11. Seerah in Today's World: Contemporary Lessons and Applications

● Relevance of the Seerah in the context of modern challenges.
● The Seerah as a guide for leadership, community building, and social justice.
● Examples of the Prophet’s life applied to current events.
● Seerah’s guidance in interfaith and multicultural contexts.
● Practical takeaway: Implementing Seerah principles in daily life and community engagement.

Module 1 2

12. Synthesis and the Way Forward: Educational Implications of Seerah Studies

● Summarizing key insights from the course.
● The role of Seerah in Islamic education and curriculum development.
● Prospects for the application of Seerah studies in educational settings.
● The importance of Seerah in lifelong learning and spiritual growth.
● Practical takeaway: Strategies to incorporate Seerah studies in educational initiatives and personal growth.

Course Overview

Understand the Concept of Seerah:
- Define Seerah and articulate its significance within the Islamic tradition.
- Differentiate Seerah from other related disciplines such as Hadith and Tafsir.
Trace the Evolution of Seerah Narratives:
- Explore the transition from oral traditions to written documentation.
- Analyze primary Seerah sources and understand the role of isnad (chain of narration).
Grasp Methodological Foundations in Seerah Studies:
- Gain insights into classical methodologies employed in the study of Seerah.
- Compare classical approaches with modern methodologies in Seerah research.
Study Ibn Ishaq and Ibn Hisham:
- Examine the life and works of Ibn Ishaq and Ibn Hisham.
- Understand the methodologies used by these scholars in compiling Seerah literature.
Explore Al-Waqidi and Ibn Sa'd:
- Analyze the contributions of Al-Waqidi and Ibn Sa'd to Seerah and historical writings.
- Compare their works with earlier Seerah literature, noting methodological differences.
Illuminate Seerah with the Quran:
- Identify Quranic verses reflecting the life of the Prophet.
- Correlate Quranic revelations with Seerah events, facilitating a thematic study.
Understand the Interplay of Hadith and Seerah:
- Differentiate Seerah from Hadith, understanding their scopes and content.
- Examine case studies of Hadith in the biographical context of Seerah.
Critically Review Orientalist Approaches:
- Evaluate early Orientalist perspectives on the Prophet's life.
- Critique Orientalist methodologies and conclusions related to Seerah studies.
Engage with Contemporary Seerah Scholarship:
- Gain an overview of modern Seerah scholarship and its pioneers.
- Explore notable contemporary works and contribute to current debates in Seerah studies.
Extract Spiritual and Moral Lessons from the Seerah:
- Identify key spiritual themes found in the Seerah.
- Explore moral virtues exemplified by the Prophet's life.
Apply Seerah in Today's World:
- Recognize the relevance of the Seerah in addressing contemporary challenges.
- Apply Seerah principles to guide leadership, community building, and social justice efforts.
Synthesize Insights and Explore Educational Implications:
- Summarize key insights from the course, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding.
- Understand the role of Seerah in educational settings and develop strategies for its application in various contexts.

Seerah Studies Level 1 An Introduction to the science of Seerah

Learning Objectives

Define Seerah: Understand the concept of Seerah and its importance within the Islamic tradition, differentiating it from Hadith and Tafsir.
Trace the Evolution of Seerah Narratives: Explore the transition from oral traditions to written documentation, analyzing primary Seerah sources and understanding the role of isnad.
Grasp Methodological Foundations in Seerah Studies: Gain insights into classical methodologies and compare them with modern approaches, developing critical methods for authenticity and contextual analysis.
Study Ibn Ishaq and Ibn Hisham: Examine the life and works of these pioneers of classical Seerah literature, understanding their methodologies and the historical significance of their narratives.
Explore Al-Waqidi and Ibn Sa'd: Analyze the contributions of Al-Waqidi and Ibn Sa'd to Seerah and historical writings, comparing their works with earlier Seerah literature.
Illuminate Seerah with the Quran: Study Quranic verses reflecting the Prophet's life, correlating revelations with Seerah events, and integrating thematic Quranic study with Seerah for a holistic understanding.
Understand the Interplay of Hadith and Seerah: Differentiate Seerah from Hadith, explore how Hadith complements Seerah narratives, and apply Hadith in authenticating Seerah events.
Critically Review Orientalist Approaches: Evaluate early Orientalist perspectives on Seerah, critique methodologies and conclusions, and develop a critical approach to Orientalist literature.
Engage with Contemporary Seerah Scholarship: Gain an overview of modern Seerah scholarship, explore notable works, and participate in current debates and discussions in the field.
Extract Spiritual and Moral Lessons from the Seerah: Identify key spiritual themes and moral virtues from the Seerah, exploring approaches to teaching these lessons.
Apply Seerah in Today's World: Understand the relevance of Seerah in modern challenges, apply its guidance to leadership and community building, and explore its role in interfaith and multicultural contexts.
Synthesize Insights and Explore Educational Implications: Summarize key insights from the course, understand the role of Seerah in Islamic education, and develop strategies to incorporate Seerah studies in educational initiatives and personal growth.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate Comprehensive Knowledge: Exhibit a comprehensive understanding of Seerah, its evolution, methodologies, and key figures in classical and contemporary scholarship.
Critical Analysis Skills: Develop the ability to critically assess Seerah sources, methodologies, and perspectives, including Orientalist approaches.
Integration of Knowledge: Integrate Seerah knowledge with Quranic study and Hadith, demonstrating a holistic understanding of the Prophet's life.
Educational Application: Apply Seerah insights in educational settings, including curriculum development, teaching spiritual and moral lessons, and addressing contemporary challenges.
Community Leadership: Utilize Seerah principles for community leadership, social justice, and interfaith engagement, contributing positively to society.
Lifelong Learning and Personal Growth: Recognize the importance of Seerah in lifelong learning and personal spiritual growth, with the ability to continue advanced studies in Seerah.

Explore Relevant Courses/Conferences

Islam and Science

The Creed of Ṭaḥāwī (al-ʿAqīda al-Ṭaḥāwiyya)

Islam and End-of-Life Care

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Al Balagh courses recognised or accredited?

Al Balagh courses do not provide an externally accredited or recognised qualification. Our own expert team works at the course content. With over 52,000 + learners, we are continuously growing and our vision is to make Al Balagh qualifications renowned worldwide through our expert team, without seeking formal accreditation or recognition from external institutional bodies.
Al Balagh courses prioritize the development of knowledge and understanding within the Islamic tradition, delivered by a team of experienced instructors. While we currently focus on creating high-quality course content from our expert team, formal external accreditation is not currently pursued. Our commitment lies in fostering a vibrant learning community for our over 52,000+ students, and we continually strive to enhance the educational value of our qualifications.

How is this online course structured?

Our online course comprises live interactive online sessions, pre-recorded videos, online course material that include, presentations, reading material & online learning activities. Students may ask questions and get their doubts cleared from their respective lecturers, if any. Our dedicated academic support team will assist you as required.

The course utilizes a well-structured, weekly module format. Each module offers a variety of engaging materials (live sessions, videos, presentations, readings, activities) to cater to diverse learning styles. You can ask questions directly to instructors during live sessions, and a dedicated academic support team is available throughout the course.

When will I have access to the online course material?

Upon successful enrollment, you will get access to ILM Portal (our advanced online learning portal) within 24 hours. (login details and important contact information will be provided on your registered email address)

Following successful enrollment, you will be granted access to the Learning Management System i.e. https://ilm.albalaghacademy.org/ (our advanced online learning platform) within 24 hours. Your login credentials and other pertinent contact information will be sent to your registered email address.

Will I get notification for live sessions?

You will be able to view all course wise live session details including joining links on your ILM Portal calendar. Weekly email reminders are also sent out on your registered email address. If you find any difficulty with the link/calendar please contact us immediately via Email: [email protected] or by Phone: +447946835578 . Our dedicated support team will ensure that your problem gets resolved at the earliest

To ensure your participation in live sessions, we provide multiple notification methods:

Learning Portal Calendar: A convenient feature of the ILM Portal is a calendar displaying all upcoming live sessions with their respective joining links.

Weekly Email Reminders: In addition, you will receive weekly emails to your registered address containing reminders and joining links for live sessions.

Should you require any assistance accessing live sessions, our dedicated support team is readily available to help. Feel free to contact them via Email: [email protected] or Phone: +447946835578.

Is it mandatory to attend live sessions?

Attending live sessions, while not mandatory for course progression, is strongly encouraged. Prominent scholars and educators highlight the unique value of live attendance, emphasizing its role in the authentic transfer of knowledge. Live participation fosters an interactive learning environment, allowing for real-time questions, discussions, and clarifications that are not as easily replicated through recorded materials. This live engagement is seen as essential for a deeper understanding and connection to the subject matter, echoing the tradition and Adab of scholarly learning.

While live sessions are not mandatory for course completion, they are highly recommended.
These sessions offer a unique opportunity to engage directly with instructors and fellow students. The interactive nature of live sessions allows for immediate clarification of questions and fosters a deeper understanding of the course material, reflecting the value traditionally placed on active learning in scholarship.

I missed a live session. Can I get the video recordings?

If you miss a live session, don't worry! You can access the recorded sessions, presentations, and relevant materials on your course dashboard within 24-48 hours after the live class is delivered. Our admin team uploads the content promptly so you can catch up on what you missed and be well-prepared for the next live class. Simply log in to the ILM Student portal and find the materials under the respective course section if you miss a scheduled live lecture.

In the event that you are unable to attend a live session, no need to worry. Recordings of the sessions, along with any accompanying presentations and relevant materials, will be made available on your course dashboard within 24-48 hours of the session's completion. The administrative team prioritizes the prompt uploading of these resources to ensure you can effectively catch up on missed content and remain prepared for subsequent sessions. To access these recordings, simply log in to the ILM Student portal and navigate to the designated section for your course.

Can I download the video recordings on my device (Desktop/Laptop/Mobile/Tab)?

We understand that having constant access to educational content is important for our students. However, to maintain the integrity and security of our course materials, videos are not available for download directly from the Learning Management System (LMS). We ensure that our LMS is accessible at all times and from various devices, allowing you to study at your convenience, wherever you have internet access. If you have any concerns about accessing the materials or need assistance with the LMS, please do not hesitate to contact our support team for help.

To ensure the continued quality and security of our course materials, video recordings are not downloadable directly from the Learning Management System (LMS). However, we understand the value of flexible learning, and our LMS is optimized for access across various devices (desktop, laptop, mobile, tablet) with an internet connection. This allows you to revisit course content at your convenience and continue your studies wherever you may be. Should you encounter any difficulties accessing materials or navigating the LMS, our dedicated support team is readily available to assist you.

I have doubts but I cannot attend the live session. Any other way to ask my questions?

For any doubts or discussions, join the dedicated Course WhatsApp Groups where you can engage with peers for question clarification and discussions. Course instructors may be part of these groups at their discretion. If you need to contact a specific instructor, please reach out to the Admin Team.

To facilitate in-depth learning and peer interaction, we offer dedicated Course WhatsApp Groups. These groups provide a platform for you to engage with fellow students and clarify any questions that may arise during your studies. While course instructors may participate at their discretion, the primary focus is on fostering peer-to-peer learning and discussion. Should you require individual assistance or wish to connect with a specific instructor directly, please don't hesitate to contact our supportive Admin Team.

How do I interact with my classmates?

You can interact with your classmates on our WhatsApp Groups exclusive for the course students. To join the official WhatsApp group, log in to your course on https://ilm.albalaghacademy.org/ and access the "Join Official WhatsApp Group'' tab. Go to Start → Sessions → Welcome Aboard: Course Introduction → Join Official WhatsApp Group

Joining the group will allow you to connect with fellow course students for discussions and updates.

What is the process for reaching out to the instructor?

For inquiries about instructor contact information, please reach out to the course administrator directly. Instructor details will be shared only with their explicit consent. However, participants are encouraged to connect through group discussions.

( Please note, they often have demanding schedules and may not always be able to address individual queries. We encourage you to attend live sessions and utilize the Q&A period for questions. For queries post-lecture, feel free to contact our administrators, and we will do our best to assist. Responses from instructors will depend on their availability. Thank you for your understanding.)

When will the final exam be held?

The Final Exam will be held at the end of the course(approximately one month after the final live lecture of the course) and will be a Graded And Timed Exam.

How long will I have access to the online course(s)?

In case you find any trouble accessing your account, then please contact us immediately via email: [email protected] or by phone: +447946835578. Our dedicated support team will ensure that your problem gets resolved at the earliest. The time taken to resolve issues depends on the team's availability and working hours. We guarantee prompt resolution of your queries. Please be aware that it typically takes around 24 hours to resolve any technical issues.

Should you encounter any difficulties logging in to the ILM Online Student portal, please don't hesitate to contact our dedicated support team. They are readily available to assist you via email at [email protected] or by WhatsApp at +447946835578. We strive to resolve all technical issues promptly, typically within 24 hours.

How can I apply for the Al Balagh Scholarship?

Al Balagh Academy values seekers of knowledge more than anything. Please visit here to apply for a scholarship. Our team will assess your application and respond in 2 - 3 working days.

What is the course grading policy?

Our course grading policy is designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding and mastery of the subject matter. To successfully pass, students are required to achieve a minimum grade of 40% across all courses. Here's how your performance will be evaluated:

Weekly Assessment Exams (60% of total points): Throughout the course, you will encounter approximately 5-6 online objective assessments aimed at testing your understanding and honing your skills. These weekly checkpoints are pivotal in tracking your progress and ensuring you're on the right path.
Course Final Exam (40% of total points): The culmination of your learning journey is marked by the course final exam. This decisive assessment evaluates your grasp of the entire course content.

Achieving a score of 40% or above is essential to pass the course. This balanced approach between regular assessments and a comprehensive final exam ensures that you not only retain information but also apply your knowledge effectively.

Course Assessment and Grading:
This course utilizes a grading system designed to evaluate your comprehension and application of the course material. To successfully complete the course, a minimum overall grade of 40% is required.

Evaluation Components:

Weekly Online Assessments (60%): Throughout the course, you will complete several online objective assessments (approximately 5-6). These weekly quizzes serve as checkpoints to gauge your understanding and identify areas that may require further study.
Course Final Exam (40%): A comprehensive final exam will assess your grasp of the entire course content.

Passing the Course:
A minimum score of 40% on all assessments is necessary to pass the course. This approach balances regular evaluations with a final exam, ensuring both knowledge retention and application.

When can I expect to receive my Certificate of Achievement?

Following successful course completion, you will be eligible to receive your digital certificate of achievement. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

Completion of All Course Modules: Full engagement with all designated course materials, including readings, assignments, and assessments, is mandatory.
Attainment of the Minimum Passing Threshold: A minimum grade of 40% is required to qualify for the certificate of achievement.

Who do I contact if I still have doubts related to my courses?

For Course-Related Inquiries:
Should you encounter any questions or require assistance throughout your studies, our dedicated support team is readily available to assist you. Their primary objective is to facilitate your academic success.

📞 Admissions Team (Payment, Scholarships, Enrollment, or information about New Courses):

- Email: [email protected]

- WhatsApp (Admission): http://wa.me/447946835804

🚀 Short-Term Course Support (Assessment, Course-related, or IT-Technical issues):

- Email: [email protected]

- WhatsApp (Course Support): http://wa.me/447946835578

Please note: While the support team works diligently to address inquiries promptly, response times may vary.

Is there a mobile app for accessing my courses?

Maximize your learning flexibility with our newly updated mobile app! Enjoy seamless access to your courses anytime, anywhere. Click on the links below to download the app tailored to your device:

For Android users: Download from the Google Play Store

For iOS users: Download from the App Store

Dive into a world of convenient and accessible learning today!

Are Al Balagh courses recognised or accredited?

How is this online course structured?

When will I have access to the online course material?

Will I get notification for live sessions?

Learning Portal Calendar: A convenient feature of the ILM Portal is a calendar displaying all upcoming live sessions with their respective joining links.

Weekly Email Reminders: In addition, you will receive weekly emails to your registered address containing reminders and joining links for live sessions.

Should you require any assistance accessing live sessions, our dedicated support team is readily available to help. Feel free to contact them via Email: [email protected] or Phone: +447946835578.

Is it mandatory to attend live sessions?

I missed a live session. Can I get the video recordings?

Can I download the video recordings on my device (Desktop/Laptop/Mobile/Tab)?

I have doubts but I cannot attend the live session. Any other way to ask my questions?

How do I interact with my classmates?

Joining the group will allow you to connect with fellow course students for discussions and updates.

What is the process for reaching out to the instructor?

When will the final exam be held?

The Final Exam will be held at the end of the course(approximately one month after the final live lecture of the course) and will be a Graded And Timed Exam.

How long will I have access to the online course(s)?

How can I apply for the Al Balagh Scholarship?

Al Balagh Academy values seekers of knowledge more than anything. Please visit here to apply for a scholarship. Our team will assess your application and respond in 2 - 3 working days.

What is the course grading policy?

Weekly Assessment Exams (60% of total points): Throughout the course, you will encounter approximately 5-6 online objective assessments aimed at testing your understanding and honing your skills. These weekly checkpoints are pivotal in tracking your progress and ensuring you're on the right path.
Course Final Exam (40% of total points): The culmination of your learning journey is marked by the course final exam. This decisive assessment evaluates your grasp of the entire course content.

Evaluation Components:

Weekly Online Assessments (60%): Throughout the course, you will complete several online objective assessments (approximately 5-6). These weekly quizzes serve as checkpoints to gauge your understanding and identify areas that may require further study.
Course Final Exam (40%): A comprehensive final exam will assess your grasp of the entire course content.

When can I expect to receive my Certificate of Achievement?

Following successful course completion, you will be eligible to receive your digital certificate of achievement. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

Completion of All Course Modules: Full engagement with all designated course materials, including readings, assignments, and assessments, is mandatory.
Attainment of the Minimum Passing Threshold: A minimum grade of 40% is required to qualify for the certificate of achievement.

Who do I contact if I still have doubts related to my courses?

📞 Admissions Team (Payment, Scholarships, Enrollment, or information about New Courses):

- Email: [email protected]

- WhatsApp (Admission): http://wa.me/447946835804

🚀 Short-Term Course Support (Assessment, Course-related, or IT-Technical issues):

- Email: [email protected]

- WhatsApp (Course Support): http://wa.me/447946835578

Please note: While the support team works diligently to address inquiries promptly, response times may vary.

Is there a mobile app for accessing my courses?

Maximize your learning flexibility with our newly updated mobile app! Enjoy seamless access to your courses anytime, anywhere. Click on the links below to download the app tailored to your device:

An Introduction to the science of Seerah