Introduction to Islamic History

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Jasser Auda

President of Maqasid Institute Global

COURSE OVERVIEW

Reconstruction of the concept and scope of “Islamic history” in accordance with the Revelation is long overdue. This short course introduces Islamic history based on the definition of Islam as the original disposition (fitrah) of all creation and the faith of all prophets, messengers and their followers from the time of Adam to the time of Muhammad (PBUH) and until the present moment.

Allah says about the disciples of Jesus (PBUH): “I revealed to the disciples, ‘Believe in Me and in My messenger.’ They said, ‘We have believed, so bear witness that indeed we are Muslims’” (5:111), and says about the followers of Moses (PBUH): “And Moses said, ‘O my people, if you have believed in Allah, then rely upon Him, if you should be Muslims’” (10:84).

This means that the history of Islam includes the history of prophets in every region and era. It is the history of humanity with the truth since the beginning of time on earth, not just the history of faith in predominantly Muslim societies since the days of the message of Muhammad (PBUH).

This is a much larger scope than the military and political history of the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding regions, which is the usual scope of Islamic history books.

Allah says: “there is not a community (ummah) but a warner has gone among them” (35:24), and “And We sent messengers about whom We have related their stories to you before and messengers about whom We have not related to you. And Allah spoke to Moses with direct speech” (41:164).

Viewing history from this lens offers a truthful and unifying perspective for rewriting history based on a worldview that is informed by the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Reconceptualizing history in this way does not admit superficial divisions that are based on human interpretations to manage, simplify and politicize history.

COURSE CONTENT