Islamic Studies Roadmap Approved by the Federal Ministry of Education and Science
The Islamic Studies Workgroup held its meeting in Moscow on May 12th.
The discussion was helmed by Minister Olga Vasilyeva. The results of the 2014 – 2016 program were talked over, as well as the roadmap for 2017 – 2020.
Director of the Institute of International Relations, History and Oriental Studies of KFU Ramil Khayrutdinov commented to us, “Kazan Federal University is one of the leaders of Islamic studies in Russia. Our initiatives, proposed in cooperation with our partners – Russian Islamic Institute and others - are always supported at the highest level. For example, yesterday we presented the project of the Bolgar Islamic Academy for the first time. The scientific part of this work attracted special attention. The Academy’s activities are now a part of this new roadmap”.
The first stone was laid at the construction site of the Academy on May 21st, 2016. The Academy will represent the highest level of Islamic education, something not yet available in Russia. Russian Islamic Institute, madrasahs and other establishments concentrate on bachelor and master programs. The degrees above that have not been awarded in Russia so far.
Another initiative put forward by KFU is an annual Arabic language competition. Minister Vasilyeva expressed interest in that.
Tatarstani representatives yesterday also opined that Islamic education program should target not only tertiary institutions but the Ummah as a whole. In that regard the Islamica Resource Center of KFU is really exemplary. In particular, it offers projects for Muslim youth, Muslim women, and psychological courses for Muslim community leaders. The experience of cooperation with law enforcement is also valuable. The Center’s activities now attract participants from neighboring provinces thanks to online presence and favorable word of mouth.
Also of importance was a decision to promote master courses in Islamic studies. KFU plans to launch them in the next academic year. Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Russia and Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Tatarstan have voiced their need for such experts.
In conclusion, Kazan University informed the Minister about its plans to establish a dissertation board in Islamic theology. The necessary applications have been submitted for assessment.
