Institute for Islamic International Relations

The Institute for Islamic International Relations (IIIR) is a prominent research institution focused on enhancing understanding and cooperation among Islamic nations. Established to address contemporary challenges faced by the Islamic world, the IIIR engages in various academic and policy-oriented activities aimed at fostering unity and collaboration.

Location

• IIIT: Headquartered at 555 Grove Street, Herndon, Virginia, USA.
• IIUM: Main campus in Gombak, Malaysia, with additional facilities in Kuala Lumpur.
• International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI): Located in Sector H-10, Islamabad, Pakistan, spanning 704 acres.

History and Establishment

• IIIT: Founded in 1981 by Palestinian-American scholar Ismail al-Faruqi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as a non-profit to address an "intellectual crisis" in Muslim societies through educational reform.
• IIUM: Established in 1983 under Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, with input from Ismail al-Faruqi, to integrate Islamic values into modern education.

Financial Sponsors

• IIUM: Sponsored by eight governments and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
• IIIT: Funded through private donations and grants as a 501(c)(3) organization.

Website and Contact Information

• IIIT: Official website: IIIT.org.
• IIUM: Website: www.iium.edu.my.
• IIUI: Contact via www.iiu.edu.pk.

Prominent Figures

• Ismail al-Faruqi: Co-founder of IIIT and advisor to IIUM/IIUI’s establishment.
• Ermin Sinanović: Former IIIT director advocating for integrated knowledge systems.

Mission and Objectives

• IIIT: Aims to "revive and reform Islamic thought" by bridging Islamic heritage with contemporary knowledge systems.
• IIUM: Seeks to harmonize Islamic teachings with academic disciplines, emphasizing ethics and global citizenship.
• IIUI’s Faculty of Sharia & Law: Focuses on producing experts in Islamic and contemporary law to guide legal Islamization.

Moreover, the primary mission of the IIIR is to promote Islamic thought in the context of international relations. This includes:

• Research and Analysis: Conducting in-depth studies on political, economic, and cultural issues affecting Islamic countries.
• Policy Development: Providing recommendations to policymakers based on rigorous research findings.
• Educational Outreach: Organizing seminars, workshops, and conferences to disseminate knowledge and foster dialogue among scholars, policymakers, and the public.

Key Areas of Focus

The IIIR concentrates on several critical areas:

Regional Relations

Examining the dynamics between key Islamic nations, particularly in contexts such as Iran-Saudi relations, which have been historically complex due to ideological differences and geopolitical tensions.

Cultural Exchange

Encouraging cultural understanding and exchange among Islamic societies to strengthen ties and promote peace.

Economic Cooperation

Advocating for collaborative economic initiatives that can lead to sustainable development within the Islamic world.

Organizational Structure

The IIIR operates under a governance model that includes:

• Board of Directors: Comprising experts in Islamic studies, political science, and international relations who guide the institute's strategic direction.
• Research Teams: Dedicated groups focusing on specific themes such as security studies, economic development, and cultural diplomacy.

Publications and Research

• IIIT: Publishes works on Islamic education reform and interdisciplinary research.
• Institute for Islamic World Futures Studies (IIWFS): Produces case studies on Islamic countries’ futures, including Qatar.

Impacts and Partnerships

• IIUM: Collaborates with OIC member states and hosts students from over 100 countries.
• IIIT: Influenced educational reforms in Muslim-majority countries but faced scrutiny post-9/11 during Operation Green Quest (2002), though no charges were filed.

Critiques and Controversies

• IIIT: Criticized by far-right groups like the Center for Security Policy for alleged ties to extremism, though no evidence supports these claims.
• Islamic Centers in Europe: Accused of acting as lobbying arms for Iran’s government, with allegations of suppressing dissent and facilitating political activities under religious guises.

Recent Activities

In recent years, the IIIR has undertaken various initiatives: Conferences: Hosting events like “Exploring the Environmental Crises in West Asia,” which address pressing regional issues.

Publications: Producing reports and papers that analyze current events impacting Islamic nations, such as the evolving diplomatic landscape in 2024.

Conclusion

The Institute for Islamic International Relations plays a crucial role in shaping discourse around international relations within the Islamic context. By fostering research, dialogue, and cooperation among member states, it aims to contribute positively to the future of the Islamic world. Through its various initiatives, the IIIR seeks not only to understand but also to address the challenges facing these nations in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.