How to Learn Islam Online
- 1). Study the history of Islam. Studying the development of Islam will help you understand the meaning of the Quran within a historical and geographical context. Islam developed out of the Abrahamic religious traditions of Judaism and Christianity, and it shares many similarities with these religions. Studying the history and context of Judaism and Christianity can provide a useful perspective of where Islam came from and the fundamentals of the belief system. Look for reliable, educational sources such as online academic journals. The University of Georgia's Web site provides a compilation of reputable online resources for those interested in Islamic history.
- 2). Read the Quran. The Quran is the holy book of Islam, and you can find copies in many languages available online. Muslims are expected to read the Quran in its original language, which is the classical form of Arabic. Most Muslims worldwide do not speak Arabic as a first language, so study Arabic for the sole purpose of reading the Quran without translation. Muslims find it acceptable for others to read the Quran in translation for the purpose of learning about Islam. However, if you wish to convert you will need to dedicate years to studying classical Arabic for the purpose of reading and reciting the Quran. Look for online classes committed to this purpose, such as DursulQuran.
- 3). Learn about Islam in the world today. Read up-to-date news about Muslim countries around the world and how religion affects the political, cultural and social lives of the people. The Muslim world covers a vast territory, with large populations in Eastern Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The laws, culture, and practice of Islam vary greatly within these areas. Look at various international and national news sources that report on the different Muslim countries and the varying degrees to which they include religion into their political systems. You can also learn about the different factions of Islam.