SPM Manahij al-Ulum al-Islamiah study plan

Define usul al-fiqh and distinguish it from fiqh by writing a one-page comparison with at least four differences in scope, subject matter, and objective

List and explain the four primary sources (Qur'an, Sunnah, ijma', qiyas) and classify at least six secondary sources (istihsan, maslahah mursalah, 'urf, istishab, sadd al-dhara'i', qawl al-sahabi) with one example each

Map the five ahkam taklifi (wajib, mandub, haram, makruh, mubah) and five ahkam wad'i (sabab, shart, mani', sahih, fasid) into a table with a fiqh example for each

Explain the distinction between knowledge ('ilm), speculation (zann), and doubt (shakk) in Islamic epistemology and state how each affects istinbat

Outline the historical emergence of usul al-fiqh from al-Shafi'i's al-Risalah to later works, naming at least three major contributors and their contributions

Explain the mechanism of qiyas step by step (asl, far', 'illah, hukm) and apply it to three new cases not drawn from memorised examples

Identify and critique the 'illah in five qiyas arguments, stating whether the 'illah is explicit (mansus), deduced (mustanbat), or questionable

Compare the positions of the four schools on the validity of istihsan and maslahah mursalah, citing at least one classical example per position

Describe the conditions for a valid ijma' and distinguish ijma' qat'i from ijma' zanni with an example of each

Analyse how 'urf and istishab operate as safeguards in derivation and give two cases where they conflict with qiyas

Classify Qur'anic verses by dalalah (qat'i al-thubut, zanni al-dalalah, etc.) and explain how each classification affects legal certainty

Distinguish the modes of revelation (wahy) and explain the significance of the Qur'an's mutawatir transmission for legal authority

Apply the rules of 'amm and khass, mutlaq and muqayyad, and nasikh and mansukh to at least six verse pairs and state the resulting ruling

Categorise hadith by number of narrators (mutawatir, mashhur, ahad) and by authenticity grade, and explain the legal weight of each category

Explain how the Sunnah functions as bayan (explanation) of the Qur'an: bayan tafsir, bayan tafsil, bayan tasyri', and bayan taqyid, with one hadith example each

Compare tafsir bi al-ma'thur and tafsir bi al-ra'y and state the conditions scholars set for acceptable ra'y-based exegesis

Identify the methodology of at least four mufassirun (for example al-Tabari, al-Zamakhshari, al-Razi, Ibn Kathir) by their sources, theological orientation, and treatment of language

Explain the major 'ulum al-Qur'an topics: asbab al-nuzul, makki and madani, muhkam and mutashabih, and i'jaz, and show how each affects interpretation

Trace the hadith criticism method: isnad analysis, jarh wa ta'dil, and the five conditions for a sahih hadith, and apply them to a sample isnad

Distinguish the criteria used by al-Bukhari and Muslim from those of the sunan compilers and explain the technical meaning of their terms

Explain the emergence of 'ilm al-kalam and the factors that prompted rational theological method, naming at least three historical triggers

Compare the methods of the Ash'ari, Maturidi, and Mu'tazili schools on the status of the grave sinner, divine attributes, and the createdness of the Qur'an

Define the twenty attributes of Allah in Ash'ari scheme and explain how kalam arguments differ from textual (naql) arguments

Identify the six pillars of iman and explain how each is established through both reason and revelation

Evaluate the charge that kalam is bid'ah by summarising the arguments of its defenders and critics

Trace the formation of the four Sunni schools from the generation of the Companions to the codification of madhhab doctrine

Identify the distinctive methodological principles of each school (for example Hanafi istihsan and 'urf, Maliki 'amal ahl al-Madinah and maslahah, Shafi'i qiyas and bayan, Hanbali adherence to athar)

Explain the causes of ikhtilaf al-fuqaha' and classify them into textual, methodological, and contextual causes with examples

Describe the concept of taqlid, talfiq, and tarjih and state the conditions under which each is permitted or discouraged

Explain the role of qawa'id fiqhiyyah in deriving rulings and apply three maxims to contemporary cases

Apply the ethics of inquiry: honesty in attribution, avoidance of plagiarism, fairness in narrating opponents' views, and humility before evidence, to three research scenarios

Explain adab al-ikhtilaf and identify at least four behaviours that violate it in contemporary debate

Analyse two contemporary issues (for example medical ethics or financial transactions) using the full istinbat chain from source to ruling

Assess how maqasid al-shari'ah operates as a framework in contemporary ijtihad and name the five necessities with one applied example each

Identify the conditions for collective ijtihad (ijtihad jama'i) and explain how fatwa institutions structure their deliberation

Consolidate all nine domains by rewriting from memory the key framework of each domain in under 30 minutes

Complete two full timed mock papers and score each domain separately to locate remaining weak areas

Re-drill every missed item until each domain reaches at least 80 percent on a fresh set

Rehearse concise definitions of the 40 most examinable terms across usul, 'ulum al-Qur'an, 'ulum al-hadith, and kalam

Write a one-page synthesis showing how the nine domains connect from epistemology to contemporary application