UIII Considers Establishing Classical Islam as a Standalone Master's Program

Depok, January 8, 2025 — Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) took a significant step toward expanding its academic offerings as the Faculty of Islamic Studies (FIS) held a preparatory workshop to explore elevating its existing Takhassus Turath (Classical Islam concentration) into a full-fledged master's program.

UIII Rector, Prof. Jamhari, emphasized that this initiative aligns with the university’s mission to become a global center for Islamic scholarship. He noted that establishing a distinct department dedicated to Classical Islam could attract international students and strengthen Indonesia's position in global Islamic studies.

“What we want to manifest is advanced Islamic studies that resonate with all Muslims worldwide. While we have already laid the groundwork, something is still missing, and that is the program that showcases UIII's unique advantage focusing on the study of turath [classical manuscripts of Islam],” he stated.

The workshop featured two distinguished scholars from UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Dr. KH. Said Agil Husin Al Munawar and Prof. Dr. Oman Fathurrahman, whose insights aimed to shape the prospective program’s focus and structure.

Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies, Prof. Yanwar Pribadi, PhD expressed optimism about the program’s prospects. “This workshop is an opportunity to refine the proposal and ensure the program aligns with UIII's long-term goals in education, research, and community engagement,” he said.

“This discussion also helps us assess the feasibility and development trajectory of the program. The next step is to draft a comprehensive academic manuscript for its establishment,” he stated. Prof. Pribadi also invited suggestions for the program’s official name. While “MA in Islamic Studies Specializing in Classical Islam” was tentatively proposed, he stressed that the curriculum should remain diverse and inclusive.

If all requirements are met, the new study program could launch as early as September 2025, providing a standalone platform for students worldwide to engage with Indonesia’s classical Islamic heritage. The new program will add to the faculty’s existing Master of Arts in Islamic Studies (Regular) and PhD in Islamic Studies.

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