If you’ve ever had questions about Islam, this course is for you! The influence of Islam in the world we live in cannot be ignored. It brings inspiration and meaning to over one billion people worldwide. At the same time, misunderstandings about Islam abound. In Introduction to Islam, you will explore the full sweep of the religion of Islam. Your instructor, Hammad Ahmad, a theologian and an Imam, will answer your critiques and most essential questions about the second-largest and fastest-growing religion in the world. You will begin with the basic tenets of Islam, followed by its sources (Quran, Sunnah, and Hadith), the life of Muhammad, and a brief history of Islam. Next, you will analyze the main Islamic sects and their origin, the concept of Jihad in Islam, and the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict. You will be able to learn about the Islamic understanding of Jesus, Mary, and the People of the Book. Finally, you will discuss Islam in the current world. Ideal for beginners, this course answers questions of particular concern to Christians who care about the West’s relation with Islam. Listening to and discussing the topics will broaden your capacity for inter-religious dialogue and understanding of Abrahamic religions. In the end, you will emerge with a deeper understanding of Islam's history, teachings, and practice. This is an essential course for thoughtful citizens.

Hammad Ahmad was born in Sierra Leone and raised in Toronto, Canada. He has been serving as a theologian and Imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community since 2011 and has been stationed in various cities of Canada, as well as in Pakistan, and in a remote rural village in Uganda. He has been serving in various cities of the United States of America since 2013, and is currently serving as Imam of Baitul Ata Mosque in Norcross, Georgia since 2019.