International Human Rights and Islam
Championing Justice & Global Human Rights Through an Islamic Lens.
About The Course
Unlock a deep understanding of the intersection between Islamic law (Sharia) and international human rights. This course explores how Islamic principles align with or diverge from global human rights frameworks, addressing contemporary issues like freedom of religion, minority rights, women’s rights, and economic justice. With a blend of theory, case studies, and advocacy tools, participants will gain the knowledge and skills to defend the rights of the Muslim Ummah, counter Islamophobia, and engage in policy discussions with confidence. Whether you're a lawyer, activist, scholar, or student, this course will empower you to lead discussions and champion justice through faith and law.
Course Team
Mufti Ahmad Afnan Alam
(LLM, SOAS, University of London | Takhassus fil-Iftaa, Jamia-tur-Rasheed)
Ustadh Abdullah Al-Andalusi
(International Muslim Thinker, Speaker and Debater, London, UK)

16 Live Online Sessions

Duration : 4 Months

Sundays, 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM (London, UK)
1 Hr per Lecture

Video Recordings Available

Access to Mobile App

Personalised Feedback

Digital Certificate
Enrol Now
Starts on 29th June 2025
Course Fee:
Pay in Full: £99.99 £69.99
Registration Deadline:
28th June 2025
Al Balagh Scholarship
AlBalagh Scholarship is available for learners who cannot afford the fee.
Sessions
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Course Overview
What does this course offer?
This comprehensive course provides an in-depth exploration of how Islamic law (Sharia) and international human rights frameworks interact in the modern world. It examines areas of harmony and divergence, critically analyzing key treaties such as the ICCPR, ICESCR, and CEDAW alongside Islamic teachings on civil liberties, justice, and governance.
Through real-world case studies, including Palestine, Bosnia, and the Rohingya crisis, students will uncover how global policies impact Muslim communities and develop strategies for advocacy and policy-making. The course also highlights Islamophobia, human rights violations in Muslim-majority states, and the role of Islamic organizations in human rights discourse.
What will you learn?
- The foundations of Sharia and how it interacts with modern human rights law.
- The rights of women, minorities, and children under both Islamic and international frameworks.
- The Islamic stance on justice, fair trials, freedom of religion, and political rights.
- The role of media, law, and policy in shaping narratives about Islam and human rights.
- Practical strategies for advocacy, including tackling Islamophobia, legal inequalities, and social injustice.
- Islamic contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their application in governance.
With expert-led discussions, interactive sessions, and policy-focused analysis, this course equips learners with theoretical insights and practical skills to engage in law, activism, journalism, and policymaking.


Course Aims and Objectives
- Provide a comprehensive understanding of Islamic law (Sharia) and its relevance to modern human rights discussions.
- Analyze key international treaties (ICCPR, ICESCR, CEDAW) through the lens of Islamic teachings.
- Examine case studies of human rights violations affecting Muslims globally, including Palestine, Bosnia, and the Rohingya crisis.
- Empower participants with legal and advocacy tools to counter Islamophobia and defend minority rights.
- Equip students to engage in policy-making, interfaith dialogues, and legal discussions with scholarly and practical knowledge.
- Explore the role of Islamic governance in promoting justice, including economic justice, legal frameworks, and human rights instruments.
- Investigate the challenges and critiques surrounding Sharia’s compatibility with universal human rights principles.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will:
- Critically analyze the relationship between Islamic law and international human rights law.
- Develop a nuanced understanding of civil liberties, religious freedoms, and justice frameworks in both legal traditions.
- Gain insight into minority rights, Islamophobia, and legal discrimination affecting Muslims worldwide.
- Understand women's rights, economic justice, and governance in both Islamic and international legal contexts.
- Evaluate real-world case studies (Palestine, Rohingya, Bosnia) and apply Islamic legal principles to contemporary issues.
- Acquire practical advocacy skills to challenge misconceptions about Sharia and engage in legal and policy discussions.
- Enhance their ability to lead debates, policy reforms, and activism related to human rights and Islamic governance.

Testimonials
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?
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!