Introduction: History of IESH

Responding to the needs of Muslims in Europe:

As a result of the evolution of the Islamic presence/Muslim settlement in Western society, the idea of establishing an educational institution of Islamic law entered the minds of many officials within the Muslim community in France and Europe in the eighties.

The leaders of the Federations of Islamic Organizations in Europe (FIOE) were convinced that it had become necessary to build stable Islamic institutions responding to the needs of Muslims, while taking into account the characteristics and reality of Europe.

Verily, the training of Muslims who have understood both Islamic theology and the reality of Muslim presence in the West is the most effective way for a positive integration of Islam into Western society.
It is in this context that the Union of Islamic Organisations of France (UOIF), the representative of FIOE in France, in association with Islamic thinkers, scholars, and theologians took the initiative in 1990 to establish an association named "The European Institute of Human Sciences" (IESH).

Founding the institute:

The idea was met with great enthusiasm in the Muslim world. Funds were collected and a vast amount of land (110,000 sq. meters) that was previously used by summer camps in school holidays was purchased near the town of Chateau Chinon.

Some of the greatest scholars in the Muslim world joined the Board of Knowledge which went to work to develop the curriculum of IESH.

The opening ceremony of the Institute was in 1992. Present were many scholars and preachers, including Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi and Sheikh Faisal Mawlawi.

Twelve students were to study in the Institute that year. These first students graduated in 1997 and Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi came especially on the occasion to hand over certificates to the first graduates.

First achievements:

Gradually, IESH established its reputation and its dominance as the first institution of its kind in Europe. By 2000, the Institute had 120 students studying on campus plus 200 students studying by correspondence each year. During these early years, IESH was primarily funded by benefactors in the Persian Gulf region.

Establishment of two other brances:

In 1997, the European Institute for Human Sciences (EISH) was established in Wales in the United Kingdom. The Institute is based on the same principles that inspired IESH and also offers a similar residential formula. http://www.eihs.org.uk/
In 1999, IESH Paris was founded by Ahmed Jaballah. He previously was the Director of Studies at IESH Chateau Chinon. The IESH in Paris is an institute which provides courses in the evening and on weekends allowing students to continue their professional activity, but there are no provisions for stay on campus.

The Institute and diffulties faced in the new millenium:
In the beginning of the year 2000, the Institute witnessed financial difficulties due to a decrease in voluntary contributions. The Institute had to cut its spending and seek alternative sources of funding. It was thus forced to increase tuition and even dismiss some of its staff. Also, fund-raising efforts were instead directed towards the Muslim community in France.

Changes in the number and geographical origin of students:
Here is a graph depicting change in the number of students since the founding of the Institute. 

 

  
It is to be noted that the proportion of women exceeds 40%. We are proud of that figure. Indeed, it demonstrates that, contrary to popular belief, authentic Islam does not sexually discriminate in matters of religion and access to knowledge.

Although the vast majority of our students reside in France, we maintain a substantial proportion of students from other European countries.

By country of residence:    

By Nationality: