Islamic Institute of Advanced Research, Phoenix, Arizona
The Islamic Institute of Advanced Research (IIAR) in Phoenix, Arizona is an affiliated institute of Almadinah Islamic University, U.S.A. It serves graduates and alims who wish to pursue advanced, supervised research in the Sunni Hanafi, Barelvi and Naqshbandi Mujaddidi tradition in Islam and other Sufi silsilas in Islam.
Choose your award
Top-up B.Litt (Hons)
For holders of a relevant bachelor’s degree, a degree in the humanities, social or administrative sciences or a field related to your dissertation topic in Islam, religion or Sufism, or an alim course.
Read more →Top-up M.Litt (Hons)
Master’s-level research with a dissertation in your chosen specialisation.
Read more →MPhil
A research degree that prepares candidates for doctoral work.
Read more →Doctor of Letters (D.Litt)
Doctoral-level research for holders of an M.A. or MPhil.
Read more →Post-doctoral research
Mentored research for scholars who already hold a doctorate.
Read more →Six-month accelerated route
Qualified candidates may complete a top-up degree in as little as six months after passing a dissertation.
Read more →
How it works
- Apply with your certificates and research interest.
- Assessment of your prior learning and a written programme plan.
- Research your chosen specialisation under a supervisor.
- Submit and graduate once your dissertation passes evaluation.
Fields of study
Qur’an and Hadith sciences
Tafsir, hadith transmission and criticism.
Read more →Hanafi jurisprudence
Usul, fiqh and fatawa in the school of Imam Abu Hanifa.
Read more →Sunni (Barelvi) theology
Aqidah and the writings of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan.
Read more →Sufism and Tasawwuf
Naqshbandi Mujaddidi and other Sufi paths.
Read more →Islamic banking and finance
Shari’ah-compliant finance and ethics.
Read more →Leadership and administration
Governing and managing religious institutions.
Read more →Our scholarly foundations
Our teaching rests on the Qur’an, Hadith, Sunnah and Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ; the jurisprudence of Imam Abu Hanifa; the rulings of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan; and the Sufi teachings of Hazrat Mujaddid Alf Thani. See our academic foundations.
Why study at IIAR
- Source-based and tradition-rooted scholarship, led by supervised research.
- Flexible: e-learning, written, asynchronous study around work and family.
- Respected structure: degree levels and dissertation standards modelled on established universities.
- Affordable: a not-for-profit religious institution with fees kept low.
Quick answers
What is IIAR?
An affiliated institute of Almadinah Islamic University, U.S.A in Phoenix, Arizona, offering top-up B.Litt (Hons), top-up M.Litt (Hons), MPhil, D.Litt and post-doctoral research.
Who can apply?
Graduates with a relevant degree in the humanities, social or administrative sciences, or a field related to their dissertation topic in Islam, religion or Sufism, or an alim course (B.Litt and M.Litt); an M.A. or MPhil is required for D.Litt.
Request admission information — write to us at iiarmadinah@gmail.com or call +1 718 200 1606. Written enquiries are preferred and answered in order.
Open the admission form