Estb. 1882

University of the Punjab
Main Page > Quaid-e-Azam > Islamic Studies > Institute of Islamic Studies > BS Islamic Studies (Study of World Religions) (M & S.S)

BS Islamic Studies (Study of World Religions) (M & S.S)

Introduction
In the present global age, work in the field of world religions has become most urgent, more so a necessity. Religion by all means is the ground from which the identity of persons, cultures and civilizations emerges; therefore, it is rather impractical to relate across peoples and civilizations without deeply and positively appreciating the religious grounds upon which multitude lives are built. If such is the role of religion in human life, its study can indispensably become the study of humanity itself.
Provided all this, the current world, and especially our country, is in dire need of understanding the differences in people belonging to other sects and religions, creating a tolerant attitude, and finding a commonality to enhance the relationships and outlook towards life. The most important task of study of world religions is to find out a principle of unity which will harmonize and balance the claims and counter claims of warring religions into one unity. Unity, however does not mean uniformity of religious conduct and belief, but a harmonious blending of religious variety into a symphony of spiritual striving and quest.
Importance of study of World Religions as a separate discipline of study in colleges and universities in Pakistan cannot be ignored. In the present situation of 21st century, where Islam is portrayed as a religion which gives lesson of terrorism, the need to introduce and study this specialization becomes tenfold. In Pakistan, people are divided into sects and are fighting to safeguard their own schools of thought. The foreign media is also presenting Pakistan as a country where terrorists are prepared, while the inner story is drastically different. All the divine religions, including Islam, instruct peace and tolerance while the word Islam itself stands for peace, let alone its message of brotherhood, love and harmony.
All over the world, there is vast advancement going on in this field. The world renowned universities like Harvard and Hampshire have set up centers for this area of study. Similarly, countries like France, Malaysia and India have an abundance of research work undergoing in this aspect. But, unfortunately, in our country, no considerable efforts have been made to establish a centre where studies and research in the field of world religion could undergo. Pakistan is in constant threat of terrorism which is particularly springing up from intolerance towards people of different sects and religions. In this scenario, study of world religions can help neutralize the views of a lot of people and, thus, cultivate a feeling of unison or respect in at least some aspect of each other’s faith.
Department of Islamic Studies has felt all the implications of the current scenario hence decided to start BS Islamic Studies with major in World Religions. The first four semesters will emphasize on Islamic studies compromising of history and principles of Quranic Studies, history and principle of Hadith Studies, history and principles of Islamic Jurisprudence, along with courses of social sciences while the last four semesters will be basing upon study of World Religions comprising of Quranic interpretation and issues of comparative religions, study of various religions like Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, World religions in light of Islam, Islam and Modern Western Thought, Interfaith Dialogue, Comparison major themes of religions, Study of criticism on comparative study of religions . The board of Department of Islamic Studies has unanimously approved the program.
Aims and Objectives
The aims and objectives of the BS program are as follows:
Provide in depth knowledge of basic Islamic Sciences such as al-Quran, al-Hadith, al-Fiqh, Islamic History, Islamic Thought, Sirah, Islamic Culture and Islamic Civilization.
Provide basic skills of social sciences that are required by a graduate.
Create better understanding of Islam and contemporary challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah.
To create a broad academic platform to coordinate and support research on the identities of the main religions of the world, their differences and their common grounds, and how they contribute to a better understanding of past and present-day culture and ethics.
Identify and document common humanitarian values propagated by various religions.
Enable the students of Islamic Studies capable of understanding and solving current contemporary issues in the light of Islamic teaching.
Prepare scholars who can participate in advance research activities.
The mode of language will be English which will serve as an advantage to those religious scholars and students who could not pursue their work in this field due to language barrier; moreover, it will be open and invite international endeavours.

Course Outline

Seats

Duration

Teaching System

Credit Hour / Years

Fees

Department

Faculty