Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies

Our Vision:
Our vision at QFIS is to become a locus of thought and dialogue that leads research and debate in all that relates to Islam and Muslims, be that contemporary concerns or issues of heritage; and that produces scholars who are strongly-grounded in Islamic faith, practice, and civilization, and who are open for engaging with all that their civilization produced, and with the wisdom and thought of other civilizations.

Our Mission:
Inspiring thought based on the plurality and tolerance of Islamic Jurisprudence and civilization that enables Muslims, in terms of perceptions and practice alike, to face contemporary challenges. Our aim is to contribute to our age, rather than separate from it. We take it upon ourselves to make clear the rich, dynamic, and inspiring spirit of our Islamic heritage, to emphasize its tolerance, diversity, and hence, ability to serve all of humanity through infinite paths for dialogue and action.

Academic Degrees

Diploma

• General Diploma in Islamic Studies (Commenced September 2007) - The General Diploma in Islamic Studies has as its main objective the dissemination of Islamic thought with its balance, moderation, and simplicity. The idea is to educate the student about the latest developments in the field of Islamic Studies and to strengthen his/her knowledge of the multifarious traditional Islamic heritage. In doing so, our mission through this program is to enhance the student's ability to interact with and make a positive contribution to society, as well as to engage with other religions and cultures. The program consists of 27 credit hours to be completed over a maximum duration of two years.
• Diploma in Islamic Finance (Commencing September 2008)

Master of Arts and Master of Science Programs

• MA in Islamic Studies with Specialization in Contemporary Jurisprudence (Commenced February 2008)
• MA in Islamic Studies with Specialization in Religion and Contemporary Thought (Commencing September 2008)

These two programs are founded on the ideal of imparting quality education in Islamic Studies at the post-graduate level in light of the developments unfolding in contemporary societies. The rise of new challenges necessitates the involvement of researchers and specialists, who have the right academic and technical expertise, are imbued with clarity of vision, and a spirit of tolerance toward different thought and cultures. Graduates of these programs will be capable of addressing contemporary challenges and contributing to the development of their societies in light of modern developmental needs. These courses of study are open to, and well rooted in, Muslim heritage and tradition, as well as other ideas, cultures and ideologies.

• Master of Public Policy in Islam (Commenced February 2008) - In the last few years governance and issues of democratization have jumped to the fore of research and policy agendas in all that relates to the Muslim world. Interest in Islam's political and cultural influences is steadily growing. Yet, the relation between governance processes, standards of accountability and transparency on the one hand, and Islam on the other remains greatly overlooked. In the Public Policy in Islam Program we aim to fuse different perspectives that are both thoroughly grounded in the intellectual traditions of Islam, and in the ongoing debates about governance and democratization, in the Muslim World and beyond.
• Master of Science in Islamic Finance (Commencing September 2008) - Islamic finance is one of the fastest growing areas of international finance, and is drawing academic and professional interest around the world. New products are continuously emerging and those who wish to participate in this exciting and dynamic field have to be knowledgeable of the conventions and groundings of Islamic economics and finance, as well as the contemporary developments in the international financial industry. With a particularly high concentration of Islamic financial institutions in the Middle East, this MSc is an exceptional opportunity in both academic and professional terms for those interested in pursuing such studies.
• The Study of Contemporary Muslim Societies (Commencement to be announced) - The power of the growing interest in the Study of Contemporary Muslim Societies can hardly be exaggerated. The need for new approaches that fuse a strong base of knowledge of (the often insufficiently studied) textual foundations, and contemporary manifestations of Muslim thought and practice are needed. In a post-Orientalist world it is important to bridge the gap between classical approaches to the study of the Islamic world and the work that today's anthropologists, sociologists, economists, and political scientists, are undertaking on contemporary Muslim societies. This program represents a genuine step in this direction.
• Islamic Urban Planning and Architecture (Commencement to be announced) - Interest in Islamic Architecture is strong. Yet an all-encompassing approach to the study of this fascinating discipline is still lacking. Islamic architecture and urban planning in historical cities magnificently reflects the deep understanding of Muslim society for the role of the city, its buildings, structures, the concept of urban society, and urbanization. Islamic architecture encompasses the Muslim approach to environmental management through complete respect for Islamic cultural values and social relations. The fusion of these varying concerns and interests is what gives Muslim urban space and architecture its unique form and character. These and many other issues are the focus of the MA in Islamic Urban Planning and Architecture.

Specialized Centres

Library
The Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies Library is unique with its diverse sources that range from a conventional collection of print material including books and periodicals to online digital access to databases and electronic books that cover a wide variety of topics. The existing full text Arabic and English databases are one of the most critical research tools for our students, researchers, and faculty members. The Library is also equipped with highly qualified staff to provide active research support and assistance. In addition, off campus access to our digital library is available to current students.

Research Centres
These six MA programs will combine their work with, and rely on, an active Research Centre. In addition to a series of debate-rounds and conferences, the Centre will rely on a number of distinguished residents and visiting research fellows. In the medium term the Centre will aim to have its own series of publications as to fully establish itself as a centre of excellence in the field of Islamic studies. The Centre will serve as a launch pad for QFIS, thanks to its potential role as the heart of informed discussions about various topical issues; a role that is bound to create a powerful media presence.

The first centre, The EL Qaradawi Center for Research in Moderate Thought" was established on May 6th 2008 in accordance with the decision of HH Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser AL Misnad - Chairman of Qatar Foundation.

Centre for Translation and Teaching Arabic
Mastery of Arabic and its usage is key to the study of Islam and all that relates to it. This Centre will carry out activities essential for the Faculty's work in this regard. A critical aspect of these activities is the establishment of a strong Arabic language program as QFIS welcomes both native and non-native Arabic speakers. Moreover, this Centre will support the Research Centre's activities in the areas of publications, research, and conferences, by providing needed services including regular or simultaneous translation. The Centre for Translation and Teaching Arabic will also be coordinating efforts with other leading bodies in translating works that are necessary for better understanding Islamic civilization and its contributions to the past and present.