Islamic Studies is as an area of scholarly inquiry within our nation’s academic institutions as nascent as it is vital. World events during the past decade underscore the imperative need for Islam to be studied in a context that is as global and interdisciplinary as Islam itself. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is called upon to be at the forefront of filling this area of academia with adequate breadth of attention and resources.

Devoting University of Illinois’ attention and resources towards Islamic Studies is an urgent need, especially when brought under the light of the current global sociopolitical upheavals. Understanding, tolerance, and co-operation spearheaded by the scholarly inquiries of our world class institution are essential conditions for breaking down the barriers of misconception and discrimination, and advancing the welfare of all peoples.

Please sign this petition to contact the university Provost and urge them to advocate the development of Islamic Studies!

• SIGN, READ PETITION here
• READ: Complete Letter, Petition to the Provost
• ADDTIONAL RESOURCES (pdf):
  1. Spreadsheet on Islamic Studies Programs in academic institutions across the U.S.
  2. Brief history of the Muslim community at the U of I
  3. “At a Glance: Islamic Studies in U.S. Academic Institutions”
  4. “Complete Research: Islamic Studies in U.S. academic Institutions”