Griffith Islamic Research Unit

The Griffith Islamic Research Unit (GIRU) was established in 2005 as part of the Key Centre for Ethics, Law, Justice and Governance at Griffith University, to undertake research on Islamic and Muslim issues in an Australian and global context.  The Key Centre is one of the premier research centres in Australia, examining issues concerning crime, justice, ethics and governance.

GIRU provides a forum where scholars, intellectuals and students can present their insights, concerns, reflections and aspirations on Islamic and Muslim issues, with a view to contributing to a more sustainable, pluralistic Australian society. GIRU supports a balanced approach to Islam and advocates the method of contextualisation and ���maqasid���, or an objective-oriented approach, to the interpretation of Islamic scriptures. GIRU continues to forge institutional links with other local and international organisations, and works with an extensive network of government departments, NGOs, community and religious organisations.

GIRU is the Queensland node of the newly established $8 million National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies, a consortium with the University of Melbourne and the University of Western Sydney. The Centre offers a bachelor of arts major in Islamic Studies at each of the three universities, as well as offering distance learning infrastructure.

Objectives

• To undertake research on Islamic and Muslim issues pertaining to the Australian and global context. 
• To promote scholarly co-operation between Muslim and other religious scholars on key issues. 
• To provide commentary on issues related to Islam and Muslims in Australia.
• To organise, participate and assist in educational activities that seek to bridge the gap between Islam and the West.
• To facilitate research higher degree studies.