The programme is designed to produce scholars and experts in Fiqh and/or Usul al-Fiqh who are committed to spiritual, moral, intellectual and creative excellence. In handling the programme, the department emphasizes integration of knowledge by considering both the Islamic juristic heritage and relevant aspects of modern disciplines such as management, finance and law to prepare graduates who are able to face contemporary challenges. Due attention is given to modern techniques and methods of research so that the graduates may be able to contribute toward societal development in a more effective and meaningful manner.

This is a full time and a part-time programme that requires a minimum of 3 years (6 semesters) and  5 years (10 semesters) respectively to complete. The maximum period allowed for the programme is 6 years (12 semesters) for the former and 8 years (16 semesters) for the latter.

Candidates are trained in research methods, Islamisation of human knowledge and a specialized area in Fiqh or Usul al-Fiqh to prepare them for the challenging task of producing original research in the form of a dissertation/thesis. The expected length of the dissertation/thesis is around 80,000 – 1000,000 words and it can be written either in Arabic or English. Areas in which supervision is available include ‘ibadat, family law, contracts and transactions, Islamic banking and finance, crime and punishment, Islamic political and judicial system and principles of Islamic jurisprudence.