Master in Assistenza Spirituale Islamica (ENG)

The Master program ‘Islamic Spiritual Care’ is a pioneering program we offer in the Netherlands at the Islamic University of Rotterdam. Those who are engaged in Islamic Spiritual Care serve in the public or private sector, or those who want to deepen their training as well as their understanding of how-to guide and professionally aid from the Islamic faith, those in need of assistance. Students learn to integrate the theory and practice of spirituality and professional guidance in meaningful ways to Muslim life. The program offers a thorough understanding of the consciousness reflected in outward life, where our curriculum supports this desired outcome.

The Master program ‘Islamic Spiritual Care’ is officially recognized and accredited by the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organization (NVAO). After graduation, the student becomes an ‘Muslim counsellor’ with which title he or she may practice his/her career at official (Islamic) (umbrella) organizations.

The program offers the student to develop professional skills, knowledge, insight, and attitude to give patients spiritual care in times of difficulty and necessity. The program gives insight into how to deal satisfactorily with questions about spiritual life and meaning to become proficient in guiding the sick, the elderly in religious, spiritual, social, philosophical, and legal issues. The program prepares the student in a mediating and consultative role if desired, by reference to the religious and spiritual sources and traditions.

The Master of Islamic Spiritual Care of 120 EC credits requires the applicant to have a Bachelor's diploma. Students of Islamic sciences will have the ability to enrol directly, while students of other Bachelor programs will have to fulfil additional courses through a one-year Pre-master program.

The Islamic University of Rotterdam (IUR) was founded due to initiatives taken by Muslims living in the Netherlands. Since then, the IUR is established as a Dutch University and, more importantly, as an intellectual contribution of Muslims to Dutch society.

There has been a general agreement among the founders, responsible citizens, regarding the IUR as a social necessity for Muslims and non-Muslims in Dutch society. Intending to fulfil the social and religious needs of the Muslims, the University contributes with respect to imams and moral guides in the Dutch educational field.