Al-Mustafa International University
| Established | 1979 |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Website | https://miu.ac.ir/ |
 | |
Al-Mustafa International University (MIU) (Arabic: جامعة المصطفىٰ العالمية; Persian: جامعه المصطفی العالمیه, Jam'h-e Almistâfi-ye Al'alâmih) is an international academic, Islamic and university-style seminary institute in Qom, Iran established in 1979. It has international branches and affiliate schools.[1]
The university has provided Islamic education to international students (including female scholars) mostly at a graduate level, in a combined seminary and academic format focused on the study of the Comparative Religion, Quran, Hadith, Islamic Jurisprudence, Islamic Philosophy and Discourse, Islamic Mysticism, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Management, Persian Language and Literature, and Arabic.[3] It also provides associate degree for French, Korean, Chinese, English, Japanese, Spanish and Russian.[citation needed]
It also provides Sunni Islam and Shia Islam seminary courses in English, Arabic and Persian.[4]
Membership in international organizations
[edit]Besides participation in international scientific-cultural forum, Al-Mustafa University is a member of the following international scientific forums and organizations:[5]
- Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW)
- International Association of Universities (IAU)
- International Association of University Presidents (IAUP)
- Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP)
- Union of Islamic World Students (Rohama)
History
[edit]The university was founded in 1979. The university is headquartered in Tehran but has branches in several other Iranian cities.[3]
On December 8, 2020, the United States Department of the Treasury (under Steven Mnuchin) sanctioned the university for recruiting students to fight in Syria.[6] [7] The university published a response.[8]
Controversy and Sanctions
[edit]In December 2020, the United States Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on Al-Mustafa International University, alleging that it served as a recruitment platform for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force. The U.S. government claimed that the university was involved in recruiting foreign fighters, particularly from Afghanistan and Pakistan, for Iran's proxy wars in the region.[9][10]
Criticism and Defense
[edit]Critics argue that Al-Mustafa International University plays a role in spreading Iran's revolutionary ideology globally and serves as a tool for expanding Iranian influence13. However, university officials and Iranian clerics have defended the institution, stating that it promotes peace, friendship, and understanding among nations through its educational programs.[10][11]
Presidents
[edit]- Ali Abbasi (through 2020-2021[12])
- Alireza Arafi, former president of Al-Mustafa International University (MIU)
Notable alumni
[edit]- Imran Raza Ansari-Indian Politician and shia cleric
- Mohammad Tawhidi (b. 1982 or 1983), also known as the Imam of Peace, influencer and Imam
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "English - History". en.miu.ac.ir. Archived from the original on 2021-02-10. Retrieved 2014-09-07.
- ^ "English - branches". Archived from the original on 2021-04-20. Retrieved 2020-08-11.
- ^ a b "Introducing al-Mustafa University - the Islamic Seminar of Qom" – via www.youtube.com.
- ^ "English - almustafa international university". en.miu.ac.ir.
- ^ "English - Membership In Organizations And Communities". en.miu.ac.ir. Archived from the original on 2021-02-15. Retrieved 2014-12-07.
- ^ "Treasury Sanctions Iran's Envoy in Yemen and University Facilitating Recruitment for Qods Force | U.S. Department of the Treasury". home.treasury.gov.
- ^ "U.S. Sanctions Put Spotlight On Iran's International Network Of Religious Seminaries". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. Archived from the original on 2020-12-22. Retrieved 2021-04-28.
- ^ "Sanctions on Al-Mustafa University Prove 'US Hostility toward Science'". en. December 11, 2020.
- ^ "Senior cleric blasts 'shameful' sanctions on Al-Mustafa Uni". Mehr News Agency. 2020-12-22. Retrieved 2025-03-13.
- ^ a b "Al-Mustafa International University". UANI. Retrieved 2025-03-13.
- ^ "MPs condemn US sanctions on Al-Mustafa Intl. University". Mehr News Agency. 2020-12-27. Retrieved 2025-03-13.
- ^ "English - News > Message of the rector of Al-Mustafa International University On the beginning of the 1399-1400 (2020-2021) academic year". en.miu.ac.ir. Archived from the original on 2021-04-20. Retrieved 2020-12-11.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
 | This Iran university, college or other higher education institution article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |