A common sentiment held by many is that humans can be good without religion. While our fitrah, our innate human nature, is inclined towards good, it does not necessarily mean that it knows and follows the most ethical stance. Who defines what is ethical, anyway? In this unit, students will explore why humans are in need of ethical guidance by analyzing the limitations of the fitrah. Students will recognize that even though we all have the capacity to be good, we need revelation to center our understanding of ethics. By the end of this unit, students will appreciate the transformative power of revelation and learn to apply moral excellence in their own lives through the example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Muslims all over the world are witnessing the senseless violence and destruction against our Palestinian sisters and brothers. In these difficult times, we may find ourselves frustrated and in pain as we see the loss of innocent life. Such emotions are a natural response to the atrocities taking place, but is there more we can do as Muslims? How can faith help us navigate our current crisis? The purpose of this lesson is to deepen our perspective on the presence of evil and suffering through a God-centered worldview.

One of the major challenges facing religious communities is the pressure to conform to the popular rhetoric of the LGBTQ movement, and to accept the movement’s stances on same-sex acts. In this unit, we help students understand what Islam says about same-sex desires and acts and empower them to challenge the principles that underlie the LGBTQ movement.  

It is natural for Muslim youth to wonder about the purpose of rituals in Islam, specifically those that require sacrifice. This unit takes a multi-dimensional approach to understanding sacrifice in Islam, and explores the innumerable benefits religious rituals can procure in our lives.

The ‘problem of evil’ is a major point of contention in philosophical and religious circles. To address the topic, this unit first clarifies the terms of the debate by explaining that human knowledge can never encompass the reality of ‘goodness’ or ‘evil.’ It then surveys how Islamic theodicies have responded to the problem of evil. The unit concludes by inviting students to explore how the prophetic model allows them to find meaning and be inspired to act positively in a world where ‘evil’ exists.

This unit explores a difficult question brought up by Muslim youth and adults alike: if God has knowledge of all things and we are subject to His will and power, then how do we have free will? Students will explore the Qur’anic discourse on predestination and free will to equip them with the tools to navigate and resolve this apparent paradox.