ISLAMABAD: International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) has decided to stop offering its MA Islamic Studies classes in Urdu, but will keep teaching it in Arabic.

At present, the Islamic Studies is being taught in Urdu in evening under self finance scheme, and is considered one of the successful programmes.

Sources told Dawn that in ongoing admission process (Spring 2015) the IIUI administration under the leadership of its president from Saudi Arabia had closed this programme, considering it against the rules.

“The rules do not allow offering any degree programme in the language other than Arabic and English,” the sources said while quoting the president as saying in Academic Council meeting.

Moreover, deputy dean of faculty of Islamic Studies read a document before the Academic Council meeting, which said the distinction of this university and this faculty in particular was to promote Arabic so that the students (Islamic studies) could refer to Al Uloom-ul-Shriah, which were in Arabic, more easily. The sources said that Academic Council had approved the discontinuation of the programme.

Talking to Dawn, Rector IIUI Prof Dr Masoom Yasinzai said the university took the decision of closing the programme in greater interest of the university. Replying to a question, the rector said IIUI valued Urdu very much.

“We have Urdu department offering various programmes up to P.hD,” he said and added since the academic circle valued IIUI degree of Islamic Studies, it should be in Arabic.

On the other hand, teaching faculty of IIUI opposed wrapping up of this programme.

They said that across the globe universities give special respect to their national languages, but IIUI devalued the national language by closing down Islamic studies courses in Urdu.

Former Rector of IIUI, Professor Fateh Mohammed Malik, who also served as Chairman National Language Authority, was the man, who started the programme in Urdu.

Talking to Dawn, he said he after the approval of Academic Council and Board of Governors had started the course in Urdu with a view to helping local students to understand Islamic Studies.

“I started MA Islamic studies (Urdu), it was effective programme. I think all languages including Urdu, Arabic, Persian and Turkish should be promoted in the IIUI,” he added. Contrary to the rector’s claim, a source in IIUI said that Board of Governors, which is final authority to decide such matter, is yet to give its decision in this matter. Currently, the programme is being taught in both male and female campuses and current batches will complete their studies.

Around 60 students most of them are in jobs pursuing their education in evening classes, while around 80 students are getting Islamic Studies education in Arabic in morning session.

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2014