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Short Courses

The Short Courses at Hawza Online are open to the wider community, not just enrolled Hawza Online students. These courses focus on important and timely topics that are not covered in depth within the core Hawza Studies curriculum. All Short Courses are delivered live, are highly interactive, and are taught by recognised subject specialists.

Stay tuned for further updates.

Our Previous Short Courses

Religious OCD Among Shia Muslims

This course examines religious obsessive-compulsive disorder and scrupulosity (waswās) using insights from clinical psychology and Islamic jurisprudence. It highlights Shia Muslim lived experiences, intrusive doubts, compulsive behaviours, and how mental health relates to religious practice, pastoral responses, and practical community support.

Session Themes:

  • Definition of Religious OCD and its Onset Contexts
  • Intrusive Thoughts and Symptomology
  • Impact on Wellbeing and Cognitive Therapeutic Intervention
  • Coping and Pathways to Recovery

Supplications of Light: A Commentary on the Short Daily Du‘as of the Month of Ramadhan

This course offered an insightful commentary on a selection of the short daily du‘as recited during the blessed month of Ramadhan. It explored the profound beauty and depth of the expressions taught by the Ahl al-Bayt (a), uncovering the spiritual meanings, ethical lessons, and guiding principles embedded within them.

Session Themes:

  • Commentary on the du‘as of days 1–7
  • Commentary on the du‘as of days 8–15
  • Commentary on the du‘as of days 16–23
  • Commentary on the du‘as of days 24–30

Reconnecting with the Qur’an: Guidance, Understanding, and Transformation

This course aimed to deepen students’ engagement with the Qur’an by examining its significance, spiritual influence, and practical guidance for personal and communal life. It also addressed the implications of neglecting the Qur’an, encouraging a reflective, informed, and spiritually conscious relationship with the Divine message.

Session Themes:

  • The Importance of Engaging with the Qur’an
  • The Implications of Turning Away from the Qur’an
  • Methods and Perspectives in Understanding the Qur’an
  • How the Qur’an Nurtures the Soul

Ethical Illuminations from Dua Makarim al-Akhlaq

In this course, we delved into the rich world of Dua Makarim al-Akhlaq, also known as the Supplication for Noble Moral Traits, attributed to Imam Zayn al-Abidin (a). This dua encapsulates the essence of Islamic ethics, offering timeless guidance on cultivating noble character traits and moral values.

Session Themes:

  • Dua and Spiritual Growth
  • What is Makarim al-Akhlaq?
  • Reflections on Self-Purification
  • Spirituality and Social Conduct

Imam Ali's (a) Eternal Wisdom to Imam al-Hasan (a)

In this interactive course, we investigated four pivotal themes articulated by Imam Ali (a) in Letter 31 of Nahj al-Balaghah, aspiring to embody the objectives he envisaged through his guidance. This letter stands as the second most extensive correspondence from Imam Ali (a) within this seminal collection.

Session Themes:

  • Taqwa and the Heart Fostering a profound bond with Allah by enlivening one’s spiritual heart.
  • Dua: Highlighting the vital role of supplication in connecting with Allah, accompanied by specific manners and etiquettes that enrich this divine communication.
  • Divine Responsibilities Towards Self and Others: A comprehensive exploration of our duties spanning all stages of life.
  • Death: Acknowledging the inevitability of death and the importance of preparing oneself for this ultimate truth.

Shi‘ism Uncovered: Foundations & Methodologies

This course offered an insightful journey into the spiritual vision and intellectual richness of Shi‘ism. We examined the essence of Shi‘i thought – its Qur’anic roots, historical development, approach to Hadith, and the strategic guidance of the Ahlulbayt.

Session Themes:

  • Foundational Beliefs of Shi‘ism in the Qur’an
  • The Shi‘i Approach to Sirah and History
  • The Shi‘i Methodology in Hadith Studies
  • The Strategic Methodology of the Ahl al-Bayt (a)

Prophetic Medicine

Our first Short course was on Prophetic Medicine. In this enlightening short course, we explored the holistic principles of Prophetic Medicine, examining its spiritual foundations, dietary guidance, and natural healing practices, with the aim of integrating these Prophetic teachings into our understanding of health and wellbeing.

Session Themes:

  • Unveiling the Wisdom of Prophetic Medicine
  • Understanding Human Temperaments (Mizaj)
  • Hijamah – The Art and Science of Cupping Therapy
  • Prophetic Medicine and Modern Medicine