In a world increasingly shaped by knowledge, Islamic universities are at the forefront of nurturing minds rooted in faith, scholarship, and global impact. From historic institutions dating back over 1,000 years to modern campuses with cutting-edge research, here are the Top 10 Islamic Universities in the world β shaping the future through Islamic values and academic excellence.
π 1. Al-Azhar University β Cairo, Egypt
π Founded: 970 CE
π Known for: Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), Arabic language, Quranic studies
Al-Azhar is the oldest continuously operating Islamic university in the world. Revered as the heart of Sunni Islamic scholarship, it has shaped the thoughts of scholars for centuries. Today, it combines traditional studies with modern sciences, making it the most respected Islamic learning institution worldwide.
β Why It Stands Out:
- Recognized authority in issuing fatwas
- Historic legacy and global network
- Bridge between traditional and contemporary Islamic thought
π 2. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) β Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
π Founded: 1983
π Known for: Modern education with Islamic ethics, international diversity
IIUM combines academic excellence with Islamic ethics, offering degrees in everything from law and medicine to Islamic finance and engineering β all taught in English. The campus is a melting pot of over 100 nationalities.
β Why It Stands Out:
- Beautiful campus with Islamic architecture
- Strong in Islamic banking, Shariah law, and media studies
- Multicultural and inclusive Islamic environment
π 3. Islamic University of Madinah β Saudi Arabia
π Founded: 1961
π Known for: Quran, Hadith, Dawah, and Shariah
Located in the blessed city of Madinah, this university is a dream for thousands of students worldwide. It focuses primarily on pure Islamic studies, offering scholarships to non-Saudi students.
β Why It Stands Out:
- Fully-funded scholarships
- Proximity to Masjid an-Nabawi ο·Ί
- Pure Arabic and Islamic curriculum
π 4. Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies β Doha, Qatar
π Founded: 2007 (as part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University)
π Known for: Islamic finance, policy studies, modern Islamic thought
Located in Education City, this modern institution offers advanced degrees in Islamic finance, contemporary Fiqh, and religious studies with a global perspective.
β Why It Stands Out:
- World-class faculty
- Focus on 21st-century Islamic challenges
- Strong integration of academia and Islamic ethics
π 5. University of Jordan β Amman, Jordan
π Founded: 1962
π Known for: Islamic theology, Arabic studies, comparative religion
Though a general university, it houses one of the most respected Faculties of Shariah in the Arab world, attracting students across the Middle East.
β Why It Stands Out:
- Well-established Islamic scholarship programs
- Blends Islamic and secular education
- High regional influence
π 6. Jamia Al-Karam β Retford, United Kingdom
π Founded: 1985
π Known for: Islamic sciences in the West, youth dawah, Arabic studies
A rare gem in the UK, Jamia Al-Karam offers traditional Islamic education combined with British academic systems. Its graduates are active in dawah and education across Europe.
β Why It Stands Out:
- Traditional Deobandi curriculum
- Effective for Western-born Muslims
- Strong alumni influence in UK Islamic centers
π 7. Darul Uloom Deoband β India
π Founded: 1866
π Known for: Hadith studies, Fiqh, Hanafi jurisprudence
One of the most influential Islamic seminaries in South Asia, it has shaped generations of scholars with its rigorous Dars-e-Nizami curriculum.
β Why It Stands Out:
- Focused Islamic learning
- Massive network of affiliated madaris
- Historical influence in India and beyond
π 8. Islamic University of Islamabad β Pakistan
π Founded: 1980
π Known for: Shariah, Islamic law, education, comparative studies
Backed by the government and Islamic countries, this university is a major center for Islamic and modern disciplines taught side-by-side. Itβs particularly known for its Faculty of Usuluddin (Islamic Theology).
β Why It Stands Out:
- Multilingual (Arabic, Urdu, English)
- Affordable for students across the Muslim world
- Balanced curriculum
π 9. Zaytuna College β California, USA
π Founded: 2009
π Known for: Liberal arts + Islamic tradition, led by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
The first accredited Muslim liberal arts college in the USA, Zaytuna merges Islamic philosophy, logic, and theology with Western academic standards. Itβs a model for Islamic scholarship in the West.
β Why It Stands Out:
- English-based curriculum
- Groundbreaking fusion of tradition and modernity
- Led by world-respected scholars
π 10. Al Quaraouiyine University β Fes, Morocco
π Founded: 859 CE
π Known for: Oldest university in the world (UNESCO), Maliki Fiqh
Founded by a woman β Fatima al-Fihri β this institution is recognized as the oldest existing university in the world. It continues to teach Islamic jurisprudence, Arabic grammar, and theology.
β Why It Stands Out:
- Historic symbol of Islamic education
- UNESCO-recognized
- Source of pride for Muslims globally
π Conclusion:
From Cairo to California, these top Islamic universities reflect the beauty of knowledge in Islam β where learning is not just a career, but a form of worship. Whether you’re seeking traditional Fiqh, Islamic finance, or modern dawah tools, there’s a place for you in the world of Islamic academia.
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