Principles of Islamic Studies: A Subtle Synopsis of the Ten Principles for Seventeen Islamic Sciences

by Harun Verstaen

A question many people, who want to start studying Islam in a systematic way, have, is how to begin their studies. This is especially pertinent for English-speaking Muslims in the West. Information is scarcely available and not many teachers deal with this question systematically and accordingly. This book is about to change this. It will give you the “first principles” of starting your Islamic studies. There is no other book available like this in English. You will be introduced to 17 Islamic sciences in a way you have never seen before. The method applied has been shown and proven in the history of teaching the Islamic sciences. It is the method of the so called ten principles ( al-mabadi al-'asharah ). Knowing the ten principles of an Islamic science will immediately give you an overview of that science. Think of 'aqidah , fiqh and tasawwuf for example, but these are not the only Islamic sciences though. There are many other important sciences. A serious student of knowledge needs to study and master these 17 Islamic sciences as a minimum to become a scholar in the end. Knowing the ten principles of these 17 Islamic sciences will give the student of knowledge a sound and solid head start.

Genres: Islam

133 pages, Paperback

Published November 19, 2022

About the author

Jeroen Harun Verstaen holds a master’s degree in law and works as a paralegal. In his spare time, he is an independent researcher, freelance translator (English-Dutch), and proofreader. In 2004, three years after writing his master’s thesis on the application of the sharīʿah in Sudan, he became Muslim at the age of 28. Since then, he has been studying Islam and the Arabic language, both at an academic level and in a traditional way, at several Islamic institutes and with teachers at home and abroad. To this end, he traveled to the UK, Belgium, Germany, Morocco, Egypt, and Kenya, for short periods. He obtained a number of ijāzāt (certificates) from scholars such as Shaykh Mohammed Daniel of Cordoba Academy, as well as diplomas in this regard, such as the ‘Diploma Introduction to Classical Islamic Texts’ from the well-known Cambridge Islamic College of Shaykh Muḥammad Akram Nadwī. For Cordoba Academy and at a local mosque, he has taught a course on the ten principles of the Islamic sciences a few times. He has since translated a range of Islamic books and texts into Dutch, published by various national and international publishers, including the well-known work Our Master Muhammad by ʿAbdallah Sirājuddīn al-Ḥusaynī and The Encompassing Epistle by Aḥmad b. Zayn al-Ḥabashī. He wrote forewords to four books of the Kenyan imam and internationally known author Yahya Ondigo. He also compiled an introductory work in Dutch about the ten principles for the Islamic sciences of fiqh, ʿaqīdah, and taṣawwuf, which was published in 2020. In 2022 he published his first work in English, called “Principles of Islamic Studies”.

Reviews

[Abhay Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harun Verstaen's "Principles of Islamic Studies" serves as a beacon for English-speaking Muslims, especially those navigating their journey into the depths of Islamic knowledge in the Western world. With scarce resources and a lack of systematic guidance, many aspiring students grapple with where and how to commence their studies. Verstaen's book fills this void by offering a structured approach to understanding the foundational principles across seventeen essential Islamic sciences.

At the heart of the book lies the method of the ten principles (al-mabadi al-'asharah), a proven pedagogical tool in the history of Islamic education. Through this framework, Verstaen adeptly introduces readers to a comprehensive overview of various Islamic sciences, including but not limited to 'aqidah, fiqh, and tasawwuf. However, what sets this work apart is its commitment to shedding light on lesser-known yet equally significant disciplines within Islamic scholarship.

The strength of "Principles of Islamic Studies" lies in its ability to provide readers with a solid foundation upon which to build their scholarly pursuits. By mastering the ten principles of each discipline, students gain not only a holistic understanding but also a strategic advantage in their academic endeavors. Verstaen's approach ensures that learners are equipped with the essential tools necessary for navigating the intricacies of Islamic knowledge.

One of the book's most commendable aspects is its accessibility. Verstaen employs a lucid and engaging writing style that caters to readers of all levels of expertise. Whether you are a novice embarking on your journey or a seasoned scholar seeking to refine your understanding, "Principles of Islamic Studies" offers invaluable insights and guidance.

Furthermore, Verstaen's meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive coverage make this book an indispensable resource for anyone serious about pursuing Islamic studies. By addressing the pressing need for a systematic approach to learning, the author has made a significant contribution to the field, ensuring that future generations of Muslims have access to the tools necessary for academic excellence.

"Principles of Islamic Studies" by Harun Verstaen stands as a groundbreaking work in the realm of Islamic scholarship. Through its systematic approach, comprehensive coverage, and accessible style, the book serves as a cornerstone for aspiring students and seasoned scholars alike. It is a must-read for anyone embarking on the path of Islamic knowledge and an enduring testament to the author's dedication to facilitating the pursuit of learning in the modern age.

[Sana · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Foreknowledge is a building block to learning."

Harun Verstaen's "Principles of Islamic Studies" provides a clear and insightful look at the Principles of seventeen key sciences in Islam. It was fascinating to discover the diverse range of Islamic sciences, which reminds me of our faith's well-organized and structured nature.

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf said, 'Making things beautiful means putting them in their proper place.'

In today's online world, it's easy for anyone to sell themselves cheaply as scholars, issuing religious rulings via podcasts, tweets, or YouTube Videos. However, this comfort can often lead to ignorant results where such individuals have no more profound understanding of the subjects covered in this book. We must check the background of such Toxic-Fatwa-Gurus.

"It does not suffice a student of knowledge to be specialised in one science only. To attain an elevated stature, he should balance his comprehension of other disciplines as well, since each of them is connected to the other. Knowledge of all these sciences is needed for him to become adept in all areas." [Sh. Muhammad b. Ali b. Adam al-Ityubi ]

This book makes complex ideas easy to understand, so it's for everyone, whether studying Islamic sciences or starting to explore the subject.

It's a friendly guide to the "Principle of Islamic Studies." Knowing these fundamentals of science and their principles isn't just a good idea — it's a wise precaution. This basic knowledge is a shield, ensuring a solid understanding when facing potential challenges.

[Ruqaya]

Good