ALI-110: Islamic Civilization

This course is designed to help students understand the important contributions of Islamic civilization to society. It will encompass the areas of science, mathematics, art and architecture and astronomy. It will also include details on the Muslim scientists who excelled in these fields, as well as the role of Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a) in propagating this learning. Students will gain an understanding of how Islamic teachings encouraged research and learning, and how the Islamic culture affected the world.

The course will comprise of four one hour sessions which will include slides, talk by the teacher, images and/or video clips, and time for questions. Students will be given readings for the sessions and short assignments to complete and hand in via e-mail. Students will be graded and receive marks for readings, participation and assignments.

Brief Outline:

  • Session One: Islamic teachings that encourage learning. Founding of Islamic centers of learning; Islamic cities that were models of learning and progress.
  • Session Two: Islamic contributions to the fields of medicine and chemistry. Muslims scientists in this field
  • Session Three: Islamic contributions to the fields of astronomy and physics. Muslim scientists in this field
  • Session Four: Islamic art and architecture. Geometry and calligraphy in Islamic art; Great buildings and mosques

Details

  • Teacher: Sis Tahera Kassamali
  • Eligibility: Muslim boys and girls ages 10 to 16
  • Dates: Monday to Thursday, March 13th to 16th 2006
  • Timings: 10.00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Vancouver, L.A. & Seattle times (Begins 1 p.m. Toronto & NY times and 6 p.m. London time)