TFI launches Certificate in Islamic Thought Program

October 8, 2016- Last Saturday, The Fairfax Institute, the educational arm of the International Institute of Islamic Thought, held a reception to launch the Certificate in Islamic Thought Program.

The Certificate in Islamic Thought combines Islamic credentials with academic rigor, along with a flexible schedule which suits working professionals and students. The objective of this program is to provide academically rigorous, faith-based education in Islamic studies, rooted within IIIT's approach and taught by first-rate scholars of Islam.

Community members from all over the Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland areas gathered at IIIT headquarters to hear about the purpose of the certificate and course offerings under the Certificate in Islamic Thought. 

Dr. Ermin Sinanovic, Director of The Fairfax Institute, stated, "This certificate program is open to people from all backgrounds," He also conveyed the importance of such a program in the pluralistic society we live in. 

The keynote speaker for the afternoon was IIIT Resident Scholar, Dr. Ovamir Anjum, the Imam Khattab Endowed Chair of Islamic Studies at the University of Toledo. Dr. Anjum spoke about the significance of the Islamic point of view in academia, and how we can understand and make decisions based on acute understanding of Islamic texts and philosophy. 

The main program was followed by a trivia game on Islamic philosophers and light refreshments. 

To complete the Certificate in Islamic Thought, students are required to take seven core courses and three electives (12 hours each), for a total of 120 hours of instruction. They can take one or more courses per semester. The Certificate can be completed in a year but most students will probably take 2 years to complete it. Those who are not interested in acquiring a CIT are welcome to take individual classes at their own pace and choice. More information about requirements is available here.