Qassim University

What you'll study

The programme combines classical and contemporary approaches to the study of the sunnah, emphasising rigorous analysis of hadith texts, transmission chains and the application of prophetic practice to modern issues. Core themes include the sciences of hadith (ulum al-hadith), methodologies of authentication (jarh wa ta'dil), as well as the study of sirah (biography of the Prophet) and the integration of sunnah with fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence).

• Hadith Sciences and Criticism: study of isnad and matn, principles of verification, major hadith compilers and critical methodologies.
• Prophetic Biography (Sirah): thematic and chronological study of the Prophet’s life, sources for sirah and their use in scholarly interpretation.
• Usul al-Fiqh and Sunnah: relationship between prophetic practice and legal reasoning, methods for deriving rulings from sunnah texts.
• Comparative Approaches to Sunnah: historical schools of interpretation, contemporary debates and cross-disciplinary perspectives.
• Applied Sunnah and Contemporary Issues: application of prophetic teachings to ethics, social policy, education and modern legal contexts.
• Research Methods in Islamic Studies: training in textual criticism, manuscript studies, Arabic academic writing and thesis preparation.
• Electives and Seminars: specialised topics such as hadith preservation, modern hadith criticism, pedagogical approaches to teaching sunnah.

The programme typically culminates in a supervised research thesis or major research project that demonstrates mastery of both classical source material and contemporary scholarly methods.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in Sharia, Islamic Studies, Arabic language or a closely related discipline from a recognised institution. Demonstrable competence in classical and modern standard Arabic is required, as primary sources and assessment are Arabic-based. Candidates may also be required to provide academic references, a statement of purpose outlining research interests, and to pass an interview or written assessment.

Applicants with relevant professional experience or alternative qualifications may be considered on a case-by-case basis; those whose first degree is in a different but related field may be asked to complete prerequisite coursework before or during the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates from the Master of Sunnah programme are prepared for a range of roles in academia, religious institutions and public service. Typical career pathways include:

• University and college teaching and research in hadith, sunnah studies and Islamic sciences.
• Work with ministries of religious affairs, mosques and community centres as imams, lecturers or curriculum developers.
• Editorial and research roles in publishing houses, Islamic journals and research centres focused on classical texts and contemporary interpretation.
• Advisory roles in non-governmental organisations, faith-based initiatives and educational institutions addressing ethical and social issues from an Islamic perspective.
• Further doctoral study leading to specialised scholarship in hadith, sunnah methodology or related fields.

Why study at Qassim University

Qassim University is located in a region with a strong tradition of Islamic learning, and the university’s faculties of Sharia and Islamic Studies provide direct access to experienced scholars well-versed in both classical and contemporary approaches. Students benefit from well-stocked libraries, manuscript collections and opportunities to engage with local religious institutions for practical learning and community-oriented projects.

The programme emphasises a balance of traditional textual mastery and modern research techniques, preparing graduates to contribute to scholarly discourse and to serve communities in roles that require deep subject knowledge and applied ethical reasoning.