Speciality Requirements Student must complete 36 credit hours

Course Code	Course Name	Credit Hours	Prerequests
443711	Advanced Studies in the Fundamentals of Hadith	3
This course explores advanced topics in the sciences and methodology of Hadith, both theoretically and practically. It focuses on in-depth study of foundational principles and areas of scholarly disagreement. Key topics include the modes of transmission (?aml) of Hadith, methods of documentation and narration, textual errors such as distortion (ta???f) and alteration (ta?r?f), and nuanced aspects of chains of narration (isn?d) such as elevated and lowered isn?ds. Additional themes include the precedence and succession of narrators, reciprocal narration among peers (al-aqr?n), mutual narration (al-mudabbaj), narration of sons from fathers and vice versa, as well as siblings? narrations. The course aims to equip students with advanced analytical skills for evaluating Hadith texts, understanding criteria for authenticity, and appreciating the historical and methodological contexts of Hadith transmission.
443712	Advanced Studies in Criticism and Praise	3
This course presents a theoretical and methodological study of the key principles of narrator criticism (al-jar? wa al-ta?d?l) and the science of biographical evaluation (?ilm al-rij?l). It focuses on the critical methods used by Hadith scholars to assess the reliability, accuracy, and integrity of narrators, as well as the standards for evaluating scholarly judgments about them. The course covers topics such as verifying the authenticity of narrations, analyzing narrator names, genealogies, titles, nicknames, and dates of death, and resolving cases of identity confusion or ambiguity. Students also explore the scholarly generations (?abaq?t) of Hadith critics and the practical methods used in major biographical sources. As part of the course requirements, students conduct applied research into critical terminology?particularly concerning narrators who were subject to critique yet appear in the two Sahihs (Bukhari and Muslim).
443713	Applied Studies in the Science of the Hidden Defects of Hadith	3
This course explores the science of ?Ilal al-?ad?th (hidden defects in Hadith), one of the most intricate and sophisticated disciplines within Hadith studies. It focuses on identifying subtle flaws in Hadith texts and chains of narration that may appear authentic at first glance. Students will investigate the various causes of hidden defects, such as narrators? errors or confusion, memory deterioration, abbreviation of Hadiths, narration by meaning, or contradiction with stronger sources. The course emphasizes applied learning by assigning students to extract and analyze real examples of each defect type from classical Hadith literature. Students will also study comparative methodologies from prominent Hadith critics, enhancing their skills in evaluating narrations and uncovering hidden weaknesses in both isn?ds and matns.
443714	Studies in the Methodologies of Scholars of Hadith	3
This course explores the history of classification in the various sciences of the Sunnah, related to both its texts and chains of transmission. It examines the methodologies of Hadith compilers in their critique of narrators and narrations, as well as the specific conditions they adhered to in their works. The course includes applied studies in each Hadith science to demonstrate the extent of care that early and later scholars devoted to documenting and categorizing the Prophetic tradition. It highlights the efforts made by successive generations to preserve, transmit, and serve the Sunnah. Special attention is given to the distinctive methods employed by leading Hadith scholars in selecting and authenticating narrations, as well as their approaches to compiling collections of fabricated Hadiths and the criteria they used in such classifications.
443715	Fundamentals of Understanding the Sunnah	3
NA/A
443716	Linguistic Studies in Quran and Sunnah	3
This course explores the most significant rhetorical issues found in the Holy Qur?an and the purified Sunnah, highlighting the differences between the stylistic features of the Qur?an and those of the Prophetic Hadith, and the unique characteristics of each. The course also aims to connect the student closely with the classical Arabic rhetorical heritage. Topics covered include: eloquence (fas??a) and rhetoric (bal?gha) and the distinction between them, the historical development of rhetorical studies, the science of ma??n? (including declarative and imperative forms, word order, omission and mention, definiteness and indefiniteness, and suspension), the science of bay?n (such as simile, metaphor, and allegory), and the science of bad?? (ornamental rhetoric). All topics are studied through practical applications on selected texts from the Qur?an and the Sunnah.
443798	Qualifying Exam	0
443799	Thesis	18

Speciality Optional Requirements Student must complete 12 credit hours

Course Code	Course Name	Credit Hours	Prerequests
443732	Methodology of Criticizing Narrations in the Interpretation with the Ma'thour	3
This course examines the traditional narrations in interpretation, with the aim of examining the interpreters' approaches to narration. It also examines the chain of transmission and text of these narrations, to determine the extent of their influence on Qur'anic interpretation.
443751	Advanced Studies in Explaining Hadiths of Commandments	3
This course involves the study of a selection of juristic rulings derived from Prophetic Hadiths. The topics addressed may vary with each offering of the course. It aims to engage students with contemporary scholarly discussions in this field rather than relying solely on classical works. The Hadiths selected for study are chosen for their diversity and the abundance of legal rulings that can be deduced from them, with careful consideration given to the variety and scope of the rulings covered.
443752	Sunnah in Contemporary Studies	3
This course aims to examine the efforts of contemporary scholars in studying and understanding the Prophetic Sunnah, critiquing its chain of transmission and text, and exploring future prospects for related studies. It also defends the Sunnah against its critics, including Orientalists, secularists, and others.
443753	Textual Studies in Hadith Books	3
This course involves the analytical study of selected texts from various Hadith sources?both from the riw?yah (transmission) and dir?yah (understanding) traditions. It offers a comprehensive examination of these texts from the perspectives of their chains of transmission (isn?d) and their contents (matn), while critically discussing the scholarly views related to these texts and weighing the different opinions. The course also explores the evidentiary bases and scholarly methodologies that informed these views. This process equips students with the skills necessary for a thorough, multidisciplinary analysis of Hadith texts.
443754	Fundamentalists' Criticism of Hadith	3
This course covers the intersecting topics between Usuliyyun (scholars of Islamic legal theory) and Muhaddithun (Hadith scholars) concerning issues such as al-jarh wa al-ta'dil (criticism and authentication of narrators), including concepts like integrity (`ad?lah), precision (?ab?), and anonymity (jah?lah). It also addresses matters related to Hadith authentication and weakening, such as the definition of a ?a??? (authentic) Hadith, methods of elevating a Hadith?s status, and critical analysis through the lens of maq??id (higher objectives of Sharia). The course highlights methods and indicators of preference (tarj??) in both the chain of transmission (isn?d) and the content (matn), and it elaborates on the methodological differences in Hadith critique between the scholars of legal theory and the Hadith tradition.
443755	Studies in the Mukhtalif Al-Hadith	3
This course aims to study the science of Mukhtalif al-Hadith (apparently contradictory Hadiths), examining its definition, origins, development, and significance. It introduces the most prominent works compiled in this field and explains the reasons behind the existence of such Hadiths. The course further explores the methodologies adopted by scholars in addressing and reconciling these narrations through textual analysis of selected examples from authoritative compilations. It also addresses and refutes doubts and criticisms raised against Prophetic Hadiths that appear, on the surface, to be contradictory.
443756	Objective-Based Studies of the Sunnah	3
This course aims to study the Prophetic objectives (maq??id al-Sunnah) in terms of their concept, types, interrelations, guiding principles, and foundational elements. It explores how understanding these objectives influences the preference among different interpretations by Hadith commentators and applies the framework of maq??id-based analysis to contemporary issues and emerging events. The course also emphasizes refuting misconceptions and objections directed at the legislative aspects of the Prophetic Sunnah.
443757	Studies in Hadith Mawdu' or Forged Hadith	3
This course explores the concept of topical Hadith (al-?ad?th al-maw????) as understood by Hadith scholars across various historical periods. It examines the developmental stages of classification in this genre, introduces the most renowned works in the field along with their authors, and provides an overview of their contributions. The course also includes the study of contemporary vital themes that merge Islamic legal foundations with modern-day realities, selected by the course instructor. Students are required to write academic research papers on these selected topics.
443758	Investigation Methodologies in Hadith Studies	3
This course aims to familiarize students with key research concepts essential for both academic and professional life, such as analytical, critical, and inductive methodologies. Special emphasis is placed on the scientific methods used in Hadith studies and the practical application of these methodologies.
443787	دراسات في الحديث الموضوعي	3