IOU TEACHING, LEARNING & RESEARCH

COURSE DESCRIPTION
1. Name of Course: Etiquettes of Seeking Knowledge

2. Course Code: ETH101

3. Program(s) of Study: BAIS

4. Name(s) of academic staff: Dr. Bilal Philips (content developer), Sh. Ismail Kamdar (lecturer)

5. Rationale for the inclusion of the course in the program of study:

The course provides students with a correct understanding of the etiquettes of seeking knowledge, as
well as the importance of gaining authentic knowledge, and gives them the necessary skills and
attitude to pursue Islamic knowledge properly.

6. Semester and Year offered: Year 1 – Semester 1 (BAIS)

7. Course Synopsis:

This course covers the internal etiquette of seeking knowledge, the correct methodology of studying
Islam, and the etiquettes of dealing with one’s teachers.

8. Core Syllabus:

The course syllabus includes:

• Internal Etiquette of Seeking Knowledge
• Study Methodology
• Etiquette of the student with his teacher

9. Main references (textbooks) supporting the course:

The Etiquette of Seeking Knowledge by Shaykh Bakr Aboo Zayd

Additional Supporting references (supplementary reading):

Transcripts of module lectures

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10. Learning objectives:

• To understand the correct intention with which a student should pursue Islamic knowledge
• To gain the necessary internal characteristics to seek knowledge effectively, this includes
humility, mercy, Zuhd, piety, and persistence.
• To understand the correct methodology of seeking knowledge
• To understand the importance of studying Islam under a teacher and the etiquette of sealing
with such teachers
• To understand the dangers of studying under people of innovation, and the exceptions to this
rule

Learning outcomes:

After completing this course a student will be able to :-

• Have an understanding of the etiquettes of seeking knowledge which would help them study all
other courses at the Islamic Online University, and otherwise.
• Know about the qualities one should acquire as a seeker of knowledge.
• Be aware of the importance of implementation of knowledge.
• Have to correct intentions and goals for seeking knowledge
• Learn the necessary skills and tools to help maintain and nurture piety, humility, and Zuhd.
• Have a clear picture of the correct and most efficient way to study Islam
• Understand the status of an Islamic teacher and give due respect to such teachers
• Be clear on the importance of authentic knowledge and be able to avoid sources of innovation
11. Transferable Skills:

• Ability to maintain and nurture piety, humility, Zuhd, mercy, and other good qualities
• Ability to maintain sincere intentions and noble goals in all situations
• Correct manners and etiquette that can be applied to many situations
• Ability to distinguish a good Islamic syllabus from a poor one

12. Credit Value: 3

13. Prerequisite (if any): None

14. Teaching-learning and assessment strategy:

Students will read prescribed text and the module notes, watch recorded lectures, and watch recorded
tutorials.
Thereafter, students will formulate their own study notes and complete module tests as formative
assessments.
Summative assessment will take place via a semester research assignment and mid-term and final
examinations.

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15. Assessment Methods and Types

Type of Assessment Components of Assessment Weightings of Components

(%)

Module Tests 24 tests 20

Assignment 1 Assignment (choice of 2 10

topics)

Examination Midterm 8th week 30

Final 16th week 40

16. Modes of Delivery

Recorded lectures, recorded tutorial sessions, and reading material

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COURSE OUTLINE

No. Modules Lecture Tutorial Assess. ILT* Total

1 Introduction to the author and textbook 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
Mins

2 Importance of etiquette in Islam in general 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
Mins

3 Studying is an act of worship, importance of 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
Ikhlaas Mins

4 How to maintain Ikhlas, dangers of studying 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
without Ikhlaas Mins

5 The way of the Salaf: importance of authentic 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
knowledge Mins

6 The way of the Salaf: Dangers of Ilm Kalam 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
Mins

7 The importance of fearing Allah 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
Mins

8 The importance of being conscious of Allah 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
Mins

9 Humility and how to maintain it 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
Mins

10 Dangers of arrogance 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
Mins

11 How to maintain Zuhd 3 hrs, 10

1 1 10 min 1
mins

12 The importance of honoring one’s knowledge 3 hrs, 10

1 1 10 min 1
mins

13 The importance of honoring one’s knowledge 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
Mins

14 Honor and Manners 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
Mins

15 Honor and Manners 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
Mins

16 Masculine Qualities, Avoiding Luxury 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
Mins

17 Avoiding Gatherings of vain speech and 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
commotion Mins

18 Gentleness, Contemplation, Firmness, and 1 0.5 10 min 1 2 hrs, 40

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Confirmation Mins

19 Study Methodology 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
Mins

20 Study Methodology 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
Mins

21 Study Methodology 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
Mins

22 Study Methodology 2 hrs, 40

1 0.5 10 min 1
Mins

23 Studying with Shuyookh 3 hrs, 10

1 1 10 min 1
mins

24 Teachers of Innovation 3 hrs, 10

1 1 10 min 1
mins

25 Research/Assignment 1 10 11 hrs

26 Examinations 1 2 3 20 26

*ILT – Independent Learning Time

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