Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

There are two branches of study on the IOU, the diploma courses and the degree program. For degree program, there is no course fees. However, there is a fixed symbolic registration fee and examination fee each semester which is calculated on a sliding scale (from $20 to $60) depending on the student's country of residence. The diploma courses are completely free.

It provides a non-sectarian authentic - Qur'aan and Sunnah based understanding of Islamic teachings.
It clears up the misconceptions which have led some Muslims into extreme views involving violence and terrorism.
It gives those in various professions an Islamic perspective to practice their professions by maintaining Islamic values and limits.
It facilitates easy access to Islamic knowledge as all its courses are taught in English medium with the exception of Arabic.
It offers a structured course for the study of Arabic enabling students to master the basics of the Arabic language and preparing them to be efficient translators.
It focuses on a well-rounded program of study by integrating modern subjects like, management, economics, psychology, educational methodology, etc. all taught from a comparative perspective.
It promotes religious tolerance among its students and graduates by studying the historical foundations of multicultural societies which Muslims established around the world.
It empowers Muslim women who rarely get the opportunity to study the religion in depth and to address the gender related issues.

Although our head office is in Qatar, Islamic Online University is accessible anywhere with a computer and Internet connection.

It was established with a vision to offer online intensive, diploma, undergraduate, and graduate courses in Islamic Studies completely tuition-free. This will utilize opportunities provided by unprecedented access to the Internet, enhanced online learning and rising desire among Muslims worldwide to learn their religion at an academic level.

IOU follows the Qur'aan and authentic Sunnah according to the understanding of the first three generations of Muslim scholars. It recognizes and holds in high regard the contributions of the great Imams to the development of Fiqh and benefits from all of them. The IOU strives to follow the math'hab of Abu Haneefah as distinct from the Hanafi math'hab, the math'hab of Maalik as distinct from the Maliki math'hab, the Math'hab of ash-Shaafi'ee as distinct from the Shaa'fi'ee math'hab and the math'hab of Ahmad ibn Hambal as distinct from the Hambali math'hab. The math'hab of these great imams, as is known to all, was that of Rasoolullaah (sallallahualayhiwasallam).

Islamic Online University classes take place wherever you are! It is completely online based wherever internet is accesible.

Anyone who has a desire to gain authentic Islamic knowledge correctly derived from the Qur'aan and Sunnah as understood by the early generations of righteous scholars is a potential student of the IOU. The students represent a diverse group coming from both developing and developed countries.

For the diploma courses there is no prior educational qualification required. For the degree the minimum requirement is a High School Certificate/ Diploma. However it is possible for students who have not studied up to High School to join the program and do the entire study without getting a degree at the end. Such students will get an IOU certificate upon successful completion of the program.

There is no age limit.

All courses are taught in English with the exception of advanced Arabic classes.

Currently the Islamic Online University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies and diplomas and certificates in Islamic subjects.