Ijtihad Center Vision

The Ijtihad Center for Studies and Training (ICST) is an independent think tank and research platform active at the Flemish, European, and international levels, rooted in the pluralistic Belgian context.

ICST aims to produce and develop objective, high-quality knowledge that meets the needs of our multicultural society, considering the various philosophical, educational, and socio-cultural dimensions.

Our approach is based on two methods:

1. Academic Research
   We conduct academic research on various concepts, issues, and incidents, with the goal of creating usable and objective knowledge. This knowledge is made available to policymakers, media, educational and social institutions, research centers, and the public.

2. Knowledge Transfer to Society
   To make research results socially relevant, we organize dialogue tables, orientation training, educational programs, socio-cultural events, and seminars. This is done in collaboration with various institutions at the Flemish, European, and international levels.

Through this approach, ICST makes a constructive contribution to dialogue and understanding within our multicultural society.

• Strengthening the shared values ​​within our multicultural society through objective research and cognitive, moral and pedagogical awareness.

• Guiding, supporting and conducting activities to consolidate peace culture, tolerance and coexistence.

• The transfer of religious, philosophical and cultural capital into educational products and activities.

• Promoting the functioning of different social groups (children, young people, women, the elderly, etc.) within our plural society.

• Publishing a variety of printed and digital works through which the ICST contributes to “cultural dynamics”.

NB: All of our team members contribute on a voluntary basis, offering their skills in areas such as editing, design, proofreading, and organizing various activities. As a non-profit organization, the center lacks the financial resources to cover the costs of its events. From the outset, we have made it clear to everyone interested in joining the Ijtihad Center or Ijtihad Journal that participation is voluntary and without financial compensation. In return, volunteer members enjoy free membership, the opportunity to publish in the Journal and other center publications, and participation in activities organized by the Ijtihad Center in collaboration with other institutions, such as lectures, seminars, and training sessions.

Ijtihad Center Aims

Ijtihad Center’s Working Methods

The Ijtihad Center works through a group of internal organizational mechanisms and committees to implement its structured vision and specific goals in the Belgian and European context in which it operates. These mechanisms are determined as follows:

1. Ijtihad Journal for Islamic and Arabic Studies in Europe

2. Ijtihad Academy for Training and Formation

3. Specialized and general research projects

4. Academic, cultural and media events

5. Youth and Society Committee