Abstract
Islamic studies is an in-demand discipline area in Australia, including both classical Islamic studies and contemporary Islamic studies. While the field of classical Islamic studies has evolved over the centuries alongside the needs of the societies it serves, it has, nevertheless, remained within a well-established Islamic framework. This type of knowledge is sought by many, especially Muslims. Contemporary Islamic studies also plays a critical role in understanding Islam and Muslims in the contemporary context. The higher education sector in Australia contributes to this knowledge base via the Islamic studies courses it offers. This article discusses the positioning of the higher education sector in fulfilling Islamic educational needs, especially in the presence of other non-accredited education institutions such as mosques and madrasas. Despite the presence of other educational institutions, the higher educational sector appeals to a large pool of students, as evidenced by the number of Islamic studies courses offered by fourteen Australian universities. The teaching of classical Islamic studies in the higher education sector is not without its challenges. These challenges can be overcome and have been overcome to a large degree by the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation (CISAC), Charles Sturt University (CSU). CISAC was used as a case study, as it is the largest Islamic studies department offering the greatest number of classical Islamic studies focused courses with the highest number of Islamic studies students in Australia. This article, overall, demonstrates that there is an ongoing need for Islamic studies to be taught, both in a classical and contemporary capacity, in the higher education sector.
Highlights
Islamic studies in the higher education sector is an evolving phenomenon in Australia.Not surprisingly, the field of Islamic studies has existed for 14 centuries in different forms since the era of Prophet Muhammad
Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation (CISAC) was used as a case study, as it is the largest Islamic studies department offering the greatest number of classical Islamic studies focused courses with the highest number of Islamic studies students in Australia
According to Rane et al (2021), a total of 46 classical Islamic studies courses are available in Australian universities, 30.54 of these offered by CISAC
Summary
Islamic studies in the higher education sector is an evolving phenomenon in Australia. It must be noted that other universities in Australia offer classical Islamic studies and, these courses are not exclusive to CISAC. The data for this article rely heavily on two main sources: The first is a published report by Rane et al (2021) It is the most comprehensive report written on Islamic studies in Australia’s higher education sector and provides valuable data on the programmes, minors/majors and courses offered by Australian universities. ISRA has a strong community focus in addition to the university programmes it offers through CSU. It runs community events, community courses, workshops, seminars and various other types of initiatives which aim to develop Islamic knowledge and nurture community spirit at the grassroots level. This shall help to better understand the Islamic studies landscape with its nuance differences
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