The Institute for Advanced Islamic Studies

The International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS Malaysia) is a non-profit, independent Islamic think tank established to promote civilizational renewal and foster a positive Muslim identity. It engages in research on pressing issues facing both Muslim and non-Muslim communities, aiming to contribute to social development and inter-civilizational dialogue globally. IAIS Malaysia also serves as a strategic think tank for the Malaysian government on global affairs related to the Muslim world and promotes unity and positive change within the international Muslim community (IAIS Malaysia, 2024a; IAIS Malaysia, 2024b).

Location

IAIS Malaysia is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, specifically at:

Jalan Ilmu, Off Jalan Prof Diraja Ungku Aziz,

59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The institute is accessible via Universiti LRT Station (2.4 km away) and Phileo Damansara MRT Station (3 km away) (IAIS Malaysia, 2025).

History and Establishment

IAIS Malaysia was established in 2007 as a company limited by guarantee. Since its inception, it has focused on promoting a positive Muslim identity, fostering unity among Muslims worldwide, and engaging in dialogue between civilizations. The institute operates in line with Malaysia’s MADANI approach, emphasizing social cohesion, justice, and sustainable development (IAIS Malaysia, 2024b; IAIS Malaysia, 2024c).

Founders and Financial Sponsors

While specific founders’ names are not prominently publicized, IAIS Malaysia operates as an independent think tank supported primarily by the Malaysian government and affiliated bodies. It is a non-profit entity that receives funding through government grants, partnerships, and collaborations with other Islamic and international organizations (IAIS Malaysia, 2024b).

Website and Contact Information

• Website: https://iais.org.my
• Email: info@iais.org.my
• Telephone: +603 7956 9188
• Fax: +603 7956 2188
• Address: Jalan Ilmu, Off Jalan Prof Diraja Ungku Aziz, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (IAIS Malaysia, 2025).

Prominent Research Figures

One of the most distinguished figures associated with IAIS Malaysia is Professor Mohammad Hashim Kamali, an Afghan Islamic scholar and the founding chairman and CEO of IAIS since its establishment in 2007. Kamali is internationally recognized for his expertise in Islamic law and jurisprudence, having served as a professor and dean at various institutions, including the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). His scholarly works, such as Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence and Shari‘ah Law: An Introduction, are widely used in universities worldwide and translated into multiple languages including Farsi, which is significant for Iranian academia (Kamali, 2025; IAIS Malaysia, 2024a).

Other notable scholars linked to the broader Islamic intellectual tradition and affiliated with Malaysian Islamic institutions include Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman Bin Bakar, holder of the Al-Ghazali Chair of Epistemology and Civilizational Studies, and Prof. Tan Sri Dr. Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas, both influential in Islamic philosophy and civilization studies (Islamisation Scholars Database, 2024).

Key Fields of Concentration (Research)

IAIS Malaysia focuses on rigorous academic research on Islam and contemporary issues affecting Malaysia, the broader Muslim world, and Islam’s engagement with other civilizations. Its research agenda is pragmatic and policy-oriented, grounded in the Qur’an, Sunnah, Islamic jurisprudence, political thought, comparative religion, and civilization studies. The institute emphasizes:

• Good governance and political development in Muslim societies
• Economic development balanced with social justice
• Protection of women’s and minority rights
• Environmental sustainability
• Interfaith and intercivilizational dialogue
• Promotion of a positive Muslim identity and civilizational renewal (IAIS Malaysia, 2024b; LinkedIn, 2025).

These themes align with the Malaysian government’s Islam Hadhari framework, which promotes a comprehensive approach to Islamic governance and societal development (IAIS Malaysia, 2024b).

Relations to the Islamic World

IAIS Malaysia actively engages with the global Muslim community (the ummah), addressing issues pertinent to Islamic civilization and contemporary challenges faced by Muslim societies worldwide, including Iran. The institute promotes civilizational renewal and positive Muslim identity, which resonates with Iran’s own emphasis on Islamic governance and cultural identity. IAIS’s work on interfaith dialogue and engagement with other civilizations contributes to broader Islamic diplomatic and intellectual efforts, which are relevant to Iran’s regional and global interactions (IAIS Malaysia, 2024a; ISIS Malaysia, 2018).

Publishing / Significant Reports

IAIS Malaysia publishes research reports, policy papers, and organizes conferences on topics such as Islamic governance, human rights, economic development, and interfaith dialogue. The institute also produces academic articles and books authored by its fellows and affiliated scholars. Its publications contribute to shaping policy debates in Malaysia and the Muslim world, including discussions on governance models, Islamic finance, and social justice, which are of interest to Iranian scholars studying comparative Islamic systems (IAIS Malaysia, 2024a; ISIS Malaysia, 2018).

Impacts and Partnerships

IAIS Malaysia serves as a strategic think tank for the Malaysian government and collaborates with international Islamic organizations, academic institutions, and intergovernmental bodies. Its partnerships include:

• Malaysian government agencies supporting Islam Hadhari policies
• International Islamic universities and research centers
• Global initiatives such as the ‘Common Word’ interfaith dialogue
• Collaboration with scholars from diverse Muslim-majority countries, including Iran, through conferences and joint research (IAIS Malaysia, 2024b; Kamali, 2025).

The institute’s impact is evident in its role in promoting moderate Islamic discourse, advancing good governance principles, and fostering dialogue between Islam and other civilizations, aligning with Iran’s interest in Islamic unity and intellectual exchange.

Critique of The Institute for Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS Malaysia) from Iran’s Perspective

Perceived Role in Malaysia’s Strategic Positioning vis-à-vis Iran

From the Iranian viewpoint, IAIS Malaysia operates within a complex geopolitical context where Malaysia serves as a key partner in Iran’s “Look East Policy,” especially as a conduit to circumvent US sanctions (Rasanah, 2021). However, this relationship is fraught with tensions, as Malaysia balances its economic pragmatism with concerns over Iran’s ideological influence and activities within its borders (Rasanah, 2021; Rasanah, 2023).

Concerns Over Ideological Influence and Sectarian Implications

Malaysian authorities have expressed apprehension about the potential spread of “Iran’s brand of revolutionary Islam” through Iranian diaspora and religious activities, fearing political and sectarian consequences in Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and Sunni-majority society (Rasanah, 2021). IAIS Malaysia, as a prominent Islamic think tank, is sometimes viewed with suspicion in this light, given its role in promoting Islamic civilizational renewal that might align with Iranian ideological narratives (Rasanah, 2021; ISIS Malaysia, 2018).

Ambiguity in Political and Religious Positioning

While IAIS Malaysia promotes moderate Islamic discourse and interfaith dialogue, critics argue that its intellectual output could indirectly support Iran’s soft power ambitions by fostering narratives sympathetic to Iran’s Islamic governance model. This is particularly sensitive in the context of Malaysia’s internal Sunni-Shia dynamics, where Shia Islam (the dominant sect in Iran) is officially restricted (Rasanah, 2021; Rasanah, 2023).

Limited Transparency About Funding and Influence

Although IAIS Malaysia is officially independent and funded primarily by the Malaysian government, some Iranian analysts speculate about possible indirect influences or alignments with Iranian interests through academic and cultural exchanges. The lack of detailed public information about the institute’s funding sources and partnerships fuels such critiques (ISIS Malaysia, 2018).

Balancing Act in Malaysia-Iran Relations

The institute’s work must be understood within Malaysia’s broader balancing act: maintaining economic and diplomatic ties with Iran while managing domestic political sensitivities and international pressures, including from Western countries wary of Iran’s regional ambitions (Rasanah, 2021; Rasanah, 2023). This duality reflects on IAIS Malaysia’s positioning as both a promoter of Islamic scholarship and a subtle player in regional geopolitics.