on-demand course

Nonviolence and Islam

Understanding of nonviolence and peace studies’ foundations and applications from reliable academic sources
Format

Online
& Self-Paced

Level

Beginner

About the course

This subject aims to provide a substantive understanding of nonviolence and peace studies’ foundations and applications from reliable academic sources. The course starts by understanding the sources of power in the hands of rulers in dictatorships and democracies alike and how the way we think of power defines how we react to violence. It later discusses the limits of violent and destructive strategies in achieving their stated ends, and how nonviolent strategies present themselves as better alternatives on both practical and moral measures. Moreover, the course will expose students to a set of Muslim nonviolent strategists starting from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s methods of dealing with his opposition to Shaykh Amadou Bamba’s anti-colonial resistance in Senegal, and how they were all inspired by their faith in their struggle. It will also present the case for nonviolence as a fundamental ethical principle in Islam. The course will cover tens of different nonviolent strategies to persuade opposition or resist oppression, economically, socially, or politically. It will present an extensive history of the successful use of nonviolence across history through various methods and in different places around the world. Finally, it will compare, with the support of history and statistical studies, the short-term and long-term effectiveness of violence and nonviolence in solving conflicts. Finally, the course will provide a broad explanation of how and why nonviolence indeed works better than violence.

Course Material

Course videos are available 24/7. 

Effort

This course is self-paced. We recommend spending 3-5 hours per week on each course

Discussions

Opportunities for collaboration with fellow students both during and after your courses.
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Learning Outcomes

  • Become highly acquainted with the popular and academic literature on nonviolence and peace studies
  • Understand why war and violence are highly costly and inefficient methods of solving conflicts and moral dilemmas
  • Confidently explain what nonviolent action is and how it is different from pacifism
  • Obtain a strong background regarding the extensive use of nonviolent struggle across Muslim history
  • Recall a broad set of nonviolent strategies (e.g., boycotts, strikes, etc.) that have historically replaced violence successfully

Course Lessons

Faculty Author

Ust. Yahya Alshamy

Dr. Yahya Alshamy is a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Department of Economics at New York University and an Associate Research Fellow at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies. Yahya's research focuses on development economics, behavioral economics, and peace and conflict studies. Outside the domain of economics, he is interested in critiques of modernity and orientalism, researching the consequences of Modern thought on various aspects of contemporary human life. His work has been featured in various academic platforms, including the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, Public Choice, Journal of Public Finance and Public Choice, Constitutional Political Economy, Journal of Pacifism and Nonviolence, Peace Review, and The Independent Review.
In addition to his academic work, Yahya has received traditional education in Islamic theology and Tafsir. He continues his studies under Dr. Muhammad bin Yahya Al-Ninowy, the founder of Madina Institute.
  • Who can Enroll

    • Anyone keen on exploring the ethical principles and historical instances of nonviolence, including those with a specific interest in the role of nonviolence in various cultural and religious contexts
    • Those actively involved in social justice, human rights, or community organizing who seek to incorporate nonviolent methods into their advocacy and activism
    • Individuals pursuing or interested in a career in peace and conflict studies, international relations, or related fields who wish to deepen their understanding of nonviolent strategies and their applications
  • What you'll Earn

    Course attendance certificate from Madina Institute

What our students say

#is life changing| #improves critical thinking| #spiritually uplifting

At Madina, I finally got to ask the questions I was always scared to ask. The immeasurable knowledge I received at Madina Institute provided the clarity I was looking for.

Suhayla Saudin
Graduate Student
Studying at Madina Institute not only helped me become a teacher in Islamic studies but also helped me become an Imam and Community leader.

Muaaz Kalla
Faculty, Imam & Community Leader
It is impossible for us students not to grow. (And InshaAllah, all growth is towards Allah Ta'la). From one week to the next, we can see and feel such a drastic change within ourselves.

Sara Abu Alrub
Entrepreneur & Photographer