The Muballigheen Training Programme (MTP) passes its first milestone.

Those who have first-hand and direct awareness about MTP, initiated by the World Federation, cannot escape to observe that the syllabus endeavours to make the programme relevant to the needs of the community in the twenty-first century. It is forward-looking in the sense that together with the four years of the traditional Hawza ta'leem (education) which is not only essential but indispensable, it strengthens the roots of this ta'leem with an MA degree through a recognised University in the West. During their four years in Damascus, they would have simultaneously studied for a higher degree, and gained a certificate that is recognised in the Western world. This would help in opening up for them several avenues, including pursuing their PhD in Islamic studies.


The MA Programme at the Islamic Institute for Postgraduate Studies (IIPS) representing part of the much more comprehensive MTP, consists of 5 modules, a research methods module incorporating dissertation preparation, and a 60 credit dissertation – a total of 180 credits. The 5 modules contain the academic knowledge and the intellectual and pedagogical methods that the students will require in their work as Muballigheen. As such the students will be required to both show knowledge of Islam, and also be able to demonstrate to the members of their community how Islamic teaching can be applied to the western context in which they live.

The first intake of students at IIPS, have just completed the first MA module, Qur’an – Scripture and Signifier. Lectured by Dr Mahmood Abdulla of Birkbeck College, University of London, this module introduced the students to the collection, compilation and standardization of the Qur’an along with its main features, structure, and themes. They examined the different interpretive processes and approaches employed by exegetes, from the classical to the modern period, to yield meaning that is relevant to confront theological, legal and social issues. The module concluded with a study of the role of the Qur’an in everyday life and thought of a Muslim and how to teach this to members of the community.

 

The MA Students with Dr. Mahmood Abdullah and Shaykh Mohammed Ali Ismail
Upon completion of the module, Dr Abdulla commented: “I visited the students in Damascus and had the opportunity of interacting with them and with their teachers. I was impressed by the level of their communication in Arabic and had the pleasure of attending their Fiqh (jurisprudence) class, which was taught in Arabic. The standard of tuition is very qualitative. The teachers who teach under the curriculum, Tafseer, Hadith, Fiqh, Aqaed, Nahjul Balaghah and other subjects, are capable and expert in their fields. The small number of students in the class means that each one can be given personal attention. This is the beauty of the programme that the MTP seeks to provide the best that is available, which will Insha'Allah develop the Muballigheen who would have been trained under the Hawza ta'leem and under a challenging MA programme. No doubt, there is hard work involved and it may seem at times, that the students are over-stretched. But when they start to reap the benefit, they would look back at this phase in their life with beautiful and unforgettable memories.”

The MA Modules Tutor, Shaykh Mohammed Ali Ismail commented: "This MA module has acquainted the students with a range of different approaches to the study of the Qur'an that will supplement their Hawza studies well. The insights into modern academic perspectives on the Qur'an have enriched their understanding of the subject and have enhanced their ability to address criticisms levelled at the Qur'an and its interpretation. During the course of this module, the employment of a variety of teaching and learning methods – including lectures, tutorials, presentations and written assignments – ensured that different learning styles were catered for and enabled the students to develop important communication skills that they will be able to draw on when they return to serve their communities."
 
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Google Translation

Sayyida Zainab as

Syria