Usul Al Fiqh
Program:
Islamic Studies
Semester:
Semester 2
Code:
JLT151
Credits:
2 Hour(s)
Start Date:
Week of June 1, 2026
Timing:
Sun 10 am – 12 pm est
Overview
About this Course
The course covers the basic principles of Usul El Fiqh (Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence), tracing the rise of the field, and later growth, including recent attempts for renewal.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Coverage of early era in Islamic Jurisprudence, and the development of Usul Al Fiqh as an independent field of knowledge.
- Examining various schools in Usul Al Fiqh.
- Examining the areas where the scholars agree.
- Examining the areas scholars disagree and the ensuing richness in Islamic fiqh.
- Examining Modern attempts for renewals in the field.
Assessment Methods:
The grade will be based on 3 items:
- Student participation in class discussion (20%)
- Mid term exam (30%)
- Final exam (50%)
12 Weekly Topics
Course breakdown
Week 1: Introduction
- Early rise of Fiqh, Usul AlFiqh
- Basic Terms in Islamic Jurisprudence
- Fiqh, Usul Al Fiqh, Shari’ah, Hukm Shar’I, Types of Hukm Shar’i
Week 2: Daleel
- Structure of Daleel
- Riwayah
- Dalalah
- Sources if Hukm Shar’i
Week 3: Qur’an
- Revelation
- Compilation
- The Muhkamaat (definite meaning) and Mutashaabihaat ( speculative meaning)
- Nasekh and Mansoukh
Week 4: Sunnah
- Types of Sunnah
- Basic Terms in Hadith
- Types of Hadith
- Reconciliation of different Hadiths
Week 5: Ijma
- Types of Ijma
- Ijma Sahabah
Week 6: Qiyas
- Daleel indicating the authority of Qiyas
- Examining the claim of rejecting Qiyas
- The process of Qiyas
- ‘Illa : definition, criteria, from the text or the mind
Week 7: Mid Term exam
Assessment covering material from Weeks 1–6
Week 8: Daleels not agreed upon by all scholars
- Ijma Al Ummah
- Ijma Al Mujtahideen
- Ijma Ahel Madinah
- Istehsaan
- Shar’ man Qablana (previous revelation to past prophets)
Week 9: Review of some schools of thought
- Era of the prophet
- Era of the Sahabah
- Era of the Tabi’een
Week 10: Relationship between Aqeeda, Shari’ah and Usul Al Fiqh
Discussion and key concepts
Week 11: Modern attempts for renewals
- Positive constructive attempts
- Negative attempts, influence by the Orientalists to reform Usul Al Fiqh
Week 12: Final Exam
Final examination covering all course material from Weeks 1–11
Sh. Mehmet Usta
Islamic Studies Diploma
Shaykh Usta is a seasoned educator and visionary with over 20 years of experience, holding degrees in Islamic Studies, Computer Science, and an MBA. Founder of i3 Institute and Al-Ezz Academy, he combines Islamic knowledge with real-world application, empowering Muslims globally through leadership, innovation, and holistic education.