Our Training the Trainers package contains courses which analyse and rebut key extremist arguments with a heavy theological basis utilising Islamic scripture and traditional disciplines in substantial detail. These courses are aimed at individuals with a good foundation in Islamic studies such as Imams, theologians, academics, and community leaders
A focus of extremists has been the classification of the world into two distinct entities in classical Islamic works: that which was ruled by Muslim polity and, therefore, the Land of Islam; and that which was ruled by non-Muslims and hence, the Land of Disbelief and War. Advocating for this dichotomy in modern times, they argue against the concept of nation states.
Combatting the extremist position that the reason for war is disbelief and, therefore, there must be a perpetual state of war until the whole earth submits to God; an analysis of their evidences from Qur’an and Hadith.
Examining primary Islamic sources on the conditions and rules of engagement and the absolute prohibition on vigilantism and attacks on civilians. The scriptural deconstruction of extremist narratives behind acts of terror purporting them to be Jihad. This course explores the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him – pbuh) and his companions and their behaviour in a state of war. Providing a detailed exposition of the boundaries of warfare in Islam.
As a revealed tradition of faith from the dawn of time, what are the core religious, ethical, and social objectives of Islam? An examination of universal values as articulated by the Qur’an and Prophetic Sunnah juxtaposed with politicised conceptualisations of Islam as advocated by Islamist extremists. Examining complex issues such as:
Islamist extremist believe that Islam mandates the establishment of a single global Caliphate which governs the affairs of the entire Muslim Ummah and is responsible for implementing the Shari’ah. They believe that every Muslim in the world owes allegiance to this single entity. Does Islam mandate Muslims to establish a Caliphate, and is this the only legitimate form of governance? Is temporal authority a core objective of the Islamic faith? Special case study: objective and critical appraisal of Hizb ut-Tahrir arguments
Islam attaches immense importance to honouring undertakings, covenants, and contracts. This is of enormous significance when it comes to the social contract all citizens have with their State. It is this social contract that extremists reject and have violated with devastating effect through multiple terror attacks.
With the presence of significant Muslim communities throughout the Western world, this course examines questions of belonging, identity, and nationality in non-Muslim countries from a religious perspective, and their impact on issues of loyalty, integration, and assimilation.
The Sacred holds a unique place in the hearts and minds of the faithful. Whether it be towards God, Scripture, or the person of the Prophet (pbuh), any expressions of abuse and gratuitous insult is the cause of great offence and distress for Muslims.
This course deals with this sensitive issue and explores the array of theological viewpoints in this regard.
Takfir is the act of denouncing Muslims, whether individuals or collectives, as apostates due to a perceived breach of core Islamic tenets. While all religions define theological parameters, extremists apply takfir against mainstream Muslims by anathematising divergent religious expressions in theological interpretation or practice, e.g. Sufism, as well as contemporary issues, e.g. democratic participation.
This area explores the traditional importance Islamic theology attaches to tolerance for intra-religious pluralism, promoting respect for divergent thought and challenging religious absolutism. It also lays out the conditions and parameters for legitimate differences within Islamic law to demarcate the spectrum of mainstream or normative religious views against extremist
interpretations.
The Arab Spring across the Muslim world has brought to the fore discussions of how Muslims must behave under an oppressive regime and how they can demand their rights. In essence it has asked an age-old question: how should a Muslim community deal with tyrants?
Much of the Islamist terrorist activities in the West have been ascribed to grievances relating to war and injustices throughout the Muslim world. The sense of impotence to effect meaningful change and an absence of safe pressure-release mechanisms leads many to the brink of extremism. What are the theological coping strategies within the Islamic framework?
The twentieth century ushered in a theological debate over the Islamic legitimacy of democratic governance. It is important to understand the theological arguments underpinning the belief that sovereignty and legislation are an exclusively Divine prerogative, such that ‘man-made’ law and secular modes of governance are illegitimate and must be rejected as ‘Taghut’ (Satanic). Democratic participation and civil service roles such as working for the Police and even recognising the authority of a court are viewed as contrary to Islamic monotheism and Hakimiyyah, and thus a basis for takfir.
Muslims are instructed to follow the pristine faith brought by the Prophet (pbuh) and not allow any Bid’ah to creep into the religion. What is the meaning of this concept and how do today’s extremists misapply and justify blowing up shrines etc.?
This is the imperative to support one’s religious interests and community while eschewing elements antagonistic to faith. An extreme application posits hatred, not just for anything deemed contrary to Islam, but non-Muslims in general – as well as Muslims considered heterodox. This ‘us-vs-them’ mindset views any instances of siding with a non-Muslim against a Muslim, however justified, as an act of religious betrayal.
Before any meaningful interaction can be had with extremists, trust needs to be developed. What are some important strategies for developing rapport before entering into ideological discussions with an extremist? What are the key techniques that can be deployed when theologically deconstructing extremist arguments? This is an essential toolkit for any practitioner wishing to enter into dialogue with Islamist extremists.
Every institution will have their own specific needs and challenges and SCET will endeavour to create a package that meets your requirements. You can create your own bespoke package from the list of topics and sub-topics mentioned above, or apprise us of any other area you would like us to provide training for.
