التوحيد Monotheism (Tawhid)

التوحيد (Monotheism/Tawhid)

Raodotul Irshad wal Is’ad Arabic and Islamic Studies School, Nigeria

At Raodotul Irshad wal Is’ad, our Tawhid curriculum forms the cornerstone of Islamic theology, instilling in students an unshakable understanding of Allah’s oneness and its implications for faith, worship, and societal ethics. Rooted in the Quran and Sunnah, this course equips learners to navigate theological complexities while addressing contemporary challenges in Nigeria’s diverse religious landscape.

Core Curriculum

1. Foundations of Tawhid

   • Tawhid al-Rububiyyah: Divine Lordship—Allah’s exclusive creation, sustenance, and sovereignty over the universe, supported by Quranic proofs (e.g., Surah Al-Fatiha, 1:1–4).
   • Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah: Worship directed solely to Allah, rejecting shirk (polytheism) in rituals, supplication, and intentions (e.g., Surah Al-Ikhlas, 112:1–4).
   • Tawhid al-Asma’ wa al-Sifat: Affirming Allah’s names and attributes without distortion (tahrif), negation (ta’til), or anthropomorphism (tashbih).

2. Historical & Contemporary Debates

   • Classical Deviations: Analysis of Khawarij (extremism), Qadariyyah (free-will debates), and Mu’tazilah (rationalist theology).
   • Modern Challenges:
     • Syncretism: Addressing blended practices between Islam and traditional Nigerian beliefs.
     • Secularism: Reconciling divine sovereignty with modern governance and human rights frameworks.

3. Practical Applications

   • Worship (Ibadat): Purifying acts like prayer (salah) and charity (zakat) from ostentation (riya).
   • Social Justice: Applying Tawhid to combat corruption, inequality, and tribalism in Nigerian society.
   • Interfaith Dialogue: Articulating Islamic monotheism respectfully to Christians and traditionalists.

Teaching Methodology

• Textual Analysis: Study classical works like Kitab al-Tawhid (Ibn Abd al-Wahhab) and Al-Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah.
• Case Studies: Examine Nigerian contexts, such as syncretic festivals or faith-based conflicts, through a Tawhid lens.
• Critical Thinking: Debates on topics like divine decree (qadar) vs. human agency, fostering intellectual rigor.

Unique Features

• Local Relevance:
  • Hausa/Yoruba Resources: Simplified explanations of complex terms (e.g., shirk) in local languages.
  • Community Workshops: Public seminars dispelling myths about jinn worship and fortune-telling.
• Modern Integration:
  • Digital Tools: Interactive modules on Aqidah nuances, using apps like Tawhid Explorer.
  • Da’wah Training: Equipping students to counter extremist ideologies (e.g., Boko Haram) with balanced theology.

Learning Outcomes

• Theological Clarity: Distinguish orthodox Sunni creed from sectarian deviations.
• Ethical Leadership: Advocate for justice and unity grounded in divine oneness.
• Critical Engagement: Address doubts about Islam’s relevance in a globalized world.

Admission & Certification

• Eligibility: Open to all students enrolled in the school’s Islamic Studies track.
• Assessment: Oral exams (shafahi), essays on applied Tawhid, and community outreach projects.
• Certification: Recognized by the Nigerian Islamic Education Board, qualifying graduates for roles as imams, educators, or counselors.

Vision: To nurture a generation anchored in Tawhid, capable of upholding Islamic identity while fostering harmony in Nigeria’s pluralistic society.

Join Us: Deepen your understanding of Allah’s oneness and become a beacon of clarity in an age of confusion.

Note: Course content is periodically updated to reflect emerging theological discourses and student feedback.