Written by Shantel Hussain
Choosing a degree was one of the hardest decisions for me as I have a passion for a little bit of everything!
Until I came across Charles Sturt university which offers a Bachelor of Islamic Studies which was exactly what I needed to do to be able to deepen my faith in my religion as well as kickstart my long-term career goal in teaching.
Growing up, I always felt a strong connection to my religion, but I wanted to gain a deeper, more structured understanding of Islam, its rich history, teachings, and how it influences our daily lives in the modern world.
Furthering my knowledge in these areas made me really excited to be able to gain not only a degree but also a teaching pathway through the studies.
The decision to pursue this degree purely to explore these elements in a more academic and systematic way by teaching professionals who have studied these areas for many years.
When I began my studies, I had no idea how the journey would be. One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about my degree is how it has allowed me to research into many various disciplines within Islamic studies, such as fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), tafsir (Quranic exegesis), history of the prophets ,and hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) and many more important topics.
These subjects have not only given me a better understanding of Islamic law and theology but have also helped me connect these principles to contemporary issues. I’ve come to appreciate how relevant Islamic teachings are in guiding the lives of Muslims everyday life today.
Moreover, the classroom discussions with classmates and professors have been immensely helpful I have also gained many friends along the way, it was inspiring to engage with others who share a passion for these topics, while also learning from perspectives I had never considered before. For example I had studied many Arabic subjects and other students who knew Arabic helped me out a lot.
What really inspired me about this degree was the idea of using my knowledge to contribute to the community. From a young age, I’ve been passionate about education, and this degree has given me the foundation to pursue a career where I can teach, mentor, and inspire others. After 2 years studying this degree as I finish my studies, I will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact in both the academic and wider community.
The Bachelor of Islamic Studies is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about personal growth. It’s about learning how to think critically, how to approach religious and social issues with empathy, and how to engage with the world in a way that is both informed and responsible. This degree has been a transformative experience, one that has deepened my faith and equipped me with the tools to contribute to society.
If you’re curious about Islam, or if you’re considering a career that allows you to make a meaningful impact, I would highly recommend this degree. It’s an enriching academic journey that challenges you to grow intellectually and spiritually.
Whether you’re interested in education, community service, or just want to gain a deeper understanding of Islam, this degree offers endless possibilities for personal and professional development. I’ll be finishing my degree in March, and while it marks the end of this chapter, it also represents the start of something new and exciting.
I look forward to taking what I’ve learned and applying it to future especially in the field of education, where I hope to inspire others the way I’ve been inspired throughout my studies.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
