Department of Theology

overview

Understanding 
Islamic Creed

The Department of Theology teaches ʿIlm Uṣūl al-Dīn (al-Kalām), the science of Islamic belief. Students explore foundational questions of faith and develop the ability to understand, articulate, and defend Islamic beliefs through the Sunni theological tradition.
Study Islamic creed through revelation and reason, building clarity and confidence in faith.
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Curriculum Focus

Areas of Study

Students engage with a broad range of theological disciplines, including:
Islamic Creed (ʿAqīdah)
Uṣūl al-Dīn
Classical Kalām
Comparative Theology
Revelation and Rational Inquiry
Islamic Epistemology
Islamic Epistemology
Ontology and Metaphysics
Prophethood Studies
Eschatology
Theology and Contemporary Thought
Intellectual History of Islamic Theology
Classical Arabic Theological Texts
Building Expertise

Academic Pathways

Foundational Theology
Introduction to Islamic creed and Sunni theology, including core beliefs, key terminology, and the framework of Imam al-Ṭaḥāwī. This stage builds a clear understanding of foundational doctrine.
Intermediate Theology
Study of theological development through history, including major schools, classical debates, Qurʾānic foundations, and comparative perspectives across Islamic thought.
Advanced Theology
Engagement with advanced texts like Sharḥ al-ʿAqāʾid, rational theology, and comparative discourse. Focus on developing critical analysis and articulation of complex theological arguments.
Department Approach

Revelation and Reason Together

The department teaches revelation and reason as complementary sources of knowledge, exploring how Muslim theologians engaged questions of philosophy, logic, metaphysics, and human understanding.

Revelation and Reason Together

Integrating revelation and reason within the Islamic intellectual tradition.
Key Areas:
Revelation and reason as complementary sources of knowledge
Engagement with philosophy, logic, and metaphysics
Study of how Muslim theologians defended and explained Islamic belief
Development of critical thinking grounded in faith

Grounded Tradition, Contemporary Relevance

Engaging the Sunni tradition while addressing contemporary challenges.
Key Areas:
Strong foundation in the Sunni theological heritage
Direct study of advanced texts in Classical Arabic
Guided discussion and analysis in English
Application of classical principles to modern questions and debates
Confidence in preserving and articulating the Islamic tradition
Faculty

Dr. Muhammed Volkan Yildiran Stodolsky

The faculty bring together expertise in Islamic theology, classical scholarship, and contemporary academic discourse, providing students with a rigorous and well-rounded educational experience.
Chair, Department of Theology
Learn from Experts

Meet your Guides

Mawlana Atiq Taiyab
Lecturer

Mawlana Muhiuddin Khan

Lecturer

Mawlana Uwais Iqbal

Adjunct Faculty

Mawlana Samir Syed Ali

Adjunct Faculty
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

Why Study This Department?

Students benefit from:
A strong foundation in Sunni theology and creed
Direct engagement with classical theological texts
Study of theology in Classical Arabic
Integration of revelation and rational inquiry
Exposure to historical and contemporary theological discussions
Faculty mentorship and scholarly guidance
Preparation for advanced scholarship and intellectual leadership
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