HSC212 – Demonstrative Jurisprudence 1
This module will introduce students to the process of deriving Islamic laws from the primary sources; and train students in critically reading and analysing selected excerpts from a leading Hawza text of Demonstrative Jurisprudence. It will provide students with a critical understanding of Shia law and jurisprudence.
Syllabus
The syllabus for all three Demonstrative Jurisprudence modules is based on what has now become a standard textbook of the Hawza in this subject: Baqir al-Irawani’s Durus Tamhidiyyah fi al-Fiqh al-Istidlali. The present module covers selections from volume one of this four-volume work. It should be noted that although some of the syllabus topics below resemble those of the Islamic Laws module in that they concern rulings for the main ritual acts of worship, this module requires a different approach and depth of study, with a focus on the process of Islamic law derivation and the justifications for the rulings.
- Definition, sources and historical development of Islamic Jurisprudence
- Laws pertaining to and jurisprudential evidence for:
- Purification
- Prayer o Fasting
- Alms Tax (Zakat)
- One-fifth Tax (Khums)
- Pilgrimage
- Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
On completion of this module, the successful student will be able to:
- Debate the process Islamic law derivation. (A2-A5)
- Construct an overview of the historical development of Islamic Jurisprudence. (A2, A3, A6)
- Evaluate the jurisprudential basis for rulings pertaining to the main ritual acts of worship in Shia law. (B1, B3, B4)
Skills
This module will call for the successful student to:
- Display an ability to correctly read and debate selected excerpts on ritual acts of worship from a leading
- Hawza text on Demonstrative Jurisprudence. (B1, B3, C1- C3, C6, D2, D3, D6)
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy
Delivery of this module is in the traditional Hawza style, whereby the teacher carefully reads and explains the core text, and discusses areas of particular complexity in more detail. Students are encouraged to examine the text critically and to engage in the discussions. Furthermore, students are expected to discuss material presented in class in their mubāḥathah (study circle) sessions to enhance understanding and retention.
Assessment Modes
Formative assessment will be by means of discussions, and continuous questioning on the practical and theoretical aspects of the course syllabus. Revision sessions are arranged that will cover topics in preparation for exams, providing constructive formative feedback to students. Students may hand in their PowerPoint slides to the lecturer for guidance prior to the 9th learning week. They will also receive formative feedback on their presentations after completing them, and guidance and feedback can be gained from student-led discussion, which will help them improve future performance. Finally, formative feedback is also gained through mubāḥathah, providing an invaluable opportunity for students to consolidate their learning. Unresolved matters or new ideas resulting from mubāḥathah sessions are researched and brought to the attention of the module leader for feedback as part of the formative learning process.
Summative, graded assessment is by presentation and written examination. The presentation will last for 20 minutes and will require students to demonstrate correct reading and comprehension of an excerpt from the core text. (Outcomes 4). The 2 hour written examination will take place at the end of the semester (Outcomes 1, 2, 3).
Assessment Weighting
Written examination: 60%
Presentation, Reading & Comprehension: 40%
Learning materials
Core readings
- Al-Irawani, B. (2009). Durus Tamhidiyyah fi al-Fiqh al-Istidlali. Qum: Al-Mustafa International Translation and Publication Centre.
