Al‑Ihsan Canadian Islamic University

Foundational Academic & Scholarly Framework

I. Formal Aqīdah Charter

Preamble

Al‑Ihsan Canadian Islamic University affirms that authentic Islamic knowledge is derived solely from the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah as understood and practiced by the Salaf al‑Ṣāliḥ (the Companions, their students, and their students’ students). This charter establishes the creedal foundation binding upon the university’s governance, faculty, curriculum, and public representation.

Creedal Commitments

The University affirms adherence to Ahl al‑Sunnah wa’l‑Jamāʿah, including:

1. Tawḥīd

   • Tawḥīd al‑Rubūbiyyah

   • Tawḥīd al‑Ulūhiyyah

   • Tawḥīd al‑Asmāʾ wa’l‑Ṣifāt without taḥrīf, taʿṭīl, takyīf, or tamthīl

2. The Six Pillars of Īmān

   • Belief in Allah

   • Belief in the Angels

   • Belief in the Revealed Books

   • Belief in the Messengers

   • Belief in the Last Day

   • Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar), its good and its evil

3. Methodology (Manhaj)

   • Understanding texts according to the consensus and methodology of the Salaf

   • Rejecting theological innovation (bidʿah) in creed

   • Affirming scholarly difference where evidence allows, without sectarianism

4. Sources of Knowledge

   • Qur’an

   • Authentic Sunnah

   • Ijmāʿ (consensus)

   • Sound Qiyās

This Aqīdah Charter is binding upon all academic and administrative members of the University.

II. Model Master’s Curriculum

Degree Title

Master of Foundations of Islamic Creed (ʿAqīdah)

Program Objectives

Graduates will:

• Master Sunni creed according to the Salaf

• Analyze classical and contemporary deviations

• Teach and defend orthodox Islamic belief academically and responsibly

Core Curriculum (Required)

Year One – Foundations

• Principles of ʿAqīdah (Uṣūl al‑ʿAqīdah)

• Tawḥīd in the Qur’an and Sunnah

• Uṣūl al‑Ḥadīth

• Uṣūl al‑Tafsīr

• Arabic for Islamic Texts

Year Two – Classical Texts & Analysis

• al‑ʿAqīdah al‑Wāsiṭiyyah (with Salafi commentary)

• al‑Ṭaḥāwiyyah (Sunni analysis)

• Kitāb al‑Tawḥīd

• Qadar according to Ahl al‑Sunnah

• Manhaj of the Salaf in Creed

Year Three – Contemporary Application

• Modern Ideologies & Creedal Deviations

• Comparative Theology

• Research Methodology in Islamic Studies

• Thesis (Defense required)

Graduation Requirement

• Successful thesis defense before a scholarly panel

III. Scholarly Governance Framework

1. Board of Trustees

• Legal and fiduciary oversight

• Protection of institutional independence

2. Scholarly Council (Hayʾat al‑ʿUlamāʾ)

Authority:

• Creedal oversight

• Curriculum approval

• Faculty vetting

• Resolution of doctrinal disputes

Members must be recognized scholars upon Ahl al‑Sunnah wa’l‑Jamāʿah.

3. Academic Senate

• Degree standards

• Assessment integrity

• Research quality

4. Ethical Code Committee

• Academic honesty

• Adab of disagreement

• Professional conduct

IV. Vision & Mission Statement

Vision

To become a globally respected Sunni Islamic university producing scholars and educators grounded in the Qur’an and Sunnah upon the understanding of the Salaf al‑Ṣāliḥ, combining classical Islamic scholarship with rigorous academic excellence.

Our vision is (1) to disseminate Tawhid in every corner of the world and produce by implementing the LITRP Al-Ihsan Rabaniyyun Curriculum the next generation of nurturing well grounded scholars who will become lifelong learners, positive role models who implement, and teach members of society their knowledge with excellence.

(2)Focus on high value learning and disseminating high quality "authentic knowledge with excellence" as understood by the best early generations and Companions, providing a strong foundational understanding of Islam.

3) Cultivate through the the LITRP Al-Ihsan Rabaniyyun Curriculum nurturing scholars who embody the values of ihsan (excellence) in all facets of their lives, integrating authentic Islamic values with advanced scholarly pursuits and leadership skills to contribute positively to Canadian society and the global community".

4) Be a leading institution of higher Islamic education in Canada, producing and inspiring Rabaniyyun/nurturing scholars by implementing the LITRP Al-Ihsan Rabaniyyun Curriculum who will strive for perfection and excellence in their academic, professional, and personal lives, as the term ihsan suggests. 

5) Inspire and produce excellence in all facets of life by implementing the LITRP Al-Ihsan Rabaniyyun Curriculum

Mission

Our mission is to learn, implement and teach authentic Islamic knowledge with excellence. We hope that we will achieve our vision and sustain Al-Ihsan initiatives for generations and generations to come Insha Allah ( God-willing). Alhamdulilah (praise be to Allah) and with the Help of Allah, Al-Ihsan aims to accomplish its mission and objectives gradually as a community of Ahlul-Sunnah wal-Jamaah following the manhaj (methodology) of the Messenger of Allaah ( peace be upon him), his Sahaba (companions, may Allah be pleased with them) and their followers in Ihsan (excellence) until the Day of Judgement.

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A Scholarly Institution Dedicated to the Qur’an and Sunnah
According to the Understanding of the Salaf al-Ṣāliḥ

Al-Ihsān Canadian Islamic University is committed to advancing authentic Islamic scholarship through rigorous academic study, intellectual discipline, and ethical formation. Our mission is to cultivate scholars and leaders grounded in sound creed, scholarly nurturing, and service to humanity.

Al‑Ihsan Canadian Islamic University is dedicated to:

• Preserving authentic Islamic creed

• Educating students through classical texts and scholarly rigor

• Serving the Ummah with integrity, clarity, and excellence

• Engaging the modern world without compromising Islamic principles

Core Values

• Ikhlāṣ (Sincerity)

• ʿIlm (Authentic Knowledge)

• Adab (Ethical Conduct)

• Amānah (Trust)

• Academic Excellence

This framework forms the constitutional academic identity of Al‑Ihsan Canadian Islamic University and is intended for accreditation, scholarly partnership, and public trust.

V. Formal Charter –

Al‑Ihsan Canadian Islamic University
Charter of Creed, Governance, and Academic Integrity
Adopted by the Founding Board and Scholarly Council

Article 1 – Name & Legal Identity

The institution shall be known as Al‑Ihsan Canadian Islamic University, operating as a not‑for‑profit educational institution in accordance with Canadian federal and provincial law.

Article 2 – Purpose

The University exists to provide post‑secondary Islamic education rooted in Sunni orthodoxy, scholarly rigor, and public benefit.

Article 3 – Binding Creed

The Aqīdah Charter (Section I) is hereby incorporated by reference and shall be legally and academically binding.

Article 4 – Academic Authority

All academic programs, appointments, and certifications derive authority from the Scholarly Council in cooperation with the Academic Senate.

Article 5 – Amendments

No amendment may contradict the Aqīdah Charter or dilute adherence to the Qur’an, Sunnah, and understanding of the Salaf al‑Ṣāliḥ.

VI. Founding Constitution & University Bylaws

Article 1 – Governance Structure

1. Board of Trustees (fiduciary and legal authority)

2. Scholarly Council (doctrinal and academic authority)

3. Academic Senate (program delivery and assessment)

4. Executive Administration (operations)

Article 2 – Decision‑Making Hierarchy

Creedal matters override administrative or financial considerations.

Article 3 – Institutional Independence

The University shall not be governed by political parties, foreign governments, or sectarian movements.

Article 4 – Conflict Resolution

All disputes involving creed or curriculum shall be referred to the Scholarly Council.

VII. Faculty Qualification Standards

A. Minimum Requirements (Islamic Studies Faculty)

• Graduate degree (MA or PhD) in Islamic Studies or equivalent traditional scholarship

• Demonstrated sound Aqīdah upon Ahl al‑Sunnah wa’l‑Jamāʿah

• Proven teaching or scholarly experience

• Commitment to institutional creed and academic ethics

B. Scholarly Verification

• Ijāzāt or scholarly endorsements preferred

• Publications or peer‑reviewed research encouraged

C. Professional Conduct

• Adherence to Islamic adab

• Academic honesty

• No promotion of heterodox theology

VIII. Accreditation Self‑Study Narrative (Summary)

Institutional Mission Alignment

The University’s mission aligns with Canadian higher‑education expectations for clarity of purpose, public benefit, and academic rigor.

Academic Quality Assurance

• Clearly defined learning outcomes

• Text‑based curriculum

• Qualified faculty

• Formal assessment and thesis defense

Governance & Accountability

• Independent board oversight

• Transparent policies

• Ethical and financial accountability

Student Protection

• Fair admissions policies

• Academic grievance procedures

• Clear degree requirements

IX. Language Alignment for Canadian Regulators

Regulatory Language Adjustments

• “Faith‑based academic institution”

• “Non‑sectarian public benefit” (without doctrinal compromise)

• “Scholarly tradition within recognized religious studies frameworks”

Compliance Commitments

• Academic freedom within institutional mission

• Non‑discrimination in admissions and employment within lawful religious exemptions

• Adherence to provincial post‑secondary standards

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I. PEQAB- Institutional Growth, Sustainability, and Degree Granting

X.1 Purpose and Scope
This chapter outlines Al-Ihsan Canadian Islamic University’s phased, evidence-based approach to institutional growth and degree authorization over a ten-year period, demonstrating capacity, sustainability, and public interest in accordance with PEQAB standards.

X.2 Phased Institutional Development

Phase 1 (Years 1–2): Establishment

• Governance instruments formally adopted and operational

• Single graduate program launched on a pilot basis

• Core faculty appointments stabilized

• Internal quality assurance systems implemented

Phase 2 (Years 3–5): Degree Authorization

• Submission of PEQAB self-study

• Site visit preparedness and documentation

• Graduation of first cohorts

• External examiner reports and outcomes analysis

Phase 3 (Years 6–10): Controlled Expansion

• Additional master’s programs subject to separate authorization

• Research center development

• Preparation for future doctoral pathways

• International academic collaborations consistent with institutional mission

X.3 Risk Management
Identified institutional risks are mitigated through conservative enrollment caps, phased program approvals, independent governance oversight, and binding academic and creedal standards.

X.4 Financial Sustainability
The University demonstrates financial viability through diversified revenue streams, audited financial controls, reserve policies, and conservative growth projections.

X.5 Public Interest
As a faith-based academic institution, Al-Ihsan contributes to Ontario’s higher-education landscape through rigorous scholarship, graduate outcomes, and community engagement.

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II. ONTARIO DEGREE AUTHORIZATION BRIEFING 

Executive Brief: Degree Authorization Readiness

Institution: Al-Ihsan Canadian Islamic University
Jurisdiction: Ontario
Degree Sought: Master of Foundations of Islamic Creed (ʿAqīdah)

1. Legal & Governance Readiness

• Independent Board of Trustees

• Clearly defined academic authority

• Adopted Charter, Bylaws, and Founders’ Resolution

• Transparent amendment controls

2. Academic Quality

• Clearly articulated learning outcomes

• Text-based curriculum and thesis requirement

• External examiner and defense regulations

• Qualified faculty with verified credentials

3. Student Protection

• Published admissions and progression policies

• Academic integrity and grievance procedures

• Transparent degree requirements

4. Sustainability & Capacity

• Conservative enrollment projections

• Faculty development plan

• Multi-year financial sustainability narrative

5. Public Benefit

• Faith-based education within Ontario’s legal framework

• Contribution to religious studies and scholarly discourse

• Alignment with PEQAB’s public-interest mandate

III. BOARD-LEVEL STRATEGIC PLAN DOCUMENT

(10-Year Institutional Roadmap)

Strategic Plan 2025–2035

Vision

To become a globally respected Sunni Islamic university combining classical Islamic scholarship with rigorous academic excellence.

Strategic Priorities

1. Governance Integrity
   Maintain independent, transparent, and accountable governance structures.

2. Academic Excellence
   Deliver high-quality graduate education grounded in recognized scholarly standards.

3. Measured Growth
   Expand programs only where capacity and authorization permit.

4. Faculty & Research Development
   Invest in faculty scholarship, research output, and academic leadership.

5. Financial Stewardship
   Ensure long-term sustainability through prudent financial management.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Successful PEQAB authorization

• Graduation and placement outcomes

• Faculty research output

• Financial audit compliance

• Student satisfaction metrics

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Al-Ihsan Canadian Islamic University affirms that institutional legitimacy is achieved through clarity of mission, academic rigor, and disciplined governance, and that growth will proceed only where quality and public trust are demonstrably secured.

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10-Year Institutional Growth & Accreditation Roadmap

A strategic plan suitable for boards and regulators:

• Years 1–2: Legal establishment & pilot programs

• Years 3–5: Provincial recognition & stabilization

• Years 6–10: Expansion, research centers, doctoral readiness

• Faculty development milestones

• Risk management

• International credibility benchmarks