What is Reality? Islamic Answers to Life’s Biggest Questions
Explore Islamic Metaphysics through the insights of Imam al-Ghazali, al-Kindi, Ibn Sina, and other great Muslim thinkers on existence, the soul, causality, and the unseen world.
About The Course
Why did Muslim scholars spend centuries debating causation, free will, divine attributes, consciousness, and the nature of existence itself? How did thinkers like Al-Ghazali, Ibn Sina, and Ibn Rushd shape some of the most profound intellectual and metaphysical debates in Islamic history?
Questions about purpose, suffering, destiny, death, and the meaning of existence eventually confront every human being. What is Reality? Islamic Answers to Life’s Biggest Questions course is an introduction to the major metaphysical, philosophical, and theological debates that shaped the Islamic intellectual tradition. Exploring both kalam and falsafa, the course examines questions concerning God, existence, causation, free will, prophecy, reason, revelation, and the nature of reality through the works of some of Islam’s greatest thinkers, including Al-Kindi, Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, Al-Ghazali, and Ibn Rushd.
From debates surrounding reason and revelation to discussions on necessity and contingency, consciousness, and metaphysics, students will discover how Muslim scholars sought to understand reality, the soul, free will, and the deeper truths behind life itself.
Course Team
Ustadh Jamie Turner
(Doctoral researcher at the Centre for Philosophy of Religion, University of Birmingham)
10+ Live Online Sessions
Duration : 3 Months
Saturdays, 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM (London, UK)
Video Recordings Available
Access to Mobile App
Personalised Feedback
Digital Certificate
From £14.99/Month
(For 4 Months)
Enroll Now
Starts on 13th June 2026
Course Fee
Pay in Full: £79.99 £59.99
Pay In 4 Installments: £14.99 per month
Registration Deadline:
12th June 2026
Al Balagh Scholarship
AlBalagh Scholarship is available for learners who cannot afford the fee.
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Sessions
Course Overview
“What is Reality? Islamic Answers to Life’s Biggest Questions” offers a systematic introduction to the central metaphysical questions and intellectual traditions of classical Islamic thought. Beginning with the translation movement and the emergence of philosophy and theology in the Islamic world, the course examines how Muslim thinkers inherited, transformed, and critiqued Greek metaphysical ideas in light of Islamic revelation and theological concerns.
The course explores the two major modes of inquiry that shaped the tradition — kalam (dialectical theology) and falsafa (philosophy) — and investigates how each approached questions concerning God, existence, causation, human freedom, prophecy, and the nature of reality. Students will study major thinkers such as al-Kindi, al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, al-Ghazali, and Ibn Rushd, alongside influential theological schools including the Mu‘tazila, Ash‘aris, and Maturidis.
Key themes include the nature of divine unity and attributes, the distinction between necessary and contingent existence, emanationist cosmology, occasionalism, the problem of causation, the essence/existence distinction, self-awareness and the soul, divine justice and free will, and the relationship between reason and revelation.
The course also explores later developments in Islamic metaphysics and considers whether there is a distinctively Islamic approach to metaphysical inquiry.
By the end of the course, students will have gained both historical and philosophical insight into one of the richest intellectual traditions in world philosophy, while also reflecting on the continued relevance of these debates for contemporary philosophy, theology, and religious thought.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will achieve the following:
- Explain the major metaphysical questions and concepts that shaped classical Islamic thought, including causation, existence, essence, divine attributes, and free will.
- Compare and contrast the methodologies and assumptions of kalam and falsafa as two distinct modes of inquiry within the Islamic intellectual tradition.
- Analyse the arguments and metaphysical systems of major thinkers such as al-Kindi, al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, al-Ghazali, and Ibn Rushd.
- Evaluate competing positions on key philosophical debates, including occasionalism, emanation, divine simplicity, and the relationship between reason and revelation.
- Assess the historical legacy and contemporary relevance of Islamic metaphysical thought within broader philosophical and theological discussions.
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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.
Are the course structure, content, and schedule guaranteed to remain the same?
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of relevant bodies or revisions to subject benchmark statements. We may also make changes to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
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: admin@albalaghacademy.org 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: admin@albalaghacademy.org 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.
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.)
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.
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)?
Access Duration for Paid Online Courses:
The availability of paid online course content varies based on program length:
- Courses spanning 4-6 months (12-16 sessions): 1 year access
- Courses spanning 9-12 months (24-30 sessions): 2 year access
Please note: These access periods are applicable solely to paid online courses.
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: info@albalaghacademy.org
- WhatsApp (Admission): http://wa.me/447946835804
🚀 Short-Term Course Support (Assessment, Course-related, or IT-Technical issues):
- Email: admin@albalaghacademy.org
- 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.
Are the course structure, content, and schedule guaranteed to remain the same?
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of relevant bodies or revisions to subject benchmark statements. We may also make changes to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
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: admin@albalaghacademy.org 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: admin@albalaghacademy.org 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)?
Access Duration for Paid Online Courses:
The availability of paid online course content varies based on program length:
- Courses spanning 4-6 months (12-16 sessions): 1 year access
- Courses spanning 9-12 months (24-30 sessions): 2 year access
Please note: These access periods are applicable solely to paid online courses.
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: info@albalaghacademy.org
- WhatsApp (Admission): http://wa.me/447946835804
🚀 Short-Term Course Support (Assessment, Course-related, or IT-Technical issues):
- Email: admin@albalaghacademy.org
- 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!