Australia’s Charles Sturt University’s Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilization (CISAC) has produced its first group of Islamic Studies Masters degree graduates.
The graduates, whose ages range from 25 to 83, also come from many different ethnic, cultural and academic backgrounds. 83-year-old Sheikh Sayed Kandil told Muslim Village of his joy at graduating.
“I have been hailed throughout this study for being the youngest student at 83 years old, may God reward you all,” he said sarcastically.
University chancellor Lawrence Willet congratulated the group, saying “You are now better placed with your higher education to contribute to making Australia a better place.”
Director of the CISAC Associate Professor Mehmet Ozalp also praised the graduates, saying “This is a great achievement not only for the graduates, but for the whole CISAC team and CSU.”
CISAC has been providing accredited Islamic education in collaboration with the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA) after the two institutes signed up to Charles Sturt University in 2009. They are currently the only accredited Islamic Studies programs in the country. Along with Islamic Studies CISAC and ISRA also provide Classical Arabic courses at Masters degree level.