THE ISLAMIC SHOURA COUNCIL OF BAKERSFIELD IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE SPRING 2006 SESSION OF THE FOLLOWING COURSE: “BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ISLAM - A COURSE FOR NEW MUSLIMS AND THOSE WHO MAY NEED A REFRESHER ON THE BASICS”

The Islamic Shoura Council of Bakersfield is pleased to announce that they are offering a formal course for New Muslims and those Muslims who may need a refresher on the basics.  The Course is entitled “Basic Principles of Islam” and is intended to provide a basic, but thorough, examination of Muslims’ essential beliefs and practices.  The course is modeled very heavily on the course created by the Muslim Community Association in Santa Clara, California.

TOPICS  The course is designed to cover several topics including, but not limited to, the six pillars of Iman, the five pillars of Islam, and a brief biography and history of Prophet Muhammad and his companions.  In addition, the course is designed to provide instruction on very practical issues facing Muslims in America, such as praying, fasting and suggestions on how a revert to Islam should address the subject with his or her family, friends and coworkers. 

SCHEDULE  The course will, God willing, be offered twice per year – once in the spring and once in the fall.  The course consists of approximately 16 classroom sessions of 1.5 hours each.  The class sessions may be offered twice per week (allowing the entire course to be completed in approximately two months) or once per week (allowing the entire course to be completed in approximately four months), depending on the preference of the instructors.  Anyone interested in taking the course should visit either Alfarooq Islamic Center or the Islamic Center of San Joaquin Valley to find out when exactly the next course is being offered.

LOCATION  The course will, God willing, be offered at either Alfarooq Islamic Center or the Islamic Center of San Joaquin Valley. 

ELIGIBLE STUDENTS  Any male or female adult Muslim is eligible to take the course.  It is not necessary to be a “New Muslim,” although the course is designed for New Muslims or those Muslims who would like a reminder about the basics of their religion.  The classroom will provide separate sections for male and female students.   

MATERIALS  Almost the entire course consists of lectures in conjunction with numerous Power Point slides per class session.  Therefore, no other materials are “required” to take the course; however, a reading list will be provided and the students will be strongly encouraged to read the materials on the list.  Many of the books on the reading list will be provided free to those students who are reverts to Islam.  These books will, God willing, be provided in the form of a gift packet which will be presented to the person at the time he or she takes the Shahada.   

INSTRUCTORS  Each session of the course will, God willing, be taught by one or more instructor(s) who may also use several guest lecturers.  The instructors will be local Muslims knowledgeable in Islam and may or may not be the Imams of the local Mosques.    

COST  In an effort to encourage 100% participation by New Muslims in the area, the Islamic Shoura Council of Bakersfield is offering the course at absolutely no charge.  However, students will be encouraged to make a donation in the amount of $50.00 to help cover the cost of the course.

RELATED PROGRAMS

GIFT PACKET FOR NEW MUSLIMS  New Muslims in the Bakersfield area are provided a gift packet containing important items such as several hardback books and a prayer rug.  It is not necessary for a New Muslim to take the course to obtain the gift packet, although all New Muslims are very strongly encouraged to do so.

MENTOR  New Muslims in the Bakersfield area are given the opportunity to be paired with a local Muslim who can act as a Mentor for the New Muslim.  The Mentor may assist with any questions or concerns the New Muslim has about the Religion, but is primarily there to provide the New Muslim with one-on-one contact in the community.