BISA 401 – Introduction to the Qur’an and its Sciences

Assessment Brief 2023/24

Academic Year: 2023/24 Semester: 1

Module code: BISA 401 Module Introduction to the Qur’an and its Sciences
Title:

Module Leader: Zahed Fettah Module Tutor: Zahed Fettah

Email: zahed.fettah@mihe.ac.uk

Assessment Brief: 1 Weighting: 100%

Assessment Brief/ Task

You are required to write an essay of 3,000 words on any two of the following questions. They can be two
separate essays (1500 words each), or one longer essay connecting two questions of your choice.

1. Discuss the notion of ‘naskh’ (abrogation) in Islam. The discussion should explore various types of
naskh, arguments for and against abrogation in the Qur’an, referring to both traditional and
contemporary views on the issue.

2. Examine the different stages of Qur’an compilation. As well as providing a summary of historical
events, this essay should analyse the challenges and possible problems that may have occurred at each
stage and what this means for Qur’an preservation.

3. Explore the nature of the seven readings (ahruf) and their relationship with the ten qira’at (modes of
recitation). The essay should discuss both classical and contemporary views on the meaning of the
seven ahruf and how this fits with the concept of there being only one Qur’an.

Important note:
1. You should read and understand the assessment learning outcomes given below – these indicate the
knowledge, skills and abilities you should possess and can demonstrate in this assessment task

2. Read also the assessment criteria below, which outlines how tutors will judge that you have met the
learning outcomes for this assessment

Assessment Learning Outcomes

This assessment is designed to test that following module learning outcomes :

 Critically apply maqāsid al-shari‘ah as an analytical approach for deriving, suggesting and applying in
the process of solving contemporary problems.
  Apply problem-solving skills and writing blogs.
 Present academic discussions in blog format that is easy to understand.

Assessment Criteria for this assessment

Your work will be marked according to the following assessment criteria (i.e. what you will be marked on):

 Knowledge and use of information: Understanding of theories/frameworks/concepts relevant to the

topic/task of the assignment;
 Argument/interpretation/Analysis: the extent to which the discussion analyses/integrates multiple
views/approaches/perspectives, and builds coherent and analytically insightful arguments that make
judicious use of relevant source materials;
 Independent thought and critical thinking: Show evidence of independent and critical thought (clearly
differentiated from that of others) - evidence of independent reading, thinking, analysis.
 Presentation: Adherence to guidelines; effective overall organisation and logical structure;
appropriateness of language and writing - clear, persuasive, fluent and engaging style, Appropriateness
and use of relevant research-based/academic literature on the selected topic/issue. Consistent citation
and referencing system employed. Treated sources accurately and fairly, which includes referencing
them properly (giving full reference details)

Good academic work demonstrates wide reading around a topic, integrates different
perspectives/approaches, and presents own evidenced and well-reasoned argument(s)

Performance Descriptors

For the Performance Descriptors, please check the relevant Module Handbook or visit the Further
Information for Students page on Moodle.

Assessment Specifications

Mode of Working: Individual

Presentation Format: Essay

Grade required to pass: 40 marks

Assessment limit: 3,000 words

Mon 11th December 2023 at 15:00

Submission Deadline:

Guidance on submitting your work

All written assignments must be submitted with the appropriate Cover Sheet (available on Moodle under
‘Further Information for Students’) online via Moodle with TurnitIn on or before the deadline. Graded
penalties will start applying immediately after 3pm on the submission date.

All Moodle submissions (with the exception of the Similarity Checker) are FINAL and cannot be undone.
Assignments submitted via email without photographic evidence of Moodle issues will not be accepted
and will be recorded as a ‘Non-submission FAIL’ result.

Penalties for late submission of assessed coursework

Late submissions for up to seven (7) calendar days will be penalised as per below:
1 day late: - 5% marks
2 days late: - 10% marks
3 days late: - 15% marks
4 days late: - 20% marks
5 days late: - 25% marks
6 days late: - 30% marks
7 days late: - 35% marks
After: ‘Non-submission FAIL’

*Graded penalties do not apply to examinations or in-class presentations. Graded penalties also do not apply
to late submissions of assessments where extensions have been granted (i.e. Extenuating Circumstances) or
Re-sits.

Recommended reading for your assignment

Consult your Module Handbook and lecture slides for the relevant reading lists.

You are also reminded:

 To read carefully relevant literature before responding to the assignment

 To acknowledge all sources of your ideas and comments. You must provide references to literature
sources (in Harvard System of referencing) that you have drawn on in your report
 To ensure your use of English is to the required academic standard,, write clearly and simply, and ensure
that your work contains no grammatical or spelling mistakes
 To be concise (stay within the word limit)
 To make use of diagrams where appropriate
 To place any detailed analysis in appendices

Ensure your work is

FOCUSED: Avoid random ideas which have little or nothing to do with the assignment questions. Ensure your
discussion is purposeful and directed and concise

STRUCTURED: Give thought on how you are to structure your discussion/response. Take the time to make a
rough outline of what you want to write and in what order you want to present it. Your discussion should be
planned (i.e. though out), follow a logical structure, be organised and concise (i.e. to the point, appropriate)

DOCUMENTED: Support your discussion with relevant references to sources of facts, figures, graphs,
examples, etc.

WELL PRESENTED: Ensure that you use good sentence structure, grammar, and spelling
Grammar, spelling & punctuation
Have you carefully checked for the type of grammar mistakes you tend to make?
Have you used verb tenses consistently?
Have you used the spellchecker?
Have you checked the spelling yourself?
Does your punctuation make your writing easier to read?
Have you checked your use of commas?

Overall
Have you answered the question/fulfilled the task?
Is everything relevant?
Do you understand everything you've written?
Are you pleased with it?

Academic Misconduct

MIHE takes all forms of academic misconduct seriously. This includes plagiarism, collusion, fabrication,
cheating etc. You can find out how to avoid academic misconduct by reading the relevant section of your
Student Handbook (available on Moodle under ‘Further Information for Students’).

Extenuating Circumstances

If personal extenuating circumstances may have affected your ability to complete this assessment, you can
find more information about the extenuating circumstances procedure by reading the relevant section of
your Student Handbook (available on Moodle under ‘Further Information for Students’).

Reassessment

If you fail an assessment, you will have two subsequent attempts to re-submit your work during the
prescribed reassessment period according to your student calendar. If deemed a ‘Pass’, your work will be
capped at the minimum pass mark. For each assessment you will have a maximum of 3 attempts total.