Course Title: Study of Hadith: Text, Transmission, and Critique in Classical and Contemporary Perspectives

Course Overview:
This course examines the origins, transmission, authentication, and use of ḥadīth in shaping Islamic law, theology, and spirituality, combining classical Muslim scholarship with modern academic inquiry. Students will analyze the methodologies of isnād (chain of transmission) and matn (content) criticism, exploring how early Muslim scholars assessed reliability and authenticity. Core readings include Jonathan A.C. Brown’s The Canonization of Al-Bukhārī and Muslim, G.H.A. Juynboll’s Muslim Tradition, and Harald Motzki’s The Origins of Islamic Jurisprudence. The course will also address Joseph Schacht’s influential critiques and subsequent scholarly responses, situating the debates within broader questions about canon formation and the authority of the Sunnah. Through case studies, students will learn to evaluate hadith reports critically, considering both traditional criteria and contemporary academic methodologies. By semester’s end, participants will be equipped to navigate the complexities of hadith literature and its role in Muslim thought, law, and devotional life. 

Who Should Enroll: We welcome students from diverse academic, professional, and personal backgrounds. No seminary degree is required—just intellectual curiosity, commitment, and readiness to engage with advanced readings.

All applicants wanting credit for the class must submit a statement of purpose (highlighting their academic background, interest in the program, intended track) before the first day of class, September 8th, to Shaykh Omar Qureshi (OQureshi@instituteofknowledge.com).

Recommended Background:
 • Prior study in Islamic or Religious Studies (ʿĀlimiyyah program, university coursework, or sustained self-study with recognized scholars)
 • Relevant academic training in philosophy, political science, history, anthropology, or related fields
 • Ability to read and engage with advanced academic texts in English

Date: 9/8/25 - 11/12/25

Day: Every Monday and Wednesday

Time: 6:30PM-8PM

Location: IOK Diamond Bar (1009 Vía Sorella, Diamond Bar, CA 91789) in Room 104 Left Side-Musalla and ONLINE Via Zoom

Course Duration: 10 weeks

Format: Weekly in-person or online lectures, interactive discussions with readings, and assignments.

Instructor: Shaykh Omar Qureshi, PhD in Religion, University of Southern California

This course examines the origins, transmission, authentication, and use of ḥadīth in shaping Islamic law, theology, and spirituality, combining classical Muslim scholarship with modern academic inquiry. Students will analyze the methodologies of isnād (chain of transmission) and matn (content) criticism, exploring how early Muslim scholars assessed reliability and authenticity. Core readings include Jonathan A.C. Brown’s The Canonization of Al-Bukhārī and Muslim, G.H.A. Juynboll’s Muslim Tradition, and Harald Motzki’s The Origins of Islamic Jurisprudence. The course will also address Joseph Schacht’s influential critiques and subsequent scholarly responses, situating the debates within broader questions about canon formation and the authority of the Sunnah. Through case studies, students will learn to evaluate hadith reports critically, considering both traditional criteria and contemporary academic methodologies. By semester’s end, participants will be equipped to navigate the complexities of hadith literature and its role in Muslim thought, law, and devotional life. 

Enroll now! Join us on this transformative journey into the heart of the Islamic intellectual tradition and its relevance for today.

Cost: $300

If you are auditing, the class will be $200. Please email rsohail@instituteofknowledge.com to pay for the course. Please note that you may attend lectures and participate in discussions. You will not receive any assignments, grading, or credential for this course. It is ideal for personal enrichment and flexible learning.

Please note that this course is NON-REFUNDABLE and will close 2 weeks after the course ends.