Wilmette Institute

World Religion Series: Intro to Islam

With ongoing anti-Islamic sentiment throughout the world, there is no better time to improve our understanding of one of the world’s most important and influential religions.

Religion, Theology & Philosophy

Duration

11 weeks

Weekly Study

4-6 HOURS

Dates

Jun 17-Sep 1

June 17, 2021

Course ID: RL130
Download 2020 Syllabus (PDF)

In Introduction to Islam we will begin with a survey of the life of Muhammad, a Manifestation of God, and a review of the origins, development, and content of the Qur’an, including the teachings and practices of Islam. We will then examine the Sunni/Shiite split over issues of succession and authority and discuss Islamic mysticism, or Sufism, and the Sufi poetic tradition. Finally, we will turn to contemporary Islam and to Islam and other religions, including the Bahá’í Faith. With ongoing anti-Islamic sentiment throughout the world, there is no better time to improve our understanding of one of the world’s most important and influential religions and to prepare for discussing it with Christian and Muslim friends and neighbors.

What will you learn?

You will learn

Develop an understanding of the origin, teachings, development, and spread of Islam through the ages

Analyze the impact of the principles and teachings of Islam on the lives of contemporary Muslims

Relate Islamic teachings and practices to the Bahá'í Faith and Bahá'í community

Meet Your Faculty

Nesreen Akhtarkhavari, PhD

Assoc. Prof., DePaul University

Nesreen Akhtarkhavari is an active Bahá’í. She has served on Bahá’í institutions in various capacities since 1982. This includes serving on Local Spiritual Assemblies, National Training Institutes, managing capital campaigns, and serving as international consultant on Arab Affairs. Professionally. Dr. Akhtarkhavari is an Associate Professor and the Coordinator of Modern... See Faculty Bio

Necati Alkan, PhD

Research Associate, University of Bamberg

I have been fascinated with Bahá’í Studies, especially history, since my youth. Studying Islamic Studies and History, then, at the university, opened new vistas for me. By learning Arabic, Persian and in particular Ottoman Turkish, beside my native Turkish and almost native (education) language German and English, I felt equipped... See Faculty Bio

Browse All Faculty