How to Study Islam

Islam is not only a religion but also a culture and there are many facets to understanding this way of life. Colleges both on and offline offer classes in Islam these days, but it's more than just a matter of opening a few books and memorizing the contents. Below are a few ideas on how to approach the study of Islam along with text recommendations.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Koran
• Hadith

1. Obtain a copy of the Koran or Qu'ran with both Arabic and English text. The Koran is widely available at religious bookstores, mosques, mosque bookstores and over the Internet. There are online versions of the Koran but it is better to have a copy you can highlight and quickly reference.
2. Attend a mosque service. In traditional mosques, women are unable to enter during services but can listen from just outside the door. Women are usually allowed to visit a mosque when there is no service taking place. This helps one to understand the mosque layout as it pertains to the teachings of Islam.
3. Study the societies in which Islam is the dominant culture. Make sure to see how each social class adheres to the tenants of the religion and look for variations in practices and levels of devotion. It is easy to presume that all Muslims view their religion as seen on the television but like Christians, the matter is far more subjective than often portrayed.
4. Attempt to involve yourself in Islamic festivals in your area. Taking part in Ramadan is a great way to see the charitable aspects of Islam often not covered in the popular press or even in the classroom.
5. Learn or at least attempt to learn Arabic. The complexity and contextual nature of the Arabic language will give you the insight to study the Islamic texts. Realizing there is more than one interpretation for many passages help provide a more open-minded approach to the study of Islam.
6. Read the Hadith stories that accompany the Koran. The Hadith is a collection of myths, interpretations and teachings that act as extension of Islamic teaching and offer several different approaches to the study of Islam and the Koran.
7. Look for similarities between your own religion and the religion of Islam. Studying religion comparatively makes it easier to understand new concepts and relate them to beliefs or interpretations in your own life and culture. This task will be particularly easy for those following monotheistic religions.

Tips & Warnings

• This is meant as a guide for those approaching Islam from an outside perspective and not those already practicing the Islamic religion.