Ethico-Religious Concepts in the Qur'an – Toshiko Izutsu – The Islamic College

Level: Introductory (suitable for students, educators, faith leaders, and interested members of the public)

Course format: Lecture, guided discussion, textual study, and reflection

Course delivery mode: Hybrid (on campus and online)

Dates:
• Thursday 16 July – 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
• Monday 20 July – 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
• Thursday 23 July – 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
• Monday 27 July – 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
• Thursday 29 July – 6:30 PM–8:30 PM

Course description: This introductory course explores key ethico-religious concepts in the Qur’an through the pioneering work of Dr Toshihiko Izutsu (1914–1993), the renowned Japanese scholar of Islamic studies, comparative religion, and Qur’anic semantics. Drawing particularly on his seminal work Ethico-Religious Concepts in the Qur’an, participants will examine how the Qur’an constructs a coherent moral and spiritual worldview through its distinctive language and conceptual framework.

The course investigates foundational Qur’anic themes including faith, righteousness, justice, human responsibility, compassion, community, and spiritual transformation. Attention will be given to the ways in which ethical and religious values are integrated within the Qur’an’s vision of human life and society. Through close reading of selected Qur’anic passages and guided discussion, participants will gain a deeper appreciation of how these concepts continue to shape Muslim beliefs, practices, and moral thought today.

No prior knowledge of Islamic studies or Arabic is required.