The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) is the manifestation of one of the major aspirations of Muslim scholars in Malaysia to have an Islamic university in Malaysia to lead the Muslim ummah in all branches of knowledge.

The plan to establish IIUM was revealed by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the Fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia on 12 January 1982 after deliberating with the Education Minister, senior government officers and senior academics from local universities

The university was officially established on 20 May 1983 by the Government of Malaysia. The philosophy of IIUM was inspired by the outcome of the 1977 First World Conference on Muslim Education in Makkah.

IIUM was founded under the Companies Act of 1965 that enabled it to use English and Arabic as the medium of instruction and enhance its global orientation. IIUM integrates Islamic values and world-view into its humanities, scientific and technical curricula, befitting its university slogan “The Garden of Virtue and Knowledge”.

This is reflected in IIUM educational philosophy and its logo. IIUM aspires to restore the roles of Muslims in education and knowledge creation and acquisition and to contribute to the improvement of quality of life for all mankind

To ensure delivery of quality tertiary education, IIUM employs accomplished scholars, and commited professionals. As of 31st December 2018, there are 2000 academic staff. The University has 14 kulliyyahs (faculties), three institutes 2 centres.

In addition to academic excellence, IIUM ensures that the students are trained to be responsible, imbued with good ethics, high moral values and professionalism, lifelong learning, managerial and entrepreneurial skills as well as leadership skills.

IIUM has several campuses spread across several states of Malaysia; each providing different fields of study. The Gombak campus in Kuala Lumpur houses the university’s administration as well as the Kulliyyahs (Faculties), Centre for Languages and Pre-University Academic Development and IIUM Academy