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This course explores Shi’i legal theory, examining the principles and methods jurists use to derive and apply Islamic law. Students will engage with foundational texts to understand key concepts in Shi’i jurisprudence.
Register NowCourse Registration ClosedIslamic law, like any other legal system, has its own methods and principles to establish stable and authentic laws for its followers. This course delves into the study of Islamic legal theory within the Shi’i tradition. Here, legal theory refers to the principles that Muslim jurists utilize to discern God’s law The course will explore the parallels between the principles of jurisprudence in secular and Shi’i legal systems and examine whether Shi’i and liberal legal systems can offer mutual benefits. It will delve into the principles that a Shi’i jurist uses to deduce Islamic laws from their sources, as well as what is considered authentic versus inauthentic evidence in Shi’i legal theory. The basis on which particular acts become obligatory, forbidden, or permissible in Shi’i law will be analyzed, along with the methods a jurist employs to resolve contradictory reports from divinely inspired sources. To explore these topics, students will engage in an in-depth reading of the primary subjects and textbooks that a Shi’i jurist would study in a seminary. This course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles that underpin Shīʿī jurisprudence and the methodologies employed by jurists to navigate and interpret Islamic legal sources.
Sayyid Ali Imran pursued his seminary studies in Qom between 2012 to 2021. He also concurrently obtained a M.A in Islamic Studies from The Islamic College of London in 2018.
For those interested in enrolling in Islamic Legal Theory, it is recommended that students first complete the course Introduction to Fiqh or have a foundational understanding of Islamic jurisprudence. This suggested prerequisite ensures that students are familiar with key concepts that will be expanded upon in the study of legal theory.
Mufid Seminary offers two ways to take courses: as an enrolled student in one of our academic programs or as an auditing student. Students in the Foundations Program, MDiv in Islamic Studies, or Quranic Arabic Certificate follow a structured curriculum and are automatically registered for their courses each semester. They cannot modify their course schedule or take additional courses as part of their program. Certain courses are exclusive to specific programs, such as Logic, which is only part of the MDiv, or Islamic Law I and II, which are only in the Foundations Program. If a student wishes to take a course outside their designated curriculum, they may do so as an auditor, provided the course does not conflict with their required classes.
Auditing students have access to all course lectures and materials, must attend regularly, and are encouraged to engage in discussions. However, they are not required to complete graded assignments or exams. Anyone meeting the necessary prerequisites may register for an available course as an auditor.
This course is open to students enrolled in one of Mufid Seminary’s academic programs (Foundations, MDiv, or Quranic Arabic Certificate) as well as auditing students. If prerequisites apply, they will be noted on this page.
No. Students in the Foundations Program, MDiv in Islamic Studies, or Quranic Arabic Certificate do not need to register for courses individually. They are automatically enrolled in their required courses each semester as part of their structured curriculum.
Yes, you may take this course as an auditing student, provided you meet any prerequisites. Auditors have access to all lectures and materials and must attend classes regularly but are not required to complete assignments or exams.
Students enrolled in the Foundations Program, MDiv in Islamic Studies, or Quranic Arabic Certificate will earn credit as part of their program requirements. Auditors do not earn academic credit but will gain full access to course instruction.
Some courses require prior knowledge or coursework. If applicable, prerequisites are listed on the course page. Students in academic programs will follow the structured curriculum, ensuring they meet any prerequisites as part of their studies.
All courses at Mufid Seminary are held online on weekday evenings (6–9 PM EST) and follow a structured format of live lectures, discussions, and assignments. Some courses may also include additional readings, recorded lectures, or interactive components.
Auditing students are required to attend all live sessions and actively engage in discussions. While they are not obligated to complete assignments or exams, they must keep their cameras on during class and participate fully in the learning experience. Auditing is an opportunity for serious learners who wish to immerse themselves in the subject matter without the pressure of graded coursework.
Courses follow Mufid’s standard academic calendar and are offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Most courses span the full semester unless otherwise specified.
This depends on the course. Some courses may have final exams, while others may rely on written assignments, presentations, or class participation as forms of assessment. Auditing students are not required to complete assessments.
Course readings and required materials will be shared at the start of the semester. Some courses may require textbooks, while others rely on primary sources, instructor-provided readings, or digital resources.
Students are expected to attend all live class sessions and actively participate, with their cameras on, as engagement is a core part of the learning experience. Recordings are generally not available, except in cases of excused absences, which must be communicated to the instructor in advance. If you anticipate a recurring scheduling conflict, we encourage you to take the course in a future semester when you can fully commit to participation.
Students in an academic program pay tuition as part of their enrollment. Auditing students must pay a separate course fee, which will be listed during registration. Some courses may require additional costs for materials or textbooks.
All courses at Mufid Seminary are conducted online in a synchronous format, meaning students must attend live sessions at their scheduled times. Courses require active participation, with students keeping their cameras on and engaging in discussions. While occasional in-person events or intensives may be part of certain programs, all standard coursework is delivered remotely.
