Frequently Asked Questions
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
1. Who can join HereAfter - The Islamic Knowledge Course ?
Any person from any background, profession, qualification, age and gender is welcome for “HereAfter” - the Islamic Information Course. The only thing you need to have is a strong desire to study Islam, the religion of Allah to succeed in the life after death.
2. What are the duration and timings of the HereAfter Course?
The Hereafter Course is taught in 100 hours. Different batches are available including weekdays and sundays. Sisters have an option to attend the “Common batches” in which they can attend from the sisters area while viewing the whiteboard over a CCTV connection or they can attend the “Ladies Special Batch” taught by a female teacher. You can enquire about the currently available batches from the Center
3. Are there any pre-qualifications required to attend the course?
There are no pre-qualifications required for the level - I of the Hereafter Course. However the advanced levels of the course (Diploma and Degree) need a person to have passed the previous level since they will build on the previous level. It is ideal that a student should know to read the Arabic text of the Qur’an correctly. However if a student does not know, he/she can join the “Tajweed” course also parallel at the Center.
4. What are these advanced levels of the course?
The Islamic Information Center has prepared the syllabus for 2 other higher levels of this course after this initial level. The second level is “Hereafter-the Diploma in Islamic Studies” and the third level is “Hereafter- the Bachelor in Islamic Studies”. Each of these levels are of about 100 hours and build on the knowledge imparted in the previous course.
5. How qualified are your instructors?
All our teachers are from those who are aware about the need and importance of maintaining authenticity and the correct methodology in imparting knowledge. We firmly believe that to bring about any real change in the life of the student the teacher should have this awareness along with dedication and conviction. We also give great importance to imparting education effectively with maximum possible student participation.
Our instructors themselves go through an instructor-training session in order to be acquainted with Islamic Information Center's educational culture before they give their first class.
6. Will there be any exams during and after the course?
During the Course after completion of each catagory exams may be held to test the understanding of the students. Periodically there may also be “Surprise tests” during the course. In the end there will be a final exam. These exams are written exams and are compulsory. Our exams have been planned in such a manner, so as to help the student himself realise the extent of his/her learning, so that he/she are motivated to learn further. The exam consists of a combination of objective questions with multiple choices, true/false, “what you will do in such situations”, answer in brief and answer in detail.
It is our effort to make the exam paper an interesting and learning experience as many of our previous students will agree with.
7. What if I miss an exam? What if I fail one?
If a student is unable to take the exam or fails the exam, then he/she can appear in the next exam after about three months along with the next batch of students. Only after the student passes the exam will he/she receive the certification from the Centre. Only after passing an exam can a student be promoted to the next level of the course if he/she wants to do.
8. Is distance learning offered as a facility or does one have to attend all the classes personally?
We are in the process of making our course content reach the self study mode. After that it is our intention to inshaAllah offer it for self study online on our website - ww.islamsmessage.com and through study Cds along with supplementary video/ audio teaching lectures.
However none of this substitutes for the classroom learning experience in which the understanding of the student is tested through the interactive method. Also, critical analysis and deductive reasoning is emphasised throughout our courses. We believe that a student cannot develop this to an appropriate level without physically sitting through the course.
9. What can mothers with children do?
As Islamic Information Center is unable to take the legal responsibility that baby sitting entails it therefore cannot provide baby sitting facilities.
However some mothers can come together and keep a person to take care of their children.
Besides we believe that going along with the spirit of Islam
we all need to co-operate with such mothers who have children
and want to acquire Islamic knowledge. We find in the example
of the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wassalam) that he tolerated
children in his Khutbahs and in the mosque. So we should
not feel irritated or disturbed everytime a child makes
some sound. However the mothers should also try their level
best to ensure that their child does not take control of
the attention of the class. Mothers should also ensure cleanliness
of their child and the classroom in a suitable manner.
10. How detailed is the “Hereafter” Course?
Islamic Information Center has designed the “HereAfter” course as university level courses that will aim to impart a high level of knowledge. However this does not mean that the content will be beyond your ability. Rather our course has been prepared keeping in mind all levels of students. The content has been structured in such a manner that fundamentals are made strong before proceeding to more advanced aspects.
In this way, our courses are suitable for both, the beginner as well as the intermediate to advanced student.
11. What if I cannot complete and course and “drop out” in between?
A lot of things in life depend on how seriously we want to do it. If you are serious about studying Islam then you will surely find ways to adjust your schedule and somehow be present. Why do we leave our religion only for the “extra” time that we have left with us? Allah says in the Qur’an 3:92, “Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allah ] from that which you love.”
However if someone has an absolutely unavoidable situation and drops out from the course then he can take permission to complete the course with the next batch .
12. What will be the language of the course content provided?
The Course content is ready in three languages: Arabic, English and Urdu. Notes will be provided to the student in only one of the three languages which should be specified in the form itself.
13. What will be the language of instruction?
The first level of the Course is being taught in both English
and Urdu. The language of instruction of the second and
third level of the Course is simple Urdu with several English
words. It will be the language of the average man in India.
14. What to do about the differences that are prevalent today in the Ummah? How does the IIC decide which view to follow?
At the IIC, we believe that all Muslims should refer back all their disputes to the Qur'an and the authentic Hadith and end them there (See Qur’an 4:59, 4:65, 33:36). We believe that all the scholars of Islam should be respected and followed. However, whenever the opinion of any scholar contradicts the Qur'an and the Saheeh Hadith then his opinion should be abandoned (as taught by all great scholars, themselves). We treat all controversial matters in an academic manner with concern without abusing or belittling anyone. We believe in greatly stressing on authenticity. Hence throughout the course and throughout the hundreds of quotes from the Qur'an and the Sunnah you will find all references mentioned and authenticity proven. References which have been very tediously traced in many cases.
If you want a place where you can study your religion in an ambience where great importance is given to authenticity - then you have found just the place. We are sure that you will find our courses a refreshing, pure, energizing and rejuvenating study of the topic, InshaAllah.
15. What is the course cost?
The course is taught free of cost at the Center. The students need to acquire the course content which comes in the form of the “Hereafter” Course Kit from the Islamic Information Center, Sales outlet . This course content includes over 600 pages of quality study material, a good quality folder, stationary and Certificate on passing the exams.
16. Why do we need to do the dawah skills subjects?
We have included some Dawah skills subjects at all three levels of the Course. The reason being that having these skills makes a Daee more effective, bold and confident in presenting Islam (to extent he knows). The purpose of teaching these skills is to help overcome the barrier that normally exists between a speaker and his audience.
17. Are Islamic Information Center courses accredited?
Currently the Hereafter Course is not accredited with any University. However it is open for anyone to compare our course with some of the “accredited” courses and compare the richness of the content.
18. If both a husband and a wife are attending the Course simultaneously do they need to take separate sets of notes?
Yes, they need to take separate sets of notes since they will need to refer to them during classroom teaching and while preparing for exams.
19. How many courses will you have per year?
We are planning to have multiple batches of the HereAfter Course per year.
20. What do I get on succesfully completing the course and passing the examinations?
If you complete a course and pass the exam successfully, you receive a certificate. You will also become eligible to take admission for the second level, “Hereafter-Diploma Course” and thereafter the “Hereafter- Degree Course”
21. What should be our intention in doing this course? Can we do this course only for the Certificate or Degree?
Surely the reward of a deed is based on a person’s
intention (See Saheeh Bukhari 1:1). Prophet Muhammed (sallallahu
alaihi wassalam) said: "A person who gains knowledge
in order to gain only pride among scholars, or defeat the
foolish or to turn the heads of people towards himself,
Allah will make him enter hell" [Ibn Majah, Saheeh
al Jaami 6382]. We need to purge our hearts and take great
care of our intentions.
However, when the primary intention is to please Allah, it is permitted to gain some other worldly benefit alongside. For instance the Mujahid in a battle gets spoils of war. Another example is when a person goes for Hajj, it is permitted for to seek gains from business even on the day of Arafah (Qur’an 2:198). Another example is the salary that an Imam or an Aalim receives for being able to cover his living expenses as he teaches Allah’s deen. Similarly if a student, does this course purely for Allah’s pleasure and gets a certificate also alongside without that ever becoming his prime intention.
However the heart of a person changes frequently and we should take care that Shaitan does not mislead us even into changing out intention and making it worldly.
Additionally, these days it is also possible that several more opportunies may open for Dawah among some people due to a certificate.
22. How should I prepare for the Hereafter Course?
While preparing for the course:
Purify your intention. You should be doing this Course only for the pleasure of Allah. Allah is the One who is free of all needs, it is we who are in need.
Do Duaa to Allah to increase you in your knowledge (Qur’an 20:114]. Seek from Allah all beneficial knowledge.
Increase your reading of the Qur’an (with translation, if you don’t know Arabic). Try to read an average of one Juz or atleast half. This will give you the necessary motivation and an improved Imaan level throughout the course.
Don't come to the class tired, washed out and sleepy - rather sleep well on the night before.
Avoid heavy meals just before the class since it may make you sleepy in class.
23. How can I become
a part of the Islamic Information Center team?
Dawah and assisting it is the duty of the entire Muslim
Ummah. There are millions of people today who have not recieved
the correct message of Islam - both Muslims and Non-Muslims.
We have to come to come together and work hard for this.
The IIC is working with this massive goal at heart. We need
many more people to join hands with us in this. You can
make yourself more valuable by doing this course with sincerity.
Whatever you learn is for passing on. Prophet Muhammed (sallallahu
alaihi wassalam) said, "Pass it on from me even if
it is one verse" [Saheeh Bukhari 4:667]
So get in touch with as many people as possible, speak what
you know and take them to the center speak with the more
knowledgeable people there. The best way to speak to a person
is one-to-one and without doubt this is the most important
work.
Also fill the volunteer form at the center to let us know
that you are there with us in this great work.
24. Is the Islamic Information Center offering this course any where else too?
Currently we are offering the Hereafter Course only at our Center at Andheri (W), Mumbai. However we have plans to make this course available in the future at other locations too, inshaAllah. Maybe if you learn this course well enough you will be able to teach in your own area (after finishing an additional teacher’s training)
26. Who are people who have developed this course?
The Course for the major part has been developed in Arabic by Shaykh Abu Zaid Zameer (from Pune). He has also checked all the Ahadith and provided the authentication references. The Course has been translated into Urdu by Maulana Javed Rahmani and Maulana Muhammed. It has been translated into English by Brother Zaid Patel, Brother Saad Patel assissted by their respective wives. Maulana Junaid Rahmani has played an important role in the development of the English notes. The team of Brothers and Sisters who have also traced the references into the English translation of the respective Hadith books. The Course content presentation has been done by Brother Raza Modak from Black Table Advertising. May Allah accept the service from all of them. Ameen.
27. I have some comments and suggestions for the Islamic Information Center . Where can I send them?
We value all suggestions, advice, comments, or criticism that you may have for us. Please drop them in the suggestion box at the Center or email to: islamsmessage@gmail.com or speak to one of the responsible Brothers directly.
