Thinking of studying a Islamic Science and Research Academy (ISRA) of Australia Islamic Studies University course in 2013?
Here are some reflections from their students:
Heather Fagan
Youth Justice Conference Convenor
NSW
How has the course benefited me?
The course has benefited me in so many ways. I look forward to coming to class, to doing the readings and even doing the essays because it’s such wonderful Islamic knowledge. Usually I get sick of doing assessments and by the end of an essay I hate it, but doing my Islamic Studies essays I don’t get sick of them at all because the topics are so interesting. By learning in an academic environment knowledge is greatly enhanced.
Not only has this course enhanced my Islamic knowledge dramatically and been so enjoyable, it’s given me knowledge to be able to communicate with Muslims and non-Muslims about Islamic issues, such as terrorism, jihad, sharia law, how God can exist despite so much suffering in the world, the reasons for some Muslims segregating and isolating themselves from society and the proofs Islam has for God’s existence, the existence of angels etc.
Additionally, the course has allowed me to meet so many wonderful Muslims from all different backgrounds. To have so many God-conscious people in the same lectures and tutorials is wonderful. I’ve also met some wonderful non-Muslims in class.
What has been the relevance of this course to your field?
This course has been very relevant to my work, as I come into contact with Muslim juvenile offenders. It saddens me that so many Muslims lack education about Islam and that so many have been brought up to practice Islam only to escape hell, not taught or understanding why Islam’s beliefs and practices are so important. It upsets me that so many Muslim youth see the sword as a symbol of Islam and promote concepts of being Soldiers of Allah. Studying Islamic Studies has given me the knowledge to discuss these issues with some Muslim offenders and has given me tools to help them, such as highlighting the importance and power of asking God for help and giving them the reasons for our practices. It has also greatly helped me with my colleagues to explain the truth of Islam, since dealing with juvenile offenders, we see the worst in society.
What has been the highlight of this course for you?
The whole course is a highlight. Lectures are so informative – I can’t wait for each lecture and miss them during the holidays, tutorials are fantastic as we hear presentations about different aspects of the course we’re studying and get to have great discussions between each other, the essays and presentations are an opportunity to become an expert in a particular field through researching and developing our own ideas and the exams are even good because they allow us to study the knowledge to retain the information and be able to discuss it with people.
If I had to choose one highlight it would be learning about why suffering exists. This is an issue for both Muslims and non-Muslims. Many atheists don’t believe in God because so much suffering exists and many Muslims also struggle with it. To understand why suffering exists has been life-changing as it has allowed me to be at peace despite difficulties, has allowed me to understand God better and has allowed me to explain to people who are going through difficulties the reasons for our struggles (both Muslims and non-Muslims). Learning about this has been invaluable.
I absolutely love the course. My knowledge has expanded dramatically from every single semester. I can’t recommend this course highly enough. The teachers are wonderful, take time to explain concepts thoroughly and deliver the material excellently.
Sami Ismail
Mechanical Engineer
Southern Engineering Services Pty Ltd
How has this course benefited you?
This course has greatly benefited me in the educational domain as I learnt so many things about Islam, which without participating in the course I would have never realised in my personal readings. In addition, I have witnessed positive development in myself, as the course has given me the chance to experience Islam in a social, cultural, and spiritually aspect by delivering the information in a 21st century Australian context. I have profited greatly with the beginning of long-lasting friendships, and have come to understand how Islam is uniquely manifested in various cultures. As students from all different backgrounds are brought together in participation of the course, it has allowed the students to share their own experiences of Islam and then grow together in the pursuit of knowledge.
What has been the relevance of this course to your field?
This course has proven to be extremely relevant to my working environment, as it has given me the knowledge to correct many misunderstandings about Islam that arise on a daily basis within the workplace. Being part of an engineering team within the manufacturing and mining industries, I have to travel and work with teams of people who tend to carry misconceptions about Islam which they adopt from the media. By being the only Muslim in my workplace, most of the questions and queries are passed onto me for further insight. Some of these questions include ‘hot’ topics which are portrayed in the media such as ‘Terrorism & Islam,’ ‘Women in Islam,’ and ‘Shariah Law in Australia.’ With the knowledge learnt by undertaking the course, I have the capacity to clearly explain and answer these questions, and at the same time bring down the barriers of misconception that keep people distant and ignorant of each other. This intern creates a much better working environment for myself and my colleagues.
What has been the highlight of this course for you?
The highlight for me has been the professional delivery of Islamic Studies within in the 21st century Australian context and learning environment. I am constantly amazed how the course is able to combine such a rich history and convey it in the most efficient and easy-to-understand fashion for us Australian Muslims.
Tamana Daqiq
Sheathers | Lawyers
Castle Hill NSW
How has this course benefited you?
The course has benefitted me in more ways than I can number! Just to mention a few;
– Enhanced my understanding of Islam in the traditional and contemporary contexts
– Improved my presentation and writing skills through well-formulated assessments
– Catered to my learning needs by helping me identify gaps in my knowledge
– Motivated me to pursue further study and consider career options in academia
– Provided me with a platform for interaction, information sharing and intellectual discussion with people from diverse disciplines
What has been the relevance of this course to your field?
An enhanced understanding of the very complex and intricate Islamic systems of law, hadith methodology and the Islamic focus on authenticity of text and information transmission has inspired a greater appreciation in me of the diverse legal and political systems that exist and have existed throughout history. I feel with more knowledge about the Islamic systems, I am in a better position to consider career opportunities in academia within my field of law.
Furthermore, any improvement in my writing and presentation skills will greatly assist me in my day to day tasks as a lawyer!
What has been the highlight of this course for you?
This may sound nerdy, but the highlight for me has been the assessments! I have learnt so much in conducting my own research into topics that I have always been interested in – it’s been a huge learning curve for me!
I have also thoroughly enjoyed class discussions during tutorials and sharing ideas with people from diverse disciplines. Really has taught me to approach my learning in a broader and more holistic way!
