Institute of Islamic Studies (IIS)

The Institute of Islamic Studies (IIS) was established on November 22, 1973, by presidential decree no. 342 as part of the Philippine Center for Advanced Studies (PCAS). Following the abolition of the Center by executive order No. 543, issued by the president of the Philippines on July 9, 1979, IIS was re-established as a separate unit within the University.

The Institute aims to provide university students—both Muslims and non-Muslims—with the opportunity to fully participate in national life and development. More specifically, it seeks to foster deeper understanding and better rapport between the Muslim population of the Philippines and the University of the Philippines and the national community at large.

Vision: To be the premier national institution of learning in Islamic Studies that promotes excellence, honor, and service.

Mission:

To design and implement quality-assured Islamic Studies academic programs embracing foundational, disciplinary, and contemporary developments.
To highlight the role of Islam as a transformative framework of human development and civilization.
To serve as the research center for scholarly engagements and knowledge production in Islamic Studies.
To provide research-based inputs and recommendations for policy-making.
To promote partnership between academia and society.
To provide university students, faculty, and researchers, opportunities to participate in nation-building, public services, and international engagement.
To foster deeper understanding amongst people and communities.

Notable Past Activities and Achievements: The Institute’s faculty members have been highly regarded in their field of expertise. Some have written books with nominations in the National Book Development Awards. Some are being tapped by the Supreme Court of the Philippines in reviewing the Shari’ah Law framework in the Philippines, as well as to serve as examiners during Shari’ah Bar Examinations. Some of IIS faculty are also tapped as consultants in various industries such as Islamic Banking and Finance, Islamic Education, and Quality Assurance efforts.

Key Objectives of the Center:

To realize its potential as a center of excellence for research on Islam and the Muslim experience in the Philippines and the region through inter-disciplinary approach.
To develop teaching, research and extension functions of the Institute through policy and curricular appraisals, faculty and staff development, and promotion of student welfare, skills and capabilities.
To continue coordinating with government agencies and UP administrative and health officials in ascertaining compliance with health protocols and directives including addressing IIS personnel’s wellbeing and their work-related concerns.

Main Activities and Programs:

The Master of Arts in Islamic Studies is the leading Islamic Studies graduate degree program in the Philippines and is taught by scholars distinguished for their respective expertise. It is a two-and-a-half-year program that equips the students with knowledge skills grounded on a complementing harmony of revealed knowledge (Islam) and rational knowledge. The Institute also pursues flagship programs on Shari’ah (Islamic Law), Islamic Finance, and Halal.