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A common sentiment held by many is that humans can be good without religion. While our fitrah, our innate human nature, is inclined towards good, it does not necessarily mean that it knows and follows the most ethical stance. Who defines what is ethical, anyway? In this unit, students will explore why humans are in need of ethical guidance by analyzing the limitations of the fitrah. Students will recognize that even though we all have the capacity to be good, we need revelation to center our understanding of ethics. By the end of this unit, students will appreciate the transformative power of revelation and learn to apply moral excellence in their own lives through the example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Muslims all over the world are witnessing the senseless violence and destruction against our Palestinian sisters and brothers. In these difficult times, we may find ourselves frustrated and in pain as we see the loss of innocent life. Such emotions are a natural response to the atrocities taking place, but is there more we can do as Muslims? How can faith help us navigate our current crisis? The purpose of this lesson is to deepen our perspective on the presence of evil and suffering through a God-centered worldview.

One of the major challenges facing religious communities is the pressure to conform to the popular rhetoric of the LGBTQ movement, and to accept the movement’s stances on same-sex acts. In this unit, we help students understand what Islam says about same-sex desires and acts and empower them to challenge the principles that underlie the LGBTQ movement.

It is normal for Muslim youth to question the purpose of religious rituals, especially those that involve sacrifice. This unit takes a multi-dimensional approach—physical, social, and spiritual—to understanding two core Islamic rituals: zakat and fasting in Ramadan. Students may wonder: Why do we give zakat, and how does it purify wealth? Is fasting just about avoiding food, or does it have a deeper purpose? In this unit, we examine how zakat and fasting foster spiritual purification, strengthen community bonds, and cultivate self-discipline in our lives. By the end of this unit, students will gain a greater appreciation for zakat and fasting, shifting their perspective on the role of rituals in daily life. Ultimately, they will recognize that Islamic rituals benefit us in both this life and the next.

The 'problem of evil' is a major point of contention in philosophical and religious circles. To address the topic, this unit first clarifies the terms of the debate by explaining that human knowledge can never encompass the reality of 'goodness' or 'evil.' It then surveys how Islamic theodicies have responded to the problem of evil. The unit concludes by inviting students to explore how the prophetic model allows them to find meaning and be inspired to act positively in a world where 'evil' exists.

This unit explores a difficult question brought up by Muslim youth and adults alike: if God has knowledge of all things and we are subject to His will and power, then how do we have free will? Students will explore the Qur'anic discourse on predestination and free will to equip them with the tools to navigate and resolve this apparent paradox.