International Institute of Islamic Thought

The International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) is an influential Islamic think tank co-founded in 1981 by Ismail Raji al-Faruqi and Anwar Ibrahim. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the institute has a global following and collaborates with scholars from across the Islamic world.

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: المعهد الدولي للفكر الإسلامي (al-Maʿhad al-Duwali lil-Fikr al-Islami)
• Turkish: Uluslararası İslam Düşüncesi Enstitüsü

Mission and Objectives

The primary mission of IIIT is the “Islamization of knowledge,” a process that aims to integrate Islamic principles with contemporary academic disciplines. This involves critically examining each field of study in light of Islamic epistemology and ensuring that the acquired knowledge contributes to ethical and moral development as well as human well-being.

Founders and Foundational Philosophy

Ismail Raji al-Faruqi

Al-Faruqi emphasized that “Islamization” does not mean subordinating knowledge to religious dogma. Instead, he advocated for evaluating truth claims based on their

1. Internal coherence,
2. Correspondence with reality, and
3. Enhancement of human life and morality.

Anwar Ibrahim

Ibrahim’s contribution to the IIIT includes his vision of integrating intellectual rigor with practical societal benefits, making the institution a bridge between the intellectual and social dimensions of Islamic thought.

Academic Programs and Contributions

Education

IIIT offers advanced academic programs, including:

• A master’s degree in Islamic Studies
• A specialized master’s program for imams

Publications

IIIT is prolific in its scholarly activities, publishing an extensive monograph series and the respected American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences (AJISS), which serves as an essential platform for intellectual discourse in the field of Islamic social sciences.

Significance and Influence

The work of IIIT has had a profound impact on modern Islamic thought, particularly in integrating traditional Islamic scholarship with contemporary academic research. Its influence extends to educational reforms, policy recommendations, and global scholarly networks.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

To explore more about the IIIT and its contributions, consider the following readings:

• “Islamization of Knowledge: General Principles and Work Plan” by Ismail Raji al-Faruqi and Lois Lamya al-Faruqi
• “Islam and Knowledge: Al-Faruqi’s Concept of Religion in Islamic Thought” by Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad
• “Contemporary Approaches to the Qur’an and Sunnah” edited by Mahmoud Ayoub

Takeaways

• Foundation: Established in 1981 with a vision by al-Faruqi and Ibrahim.
• Mission: Islamization of knowledge by integrating Islamic principles with contemporary academic disciplines.
• Educational Impact: Offers specialized master’s programs and routine scholarly publications.
• Philosophical Stance: Emphasizes internal coherence, correspondence with reality, and ethical contribution of knowledge.

Conclusion

The International Institute of Islamic Thought stands as a significant intellectual bridge, bringing together the rich traditions of Islamic scholarship and modern academic disciplines. Its holistic approach to knowledge emphasizes not only intellectual rigor but also the moral and social enhancement of human life, making it a pivotal institution in contemporary Islamic thought.

By structuring the entry this way, we can easily understand the historical context, objectives, and contributions of IIIT, while also having resources to delve deeper into its scholarly work.