Postgraduate School
Master of Arts in Islamic Studies
M.A. Islamic Studies
| Name | Status and Qualification | Research Interests |
| A.I. Ali-Agan | Professor & Head B.A. (BUK, Kano); M.A., Ph.D.(Ilorin) | Studies in Hadith Literatures |
| I.O. Oloyede | Professor B.A., M.A., Ph.D., PGDE (Ilorin) | Islamic Legal Principle,Theology and Jurisprudence |
| Y.O. Imam | Professor. (Jos), M.A.. Ph.D. (Ilorin | Islamic Law |
| B.O. Yusuf | Professor. M.A., Ph.D. (Ilorin) PGD(TAFL) (Riyadh) | Quranic Studies |
| R.I. Adebayo | Professor B.A.(Ed), M.A., Ph.D. (Ilorin) | Islamization of Knowledgeand contemporary Issues |
| A.D. Shittu | Senior Lecturer B.A., M.A. (Ibadan), Ph.D. (Ilorin) | Comparative Religious Studies, African Religion andScience-Religions Dialogue. |
| A.B. Yusuf | Senior Lecturer B.A. (Ilorin), M.A., Ph.D.(Malaysia) | Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence andContemporary Issues |
| A.O. Fahm | Senior Lecturer B.A. (Ilorin), M.A., Ph.D.(Malaysia) | Islamic Spiritual Culture and Contemporary Society |
| A.S. Agboola | Lecturer I B.A., M.A. (Ilorin) | Comparative Religious Studies, Islamic ReligionStudies |
| D.G. Yusuph | Lecturer I B.A., M.A., Ph.D (Ilorin), PGDE(Sokoto) | Sufism and Salafism |
B. Introduction
The programme was introduced in the Department to meet the needed manpower in the areas of specialisation. This programme is designed to enhance academic research in the area of specialty. Subsequently, the programme has helped many students in the field of Islamic Studies to get jobs in tertiary institutions and even to further their research work in the area.
C. Philosophy
The philosophy of the programme is the strengthening of the intellectual capacity and uplifting the moral standard of students in Islamic Studies, towards equipping them with effective capacity to uphold the teachings of Islam and to foster understanding and analysis of religious sensitivities in Nigeria.
D. Aim and Objectives
The aim of the programme is to enable the students pursue courses in Islamic Studies as an academic discipline and as a way of life.
Objectives:
E. Admission Requirements
F. Duration of the Programme
G. Detailed Course Description
M.A. Courses in Islamic Studies
| RIS 851 | Advanced Study of the Qur’ān Detailed study of the divisions, arrangement and interpretation of the Qur‘ān. Theory ofabrogation. Relation of the Qur‘an and to earlier scriptures. Qur‘ānic basis of Islamic Studies covering theology, philosophy, mysticism, ethnics and law. 30h (T); C | 2 Credits |
| RIS 852 | Advanced Study of the Hadith Detailed study of the growth and development of Hadith. Survey of major works of Hadith. Comparative survey of the contents of Hadith books. Hadith as the second basisof Islamic studies covering theology philosophy, mysticism, law and ethics. 30h (T); C | 2 Credits |
| RIS 853 | Islamic Contributions to Science Study of the stages of scientific development in Islam: assimilation, maturity and decline. Growth and development of the natural science and medicine among muslims. Muslim contributions to mathematics, astronomy and optics. Islamic awakening in modern science.30h (T); E | 2 Credits |
RIS 854 Qur’an Exegesis 1 3 Credits
Comparative studies of selected passage from medieval and modern commentaries of the Qur‘an: Tafsir al-Jalalayn (Medieval) and Fi Zilal al-Qur‘an (Modern). The comparative study will be taken from Surat al-fatihah. (1) to Surat at-Tawbah (9). 45h (T); C; PR: A good knowledge of Arabic
RIS 864 Comparative Laws of Islam I 3 Credits
Comparative study of selections from Kitab al-fiqh cala‘l –madhahibl-Arabcah. (Al-Juzu‘l Awwal) Qism al –cIbadat. Consideration of the views of the four schools for every selection. 45h (T); C; PR: A good knowledge of Arabic
RIS 897 Research Methods in Islamic Studies 2 Credits
Objective, nature, kind and position of research in Islamic Studies. Methods of collecting. Collating and processing primary and secondary data in both field and library researching. Research as ijtihad and importance of al-Hujjah in Islamic studies. Review of major works and research outlets in Islamic studies. Use of index and concordance. Research language, ethics and principles. 30h (T); C
RIS 898 Postgraduate Seminar in Islamic Studies 2 Credits Each student is expected to present at least one seminar paper on an approved topical issue of relevance to Islamic studies. 30h (T); C
RIS 899 Dissertation 2 Credits
Topic in the field of Islamic studies, chosen by individual students and approved by the department. Essay should not exceed 15,000 words: excluding appendices to be submitted not later than 3 months after the semester in which the student completed his/her last course. 225h (P); C
SUBJECT REQUIRED 1: QUR’AN
(Students are advised to choose at least one course from this section)
| RIS 855 | Qur’an Exegesis II Same as RIS 854, But selections for this course will be 20 chapters of the Glorious Qu‘ran from Suratu Yunus (10) to Surat al-Ankabut (29).45h (T); R; PR: A good knowledge of Arabic | 3 Credits |
| RIS 856 | Qur’an Exegesis III Same as RIS 854 but selections for the course will be 20 chapters of the Glorious Qu‘ran from Suratu‘r-Rum (30) to Suratu‘n Hujrat (49).45h (T); R; PR: A good knowledge of Arabic | 3 Credits |
Students are required to choose 3 courses from this area. Not more than 2 courses are to be taken from a section. The sections are:
1st Islamic Law according to Maliki school
2nd Comparative Study of Islamic Law according to the four Sunni schools. 45h (T); E
| RIS 860 | Maliki Law I 3 Credits Study of Jawahiru‘l-lklil, Commentary on Mukhtasar Khalil from Bab Yarfacal-hadath: preamble to the end of the chapter on the prayer of a traveler: 23 chapters in all with idiomatic translation and full commentary on each of the chapter. 45h (T); E; PR: A good knowledge of Arabic | |
| RIS 861 | Maliki Law II Jawahir al-lklil. From the chapter on Juma‘t prayer up to the chapter on oath-making: 20 chapters in all. Translation, and full commentary and to be related to other contemporary works. 45h (T); E; PR: A good knowledge of Arabic | 3 Credits |
| RIS 862 | Maliki Law III Jawahir al-lklil from Bab.al-Jih‘ad to Babu-an-Nafaqah: 25 chapters in all. Idiomatictranslation and full commentary as well as its relationship with the contemporary fiqh books. 45h (T); E; PR: A good knowledge of Arabic | 3 Credits |
| RIS 863 | Maliki Law IV Jawahir al-lklil from Babu-al-Bay ’ till the end of Babu-al-Qin‘adh, Detailed explanation on each of the chapter after the translation. Contents relating to the modern jurisprudentialbooks.45h (T); E; PR: A good knowledge of Arabic | 3 Credits |
ALTERNATIVE B
| RIS 865 | Comparative Law of Islam II Comparative study of selections from Kitab al-figh calal. Madhahib al-arbacah, (al-juz‘ ath- Thani) Qism al-mucamalat. A consideration of the views of the four schools for every selection. 45h (T); E, PR: A good knowledge of Arabic | 3 Credits |
| RIS 866 | Comparative Law of Islam III Comparative study of selections from Kitab al-fiqh cala‘l-madhahib al-arbacah. (Al-juz‘al- thalith), Qism al-mucamalat. Consideration of the views of the four schools for every selected topic. 45h (T); E; PR: A good knowledge of Arabic | 3 Credits |
| RIS 867 | Comparative Law of Islam IV 3 Credit Comparative study of selected topics from kitabu‘l fiqh cala‘l-madhahibil‘ arbacah. (al-juz‘al- rabic) Qism al-ahwal al-Shakhsiyyah. Consideration of the views of the four schools for every topic selected.45h (T); E PR: A good knowledge of Arabic | |
SUBJECT ELECTIVES III: ISLAMIC THOUGHT
RIS 868 The Theology of Islam 3 Credits
In-depth study of al-Ash‘ari‘s theological views as contained in his cIbadah. Critical appraisal of the views. Relevance of the views to the contemporary situation. Relevant Qur‘anic statement and prophetic Sunnah on the content of the view. 30h (T); E
RIS 869 Reading in Islamic Theology 2 Credits
Study of the text of Jawharat- al-Tawhid. Analysis of the content. Relevance of the text to the contemporary situation. 30h (T); E; PR: A working knowledge of Arabic
RIS 870 The Political Thought and influence of Al-Mawardi 2 Credits
In-depth study of al-Mawardi‘s political ideas as contained in his Kitabu‘l Ahkami as- Sultaniyah, and related works. Critical appraisal of the views. 30h (T); E
RIS 871 The Political Thought and Influence of Ibn Taymiyyah 2 Credits
In-depth and critical study of the political philosophy of Ibn Taymiyah, and related works. Appraisal of the political ideas of Ibn Taymiy ah. Relevance of his thoughts and philosophy. Effect of his thoughts and an appraisal of his views. 30h (T); E
| RIS 872 | Islamic Ethics Critical and in-depth study of the ethical views of Al-Ghazali as contained in relevant section of his Ihya‘ culumu of din. Relevance of Ihya‘ culumu ad-din on the modernethical views in the contemporary world. 30h (T); E | 2 Credits |
| RIS 873 | A Study of al-Hallaj Critical and in-depth study of the Tawasin of Husayn Ibn Mansur al-Hallaj and themovement associated with him. Esoteric versus exoteric interpretations of Islamic belief system. 30h (T); E | 2 Credits |
| RIS 874 | The Foundation of Islamic Faith In-depth and critical study of Al-Ghazali‘s views on the foundation of the articles of faithin Islam as contained in his Kitab Qawacidi‘l cAqa‘id. 30h (T); E | 2 Credits |
| RIS 875 | Religion and Politics in Modern Islam In-depth and critical study of the role of Islam and the muslims in the modern nationstate. Nationalism in Turkey and Pakistan. Arab nationalism, Islam in Malaya. 45h (T); E | 3 Credits |
| RIS 876 | Muslim Reformers I In-depth study of the lives and works of selected non-African Muslim reformers and revivalists and their contributions to Islam: Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan (India). Abdul Hamid II (The Ottoman Sultan) and Jamalu‘d-din al-Afghani. Comparative study of theirlives and achievements. 30h (T); E | 2 Credits |
| RIS 877 | Muslim Reformers II In-depth study of the lives and works of selected African Muslim Reformers and revivalists and their contributions to Islam: Muhammad Abduh (Egypt), ‗Uthman dan Fodiyo (Nigeria), Alhaji ‗Umar al-Futi (Guinea), and Ahmadu Lobbo (Masina).Comparative study of their lives and achievement. 30h (T); E | 2 Credits |
| RIS 878 | Writings of Muslim Reformers Selected Arabic texts from the writing of some African and non-African reformers for a comparative and a critical study of such texts from different authors will be studied at atime: texts will vary from time to time. 45h (T); E; PR: A working knowledge of Arabic | 3 Credits |
| RIS 879 | Islamic Movements Comparative study of selected Islamic movements in different parts of the world: Wahhabiyyah, Sanusiyyah, al-lkhwan al-Muslimun, black muslims in America,Bamidele movement in Nigeria, Ahmadiyah, and Islamic revolution in Iran. 30h (T); E | 2 Credits |
| RIS 880 | Women in Islam Study of Islamic attitudes towards women with emphasis on sex equality, equity,marriage and divorce, polygamy and education. Study of Muslim women organisations and of some notable women in Islam: medieval and modern. 30h (T); E | 2 Credits |
SUBJECT ELECTIVES IV: WEST AFRICAN ISLAMIC LITERATURE (Students may take at least one course from this group)
| RIS 881 | West African Sufi Literature I Critical study of selected works on the Qadiriyyah order by West African scholars.Particular attention will be paid to style, and doctrinal contents. 30h (T); E; PR: A working knowledge of Arabic | 2 Credits |
| RIS 882 | West African Sufi Literature II 30h (T); E | 2 Credits |
| RIS 883 | Writings of Uthman Dan Fodiyo in Arabic Detailed study of some of the major Islamic works by Shakyh ‗Uthman dan Fodiyowritten in Arabic: Ihya‘ al-sunnah, and Najm al-lkhwan.30h (T); E; PR: A working knowledge of Arabic | 2 Credits |
| RIS 884 | Writings of Abdullahi Dan Fodiyo in Arabic Detailed critical study of the major Islamic works by Shaykh ‗Abdullahi Ibn Fodiyowritten in Arabic: Diya‘al-Hukkam, and kitab an-Nasahil fi ahamiyyat al-Masalih. 30h (T); E; PR: A working knowledge of Arabic | 2 Credits |
| RIS 885 | Reading in Arabic Sources for the History of Islam in West Africa Detailed history of Islam in West Africa written in Arabic by West African scholars.Studies of works: al-Sa‘di‘s Tarikh as –Sudan, Mahmud al-ka‘ti‘s Tarikh al-Fattash, and Muhammad Bello‘s Infaqul‘l Maysur. 30h (T); E. PR: A good knowledge of Arabic | |
| 2 Credits |
SUBJECT ELECTIVE V: HADITH
(Students are advised to choose at least one course from his section)
| RIS 886 | Mustalah’ul Hadith Study of the principles and theories of analysis. Evaluation and classification of ahadith. Origin of Isnad, cllmi‘l-jarh wa‘t Tacdil. Definition and samples of Mutawatir, ahad, al-mash-hur Al-Aziz, al-Ghar al- Fard, Marfuc, Musnad, Marsal, MunqaticMucdal, cilla, Musalsalat. Al-Hadithu‘l-Qudsi, Naqdu‘l Hadith or At –Tamyiz and Ta‘qidu‘l-cilm of Abu Bakr Ahmad”: al-khatib al- Baghdadi. 45h (T); E | 3 Credits |
| RIS 887 | Studies in Hadith I Study of selected passages from authentic books of Hadith with commentaries. Particular book to be studied will vary from time to time: Sahih al-Bukhari with its commentary in Fath al-Bari. Selections will be from volumes 1 to 3: from al-Muqaddimah to Kitab al-Shahadat. 45h (T); E; PR: A working knowledge of Arabic | 3 Credits |
| RIS 888 | Studies in Hadith II Same as RIS 887, but the selections of this course will be from volumes 4 to 6: fromBab al-wasaya to the end of Kitab al-Tafsir. 45h (T); E; PR: A working knowledge of Arabic | 3 Credits |
| RIS 889 | Studies in Hadith III Same as RIS 887, but the selections of this course will be from volumes 7 to 9: fromkitab al-Nikah to kitab al-Tawhid. 45h (T); E; PR A working knowledge of Arabic |
H. Graduation Requirements
Candidate must have taken and passed both the core and the selected elective courses with a score of not less than 50%.
Candidate must also submit a Postgraduate M.A. Dissertation to be duly assessed by internal examiners and moderated by an external examiner.
I. Summary
Core Courses: RIS 851 (2), 852 (2), 854 (3), 855 (3), 856 (3), 897 (2), 898 (2), and
RCR 854 (3), 852 (1) 25 Credits
Dissertation 6 Credits
Elective Courses: RIS 865 (3), 872 (2), 874 (2),
876 (2), 879 (2), 880 (2), 884 (2) and 887 (3) 4 Credits
Candidate must take a minimum of 4 Credits from the above elective courses.
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