The department of Islamic Studies was one of the famous departments of the University of Dhaka. This department was established at the very beginning of the University of Dhaka in 1921 in accordance with the academic mission of the University and named as the Department of the Arabic and Islamic Studies, with a goal to preach Islam and to spread Islamic education, norms and values in Bangladesh as well as in the whole world through its various activities, i.e. teaching, counselling, seminar-symposium, research etc.
The founding head of the department was Shamsul Ulama Abu Nasar Md. Wahid (1921-1923). In 1973, the Department introduced Chairmanship selected by rotation among the faculties in lieu of ‘Head of the department’. In 1980, the department was divided into two separate departments and one of these was named as the Department of Islamic Studies. It is situated on the first floor of Arts Building. From its inception it has contributed significantly towards Islamic education, research and culture.
The department has an inclusive and world standard syllabus to meet its mission and vision. The syllabus includes all branches of Islamic knowledge as well as the knowledge of different relevant disciplines, i.e. Bengali, English, Economics, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, History, Computer literacy, Bangladesh Studies etc. This extensive study outline assists students to become good citizens of the country.
The Department’s faculty focuses on past and present societies, cultures and peoples of the Islamic worlds with particular attention to the South Asian region. Through the years, notable Islamic thinkers, intellectuals and social reformers from this department have made significant contributions in a wide range of fields in home and abroad.
Having about 100 years of excellence, the Department offers different programmes, i.e. - undergraduate, post-graduate and doctoral programmes.