The International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) is a research and postgraduate institution of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was founded in 1987 by Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas, a Muslim philosopher.
ISTAC can be considered an "Islamic university", based on religious principles, seeking to integrate the various degrees it offers within an Islamic world outlook, In that sense, it is comparable to Catholic or Protestant universities aiming at a similar result.[1]
Its curriculum specialises in Islamic thought, civilisation and science at master's and doctoral levels. Its programme also covers the study of the world's major religions and of the modern secular world of today. It is notable for the international character of its academic staff as well as the student body.[2]
^ Waardenburg, Jacques. "Observations on the Scholarly Study of Religions as Pursued in Some Muslim Countries", Numen, Vol. 45, No. 3. (1998), pp. 237. Jstor.org