AL-IHSAN CANADIAN ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY

Foundational Governance & Accreditation Framework

FULL UNIVERSITY CHARTER

(Grounded in Qur’an & Sunnah upon the understanding of the best generation, while compliant with Canadian law)

ARTICLE I — NAME AND LEGAL STATUS

The institution shall be known as:

Al-Ihsan Canadian Islamic University (ACIU)

It shall operate as a non-profit, degree-granting institution under the laws of Ontario, Canada.

ARTICLE II — MISSION

The University exists:

To uphold Tawheed in knowledge, teaching, research, and governance.
To cultivate scholars grounded in Qur’an and Sunnah upon the understanding of the Salaf.
To advance beneficial knowledge (‘ilm naafi’).
To serve society with justice, excellence (ihsan), and integrity.

Allah says:

“Say: Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” (39:9)

And the Prophet ﷺ said:

“The scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets.” (Abu Dawud)

ARTICLE III — FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES

The University affirms:

The Qur’an as final revelation.
The Sunnah as authoritative.
The understanding of the Companions and early generations as interpretive framework.
Academic integrity.
Justice (‘adl).
Consultation (shura).
Trust (amanah).
Excellence (ihsan).

ARTICLE IV — OBJECTIVES

Grant Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees.
Produce peer-reviewed research.
Maintain ethical governance.
Serve the Muslim community and broader society.
Uphold academic freedom within Islamic orthodoxy.

ARTICLE V — GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

1. Board of Governors

Financial oversight
Strategic direction
Legal compliance

2. Academic Senate

Academic authority
Curriculum approval
Degree standards
Research oversight

3. Shariah Advisory Council

Ensures alignment with Qur’an and Sunnah
Reviews ethical and theological matters

ARTICLE VI — ACADEMIC FREEDOM

Academic inquiry is permitted within:

Boundaries of Islamic orthodoxy
Institutional mission
Scholarly ethics

Freedom is balanced with responsibility.

ARTICLE VII — ACCOUNTABILITY

The University shall:

Publish annual reports
Maintain financial transparency
Conduct external academic audits
Uphold conflict-of-interest policies

ACADEMIC SENATE CONSTITUTION

(Aligned with Shura principles)

ARTICLE I — PURPOSE

The Academic Senate shall be the supreme academic authority of the University.

ARTICLE II — COMPOSITION

Members:

President (Chair)
Deans
Faculty representatives
Research Director
Student representative (non-voting)
Shariah Council liaison

ARTICLE III — RESPONSIBILITIES

Approve programs
Approve degrees
Approve curriculum
Oversee research standards
Uphold academic integrity

ARTICLE IV — DECISION-MAKING

Decisions shall be made through:

Shura (consultation)
Majority vote where necessary
Transparency
Recorded minutes