The School of Islamic and Occidental Studies (SIOS) is the first Hawza in Qum founded by, and for, scholars and students from the West. Centred on the Qurʾān, and specializing in the intellectual and traditional streams of knowledge flowing forth from this last Revelation, the school provides a comprehensive introduction to Islam for seekers of knowledge who come from the West, or from places in the East that have been Westernized.
SIOS IS DISTINGUISHED IN BEING
VALIDATED
Accredited by the main , with a Program based on its classical curriculum.
Affiliated with two internationally recognized universities, which can confer degrees at the end of each phase of the Program.
VALIDATED | TRADITIONAL | RELEVANT | THOROUGH | LOCATED IN A HOLY CITY AND CENTRE OF KNOWLEDGE
TRADITIONAL
Offers in-person classes providing direct interaction with teachers and enriching the education (taʿlīm) and edification (tarbiyyah) of students.
Upholds the noble tradition of learning in Islam of providing education gratis.
VALIDATED | TRADITIONAL | RELEVANT | THOROUGH | LOCATED IN A HOLY CITY AND CENTRE OF KNOWLEDGE
Relevant
Addresses the crisis of the modern world, provides a principled understanding of our times, and facilitates students to derive intelligent responses and practical solutions by making use of the great intellectual and traditional heritage of the Hawza.
VALIDATED | TRADITIONAL | RELEVANT | THOROUGH | LOCATED IN A HOLY CITY AND CENTRE OF KNOWLEDGE
Thorough
Allows for extended and in-depth studies.
VALIDATED | TRADITIONAL | RELEVANT | THOROUGH | LOCATED IN A HOLY CITY AND CENTRE OF KNOWLEDGE
Located in a Holy City and Centre of Knowledge
Offers a unique opportunity to be in the city of Qum and in the sacred precincts of the Holy Shrine of Lady Maʿṣūmah (s), providing students with solace, tranquility, and a truly serene spiritual ethos.
Allows access to a considerable number of leading scholars, as Qum is currently one of the greatest centres of Islamic knowledge in the world.
Provides support to students who have left the comfort of their home to seek knowledge by including them in a tight-knit student community and affording them mentorship by experienced faculty.
Nourishes and invigorates students, along with their families, as they will be able to experience Islam as a living tradition by residing in a Muslim city that has experienced and is at the epicentre of the revival of Islam in the contemporary world.
VALIDATED | TRADITIONAL | RELEVANT | THOROUGH | LOCATED IN A HOLY CITY AND CENTRE OF KNOWLEDGE
A Certification of Completion will be issued to students who successfully complete the Program.
- Language: six-month course in Classical and Spoken Farsi.
- Maʿārif (Teachings): six-month introductory course in Islamic sciences (offered in English)
- Two-to-four-week Intensive programs during Spring, Summer, and Winter (offered in English)
- Commendable Academic Record
- High proficiency in the English language
- Successful completion of the ILM Program or equivalent
- Successful completion of previous Phase or equivalent
- Successful completion of the Admissions Interview
- Commendable Academic Record
- High proficiency in the English language
- Successful completion of the Admissions Interview