This course offers a comprehensive and measured study of the Sunni and Shi‘i approaches to the Ahl al-Bayt, engaging with doctrinal foundations, historical trajectories, and key textual evidence. Delivered in an interactive format, participants will have opportunities to explore supplementary research, engage with additional materials, and continue thoughtful discussion beyond the classroom to developing deeper reflection and sustained learning.
Students will also receive a complimentary digital copy of the instructor’s book as part of the course materials.
Session 1: The Main Difference on Doctrine
- Introduction
- Similarities and differences between the Sunni and Shi’a
- The Qur’an and the belief in Imamate
Session 2: An Assessment of the Sunni Sources (part 1)
- The question of authenticity regarding texts like al-Bukhari and al-Kafi
- Hadith al-Kisa’ and the Verse of Purification
- The hadith on the twelve leaders
Session 3: An Assessment of the Sunni Sources (part 2)
- The hadith of Manzila
- Hadith of Ghadir al-Khumm and Eid Ghadir
- Hadith al-Thaqalayn and the issue of Tahrif al-Qur’an
Session 4: A Historical Perspective
- A historical assessment of the 4 main Shi’i groups
- The hidden 12th Imam and the occultation (ghayba)
Session 5: The status of the Companions (part 1)
- The position of the Sahaba in Shi’ism
- The hadith of the parchment
- Mut’a marriage and its ruling
Session 6: The status of the Companions (part 2)
- Tarawih prayer, bid’a and Ashura commemorations
- The dispute regarding the land of Fadak
Session 7: The status of the Companions (part 3)
- The caliphate of Ali and civil war
- Consultation at Saqifa Bani Sai’da
Session 8: The Status of the Companions (part 4)
- The Book of Sulaym b. Qays and its key role in Shi’ism
- Veneration of the ahl al-bayt from the Companions onwards
Session 9: The status of the Ahl al-Bayt (part 1)
- Umar’s Marriage to Umm Kulthum
- Abu Bakr and his relationship to Ja’far al-Sadiq
Session 10: The status of the Ahl al-Bayt (part 2)
- The community and the al-Sawad al-Azam
- Conclusion
- Q&A
Participants are encouraged to attend the live session to benefit fully from the discussion; however, a recording will be made available to all registered students inshāʾAllāh.
