PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
The prophetic tradition which teaches that “actions are judged by results,” guides our philosophy of education; knowledge is beneficial when it leads to productive actions, as it is a means to achieving one's goal, not the goal itself. What is the use of knowledge, if it does not propel one to reach their highest potential, achieving success in both this life and the Hereafter, and strengthening one’s spiritual, mental, and physical aptitude? We pride ourselves in adopting the tradition of the Holy Last Messenger (p.b.u.h.) which teaches that, “It is incumbent on every man, woman and child to seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave,”. The Holy Last Messenger (p.b.u.h.) often supplicated:
“O God, I seek refuge in You from knowledge which does not benefit, from a heart that does not entertain the fear (of God), from a soul that is not satisfied and the supplication that is not answered.”
This suggests that knowledge which does not benefit, is of no use.
He (p.b.u.h.) also prayed:
“O God, benefit me from that which You taught me, and teach me that which will benefit me, and increase me in knowledge.”
In this prayer, the Holy Last Messenger (p.b.u.h.) prays firstly to receive benefit from the knowledge he had already been given, secondly, he prays for acquisition of beneficial knowledge, and lastly, he prays for an increase in such knowledge. This indicates that useful knowledge is superior to a plethora of knowledge which does not bring about benefit for the one who has acquired it or for those around him. It is better to have a humble amount of useful knowledge which brings benefit, than to have an enormous amount of knowledge which is unusable.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
The IQOU Theological Way ensures that students will spend time in self-study, didactic and online instruction, and a direct acquisition through experiential learning. This will be delivered through vast national and international networking as part of each of our educational programs. National and international study tours, virtual tours, tutoring, professional shadowing, academic counseling, global professional mentorships, hands-on training, and networking are the strategies which will be implemented.
IQOU Theological College will facilitate local tours to Islamic events, Muslim organizations, masjids, and cultural centers where students can have first-hand interaction with faith adherents and Islamic culture. IQOU Theological College will facilitate annual international tours to Mali, Egypt, and Pakistan. These study tours will provide students the ability to explore firsthand, Islamic historical heritage sites, learn directly under the tutelage of Sufi Masters, and submerge themselves in an environment where their previous religious studies come to life. Students will also be encouraged to participate in activities that
promote character building through adventure. These opportunities include but are not limited to, hiking 4 in the Himalayan Mountains, visiting Al Azhar in Cairo, one of the oldest universities in the world, and visiting Djinguereber Mosque, an ancient Islamic learning center located in Timbuktu.
EDUCATIONAL DELIVERY METHODS
● Asynchronous Online: 100% online, accessible 24/7/365 days.
● Synchronous Online: 100% online, but with live instructor-led sessions.
● Classroom-based: Students primarily attend in a traditional physical classroom space.
● Hybrid: Mixture of online and classroom-based delivery
ACCESSIBILITY
IQOU Theological College is committed to accommodating the needs and abilities of all students by removing barriers to learning in order for students to equally access, use, and understand learning content. With this in mind, faculty considers and creates course materials that are accessible by a wide range of learners. If accommodation is needed due to a disability, please discuss with the instructor in private, if comfortable, or contact the Dean of Academic Affairs for a determination of available services. IQOU Theological College maintains student privacy concerning any accommodations.
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
IQOU Theological College is a religious institution exempt from state regulation and oversight in the Commonwealth of Virginia. IQOU Theological College confers degrees under a religious exemption through the State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV) according to the code of Virginia, Section 23-266 A-2.