Undergraduate Programmes
Arabic
ARB 101: Introduction to Arabic Language and Literature
This course has three components: Arabic language and grammar; literature; and the basic language skills of listening and speech. In the literature course students will study Arabic prose including the Holy Quran and extracts of Arabic poetry. A prior knowledge of Arabic is required for this course. Prerequisite: GCE Advanced Level Arabic.
ARB 201: Modern Arabic Prose
In this course attention will be focused on the language and style of modern Arabic prose. The course aims to familiarize students with the characteristics of modern Arabic prose, including the construction of sentences, and the handling of vocabulary, with a view to improving their competence in Arabic.
ARB 202: Modern Arabic Poetry.
This course deals with the development of modern Arabic Poetry in the Middle–Eastern countries . The course deals with the development of Arabic poetry during the pre- Islamic period, Omaiyyad, and Abbasides, up to the modern period. Students will be taught the differences in style in the poetry of the different periods.
ARB 203: Arabic Grammar
This course deals with the phonology and grammar of literary Arabic in detail.
Course topics include: Phonetics, phonology, morphology; nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs; The development of Arabic grammar; Schools of Arabic grammar; and The contribution made by important personalities to Arabic grammar: A-mub thada wal kabar, An waa al–kabar, Wujoob Wajawaz Taqdeem al-kabar ala al-Mubthada, and Hazf a-Mubthada.
ARB 204: Hadith Litrature
This course deals with the origin and development of the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad).
Course content: An introduction to Hadith literature; Lives of important compilers; Selected Hadiths—description of the narrators, explantion of the Hadiths, and the linguistic beauty of the Hadiths.
ARB 205: Arabic Poetry and Grammar
This course deals with modern Arabic poetry and grammar. An objective of this course is to teach Arabic grammar through the study of selections of Arabic poetry.Another is the study of the language and style of modern Arabic poetry.
Course topics include: The study of selected Arabic poetry; A study of the lives of Arabic poets; The impact of Arabic poetry on society; Arabic grammar—Al-Fial al-Madhi; Al-Fial al-Mulari; and Al-Fial al-Amr.
ARB 206: Classical and Modern Arabic Prose
This course has been designed to enable students to understand and compare classical and modern Arabic prose.
Course content: Al-Quran; Al-kithaba; Selected Quranic verses Hud and Waqiya; Quranic eloquence; The impact of Quranic eloquence and prose; and Selections from al-Nadvy Mukhtharath min adab al-Arab.
ARB 207: Balagha (Arabic Rhetoric)
This course will introduce students to the different literary styles adopted by the Arabs. One of its objectives is to familiarize students with the literary style pertaining to Ilm Al Bayan, including al-Thasbih and al-Isthiara.
Course content includes: Ilm al-Bayaan; Al-Tashbeeh-Arkaan al-Taasshbeeh, Aqsaam al-Tashbeeh; Aghraadh al-Tashbeeh; and Isthiaara-Aqsaam al-Isthiaara.
ARB 208 : History of Arabic Literature
This course introduces students to the history of Arabic literature during the Jahiliyya period. In this course students are taught the lines and literary style of Imraul Qais, Zuhair, Hussan bin Tabith, and the impact of al-Quran and al- Hadhiths on Arabic prose.
Course topics include: Al-Nasr al-Jahiliyya; Mumayyizath al-Nasr al-Jahiliyya; Al-Shiur; Mumayyizath al-Shur al-Jahiliyya; Imraul Qais, Zuhair, Hassan bin Thabith; and The impact of Al Quran and Al-Hadiths on Arabic prose.
ARB 301: Arabic Language and Grammar I
This course will focus on the study of Arabic language and grammar using prescribed texts.
Course content: Selected topics from An Nahwul Wadhih, Vols. 3 and 4, of Ali Al_Jarim; Rawaeu Iqbal of Abdul Hassan Ali Nadvy; Mansoorath of Abul hassan Ali Nadvy; and Hazaddeen of Sayyid Qutb.
ARB 302: Quran and Tafsir
This course is designed to enable students to understand the Holy Quran and Tasfir of the Holy Quran.
Course topics include: The history of the relation of the Holy Quran; The Mecca and Medina Suras; Asbabun Nuzool, Nasikh Mansookh and Muhkam Muthashabih; The translation of the Holy Quran; The interpretation of the Holy Quran; The lives of some important interpreters of the Holy Quran; Tabari, Baidawi, Zamahshari and Seyid Qutb; and the criticism of the Holy Quran by western orientalists.
ARB 303: Islamic History from AD 750 to AD 1774
Students will be introduced in this course to the history of Arabic literature in the Umayyad Period.
The main topics taught in the course include: The early Abbaside period AD 750-AD 945; The later Abbaside period and petty dynasties AD 945-AD 1258; The Crusades AD 1095-AD 1247; The Umayyads of Spain AD 756-AD 1492; The Fathimids of Egypt AD 909-AD 1171; The Mamluk dynasty AD 1774; and Administration, intellectual development, and religious and social life of the Muslims in the period AD 750-AD 1774.
ARB 304: The History of Arabic Literature in the Umayyad Period
This course will focus on the history of Arabic literature in the Umayyad Period.
Course topics: The development and characteristics of Arabic literature in the Umayyad period; Sufi poetry with special reference to the work of such poets as Naquaid, Farazda, Akhthal, and Rabia-al-Adawiyya; and literary criticism in the Umayyad period.
ARB 305: Arabic Language and Grammar II
Attention will be focused in this course on Arabic language and grammar through the study of prescribed texts.
Course content: Selected topics from Suara-uth-Dawa Al-Islamiyya of Ahamad Abdul Latheef; Qawaed-ul Luathil Arabiyya of Fuard Naamath; Al-Arabiyya lin Nasieen, Vols. 5-6 of Mahmood Ismeth Nasif Musthafa; and Mukhthar.
ARB 306: Modern Arabic Poets in the Muslim Countries
This course will introduce students to modern Arabic poets of such Muslim countries as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Syria.
Course topics: The history of modern Arabic poetry; Arabic poetry in countries such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Syria; Modern prose writers such as Dr Thaha Hussein, Sayyid Qutb, and Abdul Cader Awda; and Modern Arabic literary criticism.
ARB 307: Modern Arabic Drama, Theatre, and Music
This course is designed to enable students to understand modern Arabic drama and theatre.
Course topics include: The origin and development of Arabic drama in such Muslim countries as Iraq, Egypt, and Syria; and The origin and development of Islamic music in Muslim countries like Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, Iran, and non-Muslim countries like India and Spain.
ARB 308: The History of Arabic Literature in the Abbaside Period
In this course students will be introduced to the history of Arabic literature in the Abbaside Period.
Course content includes: The characteristics of Arabic literature in the Abbaside period; Important poets of the period such as Al-Muthanabbi and Almaerry; and Literary criticism in the Abbaside period.
ARB 401: Unspecified Literary Arabic Text and Prose Composition
The principal objective of this course is to familiarize students with classical and modern Arabic belonging to different periods of Arabic literature, as well with the conribution made to Arabic literature by non-Arabs.
Course content: This course consists of exercises in essay writing and translation, and the study of the linguistic characteristics of various periods of Arabic litarature.
ARB 402: History of Muslims of Sri Lanka—8th Century to 1948
This course provides an outline of the political and cultural history of the Muslims of Sri Lanka, and traces the introduction, stagnation, and development of Arabic literature in Sri Lanka during the pre-and post-colonial periods.
Course content: Sri Lanka’s relationship with the Arabs and Persians; The arrival and the settlements of Muslims in Sri Lanka; The relationship between Muslims and the Sinhala kings; The Muslims of Sri Lanka under Portuguese, Dutch and British Rule; Muslim trade, politics, education, and law under British Rule; The relationship of Muslims with other communities; and Sufism and Thareeqas in Sri Lanka.
ARB 403: Madrasa Education in South Asia and Middle-East
In this course attention will be focussed on Islamic educational institutions in Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Middle Eastern countries such as Iraq, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
Course content: The Islamic concept of education; Early Makthabs, Madrasas and Jamiahs; The concept of Islamic universities; Islamization of knowledge; The history of prominent Madrasas in Sri Lanka, India, Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia; Prominent Ulamas of Sri Lanka and their literary contributions; and Educational problems facing the Muslims of Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan.
ARB 404: Balagha (Rhetoric)
This course examines Balagha, and familiarizes students with Arabic literary styles.
Course content: Al- Hakeeka wal Majazy; Al- Kinaya; and Ilmul Maani.
ARB 405: Translation, Techniques of Translation, and Spoken Arabic
This course aims to lead students to an understanding of translation techniques and spoken Arabic. The study of spoken Arabic, which is a component of the course, is designed to enable students to understand the colloquial Arabic of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iraq.
ARB 406: The History of Modern Short Stories, Novels, Poetry and Prose in Arabic
This course provides a detailed account of the development of short stories, novels, poetry and prose in Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. The course includes criticism of Arabic language and grammar in general.
ARB 407: “Madah” Literature
This course introduces students to the Islamic concept of “Madah,” and familiarizes them with Madah literature.
Course content: The Islamic concept of Madah based on Holy Quran and Hadith; Kaseeda Banath Suad; Burdha of Boosary; and Burdha of Shaqie.
ARB 408: Poetry of the Jahiliyya Period
The objective of this course is to familiarize students with Jahiliyya poems and their special characteristics.
Course content: Muallaqath, Mufllaliyyath, and Hamasa poems.
Islamic Civilization
ISC 101: Fundamental Sources of Islamic Civilization
This course intends to introduce students to the basic principles/concepts of Islam, the growth of Islamic civilization, and its decline, as well to the activities of modern revivalist movements.
ISC 102: Sources of Islamic Sharia
The aim of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of the concept of sharia and its sources.
ISC 201: Development and Implementation of Islamic Law (Sharia)
In this course attention will be focused on the foundation, development, and implementation of Islamic law, and on different schools of Islamic law. Students will also study the implementation of Islamic law among the Muslims of Sri Lanka
Course content: General introduction to Islamic law; Urf, Isthihsan, Fathawa as- Sahaba and Muslaha al-Mursala; The development of different schools of Islamic law: Hanafi, Shafie, Maliki, and Hanbali; The implementation of sharia in the Muslim world; Islamic law relating to marriage, divorce, maintenance, Iddha, and inheritance; Hijhab, Al-Bai-u, and War-Riba; and The implementation of Islamic law among the Muslims of Sri lanka.
ICS 203: Islamic History
This course will study the major religious, social, and political developments that preceded Islam. Students taking this course are expected to acquire a knowledge of the history of the Prophet and Kulafah–ur-Rashideen.
Course content: Pre-Islamic history of Arabs (Jahiliyya) with special reference to religious, political, and social aspects; The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)—Islamic propagation, Hijra and its significance, political conventions of the Prophet, battles of the Prophet, the conquest of Mecca, foreign relations of the Prophet, administration of the Prophet, a critical study of the Da’wa methodology of the Prophet; and Al-Kulafaur Rashidoon—election of Kalifa, the expansion of territories, civil disturbances, cultural interaction, administration, and achievements.
ICS 203: Concept of Usra, Umma, and Khilafa
This course will focus on the importance of family life and social structure in the Muslim community.
Course content: Usra—general Introduction to Usra (the family), duties of husband and wife, the bringing up of children, duties of parents, servants and neighbors, the home as a center for training Islamic Qualities; Umma—general introduction to Umma (society), description of Islamic Umma: Al-Ukwath, Al-Musawath, Al-Adhl, Al-Ihsan; Khilafath— the concept of Khilafath and Mulkiyyath; A critical study of the implementation of the above concepts in the Islamic period; The qualification and duties of the head of an Islamic state; and The applicability of the above concepts to the modern world.
ICS 204: Advanced Arabic I
This course is designed to enable students to acquire and understand Arabic as a living language, and to develop an ability to translate and speak the Arabic language.
Course content: Lessons selected from the prescribed text; An introduction to Arabic grammar; Constructing sentences, writing essays, etc.; Translation from Arabic into Tamil, English, or Sinhala/translation from Tamil, English, and Sinhala into Arabic; and Developing language skills.
ISC 205: Advanced Arabic II
This course is designed to enable students to acquire and understand Arabic as a living language, and to develop the ability to translate and to speak the Arabic Language.
Course content: Lessons selected from the prescribed text; Grammatical rules pertaining to verbs; Translation; and The study of selected modern Arabic poetry and prose.
ISC: 205 The History of Islamic Sciences
This course deals with the scientific developments that occurred in the Islamic world during the medieval period. Students will study in depth the transmission of scientific developments from Islamic countries to Europe.
Course topics include: The medical sciences including the development of hospitals; Mathematics, astronomy, geography, historiography, political science, chemistry, physics, technology, and libraries; The contribution made by Islamic scholars such as Ibnu Khaldoon Al-Razi Avicna, Al-Mawardi, and Al- Haytham, to the sciences and medicene; The contribution made by Kalifas such as Al-Mansoor, Haroon Rasheed, and Al-Maumoon to the development of the above sciences; and A critical study of the impact of Greek science on the development of the above fields.
ISC 207: Philosophical and Mystical Thought in Islam
This course will examine Islamic philosophical and mystical thought.
Course content: The nature of Islamic philosophy; The nature of Sufism; The origin and development of Islamic philosophy; The origin and development of Sufism; The contribution made to the above fields by Muslims scholars such as Al-Farabi, Al-Kindi, Al-Mishkawaihi, and Al-Gazzali.
ISC 208: Development of Tafsir
This course will focus on the different interpretations of the Holy Quran. Students are expected to study the interpretation of the Holy Quran in different languages such as Tamil, English, and Arabic, and the development of the Holy Quran from the period of the Prophet ( PBUH) to the present.
Course content: The History of the revelation of Holy Quran and its completion; The Macca and Madina Sura; The translation of the Holy Quran; Tafseer and Taaweel; Interpretation of the Holy Quran and its development; The Israaeeliyyth; and Different recitals of the Holy Quran.
ISC 301: Islamic History from the Umayyad Period to AD 1258
Attention will be focused in this course on Islamic history from the Umayyad Period to AD 1258.
Course topics include: The Rise of the Umayyad Khilafat; The Accession of Khalifa Muawiya and the reasons for his success; Changes in Muawiya’s Khilafat; An estimate of Muawiya and Khalifa Abdul Malik; The consolidation of Umayyad Kilafat; Khalifia Walid; The conquest of the Indus Valley and Spain; An estimate of Walid Khalifa Abdul Azeez’s character; The reason for the fall of the Umayyad Khilafat; The rise of the Abbaside Khilafat; Khalifa Jaufer-Al-Mansoor; The rise and fall of the Aboo Muslim Hurasany Rebellion; The foundation of Baghdad; An estimate of the rule of Mansoor; Khalifa Harun-Al-Rasheed; The fall of the Burmekids, Harun, and Byzantines; An estimate of Harun Khalifa Mamun the Great; and The reasons for the fall of the Abbasid Khilafat.
ISC 302: A Critical Study of Modern Muslim Thinkers
Attention will be focused in this course on modern Muslim thinkers (in relation to the history and culture) of India, Pakistan, and Middle Eastern countries.
The course will concentrate on the following thinkers: Mohammed Bin Abdul Wahab of Saudi Arabia; Mohammed Abduhu and Hasan-ul-Banna of Egypt; Shah Waliullah of India; Abdul Ala Maududi and Mohammed Iqbal of Pakistan; and Ali Shariati of Iran.
ISC 303: Ethical Code of Islam Based on the Holy Quran and the Hadiths
This course is designed to enable students to acquire an understanding of the ethical code of Islam based on the Holy Quran and the Hadiths.
Course topics will include: The Islamic Ethic in the Holy Quran; The Islamic Ethic in the Hadiths; The concept of Ibadath in Islam; The ethical contribution of Imam Gazzaly; The ethical contribution of Imam Ibn Thaimiyya; and The relationship of Muslims with non-Muslims.
ISC 304: Advanced Arabic III
This course will enable students to acquire an understanding of Arabic as a living language, and to develop the skills of speaking, writing, and translating the Arabic language.
Students will be introduced in this course to the grammatical rules of Arabic through lessons taken from prescribed texts, while selected modern Arabic poems and prose works will be used to train students in translating from the Arabic.
ISC 305: The History of the Muslims of Sri Lanka: AD 8 to AD 1948
This course will focus on the history of the Muslims of Sri Lanka.
Course topics: Sri Lankan connections with the Arabs and the Persians; The arrival and settlement of Muslims in Sri Lanka; The relationship between the Muslims and Sri Lankan kings; The Muslims of Sri Lanka under Portuguese, Dutch, and British Rule; Muslim trade, politics, education, and law under British Rule; and conflict between the Muslims and the Sinhalese under British Rule.
ISC 306: The Spread of Islam in South Asia—AD 7 to AD 1947
The focus of this course will be the spread of Islam in South Asia.
Course topics: The advent of Islam to India; The spread of Islam in the Indian subcontinent; The impact of Muslims on Indian civilization; The achievement of Indian Muslim scholars; The political role of the Muslims of India under British Rule; The influence of Indian mystics on Muslim society in India and Sri Lanka; The growth of Islamic political, religious, and cultural movements in India; The formation of the new Islamic state of Pakistan; and The spread of Islam and Islamization in Malaysia.
ISC 307: Arkanul Islam
This course is designed to enable students to acquire an understanding of the principles of Islam.
Course content: An introduction to the concepts of Islam, Muamin, and Muslim; The concept of Al-Thawheed, Al-Risalath, and Al-Akhira; Concepts and laws of Islam on (i) prayer, (ii) fasting, (iii) Zakath, and (iv) Umra and Haj; A classification of Ibadath, Farl, Wjib, Musthahab, and Makrooh; A study of Islamic rituals in the light of the Holy Quran and the Hadiths; Bidath in relation to Ibadath, and Methods of reciting the Holy Quran.
ISC 308: Advanced Arabic IV
This course will enable students to acquire an understanding of Arabic as a living language and to develop the skills of speaking, writing, and translating from the Arabic language.
Students will be introduced in this course to the grammatical rules of Arabic through lessons taken from prescribed texts, while selected modern Arabic poems and prose works will be used to train students in translating Arabic prose and poetry.
ISC 401: International Relationships in Islam
In this course attention will be focussed on international relationships in Islam.
Course content: Political concepts in Islam; Emergence of Khilafat in Medina; The concept of Dharul Islam and Dharul Harb; The concept of peace in Islam; The foreign policy of the Prophet Muhammed (Sal); The peace treaties of the Prophet Muhammed (Sal); The concept of Jihad in Islam; Fundamentalism and military intelligence in Islam; The concept of war in Islam; and The concept of nationalism and internationalism in Islam.
ISC 402: Arabic Language
This course is designed to enable students to acquire and understand Arabic as a living language, and also to develop in them the skills of speaking and writing Arabic, and translating Arabic into Tamil or English.
Course content: Lessons from prescribed texts; and Grammatical rules pertaining to verbs and nouns from the prescribed texts.
ISC 403: Islamic Educational Institutions
In this course unit attention will be focussed on Islamic educational institutions in Sri Lanka and India, and on the Islamic concept of education, early Maktabs, and Madrasas and Jamiahs.
Course content: The concept of Islamic universities; Islamization of knowledge;
The history of prominent Madrasas in Sri Lanka and India; The study of the syllabi of prominent Madrasas; The role of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs in the development of Madrasas; The concept of Waqf and its role in establishing educational institutions; Prominent Muslim Ulamas of Sri Lanka and their literary contributions.
ISC 404: Islamic History AD 1258—AD 1924
In this course attention will be focussed on Islamic history from AD 1258 to AD 1924.
Course content: The Mamluk of India AD 1290; The Ottoman Turks—AD 1326-1402, AD 1402 to AD 1512; The Great Mughal, AD 1555-AD 1605; The conquest of India by the Mughals; The reigns of King Akbar, Shahjahan and Aurangazeb; Campaigns during the reign of Jahangir; Commercial treaty with the British; The fall of the Mughal Kings in India; The Muslims of India under British Rule—(i) politics, (ii) trade, (iii), education, (iv) Islamic movements; The formation of the modern state of Saudi Arabia; Muhammed Ibn Abdul Wahhab; The Ibn Saad; and The Safawids of Persia AD 1501-AD 1600, AD 1600-AD1674.
ISC 405: The Contribution of Muslims To Fine Arts and Architecture
This course will study the place occupied by the arts in the Islamic cultural heritage, and the special features of Islamic fine arts and architecture.
Course content: Islamic aesthetic concepts; Calligraphy; Arabesque; Pottery; Carpets; Painting; Music, and Saracen, Moorish, Persian, Turkish, and Mughal schools of architecture.
ISC 406: Socio-Religious and Political Problems of the Muslims of Sri Lanka in the Post-Independent Period
In this course attention will be focussed on the socio-religious and political problems faced by the Muslims of Sri Lanka in the post-Independent period.
Course content: The educational, cultural, political and economic conditions of the Muslims of Sri Lanka before Independence; The political role played by the Muslims of Sri Lanka during Independence; The language policy of the Sri Lankan government, and its impact on the Muslims of Sri Lanka; The nationalization policy of the Government of Sri Lanka and its impact on Muslims; Muslim representation in parliament and the emergence of the Muslim Congress as a political party; The Muslims and the New Constitution of Sri Lanka; The impact of the North East political crisis on Muslims; The refugee problems of Muslims of Sri Lanka; Educational problems of the Muslims of Sri Lanka; The literary contribution of the Muslims of Sri Lanka; The Muslim social and Dawa movements in Sri Lanka.