Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Shariah Studies
Study Law. Uphold Justice. Serve Society.
Justice is one of the cornerstones of every thriving society. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Shariah Studies programme at Al-Muhibbah Open University provides a comprehensive understanding of Islamic law, legal reasoning, ethics, governance, and dispute resolution while preparing graduates to address contemporary legal and societal challenges with knowledge, fairness, and integrity through flexible, technology-enabled learning.
Whether you aspire to become a legal researcher, educator, Shariah adviser, arbitrator, public servant, or continue into advanced legal scholarship, this programme equips you with the intellectual foundation and ethical leadership needed to make a meaningful contribution to society.
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Qualification: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
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Faculty: Arabic & Islamic Studies
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Duration: 4 Years (8 Semesters)
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Study Mode: 100% Online Learning
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Admission: 100L & Direct Entry
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Intakes: January • May • September
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Tuition: ₦250,000 Per Academic Session
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Recognition: NUC Approved
Build a Foundation in Justice, Ethics, and Leadership.
Shariah is a comprehensive legal and ethical framework that has shaped societies for centuries. Studying Shariah develops analytical thinking, sound legal reasoning, ethical judgement, and an appreciation for justice, governance, and responsible leadership.
At Al-Muhibbah Open University, you'll explore classical jurisprudence alongside contemporary legal issues, equipping you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to contribute thoughtfully within legal, educational, governmental, and community settings.
Program Highlights
Is This Programme Right for You?
This programme is ideal for students who are passionate about justice, law, ethics, and serving society through informed leadership.
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Passionate about justice and fairness
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Interested in law and governance
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Enjoy critical thinking and research
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Value ethical leadership
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Aspire to guide communities wisely
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Committed to lifelong learning and public service
Develop the Knowledge Behind Fair and Ethical Leadership.
Our curriculum combines Islamic jurisprudence, legal theory, governance, ethics, and research to prepare graduates who can interpret legal principles, resolve disputes, and contribute responsibly to society.
Build Expertise in Islamic Law and Legal Reasoning.
Develop a strong understanding of Shariah while building the analytical, ethical, and research skills required for professional practice and community leadership.
Usul al-Fiqh
Study the principles and methodology used in deriving Islamic legal rulings.
Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh)
Explore Islamic legal rulings relating to worship, family life, commerce, and civil society.
Family Law
Understand the legal principles governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, guardianship, and family relationships.
Commercial Law
Study Islamic principles relating to finance, trade, contracts, and business transactions.
Constitutional & Public Law
Examine governance, public administration, legal institutions, and the relationship between law and society.
Comparative Legal Systems
Compare Islamic legal principles with other legal traditions to develop broader legal understanding.
Arbitration & Dispute Resolution
Learn peaceful approaches to conflict resolution, mediation, and legal reconciliation.
Legal Research & Ethics
Develop research, legal writing, analytical thinking, and ethical decision-making skills for contemporary legal practice.
Learn Through Legal Analysis and Scholarly Discussion.
Develop professional expertise through a flexible online learning experience that combines expert teaching, legal case studies, scholarly debate, and independent research.
Recorded Lectures
Access engaging lessons anytime and study at your own pace.
Live Virtual Classrooms
Participate in interactive discussions exploring legal reasoning, jurisprudence, and contemporary legal issues.
Legal Case Studies
Analyse historical and contemporary legal cases to strengthen analytical and decision-making skills.
Discussion Forums
Collaborate with fellow students while examining ethical, legal, and governance issues through scholarly dialogue.
Continuous Assessment
Strengthen your understanding through legal essays, case analyses, research projects, presentations, and written assessments.
Digital Library
Access legal texts, academic journals, classical references, and contemporary research publications.
Academic Support
Receive continuous guidance from experienced lecturers and dedicated student support teams.
Learn Anywhere
Study seamlessly from your laptop, tablet, or smartphone—wherever your pursuit of justice and knowledge takes you.
Progress from Legal Foundations to Professional Scholarship.
Each year strengthens your understanding of Islamic legal principles while developing the analytical thinking, ethical judgement, and research skills required for professional and academic success.
Year One — Foundations of Shariah
Build a strong understanding of Arabic, Qur’anic studies, Hadith, Islamic history, and the foundations of Islamic jurisprudence.
Year Two — Legal Principles
Develop practical knowledge of Usul al-Fiqh, Fiqh, legal methodology, ethics, and the application of Islamic law.
Year Three — Contemporary Legal Practice
Study family law, commercial law, constitutional principles, comparative legal systems, and dispute resolution through practical legal analysis.
Year Four — Research & Legal Leadership
Apply your knowledge through advanced legal research, case analysis, policy evaluation, and scholarly projects that prepare you for professional practice or postgraduate study.
Lead with Knowledge. Deliver Justice with Integrity.
Shariah Studies graduates contribute to education, legal research, advisory services, arbitration, public administration, and community leadership by applying sound legal knowledge with ethical responsibility.
Shariah Legal Adviser • Islamic Law Researcher • Arbitrator & Mediator • Shariah Compliance Officer • Islamic Finance Adviser • Lecturer or Academic Researcher • Religious Affairs Officer • Community Development Officer • Policy Research Officer • Curriculum Developer • Author or Legal Content Writer • Public Service Administrator
Learn from Inspiring Educators
Our students learn from experienced Shariah scholars, legal academics, and researchers committed to developing graduates who combine sound legal knowledge, ethical leadership, and intellectual excellence.
Aliyu Ibrahim Usman
Librarian
Murtala Yusuf Forty Four
Bursar
Mrs. Ladi Ibrahim Thomas
Director of Business DevelopmentHear from Our Students and Faculty
Discover how students, lecturers, and legal scholars are developing the analytical thinking, ethical judgement, and legal expertise needed to promote justice, strengthen institutions, and provide thoughtful leadership in an ever-changing world.
Do I need prior knowledge of Shariah before applying?
No. The programme begins with foundational concepts before progressing to advanced areas of Islamic jurisprudence and legal studies.
Can I complete the programme entirely online?
Yes. The programme is delivered through our flexible digital learning platform, allowing you to study from anywhere while balancing your personal and professional commitments.
Will I study contemporary legal issues?
Yes. Alongside classical jurisprudence, you’ll examine modern legal, ethical, governance, and societal issues through scholarly analysis.
Can graduates work outside religious institutions?
Absolutely. Graduates pursue careers in education, legal research, arbitration, public administration, Islamic finance, compliance, policy development, community leadership, and consultancy.
Is the programme recognised?
Yes. Al-Muhibbah Open University is licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC), and its programmes are delivered in accordance with applicable regulatory standards.
What makes AOU's Shariah Studies programme different?
Our programme combines flexible online learning, authentic legal scholarship, experienced faculty, practical legal analysis, and ethical leadership development to prepare graduates capable of applying Islamic legal principles thoughtfully in contemporary society.