Graduate Certificate in Islamic Studies (GCIS) | Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Graduate Certificate in Islamic Studies (GCIS)

Graduate Certificate in Islamic Studies (GCIS)

Graduate Certificate in Islamic Studies (GCIS), offered in Arabic, is a comprehensive program designed for individuals interested in understanding Islam and its impact on Muslim communities worldwide. This certificate offers a unique opportunity to explore the interdisciplinary nature of Islamic studies, and gain a better understanding of Islamic history, theology, philosophy, law, and ethics.

 

The insights gained from the program can be practically applied to professional and educational settings, while widely contributing to the development of more inclusive and diverse communities. The certificate also serves as a bridge program for students who may consider pursuing a Master’s degree in Contemporary Islamic Studies offered at the college.


Program Focus

The GCIS aims to promote a deeper understanding of Islamic thought and its features of moderation, ease, and openness. It equips students with the ability to follow and interact with Islamic jurisprudence, its traditional and contemporary texts, and its constant and changing principles. A strong foundational grasp of Islamic studies enables students to understand intellectual nuances, identify their own positions in various discourses, apply theories to their own realities, and engage positively with other cultures, religions, and philosophies.

Curriculum

An 18-credit graduate certificate program taught over one year in Arabic that includes:

  • Three core courses (9 credits)

    • Foundations of Islamic Thought
    • Contemporary Quranic and Hadith Studies
    • Applied Research Methodologies in Islamic Studies
  • A choice of three electives out of five options (9 credits)

    • Maxims of Islamic Law (Jurisprudence) 
    • Contemporary Religious Issues
    • The Fiqh of Worship and its Contemporary Developments
    • The Fiqh of Family Law and its Contemporary Developments
    • The Historiography of Islamic Law
View Admission & Application Requirements