The International Open University (IOU) has offered a free diploma in Islamic studies and affordable certificates and degree courses to Muslims around the world for over 10 years, but it has always operated at a financial loss. It does so in order to ensure that its paid courses remain affordable to its students, as education should not be limited to only those who are financially comfortable.
IOU is a dynamic and comprehensive educational institution which seeks to not only provide Muslims with the spiritual knowledge needed to fulfill their roles toward Allah, The Creator, but also modern knowledge that is firmly rooted in Islamic morals, so that our time on earth is both beneficial and serves as a means of worship.
While IOU feels that education should be affordable for all, the cost of running a university online are not small. IOU has nearly 200 staff who work in academics, administration, management, marketing, customer support, and IT, as well as operational costs like rent, maintenance, servers, software and equipment, in addition to providing scholarships to needy students.
In order to cover the difference between expenses and income, the International Open University accepts donations from individuals and organizations. When you donate, your donation will be a form of Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity) which will help IOU continue to operate and will earn you rewards for every single person that IOU touches. As the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “He who introduced some good practice in Islam which was followed after him (by people), he would be assured of reward like one who followed it, without their rewards being diminished in any respect.” [Sahih Muslim]
Some of those who will benefit from your generosity:
- The thousands of students studying the degree programs.
- The hundreds of scholarship students studying the degree programs.
- The thousands of students studying the diploma courses for free.
- Those studying Quran memorisation, Tajweed, and Ijaazah in GQMC.
The annual operations and maintenance costs are $270,000.
