Islamic study is a term that incorporates several aspects of the history, culture, and religious practices of the Islamic people. The discipline includes the study of topics like Islamic Civilization, Islamic History, Islamic Philosophy, and Islamic practices. It also examines the perception about contemporary Islam in addition to studying Islamic scriptures and Islamic Laws. Islamic studies trace the history of Islam along with its cultural impact and scriptural significance. Islam is one of the largest religions in the world impacting a profuse number of cultures and a large number of world population, hence a deeper understanding of this religion is very significant.
As several countries in the world are Islamic countries, and 24 percent of the global population identify themselves with the religion, Islamic Studies is an important discipline of study for a better understanding of humanity and human history. Courses in Islamic Studies investigate and collect information about the Arab-Islamic Civilization including its society, culture, and practices. Students pursuing a degree in Islamic Studies gain knowledge and information about the linguistic and cultural diversities and differences that occur among various groups in the Islamic world.
The discipline helps students gain knowledge about the historical, intellectual, contemporary, and spiritual effects of Islam. They will also develop an understanding of the multiple ways Islam has shaped human society throughout the world, in the past as well as the present. Islamic Studies aids in developing the knowledge of this mass religion with regards to its history. It also provides knowledge of the great figures that helped in its expansion which today impacts a colossal number of people and their lives.
Study Levels:
Islamic Studies courses can be pursued by interested candidates at different levels.
The following are the study levels offered under this sub-discipline:
B.A. in Islamic Studies
B.A in Arabic Studies
B.A. in Middle East and North African Studies
B.A. in Theology and Religious Studies
B.A. in Religion
M.A in Arabic Studies
M.A. in Theology and Religious Studies
M.A. in Religious Studies
M.A. in Islamic Studies
PhD
Specialisations:
Several global universities offer specialisation in this field and Islam is a significantly broad area of study which offers several areas of specialisation.
The following are the specialisations offered under this discipline:
The Science of Hadith
Late Antique, Islamic and Byzantine Studies
Reform Movements in Islam
Muslim Historiography
Analytical Study of the Quran
Communicative Skills in Arabic
Islam in Europe
Contemporary Islamic Studies
Quranic Science
Iranian Studies
Family Laws of Islam
The History of Islam
The Globalised Muslim world
Political Thought in Islam
Employability:
Islam is one of the greatest and largest religions of the world impacting a huge number of the world population. Students who study Islamic studies can work in several educational institutions and Islamic Organisations including art galleries and as Islamic Historians, in addition to working in the area of Islamic banking and finance.
Individuals who study this subject area can engage in job professions as historians, in addition to working as teachers in several global educational institutions that offer this course. Individuals can also engage in employment opportunities as media personalities, in addition to working as civil servants. Their knowledge of this subject also enables them to work as religious instructors or as Imams in several Mosques across the globe, aiding in providing religious guidance.
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- Job roles include:
Translator/Interpreter
Middle East Specialised Journalist
Researcher
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- Islamic Studies Teacher
Business Consultant
Arabic Language Instructor
Chaplain