Islamic Theology
Courses cover a wide range of topics within the Shiite Creed, such as the lordship and divinity of God, the mediation of the Messenger, vicegerency after the Holy Prophet (S), divine justice, the problem of evil, and eschatology. It differentiates itself by presenting the truth of mainstream Shiite creed and teachings and how to apply those arguments to modern issues such as atheism, irreligiosity, and religious extremism.
This course will also familiarize students with the major theological debates and diversity of views among Muslims in the past, which will aid in their understanding of the historical context and theological positions of different Islamic schools and sects that exist today.
At Awaiters, we teach following courses:
Need of Religion
Regardless of one's personal beliefs or opinions on the impact of religion in history, it is undeniable that humans have always engaged in practices commonly associated with religion, such as worship, prayer, and rituals for significant events. Furthermore, religions have consistently explored fundamental questions about the purpose of life, afterlife, and the explanations for suffering and injustice, as well as the identity of the creator and lawmaker.
Religion plays a significant role in shaping current global events, including both conflicts and peace initiatives, as well as impacting issues such as ethnic cleansing and human rights. Understanding the impact of religion is crucial for promoting peace and mitigating conflicts.
At The AWAITERS, we delve into various questions related to the importance of religion in our lives, the identity of the creator, the consequences of a society without religion, and the essential qualities that define a religion.
The course is composed of 5 chapters and includes summative evaluations in the form of multiple-choice questions on the Kahoot platform. It is based on the book "The Need of Religion" by Allama Syed Saeed Akhtar Rizwi.
Divine Monotheism
Although many religions around the world believe in one God, the Quran and Islamic teachings as expounded by Ahlebayt (a) suggest that the Islamic understanding of God and monotheism is more intellectually consistent and fundamentally pure than other forms of monotheism found in other belief systems.
As Islam spread, it impacted the development of Islamic theology as Muslims encountered different religious traditions. This led to a blending of their own doctrines with the perspectives of others, and in some cases, rulers promoting their own interpretations and imposing foreign ideas as Islamic teachings.
At The AWAITERS, we present the concept of the Divine as outlined in the Quran and the teachings of Ahlebayt (a) while also examining other perspectives on the Divine from other religions and philosophies. The curriculum includes a wide range of topics such as intelligent design, the evidence of God in creation, critiques of evolution and the big bang, the role of calamities in unveiling our innate nature (Fitrat), the concept of God in other religions, and the impact of monotheism on our lives.
The course is made up of 11 chapters and includes assessments in the form of multiple-choice questions on the Kahoot platform, as well as presentations on specific topics. It is based on the books "Tauheed" by Shaikh Sadook and ‘Tauheed’ by Ustad Biyabani Uskuwi.
Divine Justice
The course on "Divine Justice" delves into a crucial aspect of Islamic theology. Participants will study some of the most debated and pondered ideas by scholars throughout history. The topic of Divine Justice has led to the formation of sects and ideologies like determinists, fatalists, Ashaira, Mutazila, and Matrudis, who have deviated from the core teachings of Ahlebayt (a) which emphasizes human free will and volition in performing deeds.
At Awaiters, topics of discussion include the reason for human creation, the presence of evil in the world, the justification of eternal punishment for a single sin, the fate of non-Muslims who are morally good, and the possibility of altering one's predetermined destiny by God, the origin of Satan and the concept of Divine Decree.
The course is made up of 10 chapters and includes assessments in the form of multiple-choice questions on the Kahoot platform, as well as presentations on specific topics. It is based on the books "Tauheed" by Shaikh Sadook and ‘Divine Justice’ by Ustad Biyabani Uskuwi.
Prophethood
This course covers the concept of Prophethood in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, emphasizing the role of prophets as intermediaries between God and mankind, providing knowledge about God and the unseen world, and serving as guides and messengers. Furthermore, the course focuses on prophethood of Holy Prophet Mohamed (s).
At Awaiters, topics of discussion include the reason for sending prophets, divine guidance, infallibility of prophets, knowledge of unseen, miracles, prophets and nations, Holy Quran as miracle, finality of Holy Prophet (s).
The course is made up of 9 chapters and includes assessments in the form of multiple-choice questions on the Kahoot platform, as well as presentations on specific topics. It is based on the books "Prophethood" by Allama Syed Saeed Akhtar Rizwi and ‘Nabuwat’ by Ustad Biyabani Uskuwi.
Imamate -Vicegerency of Holy Prophet (s)
The Shia Imamate doctrine holds that twelve Imams from the lineage of Prophet Muhammad (s) were appointed by God as leaders and guides after the Prophet's death. These Imams possess divine knowledge, authority, and infallibility, and are considered part of the Prophet's family (Ahl al-Bayt). Their role includes interpreting the Quran and providing guidance to the mankind.
At Awaiters, we cover the Imamate doctrine in depth, including its meaning, importance and necessity. We explore the characteristics of an Imam, the superiority of an Imam, Quranic evidence supporting the Imamate of Imam Ali (s), Hadiths of the Prophet that specifically designate Imam Ali (a) and conclude by examining the views of other Muslim sects on this topic.
The course is made up of 17 chapters and includes assessments in the form of multiple-choice questions on the Kahoot platform, as well as presentations on specific topics. It is based on the books "Imamate" by Allama Syed Saeed Akhtar Rizwi.
The study of Imamate involves the belief in the living proof of God, known as Imam al-Mahdi (a). The followers of the Imam are expected to have faith in his occultation and may have questions about his guidance and leadership. This course aims to provide answers to these inquiries and help followers understand the nature of Imam al-Mahdi (a) and how to connect with him.
At Awaiters, we delve deeply into the doctrine of Mahdawiyat, examining its significance, purpose, and the need to understand it. We investigate the attributes of Imam Al-Mahdi (a) which are crucial in differentiating him from false claimants, his prolonged absence and longevity, and the process of awaiting his return. We also examine the challenges and difficulties faced during the period of occultation and conclude by studying the perspectives of other religions and sects on the topic of a savior.
Islamic Eschatology is an online course that delves into the theological questions surrounding death and the afterlife. Throughout history, humans have pondered the concept of human immortality. Even those who affirm a life after death admit that the nature and details of that existence remain a mystery, as no one has returned to give a firsthand account. The goal of this course is to deepen our understanding of the reality of death and the journey of the human soul as it departs from this earthly life and enters a new realm of existence. Through a careful analysis of relevant Quranic verses and H adith references, students will gain a deeper understanding of the mysteries surrounding this inevitable journey.
The course is made up of 11 chapters and includes assessments in the form of multiple-choice questions on the Kahoot platform, as well as presentations on specific topics. It is based on the books "Day of Judgement" by Allama Syed Saeed Akhtar Rizwi.
