About the Course
Understanding Islam: An Introduction provides an exploration of Islamic history and geography, religion, faith and beliefs, current and past diversity in Islam, the role of women, and a variety of scenarios of every day business and personal interactions with the Muslim community.
Driven by the comprehensive material from Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, this course is comprised of six modules, all taught with Jones Knowledge’s revolutionary learning methodology, VALT™, which builds mastery, increases retention and reduces training time.
This module traces the origins of Islam, the life of the Prophet Muhammad and answers the questions: Who is a Muslim? Who is Allah, What is Islam? It will take you through the meaning of "The Five Pillars of the Faith" and explains the meaning of the Quaran. The concept of "paradise" is discussed, as well as Islams' holiest sites: Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem.
This module introduces the learner to Islamic law, and where it is implemented worldwide. The meaning of a Fatwa is described and misperceptions surrounding this concept are brought to light. The often misunderstood term of jihad is explained and the two different types of jihad are discussed. Terrorism, the difference between Shia and Sunni and the mysticism of the Sufi sect are explained.
This module covers the spread of Islam after the Prophet Muhammad’s death. The dynasties are discussed as well as the Christian Crusades and the three Muslim empires. Both Western colonization and the impact that the Cold War had on Islam is discussed as well as the rise of terrorism and its origins.
This module describes Muslim countries and their minority populations in the world today. A global map featuring Muslim populations is featured. The relationship between Islam and governments is discussed as well as Islam in the United Kingdom, U.S., Europe, China, Russia, regions of Africa and Indonesia. Tribalism is discussed as well as Wahhabism.
Women’s role in Islam is described in this module. The tension that exists between the actual and the real is revealed. This is examined in terms of tribalism, and today’s current shifts. Contemporary Muslim women and women in Muslim history are highlighted. Misperceptions regarding women’s dress, women’s role in society and men’s dress are examined. The learner will be shown various social practices and the definition of Halal and Haram, in terms of dietary rules. The Muslim holidays and Muslim calendar are also described.
In this module, students will be exposed to a variety of real-life scenarios that will help them choose appropriate courses of action to improve mutual communication and interaction. Organizations also have the option of purchasing scenarios that are customized to their specific work environment and corporate regulations.
