Module 1: īmān and the six pillars

Welcome to the first module of the Gabriel course

Welcome to the first module of the Gabriel Course, a curriculum presented by the angel Gabriel on what all believers are required to learn, where you study the fascinating and fundamental concepts that define īmān (faith) according to the Quran. Yet fundamental doesn't mean basic. We explore concepts with profound relevance and depth, feeding into a holistic narrative that makes sense of all things.

Revelation might be ancient but it is timeless and relevant today as ever. God speaks from the vantage point of being beyond time. This īmān (and its six pillars) course is where Brian Cox meets the Quran and we take an epic journey through the universe like you've never experienced before! It’s a mind-bending voyage where captivating storytelling explores the six pillars of īmān in an authentic and relevant way.

• “Who is God?” A being in the sky? Beyond the universe - but what is beyond the universe?
• “He created everything” But what is everything?
• “He created an order of the universe” What is that order?
• “He sent messages” Where, how, and why?
• “It will all end” But will it really?

What are the 6 pillars of īmān about? 

Well they’re features of existence we need to know about in order to have an accurate perception of reality, and consequently the correct understanding of human life and meaning. We cover the idea of “God and Allah” in describing the Great Entity, God of what exactly, and how the order was created and maintained (angels and qadr). We study the Quranic perspective on life, existence, and purpose, and how revelation and God’s messengers fit into it all. You gain stellar insights into the universe's grandeur and the Quran's profound insights.  

On this course you’ll discover what īmān actually is, how to cultivate it and manage it, and what it’s meant to practically afford you. Over four months, you’ll also go through six fascinating features of reality described in revelation that are needed to shape your understanding of your life. Connect with like-minded seekers and engage in lively discussions. This is for curious souls hungry for deep enlightenment and knowledge that will transform their lives and those close to them. Sign up a journey that transcends boundaries and expands horizons. It's time to bridge the modern gap between our knowledge of reality and the profound teachings of the Quran.

This isn't your run-of-the-mill learning experience; it's a full-fledged training ground for inquisitive minds. Say goodbye to the dusty shelves of academic theory and wave farewell to the same old 'Islamic courses' you've seen a million times. We get it, and we're on the same page if you've grown weary of that routine. But here's the twist – we're serving up a whole new dish, and it's not your standard fare. If you were expecting a bland recap of theology or the usual recitation of the six articles, well, think again. What awaits you here, with the divine assistance, is a journey into practical relevance and the signature deep-thinking of our scholarly tradition. We're not about oversimplifying or dwelling on the basics. Nope, we're bringing a millennium's worth of scholarship weight, blending it with cutting-edge insights, and serving up some seriously smart thinking. We're all about making complex ideas accessible and digestible. And if you're worried about sectarianism or getting caught up in ethno-religious debates, relax. We're way past that stage – we're all grown-ups here. Join us, and let's embark on this intellectual adventure together.

We are fearlessly driven by sincerity to God, knowledge that is relevant, and a curious spirit.

Here, we raise the bar for adult learning and unpack revelation - straight from the sources to give you the confidence you need. Our program is tailor-made for the profoundly curious, those captivated by the essence of revelation and truth, and those on a quest for transformative self-discovery. Brace yourself for a mind-bending journey, jaw-dropping revelations, and a heartwarming introduction to the divine faith as unveiled by God. It's a practical, real-life adventure where theory meets the beautiful mess and complexity of everyday existence. Experience the extraordinary today!

How is the module delivered?

• Sunday evening Live seminars on Zoom (recorded for catch-up and revision)
• Live QA sessions during the week (evening)
• Podcasts and resources via the online learning hub.
• Telegram messageboard and forum for ongoing 24/7 discussions

The contact time for the course is unprecedented, and we’ve found a way to make it immersive but undemanding. It's a lifestyle for people on the go! Additionally, you can log on to the weekly live Zoom session on Sunday evenings (recorded) through your smartphone/device whilst everything else is delivered through the online learning hub and Telegram app.

Designed for busy people, the program keeps you continuously engaged. On the forum, indulge in topical discussions, ask questions, and catch up with short explanations (text and audio recordings) whilst doing your chores or on the go! You'll be invited to the Telegram forum to discuss course content with like-minded people as a virtual community. Dip in whenever you feel like it to catch up on discussions, it's always lively and thoroughly engaging!  

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you should:

• have a comprehensive understanding of the six articles that is coherent and employs first-principles,
• develop the ability to engage issues covered in this module in a reasoned, systematic, and intelligent way,
• functionalise īmān in your life in a way that constructively guides your thoughts and behaviour,
• be transformed by your learning into a confident, stable and sound believer making good decisions in the world and experiencing positive outcomes across the board.