Studying at the International University of Islamic Studies

Studying at the International University of Islamic Studies

The International University of Islamic Denominations seeks, through adherence to the principles of religion and the promotion of rapprochement among Islamic schools of thought, to continue the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the scholarly tradition of the early Islamic seminaries. These seminaries were not confined to any particular individual or group. Islamic history provides abundant evidence and documentation for this inclusive scholarly tradition.

The seminary established by Shaykh al-Tusi in the Karkh district of Baghdad was notably oriented toward fostering unity, to the extent that many Sunni scholars benefited from its instruction. Likewise, prominent Shi‘i scholars such as Allama al-Hilli, Shahid al-Awwal, and Shahid al-Thani, in addition to their studies in Shi‘i seminaries, extensively engaged with Sunni scholarly centers in Baghdad, Egypt, Mecca, Medina, Hebron (al-Khalil), Damascus, and Jerusalem. It is hoped that the University, guided by the illuminating thought of Imam Khomeini (may his soul rest in peace) and the leadership of the Guardian of the Muslim community, will take innovative steps in educating the younger generation and fostering a culture of rapprochement and unity.

University Objectives

1. To cultivate a generation of Muslim scholars, intellectuals, and researchers who, while possessing a thorough understanding of their own schools of thought, are also well informed about the foundations of other Islamic traditions and who contribute to unity and solidarity among Muslims.
2. To train qualified lecturers, professors, and accomplished researchers in jurisprudence and the principles of law (comparative fiqh), legal theory (uṣūl al-fiqh), Qur’anic studies, Hadith studies, theology (kalām), and Islamic mysticism (ʿirfān) for service in schools, universities, and religious and cultural institutions through Master’s and doctoral programs.
3. To prepare religious preachers and orators capable of serving both domestically and internationally across the various Islamic schools of thought.

Faculties

In order to enhance cohesion and rapprochement among the followers of different Islamic traditions, and in response to the pressing need for advanced research grounded in comparative approaches among the schools of thought, the University of Islamic Denominations has established the following three faculties:

1. Faculty of Islamic Jurisprudence and Law

Bachelor’s Programs:

• Imami (Ja‘fari) Jurisprudence and Law
• Shafi‘i Jurisprudence and Law
• Hanafi Jurisprudence and Law

Master’s Programs:

• Comparative Jurisprudence and Islamic Private Law
• Comparative Jurisprudence and Islamic Public Law
• Comparative Jurisprudence and Islamic Criminal Law

Doctoral Program:

• Islamic Jurisprudence and the Foundations of Islamic Law

2. Faculty of Qur’anic and Hadith Studies

Bachelor’s Programs:

• Qur’anic Sciences
• Hadith Sciences
• Islamic History

Master’s Programs:

• Qur’anic and Hadith Studies
• Islamic History

3. Faculty of Theology, Philosophy, and Religions

Bachelor’s Programs:

• Islamic Philosophy and Mysticism
• Religions and Islamic Denominations
• Theology (Kalām)

Students at the undergraduate level complete 135 credit units across three stages: general, shared, and specialized coursework. At the Master’s level, students complete between 42 and 52 credit units, including 28 core units, 4 thesis units, and 10 to 20 prerequisite units.

Branches

The International University of Islamic Denominations maintains five branches located in the cities of Tehran, Sanandaj, Gonbad-e Kavus, Bandar Abbas, and Zahedan.

Educational Approach and Methodology

The University seeks to integrate the distinctive strengths of both the traditional Islamic seminary (ḥawzah) and the modern university system. To this end, it pursues the following strategies:

1. Inviting leading scholars from both seminaries and universities to participate in teaching and research.
2. Offering instruction in jurisprudence (fiqh), Qur’anic exegesis (tafsīr), theology (kalām), history, and Hadith across all Islamic schools of thought through comparative and analytical approaches.
3. Teaching the authentic jurisprudential traditions of each Islamic school alongside contemporary issues and evolving, up-to-date legal discussions.
4. Providing the necessary intellectual and institutional foundations for promoting and disseminating a culture of rapprochement among Islamic schools of thought.
5. Teaching Arabic language and conversational proficiency.
6. Providing instruction in classical and contemporary logic and theology.
7. Encouraging the traditional seminary practice of scholarly debate among students, alongside practical training in research methodologies within the humanities.
8. The languages of instruction at the University are Persian and Arabic; therefore, students who lack sufficient proficiency in either language are required to complete prerequisite courses over two academic semesters.

Educational Achievements

By the grace of God and through the sustained efforts of administrators, faculty members, and students, approximately 60% of the University’s graduates are admitted to postgraduate programs (Master’s and doctoral levels) at universities and higher education institutions. Many alumni are currently employed in higher education, research centers, and cultural or religious institutions.

Student Welfare Services

1. Provision of student dormitories, as well as tuition assistance or loans in accordance with the regulations of the Student Welfare Fund throughout the period of study.
2. Access to dormitory libraries, dining facilities, sports and recreational amenities, and related services.

Scientific and Cultural Conferences and Seminars

Among the topics addressed in the University’s academic gatherings are:

1. The role of rapprochement among Islamic schools in fostering dialogue among civilizations.
2. Ijtihād and its role in promoting Islamic unity.
3. Islamic governance and the doctrine of Wilāyat al-Faqīh, with the participation of Ayatollah Amid Zanjani.
4. The congress “In the Presence of Allama Tabataba’i (may his soul rest in peace),” attended by his students, including Dr. Ahmad Ahmadi and Dr. Dinani.
5. A scholarly session on the objectives of Islamic law (Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah) with both Shi‘i and Sunni scholars.
6. A seminar examining the views and thought of Imam Abu Hanifa, with participation from Shi‘i and Sunni faculty members.
7. A national conference on the principle of enjoining good and forbidding evil.
8. A nationwide symposium on ijtihād in the contemporary era.

Cultural and Extracurricular Activities

In addition to their academic programs, students benefit from the following cultural and developmental activities:

1. Annual educational visits (“Rahian-e Noor” camps).
2. Qur’anic festivals.
3. Athletic competitions and sports festivals.
4. Volunteer and developmental service camps organized in various provinces with the support of the University’s student (Basij) organization.
5. The “Hekmat-e Motahhar” Festival.
6. Specialized and purpose-oriented educational excursions.
7. Cultural programs within student dormitories.
8. Organization of cultural conferences and discussion forums.