California Islamic University constitutes a program of study that is catered to Muslims living in the West. It draws on the wisdom and experience of traditional Islamic institutions worldwide while taking into consideration the historical-critical approach to studying religion as taught in Western universities. The curriculum attempts to combine the best and most practical way of studying Islam by utilizing modern pedagogical methods, while remaining within the paradigm of an Islamic worldview.
CIU aims to educate individuals and communities with a foundational and comprehensive knowledge of Islam so that they can live according to Islamic teachings and impact the world in a positive way.
CIU seeks to be the first choice for relevant, reliable, and meaningful Islamic education.
The Calislamic curriculum presents a comprehensive study of the entire religion of Islam taught through various subjects. The course of study draws upon the classical tradition of Muslim scholars while adjusting the content to be more suitable to the modern context. There are no ancient textbooks. The combination of uplifting lectures and insightful discussions allows the student to balance between an intellectual and spiritual study of Islam and its sources. Students develop the tools to inquire, analyze, apply and critique.
On successful completion of the entire program, students will possess a sound foundation in the most essential Islamic sciences. This will enable them to thoroughly understand Islam, navigate through the modern discourse on the subject, and also impart the knowledge they have gained to others. It will provide them with a core foundation to filter un-Islamic ideas as well as arm them with tools needed to spread Islam wherever they go. The program prepares one to become an asset to the community at large by realizing that Islam is a holistic way of life manifested in all layers of society.
Equipped with these tools, graduates are grounded to undertake any area of study and channel it through the filter of what God wanted us to think and do in all aspects of our lives. Most importantly, students become equipped to be both the best Muslim and the best citizen of the world they can be.
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