The official syllabus for 2012 has yet to be decided as we are still in the process of selecting teachers. However, as our intention is to give a broad selection of courses, the subject’s changes to previous years will be minimal. We are looking to tweak the setup and number of hours for each subject, but all topics will still be covered.
The level is very basic and is meant to give a broad overview of what every topic covers. Many of these topics are studied for several years at University level so the intention during Summer Camp is not to get too deep into the different subjects. Inshaallah, you will get a chance to study some of these topics deeper in the more advanced levels of Summer Camp that we are planning for.
Since there’s so much to cover and only 5 weeks to do it, the pace is very intense during the days and there are also a lot of Arabic terms to remember to be able to follow the discussion during class. We recommend that you take time to study these terms before the Summer Camp to come better prepared.
A short presentation of last year’s curriculum will be presented below (for a more complete description, see our syllabus document):
Islamic World View: An introduction to how some world concepts are seen from an Islamic perspective. This course is an introduction to the other subjects and mentions a bit of the Islamic view on topics such as the world’s creation, religion, freedom, education, values and virtues.
Aqeedah (Creed or Faith): The “inner practices” of Islam. Like the 5 pillars of Islam, there are 6 pillars of faith (Iman). This course also covers definitions like Ahlussunnah wa jamaah, the main groups in Aqeedah and more.
Akhlaq & Tasawuff (Ethics and Sufism): Presents the good and bad personal traits or characteristics, and the different levels of the nafs (soul). This course also looks at sufism in the sense of how to come closer to you Creator.
Ulum Al-Quran (Science of Quran): A look at what the Quran is and how to use Tafseer (exegesis) as an aid to help interpret the Quran.
Ulum Al-Hadith (Science of Hadith): A look at the importance of Hadith, where it comes from and how they are graded.
Tafseer Al-Quran (Exegesis of the Quran): A look at some of the shorter surahs in the Quran and the translation and meanings of these.
Hadith An-Nabawiyyah (Hadith of the Prophet): Like the Tafseer Al-Quran, this course covers some of the most known Hadiths and the meanings of these.
Fiqh (Jurisprudence): Takes a look at Madhabs, a quick history about the great Imams, the everyday Fiqh and the different grades of what is permitted (Halal) and forbidden (Haram). There is also subtopics in the jurisprudence regarding marriage and financial situations.
Sirah (History): Covers the history about our prophet and some of the most significant events during his lifetime.
Tajweed: The art of reading the Quran in the proper way.
Ibadah: A Question and Answers forum for everyday practice of our religion. Things that can be discussed are how to properly do the ablution (wudu), what parts are mandatory for a valid prayer to things like what is proper clothing etc.
For the complete Syllabus from the 2011 Summer Camp, click on the link below:
SMASC2011-The-Proposed-Pro-Forma