cambridge muslim college :: prospectus 2012-13

CMC ProsPeCtus • 2012-2013 ii CMC ProsPeCtus • 2012-2013

C A M B R I D G E M U S L I M C O L L E G E

Diploma in Contextual Islamic Studies & Leadership

ProsPeCtus 2012-2013

Faith in Scholarship

CMC ProsPeCtus • 2012-2013 1

Welcome from the Dean

As CMC enters its fourth year of operation, it’s with a sense of immense pride that we present our latest Prospectus. It is our

privilege to offer our assistance to young scholars, and to equip them with the tools they need to face the many challenges ahead. We are grateful to our supporters and sponsors around the world, who with their prayers and their contributions have helped to reinforce CMC’s mission, and to make it the world-leading institution that it has now become.

We have been proud to host some of the world’s major scholars in our public lecture series, and to have supported our graduates in their search for the most interesting opportunities. Nothing can be achieved, however, without the energy and sincerity of our students and staff. We hope and pray that we will continue to be blessed with the best of the Dar al-Ulum graduates in coming years, in the hope of earning the reward of those who ‘serve the servants of Sacred Knowledge.’

AbdAl HAkiM MurAd

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Welcome from the Principal

As-salaam-u alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh

Cambridge Muslim College is one of a kind. Founded in 2009 to train the best of Britain’s Dar al-Ulum alim and alima graduates, its Diploma in Contextual Islamic Studies & Leadership teaches students how to more effectively put their unique training and skills to use as leaders in the mosque and the classroom, and in any area of endeavour they choose. As a result, they will be well-prepared to represent the best of Islam at local and national levels as British Islam’s future leaders.

Field trips are used to supplement practical skills and academic lecture modules. So, too, are talks from leading scholars, in a variety of fields from the best universities in the UK and abroad. At year’s end, we have a class trip that ties together much of what the students learned during the academic year. The first year’s class trip was to Rome and the sec-ond to southern Spain. These help give the students a broader perspec-tive on the world in which they live, and supplement similar trips they took in the UK.

Specifically tailored for classically-trained British Muslim Dar al-Ulum graduates, CMC’s Diploma in Contextual Islamic Studies & Leadership gives its students a better understanding of British society in particular and the world in general, and how best to succeed in it. As a result, our graduates are more confident imams, teachers, and workers in whatev-er field of endeavour they choose, well-trained to share and articulate their Islamic knowledge wherever they might be.

dr. MiCHAel MuHAMMAd As ‘Ad berdine


Cambridge Muslim College

14 st . PAul’ s roAdCAMbridge Cb1 2ez

t: 01223 355235 F : 01223 355568 inFo@CAMbridgeMusl iMCollege.org www.CAMbridgeMusl iMCollege.org

Contents

What is the Cambridge Muslim College? 7

What is the Diploma? 9

What is Taught and How? 11

Course Modules 13

College News & Developments 17

Meet Some of Our Students 18

Student Support 21

What is it Like to Live & Study in Cambridge? 23

Who can Apply? 25

What are you Waiting for? 27


What is the Cambridge Muslim College?

The Cambridge Muslim College is a nondenominational institution for education, training and research in subjects important to the British Muslim community. It welcomes Muslims of all backgrounds who wish to deepen their pastoral skills and their awareness of contempo-rary developments in Britain and the world. It is independent of gov-ernments and is not affilliated to any Islamic movement, providing a prayerful context for strengthening da’wa skills, and scholarly resourc-es to support all who care about the continuing health and dynamism of Britain’s Muslim community.

The College is under the direction of Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad (T. J. Winter), Shaykh Zayed Lecturer in Islamic Studies in the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge.

“And say: My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” surA tA HA : 114


What is the Diploma?

The Diploma in Contextual Islamic Studies & Leadership is a one-year course designed to help those who already possess a significant training in the Islamic sciences to develop, articulate and implement their knowledge effectively in Britain today. It is also aimed at helping students with a background in traditional Islamic studies to go on to join the mainstream of British further education. The course draws on Islamic sources for inspiration and guidance in all these aims, as well as providing the relevant skills and knowledge necessary in modern Brit-ish society. It is taught by leading scholars and practitioners, from the University of Cambridge and elsewhere.

The Diploma course has three inter-related aims:

z To enable students to understand and engage with contemporary debates about the role of religion in general, and Islam in particular, in modern society;

z To encourage the students to be compassionate and reliable spiritual and pastoral advisors to Muslims and others;

z To equip students with practical skills to make them more effective leaders of Muslim institutions and to enhance their career prospects in all fields.


What is taught and how?

The Diploma course combines academic, practical and pastoral skills through classroom teaching, teaching trips, and seminar discussions. Assessment is through a mixture of essays, other written work, oral presentations, practical projects and examinations. Students will have the opportunity to maintain and improve their knowledge of Islam through continued traditional learning in, for example, hifz al-Qur’an and memorisation of hadith. As well as learning in the classroom, students benefit from a programme of teaching trips designed both to broaden their learning and to relate their study directly to its applica-tion in their communities. The trips present examples of excellence and innovation already at work in community development, religious leadership, inter-faith dialogue, and other relevant areas. Students are also expected to participate in the CMC public lectures, a series of public events presenting the best in traditional and modern scholar-ship. Each term the College invites leading scholars and practitioners to give, for example, tafsir of part of the Qur’an, teach specific texts of great Muslim scholars, or to share the latest research and experience. Previous trips and lectures have included:

teACHing tr iPs

z Royal Courts of Justice, London Muslim Centre z Highpoint Prison, Addenbrookes Hospital, Shah Jahan Mosque, Woking z The Vatican (Rome)

CMC Publ iC leCtures

z Yunus Dudhwala, Head of Chaplaincy and Bereavement Services, Newham Hospital z Julian Huppert, Cambridge MP z Shaykh Jihad Brown, Tabah Foundation z Charles Burnet, Professor of the History of Islamic Influences in Europe, Warburg Institute z Shaykh Mohammad Akram Nadwi, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies


Course Modules

Science in the World Today: Introduction to the History and Philosophy of Science Introduces students to understanding the nature of scientific knowledge and its development through the contributions of different civilisations.

Introduction to Western Intellectual History Covers the main trends of ‘West-ern’ thought from Ancient Greece to postmodernity. The aim is to help students gain a critical understanding of the intellectual background of the 21st century. Particular reference will be made to the points of con-vergence and divergence with the intellectual history of Islamic civilisa-tions.

British Islam Today Covers the history of Muslims in Britain and helps students understand the sociological factors shaping the community today, from its socioeconomic situation to the impact of the media and government policy, exploring how British Muslim identity has been and continues to be formed.

Islamic Counselling and Dispute Resolution Introduces the theory and practice of counselling and dispute resolution with reference to Islamic models of addressing mental illness, distress and conflict. Students learn how to apply these methods and also when and how to seek further sup-port to help those in need of advice or treatment.

Islam and Religious Pluralism: Theological & Historical Perspectives Introduces and analyses normative Islamic understandings of religious pluralism. Beginning with a survey of how Muslim scholars have interpreted the canonical sources relating to non-Muslims, it also presents examples of how Muslims have historically organised themselves in multi-religious and multi-cultural societies.

Sacred Art and Architecture of the World Introduces students to the history and meaning of sacred art. Within a comparative framework, particular attention is paid to Islamic art and Islamic theories of aesthetics.


Introduction to Modern Theology Covers the main developments in modern Chris-tian and Jewish theology. The module considers how major Christian and Jewish theologians in the nineteenth and twentieth century responded to modernity. The module considers how an Islamic theology mirrors or is distinguished from such approaches. Comparisons will be made with Buddhist responses to moder-nity. Introduction to Astronomy Covers the history, theory and practice of astronomy, particularly its development in Muslim civilisations and the modern West. Students relate this to contemporary debates about the fiqh of moon-sighting, calendars etc., and how they can help to address some perennial issues faced by our communities. Introduction to World Religions & Inter-Faith Dialogue Presents a general under-standing of the major faiths and methods of religious dialogue appropriate to respectful, constructive and honest interaction. This course focuses partly on the religious history of Britain as the context for these questions. Islam & Gender Analyses approaches to gender within traditional Muslim scholar-ship, referring to historical examples and contemporary questions about gender roles. The course encourages students to relate these theoretical considerations to social problems affecting the Muslim community today, such as domestic violence, forced marriage and increasing rates of divorce. Effective Community Leadership and Development Introduces methods of designing and implementing successful community outreach and development projects. Showcasing and visiting flagship projects around the UK, the module aims to provide students with practical skills from initial design through to execution. Attention is given to the mosque as a central point for the Muslim community, emphasising the social and regulatory demands on mosques to be more account-able, transparent and inclusive. Religious Ethics in the Modern World Analysing contemporary questions of scien-tific innovation, climate change and ethics, this module aims to view these issues through an engagement with Islamic thought and jurisprudence. Students will relate the concepts of ijtihad and fatwa, together with Islamic legal experts, to examine these contemporary discussions. Introduction to the UK State Introduces the various facets of the UK state, includ-ing an explanation of the parliamentary system, the courts, local government, social services, policing services and the health service. The module introduces the core functions of each part of the state and the organisations that deliver these functions. It also describes how personnel are employed in these organisa-tions including at senior level and what outreach or participatory functions are required of these organisations.


Introduction to the Social Sciences Introduces some major areas of the social sci-ences and enables students to apply them critically both to the situation of the Muslim community and to wider debates about religion and society. The course includes economics, sociology, anthropology and psychology, and addresses their strengths and weaknesses in helping to understand social problems.

Introduction to World History Introduces the development of major world civili-sations and the main trends of world history. Although this module naturally does not cover the details of events, it provides an overall appreciation of the chronology of human history as well as addressing theories of the development and interaction of civilisations over time.

History of the 19th and 20th Century with special reference to the Muslim World Presents the major events and trends of the last two centuries with a focus on under-standing contemporary debates surrounding religion, state and political partici-pation in the Muslim world. Students will analyse the shaping of the Muslim world during the colonial period and the impact of reformist thinkers whilst relating these to the contemporary situation of the Muslim world, including the rise of the modern Islamic movements.

Modern British Political History Covers the rise and fall of the political parties through the 19th and 20th centuries. This includes the rise of the Whigs and the Tories in the 19th century, the arrival of the Labour Party in the 20th century and the decline of the Liberal party. The post-war era moves from Churchill to the recent coalition Government as a means of understanding current British politics.

British Cultural and Intellectual History This module traces the story from Chau-cer and Shakespeare to the key intellectual movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. It includes an examination of 19th century Romanticism, the rise of Victorian atheism, Anglican intellectuals of the early twentieth century and the emergence of the public intellectual in general. The module aims to give students an understanding of the major intellectual currents that have shaped modern Britain.


College News & Developments

In late July 2011, Cambridge Muslim College finally moved to its new home and permanent headquarters at 14 St. Paul’s Road, in central Cambridge. The Victorian building (built in 1847) has a large front office and two teaching rooms on the ground floor, a refectory and a commercial kitchen. The first floor houses the quickly-growing CMC Library, where students already spend hours of their out-of-classroom time studying, plus the prayer room, and offices of the dean, principal and research fellows. The sisters have their own specially-designed lounge area, complete with divans on the second floor. There’s also a third study room for the research fellow on the second floor. Outside the back of the building is the brothers’ “shed,” a mobile building complete with sofas and chairs for relaxing and studying. Adjoining buildings are used to house the College’s Arabic book collections. For the 2011-12 academic year, the College welcomes three research fellows: Dr. Mansur Ali, Dr. Fozia Bora and Dr. Matthew Wilkinson. All three CMC Fellows have distinguished academic credentials and are carrying out important research in the fields of Islamic history and Islamic education. During their year at the College, each will work on articles for publication and public lectures for College students.


Meet some of our students Ghulam Moyhuddin (Redditch, UK)

Jamia Al-Karam, Retford, and Al-Azhar, EgyptCambridge Muslim College is the missing puzzle piece in my life as a British Muslim. It is the bridge between traditional and modern stud-ies, keeping the balance of Deen and Dunya. It has kindled the passion in me to learn more and has helped me to understand and appreciate others. Being able to participate, question and see first-hand the re-search of leading, world-class scholars is an opportunity that very few are fortunate to have. CMC also offers a supportive environment for all of those who study and teach here, nurturing the mind and soul for the greater potential of each individual.

Mohammed Aqueel (London, UK) Ebrahim College, London, and Dar al Ulum, PakistanI have found the Cambridge Muslim College to be very well suited to those who have studied the Islamic sciences and wish to supplement their traditional education with a firm understanding of the society in which they live. It is for those who want to empower themselves to teach and implement what they have learnt in madaaris in a man-ner relevant to the context of Britain today. This diploma will enable them to face the challenges faced by Muslims - living in an increasingly agnostic and multi-ethnic society - in an intellectually satisfactory and persuasive manner. The unique experience at CMC is enriched by the supporting staff, who help to hone and improve the students’ skills and make them curious and confident about the world around them.


Sumayyah Bostan (Bradford, UK)Jamiatul Imam Muhammad Zakaria, Bradford My experience at the Cambridge Muslim College has certainly sur-passed all my expectations. The varieties of modules are effective in bridging the gap between the traditional Darul Uloom education and modern day secular education. The subjects are taught by specialists, providing the opportunity to meet a variety of professors and lectur-ers, who are a valuable source of knowledge. As a student, the location for the College in Cambridge is ideal, as it has given me the opportu-nity to attend a range of open public lectures and events, as well as to visit the University Library. Coming from a background of traditional Islamic learning, the Islamic environment and atmosphere in the Col-lege allows one to uphold her values and principles with ease whilst engaging in secular studies, an environment which is rare to find. The College offers extensive support for students, in all aspects of College life. I would happily stay another year!

Nafisa Mistry (London, UK) Jamiatul Imam Muhammad Zakaria, BradfordCambridge Muslim College is helping me to understand and address the realities of the situations that we in the British Muslim commu-nity face today. By being introduced to a wide variety of subjects, I am learning about modern society and the challenges that a person of faith can expect within such a society. The staff at Cambridge Muslim College are supportive and ready to help, thus enabling their students to feel at ease in the College. Studying is enjoyable due to the interac-tive nature of the lessons, the weekly public lectures and the trips to various workshops and places of historical significance. It provides a harmonious atmosphere through collectively bringing together people from all over the country not only both in prayer and in lessons but also in extra-curricular activities. My time here has benefited me in knowledge and awareness and I have also improved in interpersonal skills to hold me in good stead for the future.


Student Support

The College aims to ensure that students are able to make the most of the experience of studying and living in Cambridge. As part of the ongoing commitment to individual development all students take part in the ‘Personal Development Programme’. Its activities, which are both structured and informal, run alongside the Diploma to help provide students with valuable transferable skills both academic and extra-curricular. These include:

l i Fe sk ills In order to help facilitate a broad range of skills the programme includes St John’s Ambulance First Aid training and Fire Marshalling courses as well as instruction in public speaking and time management.

suPervis ions Throughout the academic year there is a programme of regular supervisions whereby students are given individual support to hone and strengthen their academic writing and analytical skills. Other forms of regular supervisions include one-to-one informal meetings with the Principal and group discussions with Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad.

AnnuAl tr iPsAs part of the educational programme at the College, extended trips have been organised to Rome in 2010 and Andalucia in 2011. This is to help students become aware first-hand of the history of faith on the European continent.

“And dispute not with the People of the Book, except with means better [than mere disputation]”

surA Al-AnkAbut : 46


What is it like to live & study in Cambridge? Cambridge is famous as the site of one of the most prestigious uni-versities in the world. Along with al-Qarawiyyin, al-Azhar, Bologna, Paris and Oxford, the University of Cambridge is one of the world’s oldest centres of learning. Among its many distinguished alumni have been notable Muslim scholars and leaders such as Abdullah Yusuf Ali and Muhammad Iqbal.

Cambridge continues to be a vibrant intellectual centre, home now to both the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University. The Cambridge Muslim College is well-placed to benefit from this rich heritage and current resources, and to add to them. Through public lectures and events, its students participate in the intellectual and social life of one of the great university towns of the world.

The College is willing to arrange appropriate accommodation for students in a central Cambridge location. In the case of single students, this will be in a single-sex shared house; for married students, a flat.

Cambridge has a growing and lively Muslim community, both local residents and students from all over the UK and the world. More than 700 people regularly pray jum’ah at the mosque, and there are student Islamic societies at both the city’s universities. There is more information about the community in Cambridge and its activities on the College website.


Who can apply? The College welcomes applications from men and women who want to apply their knowledge effectively in the service of the Muslim community and others. The courses are suited to those who want to work directly in mosques and Muslim organisations, or those who wish to work towards qualification and employment in other careers. The main requirements for entry are the completion of an ‘Alim course at a recognised institution of Islamic scholarship, and fluency in written and spoken English. Applicants will therefore have the op-portunity to provide a variety of evidence in support of their applica-tions for a place and for financial support. Those selected will be asked to sit a written test when they come for their interview. The College recognises that many students who would benefit from the Diploma course may not have mainstream academic qualifications.

wHAt will it Cost? The cost of the Diploma course is £2,500. The College is offering a variety of scholarships to the most able candidates. Scholarships typi-cally meet the cost of all the course fees and provide a monthly allow-ance for accommodation and living costs. Applicants are expected to be intellectually curious, hard-working, and committed to the aims of the College. Like those of the University of Cambridge, the standards of the College are high and the work is challenging. But what stu-dents put in they get back by being part of a rigorous, innovative and dynamic new programme.


What are you waiting for? Applications for the Diploma course are now open. Application forms and more information about the College are available on its website. Please contact us if you have questions or need more information before applying. Applicants are encouraged to apply early in order to ensure a quicker response from the College.

The deadline for applications is: 5.00pm Friday 1st June, 2012

If you would like further information then please email the Principal, Dr Muhammad As‘ad, at [email protected].

www.cambridgemuslimcollege.org

The Cambridge Muslim College is a registered company No.7031673 and a registered charity No.1137219

Registered Office 14 St. Paul’s Road, Cambridge, Cb1 2ez

d ireCtors

Shaikh Abdul MabudJonathan BirtTijani GahbicheSophie Gilliat-RayChristian HoffmannDavid Ford T.J. Winter

30 CMC ProsPeCtus • 2012-2013

cambridge muslim college :: prospectus 2012-13

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