California Islamic University (CIU)

Summary:
Description:

California Islamic University (CIU) offers a full time program of study which caters to English speaking Muslims. We have attempted to combine the best and most practical ways of studying Islam, while remaining within the paradigm of an Islamic worldview.

CIU focuses not only on academic and educational development, but also stresses the importance of spiritual and moral education. By emphasizing the realization that Islam is a holistic way of life manifested in all layers of society, our classes prepare students to become assets to the community at large.

California Islamic University constitutes a program of study that is catered to Muslims living in the West. It draws on the wisdom and experience of traditional Islamic institutions worldwide while taking into consideration the historical-critical approach to studying religion as taught in Western universities. The curriculum attempts to combine the best and most practical way of studying Islam by utilizing modern pedagogical methods, while remaining within the paradigm of an Islamic worldview.

Comprehensive Curriculum

We loathe overspecializing in only a few subjects. A balanced Islamic education requires that Theology, Islamic Law, History, Hermeneutics and other subjects all be studied at a foundational level. We give students the tools to understand and connect with Islamic teachings on a deeper level.

For serious students who would like to complete a diploma or a BA in Islamic Law & Theology. Courses consist of lectures, discussions [or labs], exams and essays. The degree can be completed in two years, or taken part-time over a few more years.

Courses

Diploma Requirements
History I: Life of The Prophet
Qur’an I: Prophets in The Qur’an
Islamic Law I: Essentials of Islamic Practice
Islamic Law Ii: Essentials of Islamic Practice
Prophetic Teachings I: Wisdom from The Prophet
Spirituality I: Purification of The Heart
Qur’anic Recitation I: Reading The Qur’an in Arabic
Qur’anic Recitation Ii: Proper Recitation of the Qur’an
Beliefs I: Survey of Islamic Beliefs
History II: The First Five Caliphs
Skills I: Public Speaking & Communication
Degree Requirements
History Iii: The Umayyads to The Fall of Baghdad
Islamic Law Iii: Principles of Interpretation
Islamic Law Iv: Case Studies in Legal Reasoning
Spirituality Ii: Companions of The Prophet
Qur’an Ii: Survey of The Qur’an
Prophetic Wisdom Ii: Survey of Hadith
Arabic I: Beginning Arabic
Arabic Ii: Intermediate Arabic
Arabic Iii: Advanced Arabic
Skills Ii: Critical Analysis of Readings On Islam
Skills Iii: Research Methodology & Writing

Team

Mustafa Umar:

Director & Professor
Shaykh Mustafa is the founder and director of CIU and its lead instructor.

Shahid Ali:

Adjunct Professor
Shaykh Shahid graduated from Al-Azhar University, Egypt

Ahmed Billoo:

Adjunct Professor
Shaykh Ahmed graduated from the Islamic University in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

Jameel Besada:

Adjunct Professor & Curriculum Designer
Ustadh Jameel is a Latino convert to Islam. He hopes to complete his degree in Islamic Law from the Islamic University in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

Contacts