1- Year Diplima in Comparative Religions and Civilization

1-Year Diploma in Comparative Religion and Civilisation

Objectives:

• To provide a comprehensive understanding of the major world religions, including their historical origins, beliefs, practices, and influence on culture and society.
• To encourage critical thinking and analysis of religious texts and traditions, including an understanding of the role of interpretation and the diversity of religious perspectives.
• To promote interfaith dialogue and understanding through learning about the similarities and differences between different religious traditions.

Eligibility:

Those students can apply for this course who

• have completed Alimiyat from Madrasa or graduation from University.
• can read and write in Urdu, English/Arabic, and Hindi.

Syllabus:

Language

Foundations of Linguistics ––– Concept of languages: Origin & Families – Linguistic changes and reconstruction – Language in spoken and written modes – writing system – structure of language (Phonological, Morphological, Syntactic, Semantic) – Relevance of linguistics to others fields of knowledge – History and evolution of Urdu/Hindi.

Arabic ––– Basic Phonetics – Basic Grammar – Text and Comprehension; Etymology and Vocabulary; Reading skills.

English ––– Basic Phonetics; Basic Grammar; Text and Comprehension; Etymology and Vocabulary; Writing Skills; Reading skills.

Hindi ––– Basic Phonetics; Basic Grammar; Text and Comprehension; Etymology and Vocabulary; Writing Skills; Reading skills; Spoken skills.

Sanskrit ––– Basic Phonetics – Alphabets – Numbers – Selected Texts – Reading skills.

Comparative religion

Hinduism ––– Introduction – History – Fundamental Concepts – Religious Literatures – Philosophical Schools – Culture and Festivals – Hinduism in Modern World – Philosophers and Reformers – Hindu-Muslim relations – Colonialism: The emergence of communal violence – Rise and development of Hindutva.

Buddhism ––– Introduction – History –  Buddha: times and Mission – Fundamental Concepts – Literature – Sects – Ambedkar’s contribution – Spread and decline of Buddhism – Relations with Hinduism, Jainism and Islam – Modern challenges.

Jainism ––– Introduction – History – Mahavir: times and mission – Fundamental Concepts – Sources – Literature and Practices – Sects – Revivalism – Jain Monasticism – Relations with Buddhism and Islam – Modern challenges.

Sikhism ––– Introduction – History – Fundamental Concepts – Sikh culture and tradition – Sects – Relations with Sufism, Hinduism, Islam – Modern Challenges.

Judaism ––– Introduction – History – Scripture and Interpretations – Culture – Zionism, anti-Semitism, and Holocaust – State of Israel – Sects – Jewish jurisprudence – Relations with Christianity and Islam – Modern Challenges.

Christianity ––– Introduction – History – Scripture: Compilation controversies and Interpretations – Theology, Ethics and Sectarian Schisms – Fundamental Concepts – Church – Christianity and Colonialism – Secularization of European society – Relations with Judaism and Islam – Modern Challenges.

Zoroastrianism ––– Introduction – History – Zoroaster: time and mission – Scriptures – Fundamental teachings – Relations with Islam – Eschatology – influence on other traditions – Religious and social reforms – Modern Challenges.

Shintoism and Taoism ––– Introduction – History – Context – Fundamental teachings – Religious and social reforms – Contemporary interpretations – Modern Challenges.

Islam ––– Introduction – History (Pre-Prophetic, Prophetic, Middle Ages, Modern Times) – Fundamental Concepts and teachings – Religious Literatures – Masalik / Schools-of-thought – Islam and Science – Religious and social reforms – Islamic movements – Modern Challenges.